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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf 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..68b2f9e --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #50491 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/50491) diff --git a/old/50491-8.txt b/old/50491-8.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 634bd3a..0000000 --- a/old/50491-8.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,19371 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Darnley, by George Payne Rainsford James - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world 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. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - - - -Title: Darnley - or The Field of the Cloth of Gold - -Author: George Payne Rainsford James - -Release Date: November 19, 2015 [EBook #50491] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DARNLEY *** - - - - -Produced by Charles Bowen from page images provided by -Google Books (The University of Virginia) - - - - - - - - - - - - 1. Page scan source: - https://books.google.com/books?id=RKhEAAAAYAAJ - (The University of Virginia) - 2. The diphthong oe is represented by [oe]. - - - - - -Darnley -or, -The Field of the Cloth of Gold, Vol. 6 - - - - - -Darnley. - - - -_By_ - - - -G. P. R. JAMES - - - -LONDON -GEORGE ROUTLEDGE -AND SONS LIMITED -MDCCCCIII. - - - - - - -_The Introduction is written by_ LAURIE MAGNUS, M.A.: _the Title-page -is designed by_ IVOR I. J. SYMES. - - - - - - -INTRODUCTION. - - -George Payne Rainsford James, Historiographer Royal to King William -IV., was born in London in the first year of the nineteenth century, -and died at Venice in 1860. His comparatively short life was -exceptionally full and active. He was historian, politician and -traveller, the reputed author of upwards of a hundred novels, the -compiler and editor of nearly half as many volumes of letters, -memoirs, and biographies, a poet and a pamphleteer, and, during the -last ten years of his life, British Consul successively in -Massachusetts, Norfolk (Virginia), and Venice. He was on terms of -friendship with most of the eminent men of his day. Scott, on whose -style he founded his own, encouraged him to persevere in his career as -a novelist; Washington Irving admired him, and Walter Savage Landor -composed an epitaph to his memory. He achieved the distinction of -being twice burlesqued by Thackeray, and two columns are devoted to an -account of him in the new "Dictionary of National Biography." Each -generation follows its own gods, and G. P. R. James was, perhaps, too -prolific an author to maintain the popularity which made him "in some -ways the most successful novelist of his time." But his work bears -selection and revival. It possesses the qualities of seriousness and -interest; his best historical novels are faithful in setting and free -in movement. His narrative is clear, his history conscientious, and -his plots are well-conceived. English learning and literature are -enriched by the work of this writer, who made vivid every epoch in the -world's history by the charm of his romance. - - -The parodists of G. P. R. James have been quick to remark the sameness -of his openings. He has established a kind of 'James-gambit' in -historical fiction, and the present romance is no exception to the -rule. Once more the irrepressible horseman is riding along the -inevitable road, and once more the first chapter is devoted to a -careful description of the traveller's accoutrements--material and -moral. It is not inappropriately, therefore, that James selected as -his motto for this chapter Dryden's conventional lines, - - - "In this King Arthur's reign, - A lusty knight was pricking o'er the plain." - - -Donne, Cowley, Ben Jonson, Dryden, Shakespeare, these are the authors -to whom James has chiefly gone for his poetical headings to the -chapters of this novel. The feature is a rare one in his works, nor -can it truthfully be said that the literary flavour thus imparted is -maintained by the text of the book. There is more familiarity, more -banality, in its style than is common in James's writings. It is odd, -for instance, to read the first paragraph of Chapter XVII.--"Oh, the -man in the moon! the man in the moon! What a prodigious sackful -of good resolutions you must have, all broken through the middle -...."--immediately after a solemn quotation from _Macbeth_; and a yet -more flagrant example occurs at the beginning of Chapter XXXIX., where -a couplet from Shakespeare is again used to usher in the following -triumph of bathos: "And where was Osborne Darnley all this while? Wait -a little, dearly-beloved, and you shall hear more." It should be added -that the first sentence is not an intentional pentameter. But, however -severely the shortcomings of style may be criticised in a writer who -'broke the record' for rapidity of production, James hardly ever fails -to tell a good story, with plenty of adventure and accuracy of -learning. "Darnley" does not fall behind the rest in these respects. -The date is fixed in the first line, as well as in the sub-title, and -the gorgeous festivities of Midsummer, 1520, as well as the character -of King Henry VIII., are admirably conceived and described. The -original picture of the scene in the Field near Calais, which is -preserved at Hampton Court, should be visited by readers of this -volume. Those curious in bibliography, by the way, will discover on -page 372 a notable instance of want of skill in the abridgment of -"Darnley" by James or his editors. - - - - - - -DARNLEY. - - - - -CHAPTER I. - - In this King Arthur's reign, - A lusty knight was pricking o'er the plain.--Dryden. - - -On the morning of the 24th day of March, 1520, a traveller was seen -riding in the small, rugged cross-road which, traversing the eastern -part of Kent, formed the immediate communication between Wye[1] and -Canterbury. Far be it from me to insinuate that this road pursued -anything like a direct course from the one place to the other: on the -contrary, it seemed, like a serpent, to get on only by twisting; and -yet truly, as its track now lies pictured on the old county map before -me, I can discover no possible reason for its various contortions, -inasmuch as they avoid neither ascents nor descents, but proceed alike -over rough and smooth, hill and dale, appearing only to wind about for -the sake of variety. I can conceive the engineer who planned it -laughing in his sleeve at the consummate meanderings which he -compelled his travellers to undergo. However, as at the time I speak -of this was the only road through that part of the country, every -traveller was obliged to content himself with it, such as it was, -notwithstanding both its circumvolutions and its ruggedness. - -Indeed, the horseman and his beast, who on the afore-mentioned morning -journeyed on together towards Canterbury, were apparently well -calculated to encounter what the profane vulgar call the ups and downs -of life; for never a stouter cavalier mounted horse, and never a -stouter horse was mounted by cavalier; and there was something in the -strong, quadrate form of each, in the bold, free movement of every -limb, and in the firm, martial regularity of their pace, which spoke a -habitual consciousness of tried and unfailing power. - -The rider was a man of about five or six-and-twenty, perhaps not so -old; but the hardy exposed life which had dyed his florid cheek with a -tinge of deep brown, had given also to his figure that look of set, -mature strength which is not usually concomitant with youth. But -strength with him had nothing of ungracefulness, for the very vigour -of his limbs gave them ease of motion. Yet there was something more in -his aspect and in his carriage than can rightly be attributed to the -grace induced by habits of martial exercise, or to the dignity derived -from consciousness of skill or valour: there was that sort of innate -nobility of look which we are often weakly inclined to combine in our -minds with nobility of station, and that peculiar sort of grace which -is a gift, not an acquirement. - -To paint him to the mind's eye were very difficult, though to describe -him were very easy; for though I were to say that he was a tall, fair -man, with the old Saxon blood shining out in his deep blue eye, and in -his full, short upper lip, from which the light brown moustache turned -off in a sweep, exposing its fine arching line; though I were to speak -of the manly beauty of his features, rendered scarcely less by a deep -scar upon his forehead; or were I to detail, with the accuracy of a -sculptor, the elegant proportion of every limb, I might, indeed, -communicate to the mind of the reader the idea of a much more handsome -man than he really was; but I should fail to invest the image with -that spirit of gracefulness which, however combined with outward form, -seems to radiate from within, which must live to be perfect, and must -be seen to be understood. - -His apparel was not such as his bearing seemed to warrant: though -good, it was not costly, and though not faded, it certainly was not -new. Nor was the fashion of it entirely English: the gray cloth -doublet slashed with black, as well as the falling ruff round his -neck, were decidedly Flemish; and his hose of dark stuff might -probably have been pronounced foreign by the connoisseurs of the day, -although the variety of modes then used amongst our change-loving -nation justified a man in choosing the fashion of his breeches from -any extreme, whether from the fathomless profundity of a Dutchman's -ninth pair, or from the close-fitting garment of the Italian sworder. -The traveller's hose approached more towards the latter fashion, and -served to show off the fair proportions of his limbs without -straitening him by too great tightness, while his wide boots of -untanned leather, pushed down to the ankle, evinced that he did not -consider his journey likely to prove long, or, at least, very -fatiguing. - -In those days, when, as old Holinshed assures us, it was not safe to -ride unarmed, even upon the most frequented road, a small bridle path, -such as that which the traveller pursued, was not likely to afford -much greater security. However, he did not appear to have furnished -himself with more than the complement of offensive arms usually worn -by every one above the rank of a simple yeoman; namely, the long, -straight, double-edged sword, which, thrust through a broad buff belt, -hung perpendicularly down his thigh, with the hilt shaped in form of a -cross, without any farther guard for the hand; while in the girdle -appeared a small dagger, which served also as a knife: added to these -was a dag or pistol, which, though small, considering the dimensions -of the arms then used, would have caused any horse-pistol of the -present day to blush at its own insignificance. - -In point of defensive armour, he carried none, except a steel cap, -which hung at his saddle-bow, while its place on his head was supplied -by a Genoa bonnet of black velvet, round which his rich chesnut hair -curled in thick profusion. - -Here have I bestowed more than a page and a half upon the description -of a man's dress and demeanour, which, under most circumstances, I -should consider a scandalous and illegitimate waste of time, paper, -and attention; but, in truth, I would fain, in the present instance, -that my reader should see my traveller before his mind's eye, exactly -as his picture represents him, pricking along the road on his strong -black horse, with his chest borne forward, his heel depressed, his -person erect, and his whole figure expressing corporeal ease and -power. - -Very different, however, were his mental sensations, if one might -believe the knitted look of thought that sat upon his full, broad -brow, and the lines that early care seemed to have busily traced upon -the cheek of youth. Deep meditation, at all events, was the companion -of his way; for, confident in the surefootedness of his steed, he took -no care to hold his bridle in hand, but suffered himself to be borne -forward almost unconsciously, fixing his gaze upon the line of light -that hung above the edge of the hill before him, as if there he spied -some object of deep interest, yet, at the same time, with that fixed -intensity which told that, whilst the eye thus occupied itself, the -mind was far otherwise employed. - -It was a shrewd March morning, and the part of the road at which the -traveller had now arrived opened out upon a wide wild common, whereon -the keen north-west blast had full room to exercise itself -unrestrained. On the one side the country sloped rapidly down from the -road, exposing an extensive view of some fine level plains, -distributed into fields, and scattered with a multitude of hamlets and -villages; the early smoke rising from the chimneys of which, caught by -the wind, mingled with the vapour from a sluggish river in the bottom, -and, drifting over the scene, gave a thousand different aspects to the -landscape as it passed. On the other hand, the common rose against the -sky in a wide sloping upland, naked, desolate, and unbroken, except -where a clump of stunted oaks raised their bare heads out of an old -gravel-pit by the road-side, or where a group of dark pines broke the -distant line of the ground. The road which the traveller had hitherto -pursued proceeded still along the side of the hill, but, branching off -to the left, was seen another rugged, gravelly path winding over the -common. - -At the spot where these two divaricated, the horseman stopped, as if -uncertain of his farther route, and looking for some one to direct him -on his way. But he looked in vain; no trace of human habitation was to -be seen, nor any indication of man's proximity, except such as could -be gathered from the presence of a solitary duck, which seemed to be -passing its anchoritish hours in fishing for the tadpoles that -inhabited a little pond by the road-side. - -The traveller paused, undetermined on which of the two roads to turn -his horse, when suddenly a loud scream met his ear, and, instantly -setting spurs to his horse, he galloped towards the quarter from -whence the sound seemed to proceed. Without waiting to pursue the -windings of the little path, in a moment he had cleared the upland, -towards the spot where he had beheld the pines, and, instead of -finding that the country beyond, as one might have imagined from the -view below, fell into another deep valley on that side, he perceived -that the common continued to extend for some way over an uninterrupted -flat, terminated by some wide plantations at a great distance. - -In advance, sheltered by a high bank and the group of pines above -mentioned, appeared a solitary cottage formed of wood and mud. It may -be well supposed that its architecture was not very perfect, nor its -construction of the most refined taste; but yet there seemed some -attempt at decoration in the rude trellis that surrounded the doorway, -and in the neat cutting of the thatch which covered it from the and -weather. As the traveller rode towards it the scream was reiterated, -now, guided by his ear, he proceeded direct towards a little -garden, which had been borrowed from the common, and enclosed with a -mud wall. The door of this enclosure stood open, and at once admitted -the stranger into the interior, where he beheld--what shall be -detailed in the following chapter. - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -Patient _yourself_, madam, and pardon _me_.--Shakspere. - - -Now, doubtless, every romance-reading person into whose hands this -book may fall will conclude and determine, and feel perfectly -convinced in their own minds, that the scream mentioned in the last -chapter announces no less important a being than the heroine of the -tale, and will be very much surprised, as well as disappointed, to -hear that when the traveller rode through the open gate into the -little garden attached to the cottage, he perceived a group which -certainly did not derive any interest it might possess from the graces -of youth and beauty. It consisted simply of an old woman, of the -poorest class, striving, with weak hands, to stay a stout, rosy youth, -of mean countenance but good apparel, from repeating a buffet he had -bestowed upon the third person of the group, a venerable old man, who -seemed little calculated to resist his violence. Angry words were -evidently still passing on both parts, and before the traveller could -hear to what they referred, the youth passed the woman, and struck the -old man a second blow, which levelled him with the ground. - -If one might judge from that traveller's appearance, he had seen many -a sight of danger and of horror; but there was something in the view -of the old man's white hair, mingling with the mould of the earth, -that blanched his cheek, and made his blood run cold. In a moment he -was off his horse, and by the young man's side. "How now, sir -villain!" cried he, "art thou mad, to strike thy father?" - -"He's no father of mine," replied the sturdy youth, turning away his -head with a sort of dogged feeling of shame. "He's no father of mine; -I'm better come." - -"Better come, misbegotten knave!" cried the traveller; "then thy -father might blush to own thee. Strike an old man like that! Get thee -gone, quick, lest I flay thee!" - -"Get thee gone thyself!" answered the other, his feeling of -reprehension being quickly fled; and turning sharply round, with an -air of effrontery which nought but the insolence of office could -inspire, he added: "Who art thou, with thy get thee gones? I am here -in right of Sir Payan Wileton, to turn these old vermin out; so get -thee gone along with them!" And he ran his eye over the stranger's -simple garb with a sneer of sturdy defiance. - -The traveller gazed at him for a moment, as if in astonishment at his -daring; then, with a motion as quick as light, laid one hand upon the -yeoman's collar, the other upon the thick band of his kersey slop -breeches, raised him from the ground, and giving him one swing back, -to allow his arms their full sweep, he pitched him at once over the -low wall of the garden into the heath-bushes beyond. - -Without affording a look to his prostrate adversary, the stranger -proceeded to assist the old man in rising, and amidst the blessings of -the good dame, conveyed him into the cottage. He then returned to the -little garden, lest his horse should commit any ravages upon the -scanty provision of the old couple (for he was, it seems, too good a -soldier even to allow his horse to live by plunder), and while tying -him to the gate-post, his eye naturally turned to the bushes into -which he had thrown his opponent. - -The young man had just risen on his feet, and in unutterable rage, was -stamping furiously on the ground; without, however, daring to re-enter -the precincts from which he had been so unceremoniously ejected. The -stranger contented himself with observing that he was not much hurt; -and after letting his eye dwell for a moment on the cognisance of a -serpent twined round a crane, which was embroidered on the yeoman's -coat, he again entered the cottage, while the other proceeded slowly -over the common, every now and then turning round to shake his -clenched fist towards the garden, in the last struggles of impotent -passion. - -"Well, good father, how fares it with thee?" demanded the traveller, -approaching the old man. "I fear that young villain has hurt thee." - -"Nay, sir, nay," replied the other, "not so; in faith he did not -strike hard: an old man's limbs are soon overthrown. Ah! well, I -remember the day when I would have whacked a score of them. But I'm -broken now. Kate, give his worship the settle. If our boy had seen him -lift his hand against his father, 'faith, he'd have broken his pate. -Though your worship soon convinced him: God's blessing upon your head -for it!" - -The stranger silently sat himself down in the settle, which the old -woman placed for him with a thousand thanks and gratulations, and -suffered them to proceed undisturbed with all the garrulity of age, -while his own thoughts seemed, from some unapparent cause, to have -wandered far upon a different track. Whether it was that the swift -wings of memory had retraced in a moment a space that, in the dull -march of time, had occupied many a long year, or that the lightning -speed of hope had already borne him to a goal which was still far -beyond probability's short view, matters little. Most likely it was -one or the other; for the present is but a point to which but little -thought appertains, while the mind hovers backwards and forwards -between the past and the future, expending the store of its regrets -upon the one, and wasting all its wishes on the other. He awoke with a -sigh. "But tell me," said he to the old man, "what was the cause of -all this?" - -"Why, heaven bless your worship!" replied the cottager, who had been -talking all the time, "I have just been telling you." - -"Nay, but I mean, why you came to live here?" said the traveller, "for -this is but a poor place;" and he glanced his eye over the interior of -the cottage, which was wretched enough. Its floor formed of hardened -clay; its small lattice windows, boasting no glass in the wicker -frames of which they were composed, but showing in its place some thin -plates of horn (common enough in the meaner cottages of those times), -admitting but a dull and miserable light to the interior; its bare -walls of lath, through the crevices of which appeared the mud that had -been plastered on the outside: all gave an air of poverty and -uncomfort difficult to find in the poorest English cottage of to-day. -"I think you said that you had been in better circumstances?" -continued the traveller. - -"I did not say so, your worship," replied the old man, "but it was -easy to guess; yet for twelve long years have I known little but -misery. I was once gate-porter to my good Lord Fitzbernard, at Chilham -Castle, here hard-by; your worship knows it, doubtless. Oh! 'twas a -fair place in those days, for my lord kept great state, and never a -day but what we had the tilt-yard full of gallants, who would bear -away the ring from the best in the land. My old lord could handle a -lance well, too, though he waxed aged; but 'twas my young Lord Osborne -that was the darling of all our hearts. Poor youth! he was not then -fourteen, yet so strong, he'd break a lance and bide a buffet with the -best. He's over the seas now, alas! and they say, obliged to win his -food at the sword's point." - -"Nay, how so?" asked the traveller. "If he were heir of Chilham -Castle, how is it he fares so hardly, this Lord Osborne?" - -"We call him still Lord Osborne," answered the old woman, "for I was -his nurse, when he was young, your worship, and his christened name -was Osborne. But his title was Lord Darnley, by those who called him -properly. God bless him for ever! Now, Richard, tell his honour how -all the misfortunes happened." - -"'Twill but tire his honour," said the old man. "In his young day he -must have heard how Empson and Dudley, the two blackest traitors that -ever England had, went through all the country, picking holes in every -honest man's coat, and sequestrating their estates, as 'twas then -called. Lord bless thee, Kate! his worship knows it all." - -"I have heard something of the matter, but I would fain understand it -more particularly," said the stranger. "I had learned that the -sequestrated estates had been restored, and the fines remitted, since -this young king was upon the throne." - -"Ay, truly, sir, the main part of them," answered the old man; "but -there were some men who, being in the court's displeasure, were not -likely to have justice done them. Such a one was my good lord and -master, who, they say, had been heard to declare, that he held Perkyn -Warbeck's title as good as King Harry the Seventh's. So, when they -proved the penal statutes against him, as they called it, instead of -calling for a fine, which every peasant on his land would have brought -his mite to pay, they took the whole estate, and left him a beggar in -his age. But that was not the worst, for doubtless the whole would -have been given back again when the good young king did justice on -Empson and Dudley; but as this sequestration was a malice, and not an -avarice like the rest, instead of transferring the estate to the -king's own hand, they gave it to one Sir Payan Wileton, who, if ever a -gallows was made higher than Haman's, would well grace it. This man -has many a friend at the court, gained they say by foul means; and -though much stir was made some eight years agone, by the Lord Stafford -and the good Duke of Buckingham, to have the old lord's estates given -back again, Sir Payan was strong enough in abettors to outstand them -all, and then----; but I hear horses' feet. 'Tis surely Sir Payan sent -to hound me out even from this poor place." - -As he spoke, the loud neighing of the stranger's horse announced the -approach of some of his four-footed fraternity, and opening the -cottage door, the old man looked forth to ascertain if his -apprehensions were just. - -The cloud, however, was cleared off his brow in a moment, by the -appearance of the person who rode into the garden. - -"Joy, good wife! joy!" cried the old man; "it is Sir Cesar! It is Sir -Cesar! We are safe enough now!" - -"Sir Cesar!" cried the traveller; "that is a strange name!" and he -turned to the cottage door to examine the person that approached. - -Cantering through the garden on a milk-white palfrey, adorned with -black leather trapping, appeared a little old man, dressed in singular -but elegant habiliments. His doublet was of black velvet, his hose of -crimson stuff, and his boots of buff. His cloak was black like his -coat, but lined with rich miniver fur, of which also was his bonnet. -He wore no arms except a small dagger, the steel hilt of which -glittered in his girdle; and to turn and guide his palfrey he made use -of neither spur nor rein, but seemed more to direct than urge him with -a peeled osier stick, with which he every now and then touched the -animal on either ear. - -His person was as singular as his dress. Extremely diminutive in -stature, his limbs appeared well formed, and even graceful. He was not -a dwarf, but still considerably below the middle size; and though not -misshapen in body, his face had that degree of prominence, and his eye -that keen vivacious sparkle, generally discovered in the deformed. In -complexion he was swarthy to excess, while his long black hair, -slightly mingled with gray, escaped from under his bonnet and fell -upon his shoulders. Still, the most remarkable feature was his eye, -which, though sunk deep in his head, had a quickness and a fire that -contradicted the calm, placid expression of the rest of his -countenance, and seemed to indicate a restless, busy spirit; for, -glancing rapidly from object to object, it rested not a moment upon -any one thing, but appeared to collect the information it sought with -the quickness of lightning, and then fly off to something new. - -In this manner he approached the cottage, his look at first rapidly -running over the figures of the two cottagers and their guest; but -then turning to their faces, his eye might be seen scanning every -feature, and seeming to extract their meaning in an instant: as in the -summer we see the bee darting into every flower, and drawing forth its -sweet essence, while it scarcely pauses to fold its wings. It seemed -as if the face was to him a book, where each line was written with -some tale or some information, but in a character so legible, and a -language so well known, that a moment sufficed him for the perusal of -the whole. - -At the cottage-door the palfrey stopped of itself, and slipping down -out of the saddle with extraordinary activity, the old gentleman stood -before the traveller and his host with that sort of sharp, sudden -motion which startles although expected. The old man and his wife -received their new guest with reverence almost approaching to awe; but -before noticing them farther than by signing them each with the cross, -he turned directly towards the traveller, and doffing his cap of -miniver, he made him a profound bow, while his long hair, parted from -the crown, fell over his face and almost concealed it. "Sir Osborne -Maurice," said he, "well met!" - -The traveller bowed in some surprise to find himself recognised by the -singular person who addressed him. "Truly, sir," he answered, "you -have rightly fallen upon the name I bear, and seem to know me well, -though in truth I can boast no such knowledge in regard to you. To my -remembrance, this is the first time we have met." - -"Within the last thousand years," replied the old man, "we have met -more than a thousand times; but I remember you well before that, when -you commanded a Roman cohort in the first Punic war." - -"He's mad!" thought the traveller, "profoundly insane!" and he turned -an inquiring glance to the old cottager and his wife; but far from -showing any surprise, they stood regarding their strange visiter with -looks of deep awe and respect. However, the traveller at length -replied, "Memory, with me, is a more treacherous guardian of the past; -but may I crave the name of so ancient an acquaintance?" - -"In Britain," answered the old man, "they call me Sir Cesar; in Spain, -Don Cesario; and in Padua, simply Cesario il dotto." - -"What!" cried Sir Osborne, "the famous----?" - -"Ay, ay!" interrupted the old man; "famous if it may so be called. But -no more of that. Fame is but like a billow on a sandy shore, that when -the tide is in, it seems a mighty thing, and when 'tis out, 'tis -nothing. If I have learned nought beside, I have learned to despise -fame." - -"That your learning must have taught you far more, needs no farther -proof than your knowledge of a stranger that you never saw, at least -with human eyes," said Sir Osborne; "and in truth, this your knowledge -makes me a believer in that art which, hitherto, I had held as -emptiness." - -"Cast from you no ore till you have tried it seven times in the fire," -replied Sir Cesar; "hold nothing as emptiness that you have not -essayed. But, hark! bend down thine ear, and thou shalt hear more -anon." - -The young traveller bowed his head till his ear was on a level with -the mouth of the diminutive speaker, who seemed to whisper not more -than one word, but that was of such a nature as to make Sir Osborne -start back, and fix his eyes upon him with a look of inquiring -astonishment, that brought a smile upon the old man's lip. "There is -no magic here," said Sir Cesar: "you shall hear more hereafter. But, -hush! come into the cottage, for hunger, that vile earthly want, calls -upon me for its due: herein, alas! we are all akin unto the hog: -come!" - -They accordingly entered the lowly dwelling, and sat down to a small -oaken table placed in the midst; Sir Cesar, as if accustomed to -command there, seating the traveller as his guest, and demanding of -the old couple a supply of those things he deemed necessary. "Set down -the salt in the middle, Richard Heartley; now bring the bread; take -the bacon from the pot, dame, and if there be a pompion yet not -mouldy, put it down to roast in the ashes. Whet Sir Osborne's dagger, -Richard. Is it all done? then sit with us, for herein are men all -alike. Now tell me, Richard Heartley, while we eat, what has happened -to thee this morning, for I learn thou hast been in jeopardy." - -Thus speaking, he carved the bacon with his dagger, and distributed to -every one a portion, while Sir Osborne Maurice looked on, not a little -interested in the scene, one of the most curious parts of which was -the profound taciturnity that had succeeded to garrulity in the two -old cottagers, and the promptitude and attention with which they -executed all their guest's commands. - -The old gentleman's question seemed to untie Richard Heartley's lips, -and he communicated, in a somewhat circumlocutory phrase, that though -he had built his house and enclosed his garden on common land, which, -as he took it, "was free to every one, yet within the last year Sir -Payan Wileton had demanded for it a rent of two pounds per annum, -which was far beyond his means to pay, as Sir Payan well knew; but he -did it only in malice," the old man said, "because he was the last of -the good old lord's servants who was left upon the ground; and he, Sir -Payan, was afraid, that even if he were to die there, his bones would -keep possession for his old master; so he wished to drive him away -altogether." - -"Go forth on no account!" interrupted Sir Cesar. "Without he take thee -by force and lead thee to the bound, and put thee off, go not beyond -the limits of the lordship of Chilham Castle; neither pay him any -rent, but live house free and land free, as I have commanded you." - -"In truth," answered the old man, "he has not essayed to put me off; -but he sent his bailiff this morning to demand the rent, and to drive -me out of the cottage, and to pull off the thatch, though our Richard, -who has returned from the army beyond the seas, is up at the manor to -do him man service for the sum." - -"Hold!" cried Sir Cesar, "let thy son do him man service, if he will, -but do thou him no man service, and own to him no lordship. Sir Payan -Wileton has but his day; that will soon be over, and all shall be -avenged; own him no lordship, I say!" - -"Nay, nay, sir, I warrant you," replied the old man; "'twas even that -that provoked Peter Wilson, the young bailiff, to strike me, because I -said Sir Payan was not my lord, and I was not his tenant, and that if -he stood on right, I had as much a right to the soil as he." - -"Strike thee! strike thee! Did he strike thee?" cried Sir Cesar, his -small black eyes glowing like red-hot coals, and twinkling like stars -on a frosty night. "Sure he did not dare to strike thee?" - -"He felled him, Sir Cesar," cried the old woman, whose tongue could -refrain no longer; "he felled him to the ground. He, a child I have -had upon my knee, felled old Richard Heartley with a heavy blow!" - -"My curse upon him!" cried the old knight, while anger and indignation -gave to his features an expression almost sublime; "my curse upon him! -May he wither heart and limb like a blasted oak! like it, may he be -dry and sapless, when all is sunshine and summer, without a green leaf -to cover the nakedness of his misery; without flower or fruit may he -pass away, and fire consume the rottenness of his core!" - -"Oh! your worship, curse him not so deeply; we know how heavy your -curses fall, and he has had some payment already," said the old -cottager: "this honourable gentleman heard my housewife cry, and came -riding up. So, when he saw the clumsy coward strike a feeble old man -like me, he takes him up by the jerkin and the slops, and casts him as -clean over the wall on the heath as I've seen Hob Johnson cast a truss -out of a hay-cart." - -"Sir Osborne, you did well," said the old knight; "you acted like your -race. But yet I could have wished that this had not happened; 'twould -have been better that your coming had not been known to your enemies -before your friends, which I fear me will now be the case. He with -whom you have to do is one from whose keen eye nought passes without -question. The fly may as well find its way through the spider's web, -without wakening the crafty artist of the snare, as one on whom that -man has fixed his eye may stir a step without his knowing it. But -there is one who sees more deeply than even he does." - -"Yourself, of course," replied Sir Osborne; "and indeed I cannot doubt -that it is so; for I sit here in mute astonishment to find that all I -held most secret is as much known to you as to myself." - -"Oh, this is all simplicity!" replied the old man; "these are no -wonders, though I may teach you some hereafter. At present I will tell -you the future, against which you must guard, for your fortune is -a-making." - -"But if our fate be fixed," said Sir Osborne, "so that even mortal -eyes can see it in the stars, prudence and caution, wisdom and action, -are in vain; for how can we avoid what is certainly to be?" - -"Not so, young man," replied Sir Cesar: "some things are certain, some -are doubtful: some fixed by fate, some left to human will; and those -who see such things are certain, may learn to guide their course -through things that are not so. Thus, even in life, my young friend," -he continued, speaking more placidly, for at first Sir Osborne's -observation seemed to have nettled him; "thus, even in life, each -ordinary mortal sees before him but one thing sure, which is death. It -he cannot avoid; yet, how wholesome the sight to guide us in -existence! So, in man's destiny, certain points are fixed, some of -mighty magnitude, some that seem but trivial; and the rest are -determined by his own conduct. Yet there are none so clearly marked -that they may not be influenced by man's own will, so that when the -stars are favourable he may carry his good fortune to the highest -pitch by wisely seizing opportunity; and when they threaten evil or -danger, he may fortify himself against the misfortunes that must -occur, by philosophy; and guard against the peril that menaces, by -prudence. Thus, what study is nobler, or greater, or more beneficial, -than that which lays open to the eye the book of fate?" - -The impressive tone and manner of the old man, joined even with the -singularity of his appearance, and a certain indescribable, almost -unearthly fire, that burned in his eye, went greatly in the minds of -his hearers to supply any deficiency in the chain of his reasoning. -The extraordinary, if it be not ludicrous, is always easily -convertible into the awful; and where, as in the present instance, it -becomes intimately interwoven with all the doubtful, the mysterious, -and the fearful in our state of being, it reaches that point of the -sublime to which the heart of every man is most sensible. Those always -who see the least of what is true are most likely to be influenced by -what is doubtful; and in an age where little was certainly known, the -remote, the uncertain, and the wild, commanded man's reason by his -imagination. - -Sir Osborne Maurice mused. If it be asked whether he believed -implicitly in that art which many persons were then said to possess, -of reading in the stars the future fate of individuals or nations, it -may be answered, No. But if it be demanded whether he rejected it -absolutely, equally No. He doubted; and that was a stretch of -philosophy to which few attained in his day, when the study of -judicial astrology was often combined with the most profound learning -in other particulars; when, as a science, it was considered the -highest branch of human knowledge, and its professors were regarded as -almost proceeding a step beyond the just boundary of earthly research: -we might say even more, when they produced such evidence of their -extraordinary powers as might well convince the best-informed of an -unlettered age, and which affords curious subjects of inquiry even to -the present time. - -In the mean while, Sir Cesar proceeded: "I speak thus as preface to -what I have to tell you; not that I suppose you will be dismayed when -you hear that immediate danger menaces you, because I know you are -incapable of fear; but it is because I would have you wisely guard -against what I foretell. Know, then, I have learned that you are -likely to be in peril to-morrow, towards noon; therefore, hold -yourself upon your guard. Divulge not your proceedings to any one. -Keep a watchful eye and a shrewd ear. Mark well your company, and see -that your sword be loose in the sheath." - -"Certainly, good Sir Cesar, will I follow your counsel," replied Sir -Osborne. "But might I not crave that you would afford me farther -information, and by showing me what sort of danger threatens me, give -me the means of avoiding it altogether?" - -"What you ask I cannot comply with," answered the old man. "Think not -that the book of the stars is like a child's horn-book, where every -word is clearly spelled. Vague and undefined are the signs that we -gain. Certain it is, that some danger threatens you; but of what -nature, who can say? Know that, at the same time as yourself, were -born sixty other persons, to whom the planets bore an equal -ascendancy; and at the same hour to-morrow, each will undergo some -particular peril. Be you on your guard against yours." - -"Most assuredly I will, and I give you many thanks," replied Sir -Osborne. "But I would fain know for what reason you take an interest -in my fate more than in any of the other sixty persons you have -mentioned." - -"How know you that I do so?" demanded Sir Cesar drily. "Perchance had -I met any one of them in this cottage, I might have done him the same -good turn. However, 'tis not so. I own I do take an interest in your -fate, more than that of any mortal being. Look not surprised, young -man, for I have cause: nay more--you shall know more. Mark me! our -fates are united for ever in this world, and I _will_ serve you; -though I see, darkling through the obscurity of time, that the moment -which crowns all your wishes and endeavours is the last that I shall -draw breath of life. Yet your enemy is my enemy, your friends are my -friends, and I will serve you, though I die!" - -He rose and grasped Sir Osborne's hand, and fixed his dark eye upon -his face. "'Tis hard to part with existence--the warm ties of life, -the soft smiling realities of a world we know--and to begin it all -again in forms we cannot guess. Yet, if my will could alter the law of -fate, I would not delay your happiness an hour; though I know, I feel, -that this thrilling blood must then chill, that this quick heart must -stop, that the golden light and the glorious world must fade away; and -that my soul must be parted from its fond companion of earth for ever -and for ever. Yet it shall be so. It is said. Reply not! Speak not! -Follow me! Hush! hush!" And proceeding to the door of the cottage, he -mounted his palfrey, which stood ready, and motioned Sir Osborne to do -the same. The young knight did so in silence, and rode along with him -to the garden-gate, followed by the old cottagers. There Richard -Heartley, as if accustomed so to do, held out his hand; Sir Cesar -counted into it nine nobles of gold, and proceeded on the road in -silence. - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -Illusive dreams in mystic forms expressed.--Blackmore. - - -That which is out of the common course of nature, and for which we can -see neither cause nor object, requires of course a much greater body -of evidence to render it historically credible than is necessary to -authenticate any event within the ordinary operation of visible -agents. Were it not so, the many extraordinary tales respecting the -astrologers, and even the magicians of the middle ages, would now rest -as recorded truth, instead of idle fiction, being supported by much -more witness than we have to prove many received facts of greater -importance. - -Till the last century, the existence of what is called the second -sight, amongst the Scots, was not doubted: even in the present day it -is not disproved; and we can hardly wonder at our ancestors having -given credence to the more ancient, more probable, more reasonable -superstition of the fates of men being influenced by the stars, or at -their believing that the learned and wise could see into futurity, -when many in this more enlightened age imagine that some of the rude -and illiterate possess the same faculty. - -It is not, however, my object here to defend long-gone superstitions, -or to show that the predictions of the astrologers were ever really -verified, except by those extraordinary coincidences for which we -cannot account, and some of which every man must have observed in the -course of his own life. That they were so verified on several -occasions is nevertheless beyond doubt; for it is _not_ the case that, -in the most striking instances of this kind, as many writers have -asserted, the prediction, if it may be so called, was fabricated after -its fulfilment. On the contrary, any one who chooses to investigate -may convince himself that the prophecy was, in many instances, -enounced, and is still to be found recorded by contemporary writers, -before its accomplishment took place. As examples might be cited the -prognostication made by an astrologer to Henry the Second of France, -that he should be slain in single combat; a thing so unlikely that it -became the jest of his whole court, but which was afterwards -singularly verified, by his being accidentally killed at a tournament -by Montgomery, captain of the Scottish guards. Also the prediction by -which the famous, or rather infamous, Catherine de Medicis was warned -that St. Germains should be the place of her death. The queen, fully -convinced of its truth, never from that moment set foot in town or -palace which bore the fatal name; but in her last moments, her -confessor being absent, a priest was called to her assistance, by mere -accident, whose name was St. Germains, and actually held her in his -arms during the dying struggle. - -These two instances took place about fifty years after the period to -which this history refers, and may serve to show how strongly rooted -in the minds of the higher classes was this sort of superstition, when -even the revival of letters, and the diffusion of mental light, for -very long did not seem at all to affect them. The habits and manners -of the astrologers, however, underwent great changes; and it is, -perhaps, at the particular epoch of which we are now writing, namely, -the reigns of Henry the Eighth of England and Francis the First of -France, that this singular race of beings was in its highest -prosperity. - -Before that time, they had in general affected strange and retired -habits, and, whether as magicians or merely astrologers, were both -feared and avoided. Some exceptions, however, must be made to this, as -instances are on record where, even in years long before, such studies -were pursued by persons of the highest class, and won them both love -and admiration; the most brilliant example of which was in the person -of Tiphaine Raguenel, wife of the famous Constable du Guesclin, whose -counsels so much guided her husband through his splendid career. - -The magicians and astrologers, however, who were scattered through -Europe towards the end of the fifteenth century, and the beginning of -that which succeeded, though few in number, from many circumstances, -bore a much higher rank in the opinion of the world than any who had -preceded them. This must be attributed to their being in general -persons of some station in society, of profound erudition, of courtly -and polished manners, and also to their making but little pretension -on the score of their supposed powers, and never any display thereof, -except they were earnestly solicited to do so. - -There was likewise always to be observed in them a degree of -eccentricity, if a habitual difference from their fellow-beings might -be so called, which, being singular, but not obtrusive, gave them an -interest in the eyes of the higher, and a dignity in the estimation of -the lower classes, as a sort of beings separated by distinct knowledge -and feeling from the rest of mankind. In those ages, a thousand -branches of useful knowledge lay hid, like diamonds in an undiscovered -mine; and many minds, of extraordinary keenness and activity, wanting -legitimate objects of research, after diving deep in ancient lore, and -exhausting all the treasures of antiquity, still unsated, devoted -themselves to those dark and mysterious sciences that gratified their -imagination with all the wild and the sublime, and gained for them a -reverence amongst their fellow-creatures approaching even to awe. - -As we have said before, whatever was the reality of their powers, or -however they contrived to deceive themselves, as well as others, they -certainly received not only the respect of the weak and vulgar; but if -they used their general abilities for the benefit of mankind, they -were sure to meet with the admiration and the friendship of the great, -the noble, and the wise. Thus, the famous Earl of Surrey, the poet, -the courtier, the most accomplished gentleman and bravest cavalier of -that very age, is known to have lived on terms of intimacy with -Cornelius Agrippa, the celebrated Italian sorcerer, to whose renown -the fame of Sir Cesar of England is hardly second; though early -sorrows, of the most acute kind, had given a much higher degree of -wildness and eccentricity to the character of the extraordinary old -man of whom we speak, than the accomplished Italian ever suffered to -appear. - -In many circumstances there was still a great degree of similarity -between them: both were deeply versed in classical literature, and -were endowed with every elegant attainment; and both possessed that -wild and vivid imagination which taught them to combine in one strange -and heterogeneous system the pure doctrines of Christianity, the -theories of the Pagan philosophers, and the strange, mysterious -notions of the dark sciences they pursued. Amongst many fancies -derived from the Greeks, it seems certain that both Sir Cesar and -Cornelius Agrippa received, as an undoubted fact, the Pythagorean -doctrine of the transmission of the souls through the various human -bodies for a long period of existence: the spirit retaining, more or -less, in different men, the recollection of events which had occurred -to them at other periods of being. - -One striking difference, however, existed between these two celebrated -men. Cornelius Agrippa was all mildness, gentleness, and suavity; -while Sir Cesar, irritated by the memory of much sorrow, was wild, -vehement, and impetuous; ever striving to do good, it is true, but -hasty and impatient under contradiction. The same sort of mental -excitement hurried him on to move from land to land and place to -place, without seeming ever to pause for any length of time; and as he -stood not upon the ceremony of introduction, but made himself known to -whomsoever the fancy of the moment might lead him, he was celebrated -in almost every part of the world. - -So much as we have said seemed necessary, in order to give our readers -some insight into the character of the extraordinary man whose history -is strongly interwoven with the web of the present narrative, and to -prevent its being supposed that he was an imaginary being devised for -the nonce; but we shall now proceed with him in his proper person. - -"Let us reason," said Sir Cesar, breaking form abruptly, after he had -ridden on with the young knight some way in silence; "let us reason of -nature and philosophy; of things that are, and of things that may be; -for I would fain expel from my brain a crowd of sad thoughts and dark -imaginings, that haunt the caverns of memory." - -"I should prove but a slow reasoner," replied the young knight, "when -compared with one whose mind, if report speak truth, has long explored -the deepest paths of science, and discovered the full wealth of -nature." - -"Nay, nay, my friend," answered the old man; "something I have -studied, it is true; but nature's full wealth who shall ever discover? -Look through the boundless universe, and you shall find that were the -life of man extended a thousand fold, and all his senses refined to -the most exquisite perfection, and had his mind infinite faculty to -comprehend, yet the portion he could truly know would be to the great -whole as one grain of sand to the vast foundation of the sea. As it -is, man not only contemplates but few of nature's works, but also only -sees a little part of each. Thus, when he speaks of life, he means but -that which inspires animals, and never dreams that everything has -life; and yet it is so. Is it not reasonable to suppose that -everything that moves feels? and we cannot but conclude that -everything that feels has life. The Indian tree that raises its -branches when any living creature approaches must feel, must have -sensation; the loadstone that flies to its fellow must know, must -perceive that that fellow is near. Motion is life; and if viewed near, -everything would be found to have motion, to have life, to have -sensation." - -Sir Osborne smiled. "Then do you suppose," demanded he, "that all -vegetables and plants feel?" - -"Nay, more, much more!" answered the old man. "I doubt not that -everything in nature feels in its degree, from the rude stone that the -mason cuts, to man, the most sensitive of substantial beings." - -"It is a bold doctrine," said the young knight, who, willing to gain -what insight he could into his companion's character, pressed him for -a still further exposition of his opinions, though at the same time he -himself felt not a little carried away by the energy of manner and -rich modulation of tone with which the old man communicated his -singular ideas. "It is a bold doctrine, and would seem to animate the -whole of nature. Could it be proved, the world would acquire a glow of -life, and activity of existence, where it now appears cold and -silent." - -"The whole of nature _is_ animated," replied Sir Cesar. "Life combined -with matter is but a thousandth part of life existent. The world teems -with spirits: the very air is thick with them. They dance in the -sunshine, they ride upon the beams of the stars, they float about in -the melodies of music, they nestle in the cups of the flowers; and I -am forced to believe that never a flower fades, or a beam passes away, -without some being mourning the brief date of loveliness on earth. -Doubt not, for this is true; and though no one can prove that matter -is sensitive, yet it _can_ be _proved_ that such spirits do exist, and -that they may be compelled to clothe themselves with a visible form. -It can be proved, I say, and I have proved it." - -"I have heard the same reported of you," replied Sir Osborne, "when -you, with the renowned Cornelius Agrippa, called up a spirit to -ascertain what would be the issue of the battle of Ravenna. Was it not -so?" - -"Speak not of it!" cried the old man, "speak not of it! In that battle -fell the bright, the gallant, the amiable Nemours. Though warned by -counsel, by prophecy, and by portent, he would venture his life on -that fatal battle, and fell. Speak not of it! But now to you and -yours. Whither go you?" - -"My first care," replied Sir Osborne, "must be to seek my father, at -whose wish I have now returned to England. To you, who know far more -of me and mine than I ever dreamed that mortal here had heard, I need -not say where my father dwells." As he spoke, Sir Osborne drew up his -horse, following the example of his companion, whose palfrey had -stopped at a point where the road, separating into two branches, gave -the traveller the option of proceeding either towards Canterbury or -Dover, as his business or pleasure might impel. At the same time the -young knight fixed his eye upon the other's face, as if to ascertain -what was passing in his mind, seeking, probably, thence to learn how -far the old man's knowledge really extended in respect to himself and -his concerns. - -"It is a long journey," said Sir Cesar, thoughtfully, "and 'twill take -you near three weeks to travel thither and back. Much may be lost or -won in three weeks. You must not go. Hie on to Dover, and thence to -London: wait there till I give you farther news, and be sure that my -news shall be of some avail." - -"It cannot be," answered Sir Osborne Maurice. "Before I take any step -whatever I must see my father; and though I doubt not that your advice -be good, and your knowledge more than natural, I cannot quit my road, -nor wait in any place, till I have done the journey to which duty and -affection call me." - -"Your own will then be your guide, though it be a bad one," answered -Sir Cesar. "But mark, I tell you, if you pursue the road you are on -you will meet with danger, and will lose opportunity. My words are not -wont to fall idly." - -"Whatever danger may occur," replied Sir Osborne, "my road lies -towards London, and it shall not be easy to impede me on my way." - -"Ho, ho! so headstrong!" cried the old knight. "I' God's name, then, -on! My palfrey goes too slow for your young blood. Put spurs to your -steed, sir, and get quick into the perils from which you will need my -hand to help you out. Spur, spur, sir knight; and good speed attend -you!" - -"By your leave, then," replied Sir Osborne, taking the old man at his -word, and giving his horse the spur. "Sir Cesar, I thank you for your -kindness: we shall meet again, when I hope to thank you better; till -then, farewell!" - -"Farewell, farewell!" muttered the old knight; "just the same as ever! -If I remember right he was killed in the first Punic war, for not -taking the advice of Valerius the soothsayer; and though now his soul -has passed through fifty different bodies, he is just as headstrong as -ever." And with these sage reflections Sir Cesar pursued his way. - -Leaving him, however, to his own meditations, we must now, for some -time, follow the track of Sir Osborne Maurice, whose horse bore him -quickly along that same little tortuous road in the midst of which we -first encountered him. To say sooth, some speed was necessary; for -whatever might be the cause that induced the young knight to linger at -the cottage of old Richard Heartley, and whatever might have been the -ideas that had occupied him during so long a reverie, he had wasted no -small portion of the day, between listening to the garrulity of the -old man, thinking over the circumstances which that garrulity called -up to memory, and conversing with the singular being from whom he had -just parted; and yet, within a mile of the spot where he had left the -astrologer, Sir Osborne drew in his bridle, and standing in the -stirrup, looked round him on both sides over the high bank of earth -which in that place flanked the road on either hand. - -After gazing round for a moment, and marking every trifling object -with an attention which was far more than the scenery merited from any -apparent worth or picturesque beauty, he turned his horse into a small -bridle-path, and riding on for about a mile, came in front of a -mansion, which, even in that day, bore many a mark of venerable -antiquity. - -A small eminence, at about five hundred yards' distance from it, gave -him a full view of the building, as it rose upon another slight -elevation, somewhat higher than that on which he stood. Through the -trees which filled up the intermediate space was seen gliding a small -river, that, meandering amongst the copses, now shone glittering in -the sun, now hid itself in the shades, with that soothing variety, gay -yet tranquil, placid but not insipid, which is the peculiar -characteristic of the course of an English stream. The wind had -fallen, the clouds had dispersed, and the evening sun was shining out, -as if seducing the early buds to come forth and yield themselves to -his treacherous smile, and all the choir of nature was hymning its -song of joy and hope in the prospect of delightful summer. Above the -branches, which were yet scarcely green with the first downy promise -of the spring, was seen rising high the dark octagon keep of Chilham -Castle. It was a building of the old irregular Norman construction; -and the architect, who probably had forgot that a staircase was -requisite till he had completed the tower, had remedied the defect by -throwing out from the east side a sort of square buttress, which -contained the means of ascending to the various stories of which it -was composed. On the west side of the keep appeared a long mass of -building of a still more ancient date, surrounded by strong stone -walls overgrown with ivy, forming a broken but picturesque line of -architecture, stretching just above the tops of the trees, and -considerably lower than the tower, while a small detached turret was -seen here and there, completing the castellated appearance of the -whole. - -Sir Osborne paused and gazed at it for five or ten minutes in silence, -while a variety of very opposite expressions took possession of his -countenance. Now it seemed that the calm beauty of the scene filled -him with thoughts of tranquillity and delight; now that the view -recalled some poignant sorrow, for something very bright rose and -glistened in his eye. At last his brow knit into a frown, and anger -seemed predominant, as, grasping the pommel of his sword with his left -hand, he shook his clenched fist towards the antique battlements of -the castle, and then, as if ashamed of such vehemence of passion, he -turned his horse and galloped back on the road he came. - -The moment after he had again entered upon the road to Canterbury, a -sudden change took place in the pace of his horse, and perceiving that -he had cast a shoe, the young knight was forced, although the sun was -now getting far west, to slacken his pace; for the lady who walked -over the burning ploughshares would have found it a different story, -had she tried to gallop over that road without shoes. Proceeding, -therefore, but slowly, it was nearly dark when he reached the little -village of Northbourne, where, riding up to the smithy, he called -loudly for the farrier. No farrier, however, made his appearance. All -was silent, and as black as his trade; and the only answer which -Osborne could procure was at length elicited from one of a score of -boys, who, with open eyes and gaping mouths, stood round, listening -unmoved for a quarter of an hour, while the knight adjured the -blacksmith to come forth and show himself. - -"Can I have my horse shod here or not, little varlet?" cried he at -length to one of the most incorrigible starers. - -"Ye moy, if ye loyke," answered the boy, with that air of impenetrable -stupidity which an English peasant boy can sometimes get up when he is -half frightened and half sullen. - -"He means ye moy if ye can," answered another urchin, with somewhat of -a more intellectual face: "for Jenkin Thumpum is up at the hostel -shoeing the merchant's beast, and Dame Winny, his wife, is gone to -hold the lantern. He! he! he!" - -"Ha! ha! ha!" roared his companions, to whose mind Dame Winny holding -the lantern was a very good joke. "Ha! ha! ha! wherever Jenkin Thumpum -is, there goes Dame Winny to hold the lantern. Ha! ha! ha!" - -"But how far is it to the inn, my good boy?" demanded Sir Osborne. - -"Oh! it's for half an hour up the road, ye see," replied the boy, who -still chuckled at his own joke, and wanted fain to repeat it. - -"But are you sure the blacksmith is there?" demanded Sir Osborne. - -"Oy, oy!" replied the boy; "as sure as eggs are bacon, if he's not -coming back again. So, if ye go straight up along, you'll meet Jenkin -coming, and Dame Winny holding the lantern. Ha! ha! ha!" - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - - The first, forgive my verse if too diffuse, - Performed the kitchen's and the parlour's use. - - -It was quite dark when Sir Osborne Maurice arrived at the gate of the -hostel or inn, which consisted of a long row of low buildings, running -by the side of the road, with a straw-yard at the nearer end. Into -this the traveller guided his horse by the light of a horn lantern, -which was held by no other person than Dame Winny herself, while her -husband, Master Thumpum, pared the hoof of a stout gelding which stood -tied to the stable-door. Things were arranged differently in those -days from what they are now. - -As soon as the good lady heard the sound of a horse's feet entering -the court, she raised her melodious voice to notify to the servants of -the house a traveller's arrival. - -"Tim Chamberlain! Tim Chamberlain!" cried she, "here's a master on -horseback." - -The chamberlain, for by such sonorous title did he designate himself, -came forth at the summons, presenting not only the appearance of an -ostler, but of a bad ostler too; and after assisting the knight to -dismount, he took from the saddle the leathern bags which commonly -accompanied a traveller on a journey in those days, and running his -hand over the exterior, with the utmost nonchalance, endeavoured to -ascertain whether the contents were such as might be acceptable to any -of his good friends on the road. - -Sir Osborne's first care was of his horse, which he ordered to be -shod, for the purpose of proceeding immediately; but finding its foot -somewhat tender, he at length determined upon passing the night at the -inn rather than injure an animal on which his farther journey greatly -depended; and leaving the chamberlain to examine his bags more at his -leisure, he entered the kitchen, which was then the common room of -reception. - -Night had by this time rendered the air chilly; and the sight of a -large fire, which greeted his eye as he pushed open the door, promised -him at least that sort of reception for which he was most anxious, as -he did not propose to himself any great communion with those who might -be within. The apartment was not very inviting in any other particular -than the cheerful blazing of the large logs of wood with which the -earth was strewed, for the floor was of battened mud, and the various -utensils which hung round did not do great credit to the hostess's -housewifery. - -Much was the confusion which reigned amidst pans, kettles, pots, and -plates; and sundry were the positions of spits, gridirons, and ladles: -in short, it seemed as if the implements of cooking had all got drunk -after a hard day's work, and had tumbled over one another the best way -they could in search of repose. From the large black rafters overhead, -however, hung much that might gratify the eye of the hungry traveller, -for the kitchen seemed to serve for larder as well as drawing-room. -There might be seen the inimitable ham of York, with manifold sides of -bacon, and dangling capons, and cheeses store; and there, too, was the -large black turkey, in its native plumes, with endless strings of -sausages, and puddings beyond account. Nor was dried salmon wanting, -nor a net full of lemons, nor a bag of peas: in a word, it was a very -comfortably garnished roof, and in some degree compensated for the -disarray of the room that it overhung. - -In those days, the close of evening was generally the signal for every -traveller to betake himself to the nearest place of repose; and with -his circle round the fire, and his own peculiar chair placed in the -most approved corner of the vast chimney, mine host of the inn seldom -expected the arrival of any new guest after dark. It was then, if his -company were somewhat of his own degree, that he would tell his best -story, or crack his best joke; and sometimes even, after many an -overflowing flagon had gone round at the acknowledged expense of his -guests, he himself, too, would club his tankard of toast and ale, for -which, it is probable, he found sufficient means to make himself -kindly reparation in some other manner. - -In such course flowed by the moments at the inn, when Sir Osborne -Maurice, pushing open the door of the kitchen, interrupted the -landlord in the midst of an excellent good ghost story, and made the -whole of the rest of the party turn their heads suddenly round, and -fix their eyes upon the tall, graceful figure of the young knight, as -if he had been the actual apparition under discussion. - -The assembly at the kitchen-fire consisted only of six persons. Mine -host, as above stated, in his large arm-chair, was first in bulk and -dignity. Whether it be or not a peculiar quality in beer to turn -everything which contains a great quantity of it into the shape and -demeanour of a tun, has often struck me as a curious question in -natural philosophy; but certain it is that many innkeepers, but more -peculiarly the innkeeper in question, possess, and have possessed, and -probably will possess, so long as such a race exists, the size, -rotundity, profoundness, and abhorrence of locomotion, which are -considered as peculiar attributes of the above-named receptacle, as -well as the known quality of containing vast quantities of liquor. -Mine host was somewhat pale withal; but sundry carbuncles illuminated -his countenance, and gave an air of jollity to a face whose expression -was not otherwise very amiable. - -Next to this dignitary sat a worthy representative of a race now, -alas! long, long extinct, and indeed almost unrecorded. - -Oh! could old Hall or Holinshed have divined that the _Portingal -captain_ would ever become an animal as much extinct as the mammoth or -the mastodon, leaving only a few scattered traces to mark the places -through which he wandered, what long and elaborate descriptions should -we not have had, to bear at least his memory down to coming ages! But -in the days of those worthy writers, Portugal, or, as they wrote it, -Portingal, was the land from which adventure and discovery issued -forth over the earth, ay, and over the water, too; and they never -dreamt that the flourishing kingdom whose adventurous seamen explored -every corner of the known world, and brought the fruits and treasures -of the burning zone to the frigid regions of the north, would ever -dwindle away so as to be amongst the nations of Europe like a sprat in -a shoal of herrings; or certainly they would have given us a full and -particular description of a Portingal captain, from the top of his -head down to the sole of his shoe. - -Luckily, however, the learned Vonderbrugius has supplied this defect -more to my purpose than any other writer could have done, not only by -describing a Portingal captain in the abstract, but the very identical -Portingal captain who there, at that moment, sat by the fireside. - -I have already hinted that the learned Theban's Latin is somewhat -obscure, and I will own that the beginning of his definition rather -puzzled me:--"_Capitanus Portingalensis est homo pedibus sex_----" - -It was very easy to construe the first four words, like a boy at -school: _Capitanus Portingalensis_, a Portugal captain; _est homo_, is -a man. That was all very natural; but when it came to _pedibus sex_, -with six feet, I was very much astonished, till I discovered that the -professor meant thus elegantly to express that he was six feet high. - -But before I proceed with the particular account, it may be necessary -to say a word or two upon the general history and qualifications of -the Portingal captains of that day. Portugal, as has been observed, -was then the cradle of adventurous merchantmen; that is to say, of men -who gained an honest livelihood by buying and selling, fetching and -carrying, lying and pilfering, thieving wholesale and retail, swearing -a great deal, and committing a little manslaughter when it was -necessary. With these qualifications, it may well be supposed that the -Portingal captains were known and esteemed in every quarter of the -globe except America; and as they were daring, hardy, boasting -fellows, who possessed withal a certain insinuating manner of giving -little presents of oranges, lemons, nutmegs, cinnamon, &c. to the good -dames of the houses where they were well received, as well as of -rendering every sort of unscrupulous service to the male part of the -establishment, it may equally well be supposed that some few people -shut them out of their houses, and called them 'thievish vagabonds,' -while a great many took them in, and thought them 'nice, good-humoured -gentlemen.' - -Freeholders of the ocean, their own country bound them by no very -strict laws; and if they broke the laws of any other, they took to -their ship, which was generally near, and, like the Greenwich -pensioner, 'went to sea again.' Speaking a jargon of all languages, -accommodating themselves to all customs, cheating and pilfering from -all nations, and caring not one straw more for one country than -another, they furnished the epitome, the _beau-ideal_ of true citizens -of the world. - -The specimen of this dignified race who occupied a seat between mine -host and hostess was, as we have seen, six feet high, and what sailors -would term broad over the beam. His neck was rather of the longest, -and at the end of it was perched a mighty small head, whose front was -ornamented with a large nose, two little, dark, twinkling eyes under a -pair of heavy black brows, and a mouth of quite sufficient size to -serve a moderate-minded pair. Any one who has heard of a red Indian -may form some idea of his complexion, which would remind one of a -black sheep marked with red ochre; and from this rich soil sprang -forth and flourished a long thin pair of mustachios, something after -the Tartar mode. His dress was more tolerable than his face, -consisting of a dark-brown doublet slashed with light green, much -resembling a garden full of cabbage stalks, with trunks and hosen to -correspond; while in his belt appeared a goodly assortment of -implements for cutting and maiming, too numerous to be recited; and -between his legs, as he sat and rocked himself on his chair, he held -his long sword, with the point of which he ever and anon raked fresh -ashes round a couple of eggs that were roasting on the hearth. - -Smiling on this jewel of a captain sat our landlady in the next chair, -a great deal too pretty to mind the affairs of her house, and a great -deal too fine to be very good. Now, the captain was a dashing man, and -though he did not look tender, he looked tender things; and besides, -he was an old friend of the house, and had brought mine hostess many a -little sentimental present from parts beyond the sea; so that she -found herself justified in flirting with so amiable a companion by -smiles and glances, while her rotund husband poured forth his -ale-inspired tale. - -On the right hand of the hostess stood the cook, skewering up a fine -breast of house-lamb, destined for the rere-supper of a stout old -English clothier, Jekin Groby by name, who, placed in the other seat -of honour opposite mine host, leaned himself back in a delicious state -of drowsiness between sleeping and waking, just hearing the buzzing of -the landlord's story, with only sufficient apprehension left to catch -every now and then "_the ghost, the ghost_," and to combine that idea -with strange, misty phantasies in his sleep-embarrassed brain. The -sixth person was the turnspit-dog, who, freed from his Ixionian task, -sat on his rump facing his master, on whose countenance he gazed with -most sagacious eyes, seeming much more attentive to the tale than any -one else but the cook. - -As I have said, Sir Osborne threw open the door somewhat suddenly, -startling all within. Every one thought it was the ghost. The landlord -became motionless; the lady screamed, the cook ran the skewer into her -hand; the turnspit-dog barked; Jekin Groby knocked his head against -the chimney; and the Portingal captain ran one of the eggs through the -body with the point of his sword. - -It has been said that a good countenance is a letter of -recommendation, and to the taste of mine hostess it was the best -that could be given. Thus, after she had finished her scream, and had -time to regard the physiognomy of the ghost who threw open the -kitchen-door, she liked it so much better than that of the Portingal -captain, that she got up with her very best courtesy; drew a settle to -the fire next to herself; bade the turnspit hold his tongue; and -ordered Tim Chamberlain, who followed hard upon Sir Osborne's -footsteps, to prepare for his worship the tapestry-chamber. - -"I seem to have scared you all," said Sir Osborne, somewhat astonished -at the confusion which his entrance had caused. "What is the matter?" - -"Nay, marry, sir, 'twas nothing," replied the landlady, with a sweet -simper, "but a foolish ghost that my husband spoke of." - -"The foolish ghost has broke my head, I know," said Jekin Groby, -rubbing his pole, which had come in contact with the chimney. - -"Nay, then, the ghost was rude as well as foolish," remarked Sir -Osborne, taking his seat. - -"Ha! ha! well said, young gentleman," cried the honest clothier. "Nay, -now, I warrant thou hast a merry heart." - -"Thou wouldst be out," answered Sir Osborne: "my heart's a sad one;" -and he added a sigh that showed there was some truth in what he said, -though he said it lightly. - -"They sayo that thin doublets cover alway gay heart," said the -Portingal captain. "Now, senhor! your doublets was not very thick, -good youth." - -"Good youth!" said Sir Osborne, turning towards the speaker, whom he -had not before remarked, and glancing his eye over his person; "good -youth! what mean you by that, sir?" But as his eye fell upon the face -of the Portingal, his cheek suddenly reddened very high, and the -glance of the other sunk as if quelled by some powerful recollection. -"Oh, ho!" continued the knight, "a word with you, sir;" and rising, he -pushed away the settle, and walked towards the end of the room. - -"Pray don't fight, gentlemen!" cried the hostess, catching hold of the -skirt of Sir Osborne's doublet. "Pray don't fight! I never could bear -to see blood spilled. John Alesop! Husband! you are a constable; don't -let them fight!" - -"Leave me, dame; you mistake me. We are not going to fight," said Sir -Osborne, leading her back to the fire; "I merely want to speak one -word to this fellow. Come here, sir!" - -The Portingal captain had by this time risen up to his full height; -but as he marched doggedly after the young knight, there was a -swinging stoop in his long neck that greatly derogated from the -dignity of his demeanour. Sir Osborne spoke to him for some time in a -low voice, to which he replied nothing but "Dios! It's nothing to I! -Vary well! Not a word!" - -"Remember, then," said the knight, somewhat louder, "if I find you use -your tongue more than your prudence, I will, slit your ears!" - -"Pan de Dios! you are the only man that dare to say me so," muttered -the captain, following towards the fire, at which the knight now -resumed his seat, and where mine host was expatiating to Jekin Groby, -the hostess, the cook, and the turnspit-dog, upon the propriety of -every constable letting gentlemen settle their differences their own -way. "For," said he, "what is the law made for? Why, to punish the -offender. Now, if there is no offence committed, there is no offender. -Then would the law be of no use; therefore, to make the law useful, -one ought to let the offence be committed without intermeddling, which -would be rendering the law of no avail." - -"Very true," said his wife. - -"Why, there's something in it," said Jekin Groby; "for when I was at -court, the king himself ordered two gentlemen to fight. Lord a' mercy! -it seemed to me cruel strange!" - -"Nay, when wert thou at court, Master Jekin?" demanded the landlord. - -"Why, have I ate lamb and drank ale at thy house twice every year," -demanded the indignant clothier, "and knowest thou not, John Alesop, -that I am clothier, otherwise cloth merchant, to his most Gracious -Grace King Henry? And that twice he has admitted me into his dignified -presence? And once that I staid six weeks at the Palace at -Westminster? Oh! it is a prince of a king! Lord a' mercy! you never -saw his like!" - -"Nay, nay, I heard not of it," replied the landlord. "But come, Master -Jekin, as these gentlemen don't seem inclined to fight, tell us all -about the court, and those whom you saw there, while the lamb is -roasting." - -The honest clothier was willing enough to tell his story, and, -including even the knight, every one seemed inclined to hear him, -except indeed the Portingal captain, who was anxious to recommence his -flirtation with Master Alesop's dame. But she, having by chance heard -a word or two about slitting of ears, turned up her nose at her -foreign innamorato, and prepared herself to look at Sir Osborne -Maurice, and to listen to Jekin Groby. - -"Oh! it is a prodigious place, the court!" said the clothier, "a very -prodigious place, indeed. But, to my mind, the finest thing about it -is the king himself. Never was such a king; so fine a man, or so noble -in his apparel! I have seen him wear as many as three fresh suits a -day. Then for the broidery, and the cloth of gold, and the cloth of -silver, and the coat of goldsmiths' work: there was a world of riches! -And amongst the nobles, too, there was more wealth on their backs than -in their hearts or their heads, I'll warrant. The nobility of the land -is quite cast away, since the youngsters went to fetch back the Lady -Mary from France, after her old husband the French king died. None but -French silks worn; and good English cloth, forsooth, is too coarse for -their fine backs! And then the French fashions, too, not only touch -the doublet, but affect the vest and the nether end; so that, with -chamfreed edging, and short French breeches, they make such a comely -figure, that except it were a dog in a doublet, you shall not see any -so disguised as our young nobility."[2] - -While the good clothier proceeded, the Portingal had more than once -fidgeted on his seat, as if with some willingness to evade the -apartment; and at length had risen and was quietly proceeding towards -the door, when the eye of Sir Osborne Maurice fixed upon him, with a -sort of stern authority in its glance, which he seemed well to -understand; for, without more ado, he returned to his settle, and -showed as if he had merely risen to stretch the unwieldy length of his -legs by a turn upon the floor. - -In the mean time, Jekin Groby went on. - -"It is a lewd age and a bad, I wot, and the next will be a worse, -seeing that all our young gallants are so full of strange phantasies; -that is, not to say all, for there is the young Earl of Derby, God -bless his noble heart! He is an honest one and a merry, and right -English to the core. One day he meets me in the ante-chamber, where I -had always leave to stand to see all the world go in and out, and he -says to me, 'Honest Jekin Groby,' says he, 'dost thou stand here in -the ante-room waiting for my Lord Cardinal's place, if he should -chance to die?' 'Nay, my good lord,' I was bold to answer, 'I know -that here I am out of place, yet my Lord Cardinal's would not suit -me.' So then he laughed. 'Why not?' says he, 'for certainly thou art -of the cloth.' But hark! they are crying in the court." - -The honest clothier was right, for sundry sounds began to make -themselves heard in the court-yard, announcing the arrival of no -inconsiderable party, which, if one might judge by the vociferation of -the servants, consisted of people that made some noise in the world. - -Up started mine host as well as his rotundity would let him; up -started mine hostess, and out rushed the cook; while, at the same -moment, a bustling lacquey with riding-whip in hand, pushed into the -kitchen, exclaiming, "What's this! what's this! But one tapestried -room, and that engaged? Nonsense! it must be had, and shall be had, -for my young lady and her woman!" - -"A torch! a torch!" cried a voice without. "This way, lady. The rain -is coming on very hard; we shall be much better here." - -All eyes turned towards the door with that anxious curiosity which -every small body of human beings feels when another person is about to -be added to the little world of the moment. But fastidious, indeed, -must have been the taste that could have found anything unpleasing in -the form that entered. It was that of a sweet, fair girl, in the -spring of womanhood: every feature was delicate and feminine, every -limb was small and graceful: yet with that rounded fulness which is -indispensable to perfect beauty. Her colour was not high, but it was -fine; and when she found herself before so many strangers, it grew -deeper and deeper, till it might have made the rose look pale. I hate -long descriptions. She was lovely, and I have said enough. - -By this time the hostess had advanced, and a venerable old man in a -clerical robe had followed into the room, while mine host himself -rolled forward to see what best could be done for the accommodation of -the large party that seemed willing to honour his inn with their -presence. - -"I heard something about the best chamber being engaged," said the -young lady, in a voice that sweetly corresponded with her person, at -the same time turning half towards the hostess, half towards the -clergyman. "I beg that I may disturb no one. Any chamber will do for -me and my woman, if you think we cannot reach the manor to-night." - -"Ay! but if we can have the best chamber, I don't see why not, lady," -said the lady's-maid, who by this time had followed. - -Sir Osborne Maurice advanced. "If it is to me," said he, "that the -best chamber has been assigned, I shall feel myself honoured in -resigning it to a lady, but infinitely more, if my memory serves me -right, and that lady be Lady Constance de Grey." - -"Good heaven, Master Osborne Maurice!" said the lady, colouring again -with evidently no very unpleasant feelings. "I thought you were in -Flanders. When did----?" - -But she had no time to finish her phrase, for the old clergyman cast -himself upon Sir Osborne's neck, and wept like a child. "My dear -Osborne!" cried he, "how? when? where? But I am a fool; how like you -have grown to your dear lady mother! Pardon me, my lord--I mean, -sir--I don't know what I'm talking of. But you know you were my first -pupil, and like my child; and I never thought to see you again before -my old eyes were covered with the dust. Alack! alack! what a fine man -thou art grown! 'Tis just five years, come May, since you came to take -leave of me at the house of this my honoured lady's father; and mind -you how you taught her to shoot with the bow, and how pleased my good -lord her father was to see you?" - -"I have not forgotten one circumstance of the kind hospitality I then -received," said Sir Osborne, "and never shall, so long as I have -memory of anything." - -"Ay, but she has lost the archery," said the old clergyman. "She has -lost it entirely." - -"But I have not lost the bow, Master Osborne," said the lady, with a -smile: "I have it still, and shall some day relearn to draw it." - -There was a strange difference between the manner of the clergyman and -that of the lady, when addressing the young knight. Lady Constance -evidently saw him with pleasure; but she seemed to feel, or to -suppose, that there existed between them a difference of rank, which -made some reserve on her part necessary, while, on the contrary, the -old man gave way to unlimited joy at meeting with his former pupil, -though qualified by an air of respect and deference which mingled -strangely with the expressions of fondness that he poured forth. - -By this time, the host and hostess having removed from the fire, and -the Portingal captain having quietly slipped away in the bustle, no -one remained near it but Jekin Groby; and, he not being very terrific -of aspect, Lady Constance placed herself in one of the vacant seats -till such time as her chamber should be prepared. Sir Osborne wrung -the old tutor's hand affectionately, and whispered, while he followed -to the side of Lady Constance, "I have a word to say to you, and much -upon which to consult you." - -"Good, good!" replied the old man, in the same subdued tone, "when the -lady has retired." - -Having seated themselves round the fire, the conversation was soon -renewed, especially between the tutor and Sir Osborne: Lady Constance -sometimes joining in with her sweet musical voice, and her gentle, -engaging manner, and sometimes falling into deep reveries, which -seemed not of the happiest nature, if one might judge by the grave, -and even sad cast that her countenance took, as she fixed her eyes -upon the embers, and appeared to study deeply the various forms they -offered to her view. - -In the mean time, the clergyman gradually engaged Sir Osborne to -detail some of the adventures which he had met with during the five -years that he had served in the Imperial army then combating in -Flanders; and then he spoke of "moving accidents by flood and field, -of hair-breadth 'scapes in th' imminent deadly breach," and of much -that he had seen, mingled with some small portions of what he himself -had done; and yet, when he told any of his own deeds that had met with -great success, he took care to attribute all to his good fortune and a -happy chance. It was thus, he said, that, by a most lucky coincidence, -he happened to take two standards of the enemy before the eyes of the -late Emperor Maximilian, who, as a recompense, honoured him with -knighthood from his own sword. - -"Indeed!" exclaimed Lady Constance, waking from her reverie; "then I -do congratulate you most sincerely. The road to fortune and to fame is -now open to you, Sir Osborne, and I feel sure, I know, that you will -reach the goal." - -"A thousand thanks, lady, for your good augury!" replied the knight; -"nor do I lack hope, though there are so many competitors in the field -of fame that the difficulty of winning renown is increased. In the -army of Flanders there is many an aspirant with whom it is hard to -contend." - -"True," replied Lady Constance; "but even that makes the contention -more honourable. Oh! we have heard of that army, and its feats of -arms, even here. We cannot be supposed to have received the names of -all those who have done high deeds; but they say that the young Lord -Darnley, the son of the unhappy Earl Fitzbernard, is realizing the -tales of the knights of old. You must have met him, Sir Osborne -Maurice. Do you know him?" - -"I cannot say that I know him well," replied the knight, "though we -have served long in the same army. He has gained some renown, it is -true, but there are many men-at-arms as good as he." - -"I know not well why," said Lady Constance after a pause; "but I have -always been much interested in that young gentleman's history. The -unexpected, and seemingly undeserved, train of misfortunes that fell -upon his house, and the accounts that all men give of his gallantry -and daring, his courtesy and accomplishments, have made him quite one -of my heroes of romance." - -Whether it, be true that very high praises of another will frequently -excite some small degree of envy, even in the most amiable minds, -matters not; but Sir Osborne did not seem very easy in his chair while -Lady Constance recited the high qualities of his companion in arms. "I -have heard," replied he at length, "that the fame which Lord Darnley -has acquired, either justly or unjustly, has even reached the ears of -our sovereign lord the king, and has worked much in favour of those -claims which his family make to their forfeited estates. It is well -known that his grace is the flower of this world's chivalry; and as -the young lord is somewhat skilful in the tournois, and at the -barriers, the king has, I hear, expressed a wish to see him, which, if -he should come over, may turn favourably to his cause." - -"God grant it may!" said Lady Constance, "although I have never seen -the young gentleman, and though the person who now holds his estates -is cousin to my deceased father----" - -"Good God! is it possible?" exclaimed Sir Osborne, "that my lord your -father is dead? But I might have divined it from seeing you here -alone." - -Lady Constance sighed. "I am indeed alone in all the world," said -she. "My father has been dead these three years. My Lord Cardinal -Wolsey claims me as ward of the crown; and as I am now in my -one-and-twentieth year, he calls me to a place I hate: the court. -Knowing no one there, loved of no one there, I shall feel like an -inexperienced being in a sad, strange world. But when the time comes -that I may command my own actions, if they will ever let me do so, I -will return to my father's halls, and live amongst my own tenantry. -But to change a painful subject, my good father," she continued, -turning to the clergyman, "were it not well to send a messenger to Sir -Payan Wileton, to let him know that we shall not arrive at his house -to-night, though we will take our forenoon meal with him to-morrow?" - -The old clergyman seemed somewhat embarrassed. "I know not what to -do," said he. "'Twould be better not to go at all, yet what can be -done? You promised to go as you went to London, and one ought always -to keep one's promise. So what can the lady do?" And he turned -abruptly to Sir Osborne, not so much as if he asked his advice as if -he made him an apology. - -"Why, the lady had certainly better keep her word," answered Sir -Osborne, with a smile; "but you know, my good old friend, that I -cannot judge of the circumstances." - -"Ay, true; I forgot," answered the other. "She must go, I am afraid, -though she knows what the man is, and dislikes him as much as any -one----" - -At this moment the chamberlain entered, with Lady Constance's woman, -announcing that the tapestry chamber was now warmed and lighted; and -the young lady left them, with many apologies to Sir Osborne for -depriving him of his apartment. - -"I warrant you, madam," said Tim Chamberlain, "his worship will be -well lodged; for 'tis but the next room to that he had, and 'tis all -as good, bating the tapestry." - -"I am a soldier, lady," said Sir Osborne, "and not much accustomed to -tapestry to my chamber, without it be the blue hangings of the sky, -spangled with the starry broidery of heaven; but in truth I wish they -had given me but a tramper's garret, that I might at least have had -some merit in giving up the room." - -As the honest clothier, Jekin Groby, who was little heedful of -ceremony, still sat by the fire, though apparently dipped deeply in -the Lethean stream of an afternoon's doze, the conversation of Sir -Osborne Maurice with his old tutor could not be so private as they -could have wished, especially as the cook and the chamberlain were -bustling about laying forth a table for the rere-supper, and two or -three lacqueys who had accompanied the litter of Lady Constance were -running in and out, endeavouring to make as much noise as possible -about nothing. However, they found an opportunity to appoint a place -of meeting in London, to which both were journeying, and it was agreed -that the first arrived should there wait for the other. Many questions -concerning the state of England did Sir Osborne ask of the old man, -for whom he seemed to entertain both reverence and love, and deeply -did he ponder all the answers he received. Often also did the tutor -look anxiously in the face of the young knight, and often did Sir -Osborne return it with the same kind of hesitating glance, as if there -were some subject on which they both wished to speak, yet doubted -whether to begin. - -At length Sir Osborne spoke out, more to the clergyman's thoughts than -his words. "We will talk of all that hereafter in London," said he; -"'twere too long to expose now. But, tell me one thing: know you, my -good father, a celebrated man called in Italy Cesario il dotto? Is he -to be trusted? For I met with him to-day, when he much astonished me, -and much won upon my opinion; but I knew not how far I might confide -in him, though he is certainly a most extraordinary man." - -"Trust your life in his hands!" exclaimed the tutor. "He is your -father's best and dearest friend, and never has he ceased his efforts -to serve him. We used much to dispute, for I am bound by my calling to -hold his studies as evil; but certainly his knowledge was wonderful, -and his intentions were good. God forgive him if he err in his -opinions! as in truth he does, holding strange phantasies of many -sorts of spirits, more than the church allows, with various things -altogether heretical and vain. But, as I have said, trust him with -your life, if it be necessary; for he is a true friend and a good man, -although his knowledge and his art be altogether damnable and -profane." - -"'Tis strange I never heard my father name him," said Sir Osborne. - -"Oh! he bore another name once," replied the tutor, "which he changed -when he first gave himself to those dangerous studies that have since -rendered him so famous. It is a custom among such men to abjure their -name; but he had another reason, being joined in a famous conspiracy -some thirty years ago." - -"Why," said Sir Osborne, "he does not seem a very old man now!" - -"He is full eighty," replied the clergyman; "and there is the wonder, -for he seems never to change. For twenty years he was absent from -England, except when he came to be present at your birth. At length -everybody had forgotten him but your father, and he is now only known -by the name of Sir Cesar. Yet, strange as it may seem, he is received -and courted by the great; he knows the secrets and affairs of every -one, and possesses much influence even in the court. It is true I know -his former name, but under so strict a vow to conceal it that it can -never pass my lips." - -"But how came he present at my birth?" demanded Sir Osborne, whose -curiosity was now highly excited. - -"He came to calculate your nativity," replied the tutor, "which he did -upon a scroll of parchment----" - -"Fifty-six yards long by three yards broad," said Jekin Groby, waking, -"which makes just one hundred and sixty-eight: yaw---- Bless me, I -forgot! Is supper ready? Host, host! Cook, serve quick, and these -gentles will take a bit of my lamb, I am sure." - -"I thank you, good sir," said the knight, "but I must to bed, for I -ride betimes to-morrow." - -"So do I, faith," said the clothier; "and by your leave, sir knight, -I'll ride with you, if you go toward Lunnun; for my bags are well -lined, and company's a blessing in these days of plunder and robbery." - -"With all my heart," replied Sir Osborne; "so that you have your horse -saddled by half-past five, we will to Canterbury together." - -"Well, I'll be ready, I'll be ready," said the clothier; "but sure -you'll stay and taste the lamb and ale? See how it hisses and -crackles! Oh! 'tis a rare morsel, a neck of lamb! Stay stay!" - -"I thank you, 'tis not possible," replied the knight. "Good night, my -excellent old friend!" he continued, pressing the tutor's hand. "We -shall soon meet, then, at the house of your relation, Doctor Butts: -till then, farewell!" - - - - -CHAPTER V. - - You have the captives, - Who were the opposites of this day's strife! - We do require them of you, so to use them - As we shall find their merits and our safety - May equally determine.--Shakspere. - - -The chamber of Sir Osborne Maurice was next to that of Lady Constance -de Grey, and from time to time he could hear through the partition the -sweet murmuring of her voice, as she spoke to the woman who undressed -her. Whatever were the thoughts these sounds called up, the young -soldier did not sleep, but lay pondering over his fate, his brain -troubled by a host of busy meditations that would not let him rest. It -was not that he either was in love with Lady Constance, or fancied -himself in love with her, though he neither wanted ardour of feeling -nor quickness of imagination; and yet he thought over all she said -with strange sensations of pleasure, and tried to draw the graceful -outline of her figure upon the blank darkness of the night. And then, -again, he called up the fortnight that he spent some five years before -at the mansion of her father, when he had gone thither to bid farewell -to his old tutor; and he remembered every little incident as though -'twere yesterday. Still, all the while, he never dreamed of love. He -gave way to those thoughts as to a pleasant vision, which filled up -sweetly the moments till sleep should fall upon his eyelids; and yet -he found that the more he thought in such a train, the less likely was -he to slumber. At length the idea of the Portingal captain crossed his -mind, and he strove to fix at what moment it was that that worthy had -quitted the kitchen of the inn, by recalling the last time he -positively had been there. He tried, however, in vain, and in the -midst of the endeavour he fell asleep. - -The sun had fully risen by the time Sir Osborne awoke; and finding -himself later than he had intended, he dressed himself hurriedly and -ran down to the court, where he met the honest clothier already -prepared to set out. His own horse, thanks to the care of Jekin Groby, -had been accoutred also; and as nothing remained for him to do but to -pay his reckoning and depart, all was soon ready, and the travellers -were on the road. - -"Ah, ha! sir knight," said the clothier, with good-humoured -familiarity, as Sir Osborne sprang into the saddle, "what would they -say in camp if it were known that Jekin Groby, the Kentish clothier, -was in the field before you? Ha, ha, ha! that's good! And you talked, -too, of being off by cock-crow! Lord 'a mercy! poor old chanticleer -has almost thrawn his own neck with crowing, and you never heeded his -piping." - -"I have been very lazy," said the knight, "and know not, in truth, how -it has happened. But tell me, honest Master Groby, did you remark last -night at what hour it was that the vagabond Portingallo took his -departure?" - -"Why, 'twas just when my young lady, Mistress Constance, came in," -said the clothier; "he slipped away, just as I've seen a piece of -cloth slip off a shelf, fold by fold, so quietly that no one heard it, -till, flump! it was all gone together. But, bless us!" he continued, -"how comical! our horses are both of a colour. Never did I see such a -match, only mine has got a white foot, which is a pity. Bought him in -Yorkshire when I went down after the cloth. Them damned cheats, -however, painted me his white foot, and 'twas not till I'd had him a -week that I saw his foot begin to change colour. Vast cheats in -Yorkshire! Steal a man's teeth out of his head if he sleeps with his -mouth open." - -"It is a good horse, though," said Sir Osborne; "rather heavy in the -shoulder. But it is a good strong horse, and would bear a man-at-arms -well, I doubt not." - -Jekin Groby was somewhat of a judge in horse-flesh, notwithstanding -his having been gulled by the Yorkshire jockeys; and, what was more, -he piqued himself upon his knowledge, so that he soon entered upon a -strain of conversation with Sir Osborne which could only be -interesting to connoisseurs. This continued some way as they trotted -along the road, which offered no appearance of anything bearing the -human form divine, till they came to a spot where the way had been cut -between two high banks, formed of chalky soil mingled with veins of -large flints. On the summit of one of these banks was perched a man, -who seemed looking out for something, as he stood motionless, gazing -down the road towards them. Upon his shoulder he carried a pole, or -staff, as it was called, some thirteen feet long, with a sharp iron -head, such as was frequently carried by the people of the country in -those days, serving both as a means of aggression or defence, and as a -sort of leaping-pole wherewith they cleared the deep ditches by which -the country was in many parts intersected. The man himself was -apparently above the ordinary height. Whoever he was, and whatever was -his occupation, no sooner did he see the travellers, than, descending -the bank by means of the veins of flint, which served him as steps, he -ran on as hard as he could, and then, turning off through a little -stile, was seen proceeding rapidly across a field beyond. - -"Did you remark that fellow with his long pole?" demanded Sir Osborne. -"We have frightened him: look, he runs!" - -"He is vexed to see more than one at a time, sir knight," replied -Jekin Groby. "God's fish! I am glad I had your worship with me." - -"Why, he can mean us no harm," said Sir Osborne. "The moment a man -flies he changes from _your_ enemy and becomes his own. But that -fellow was evidently looking out for some one: now, if he know not -that you are travelling here with your bags well lined, as you express -it, which doubtless you are too wise a man to give notice of to every -one, he cannot be watching for _us_, for my plunder would not be worth -his having. I rather think he is some fellow hawking fowl, by the long -staff he has on his shoulder." - -"It may be so," replied the cloth-merchant. "One is bound to think -charitably, and never to judge rashly; but i'faith, I am mistaken if -he is not a vast rogue. As to their not knowing that my bags are -pretty full of angels, trust them for that. No one is robbed without -the consent of the chamberlain or hostler where last he lodged. The -moment you are off your beast, they whip you up your cap-case or -budget, as it may happen; and if they can't find out by the weight, -they give it a shake, after such a sort as to make the pieces jingle. -Then again, as for his pole or staff, as you term it, those fellows -with their staves are so commonly known for robbery on the road, that -no honest man rides without his case of dags at his saddle-bow, or -something of the kind to deal with them out of reach of their pike, -which sort of snapper, truly, I see your worship has got as well as -myself." - -"Oh! you need not fear them," said Sir Osborne, somewhat amused at the -alarm of the clothier, though willing to allay it. "You are a stout -man, and I am not quite a schoolboy." - -"Oh! I fear them! I don't fear them," replied Jekin, affecting a -virtue which he had not; for though, in truth, not very sensible to -fear of a mere personal nature, yet his terror at the idea of losing -his angels was most pious and exemplary. "A couple of true men are -worth forty of them; and besides, the fellow has run away. So now to -what I was telling your worship about the horse. He cleared the fence -and the ditch on t'other side; but then there was again another low -fence, not higher, nor--let me see--not higher nor---- Zounds! there's -Longpole again! Lord! how he runs! He's a-poaching, sure enough." But -to continue. - -During the next mile's journey, the same occurrence was repeated four -or five times, till at last the appearance of the man with the staff, -whom Jekin Groby had by this time christened Longpole, was hardly -noticed either by the knight or his companion. In the mean time the -horsemen proceeded but slowly, and at length reached a spot where the -high bank broke away, and the hedge receding left a small open space -of what appeared to be common ground. Its extent perhaps might be half -an acre, lying in the form of a decreasing wedge between two thick -hedges, full of leafless stunted oaks, terminated by a clump of larger -trees, which probably hung over a pond. Thus it made a sort of little -vista, down which the eye naturally wandered, resting upon all the -tranquil, homely forms it presented, with perhaps more pleasure than a -vaster or a brighter scene could have afforded. Sir Osborne looked -down it for a moment, then suddenly reined in his horse, and pointing -with his hand, cried to Jekin Groby, who was a little in advance, "I -see two men hiding behind those trees, and a third there in the hedge. -Gallop quick; 'tis an ambush!" - -The clothier instantly spurred forward his horse; but his passage was -closed by two sturdy fellows, armed with the sort of staves which had -obtained for their companion the name of Longpole. Animated with the -same courage in defence of his angels that inspires a hen in -protection of her chickens, Jekin Groby drew forth his dags, or -horse-pistols, and, with the bridle in his teeth, aimed one at the -head of each of his antagonists. The aggressors jumped aside, and -would probably have let him pass, had he not attempted too boldly to -follow up his advantage. He pulled the triggers, the hammers fell, but -no report ensued; and it was then he felt the folly of not having well -examined his arms before he left the inn. - -In the mean while Sir Osborne Maurice was not unemployed. At the same -moment that Jekin Groby had been attacked, a man forced his way -through the hedge, and opposed himself to the knight, while sundry -others hastened towards them. Sir Osborne's first resource was his -pistol, which, like those of the clothier, had been tampered with at -the inn. But the knight lost not his presence of mind, and spurred on -his horse even against the pike. The animal, long accustomed to combat -where still more deadly weapons were employed, reared up, and with a -bound brought the knight clear of the staff, and within reach of his -adversary, on whose head Sir Osborne discharged such a blow with the -butt-end of his pistol as laid him senseless on the ground. - -With a glance of lightning he saw that at least a dozen more were -hurrying up, and that the only chance left was to deal suddenly with -the two, who were now in a fair way to pull the clothier off his -horse, and having despatched them, to gallop on with all speed. -Without loss of a moment, therefore, he drew his sword and spurred -forward. One of honest Jekin's assailants instantly faced about, and, -with his pike rested on his foot, steadfastly opposed the cavalier. -However, he was not so dexterous in the use of his weapon that Sir -Osborne could not by rapidly wheeling his horse obtain a side view of -the pike, when by one sweeping blow of his long-sword he cleft it in -twain. One moment more and the unhappy pikeman's head and shoulders -would have parted company, for an arm of iron was swaying the edge of -the weapon rapidly towards his neck, when suddenly a powerful man -sprang upon the knight's horse behind, and pinioned his arms with a -force which, though it did not entirely disable him, saved the life of -his antagonist. - -Using a strong effort, Sir Osborne so far disengaged his arms as to -throw back the pommel of his sword into the chest of this new -adversary, who in a moment was rolling in the dust; but as he fell, -another sprang up again behind the knight, and once more embarrassed -his arms: others seized the horse's bridle, and others pressed upon -him on every side. Still Sir Osborne resisted, but it was in vain. A -cord was passed through his arms, and gradually tightened behind, in -spite of his struggling, where, being tied, it rendered all further -efforts useless. - -Hitherto not a word had been spoken by either party. It seemed as if, -by mutual understanding, the attacking and the attacked had forborne -any conversation upon a subject which they knew could not be decided -by words. - -At length, however, when they had pulled Sir Osborne Maurice off his -horse, and placed him by the side of Jekin Groby, who had now long -been in the same situation, the tallest of the party, evidently no -other than the agreeable gentleman who had watched them along the road -with such peculiar care, and whom we shall continue to call Longpole, -advanced, holding his side, which was still suffering from the pommel -of Sir Osborne's sword; and after regarding them both, he addressed -himself to the knight, with much less asperity than might have been -expected from the resistance he had met with. "Thou hit'st damned -hard!" said he; "and I doubt thou hast broken one of my ribs with thy -back-heave. Howsoever, I know not which of you is which, now I've got -you. Faith, they should have described me the men, not the horses; -both the horses are alike." - -"Is your wish to rob us or not?" said Sir Osborne; "because in robbing -us both you are sure to rob the right. Only leave us our horses, and -let us go; for to cut our throats will serve you but little." - -"If I wished to rob thee, my gentleman," answered Longpole, "I'd cut -thy throat too, for breaking my companion's head, who lies there in -the road as if he were dead, or rather as if he were asleep, for he's -snoring like the father-hog of a large family, the Portingallo -vagabond! However, I'll have you both away; then those who sent to -seek you will know which it is they want. Hollo there! knock that -fellow down that's fingering the bags. If one of you touch a stiver -I'll make your skins smart for it." - -"I see several Portingals," said Sir Osborne, "or I mistake. Is it not -so?" - -"Ay, Portingals and Dutchers, and such like mixed," replied Longpole. -"But come; you must go along." - -A light now broke upon the mind of Sir Osborne. "Listen," cried he to -the Englishman, as he was preparing to lead them away; "how comes it -that you Englishmen join yourselves with a beggarly race of wandering -vagabonds to revenge the quarrel of a base-born Portingallo captain -upon one of your own countrymen? Give me but a moment, and you shall -hear whether he did not deserve the punishment I inflicted." - -Longpole seemed willing to hear, and one or two others came round, -while the rest employed themselves in quieting the knight's horse, -that, finding himself in hands he was unaccustomed to, began plunging -and kicking most violently. - -"I will be short," said the knight. "This Portingal had agreed to -furnish a cargo of fruits to the Imperial army in Flanders; 'tis now -two years ago, for we had a malignant fever in the camp. He got the -money when they were landed, and was bringing them under a small -escort, which I commanded, when we found our junction cut off by the -right wing of the enemy's army, which had wheeled. The greatest -exertion was necessary to pass round through a hollow way; the least -noise, the least flutter of a pennon, would have betrayed us to the -French outposts, who were not more than a bow-shot from us, when our -Portingal stopped in the midst, and vowed he would not go on, unless I -promised to pay him double for the fruit, and not to tell anybody of -what he had done. If I had run my lance through him, as I was tempted, -his companions would have made a noise, and we were lost; so I was -obliged to promise. He knew he could trust the word of an English -knight, so he went on quietly enough, and got his money; but then I -took him out into a field, and after a struggle, I tied him to a tree, -and lashed him with my stirrup-leathers till his back was flayed. He -was not worth a knight's sword, or I would have swept his head off. -But tell me, is it for this a party of Englishmen maltreat their -countrymen?" - -"You served him right, young sir," answered Longpole; "and I remember -that malignant fever well, for I was then fletcher to Sir John -Pechie's band of horse archers. But, nevertheless, you must come -along; for the Portingallo and his men only lend a hand in taking you -to Sir Payan Wileton, who tells us a very different story, and does -not make you out a knight at all." - -Sir Osborne replied nothing (for it seemed that the name of Sir Payan -Wileton showed him reply was in vain), but suffered himself to be led -on in silence by Longpole and five of bid stoutest companions, while -the rest were directed to follow with Jekin Groby and the two horses, -as soon as the Portuguese whom the knight had stunned should be in a -fit state to be removed. - -For some way Sir Osborne was conducted along the highroad without any -attempt at concealment on the part of those who guarded him; and even -at a short distance from the spot where the affray had happened they -stopped to speak with a carter, who was slowly driving his team on to -the village. "Ah! Dick," said he, addressing Longpole, "what hast been -at?" - -"Why, faith," answered the other, "I don't well know. It's a job of -his worship's. You know he has queer ways with him; and when he tells -one to do a thing, one knows well enough what the beginning is, but -what the end of it is to be no one knows but himself. He says that -this gentleman is the man who excited the miners on his Cornish lands -to riot and insurrection, and a deal more, so that he will have him -taken. He don't look it, does he? If it had been to-morrow I'd not -have gone upon the thing, for to-day my sworn service is out." - -"Ay! ay!" said the other; "'tis hard to know Sir Payan. Howsomdever, -he has got all the land round about, one way or t'other, and -everything must yield to him, for no one ever withstood him but what -some mischance fell upon him. Mind you how, when young Davors went to -law with him, and gained his cause, about seven acres' field, he was -drowned in the pond when out hawking, not a year after? Do not cross -him, man! do not cross him! for either God's blessing or the devil's -is upon him, and you'll come to harm some way if you do!" - -"I'll not cross him, but I'll leave him," said Longpole; "for I like -neither what I see nor what I hear of him, and less what I do for him. -So, fare thee well, boy." - -Sir Osborne Maurice had fallen into a profound reverie, from which he -did not wake during the whole of the way. The astrologer's prediction -of approaching evil, and a thousand other circumstances of still more -painful presage, came thronging upon his mind, and took away from him -all wish or power either to question his conductors or to devise any -plan for escape, had escape been possible. - -The way was long, and the path which Longpole and his companions -followed led through a variety of green fields and lanes, silent and -solitary, which gave the young knight full time to muse over his -situation. Had he given credit to the words of his conductor, and for -an instant supposed that the reason of his having been so suddenly -seized was the charge of instigating a body of Cornish miners to -tumult, he would have felt, no apprehension; for he knew it would be -easy to clear himself of crimes committed in a county which he had -never seen in his life. But Sir Osborne felt that if such a charge -were brought forward, it would merely be as a pretext to place him in -the power of his bitterest enemies. - -The manner in which he had been made a prisoner, so different from the -open, fair course of any legal proceeding, the persons who had seized -him bearing no appearance of officers of the law, the doubt that the -chief of them had himself expressed as to the veracity of the charge, -and the presence of a set of smuggling Portuguese sailors, all showed -evidently to Sir Osborne that his detention solely originated in some -deep wile of a man famous for his daring cunning and his evil deeds. -Yet still, knowing the full extent of his danger, and blessed with a -heart unused to quail to any circumstance of fate, the knight would -have felt no apprehension, had not odd little Human Nature, who always -keeps a grain or two of superstition in the bottom of her snuff-box, -continually reminded him of the prophecy of his singular companion of -the day before, and reproached him for not having followed the advice -which would infallibly have removed him from the difficulties by which -he was now surrounded. The mysterious vagueness, too, the shadowy -uncertainty, of the predicted evil, which seemed even now in its -accomplishment, in despite of all his efforts, weighed upon his mind; -and it was not till the long, heavy brick front of an old manor-house -met his view, giving notice that he was near the place of his -destination, that he could arouse his energies to encounter what was -to follow. - -The large folding-doors leading into a stone hall were pushed open by -his conductors, and Sir Osborne was brought in, and made to sit down -upon a bench by the fire. One or two servants only were in the hall; -and they, unlike the persons who brought him, were dressed in -livery, with the cognizance of Sir Payan--a snake twisted round a -crane--embroidered on the sleeve. "His worship is in the book-room, -Dick," said one of the men; "take your prisoner there." - -These few words were all that passed, for an ominous sort of silence -seemed to hang over the dwelling, and affected all within it. Without -reply, Longpole led the young knight forward, followed by two of those -who had assisted in securing him; and at the end of a long corridor, -which terminated the hall, knocked at a door in a recess. - -"Come in!" cried a voice within; and the moment after, Sir Osborne -found himself confronted with the man whose name we have often had -occasion to mention with but little praise in the course of the -preceding pages, Sir Payan Wileton. He was seated in an arm-chair, at -the farther end of the small book-room, which, all petty as it was, -when compared with the vast libraries of the present day, offered a -prodigy in point of literary treasure, in those times when the -invention of the press had made but little progress towards -superseding the painful and expensive method of manual transcription. -About a hundred volumes, in gay bindings of vellum and of velvet, -ornamented the shelves, and two or three others lay on a table before -him, at which also was seated a clerk, busily engaged in writing. - -Sir Payan himself was a man of about fifty, of a deep ashy complexion, -and thin, strongly-marked features. His eyes were dark, shrewd, and -bright, and sunk deep below his brows, in the midst of which was to be -observed a profound wrinkle, which gave his face a continual frown. -His cheek-bones were high, his hair was short and grizzled, and his -whole appearance had, perhaps, more of sternness than of cunning. - -On the entrance of Sir Osborne Maurice, for a moment no one spoke, and -the two knights regarded each other in silence, with an austere -bitterness that might have spoken them old enemies. But while he gazed -on the young knight, Sir Payan's hand, which lay on some papers before -him, gradually contracted, clenched harder and harder, till at length -the red blood in his thin knuckles vanished away, and they became -white as a woman's by the force of the compression. But it was in -vain! Sir Osborne's glance mastered his, and dashing his hand across -his brow, he broke forth:-- - -"So, this is he who excited my tenants and labourers to revolt against -the king in that unfortunate Cornish insurrection, and who led them on -to plunder my bailiff's dwelling, and to murder my bailiff! Clerk, -make out instantly the warrant for his removal to Cornwall, with -copies of the depositions taken here, that he may be tried and -punished for his crimes on the spot where they were committed." - -"Sir Payan Wileton," said the knight, still regarding him with the -same steady, determined gaze, "we meet for the first time to-day; but -I think you know me." - -"I do, sir; I do!" replied Sir Payan, without varying from the hurried -and impatient manner in which he had spoken at first. "I know you for -a rebellious instigator to all kinds of mischief, and for a homicide. -Speak, Richard Heartley; did the prisoner offer any resistance? Has he -added any fresh crimes to those he has already perpetrated?" - -"Resist!" cried Longpole; "ay, your worship, he resisted enough, and -broke one of the Portingallos' heads, but not more than was natural or -reasonable. The other one resisted too; yet it was easy to see that -this one was of gentle blood, which was what your worship wanted, I -doubt not. But, however, as they were both mounted on strong black -horses, such as your honour described, we brought them both up." - -"Umph!" said Sir Payan, biting his lip; "there were two, were there?" -And he muttered something to himself. "Send me here the captain -----, or Wilson the bailiff. It must be ascertained which is -which--though there can be no doubt--there can be no doubt!" - -"Mark me, Sir Payan Wileton," said Sir Osborne, the moment the other -paused. "Mark me, and take good heed before you too far commit -yourself. We know each other, and, therefore, a few words will -suffice. Five people in England are aware of my arrival, and equally -aware of where I slept last night, and when I set out this morning. -Judge, therefore, whether it will not be easy to trace me hither, and -to free me from your hands." - -Sir Payan Wileton had evidently been agitated by some strong feeling -on first beholding the young knight; but by this time he had -completely mastered it, and his face had resumed that rigid austerity -of expression with which he was wont to cover all that was passing in -his mind. - -"Railing, sir, and insinuations will be found of no use here," he -said, calmly. "Clerk, make good speed with those warrants! Oh! here is -Wilson. Now, Wilson, look at the prisoner well, and tell me if you are -sure that he is the person who assaulted you yesterday, and who led -the miners when they burned your father's house in Cornwall. Look at -him well!" - -The young man, whom it may be remembered Sir Osborne Maurice had -dispatched so unceremoniously over the wall of old Richard Heartley's -garden, now advanced, and regarded the knight with a triumphant grin. - -"Oh, ho! my brave bird, what! you're limed, are you?" he muttered; and -then, turning to Sir Payan, "yes, your worship, 'tis he," he -continued. "I'm ready to swear that 'twas he led the men that burned -Pencriton House, and that threw me over the wall, because I struck old -Heartley for calling your worship a usurping traitor and----" - -But at that moment Longpole laid a grasp upon his collar that almost -strangled him. - -"You struck my father, did you?" exclaimed he; "then pray God to make -all your bones as soft as whit-leather, for if they're but as crisp as -buttered toast, I'll break every one in your skin!" - -"Silence!" cried Sir Payan Wileton; "silence, Heartley! If your father -has been struck, I will take care he shall have satisfaction." - -"With your worship's good leave, I will take care of it myself," -replied Longpole. "I never trust any one to give or to receive a -drubbing for me. I like always to calculate my own quantity of -crabstick." - -"Silence!" said Sir Payan; "again I say, silence! My good Richard, I -assure you, you shall be satisfied. Clerk, swear Wilson to the -depositions he made. Oh! here is the Portingallo. Captain, is that the -man you remember having seen in Cornwall when you were last there?" - -"Yes, yes, el Pero! that was himself!" cried the captain; "I sawed him -at the ale-house at Penzance with my own eye, when I went to fetch the -cargo of coal." - -"You mean of tin, captain," said Sir Payan. - -"Yes, yes, of ten," replied the Portuguese. "It was just ten, I -remember." - -Sir Osborne's patience was exhausted. - -"Vagabond! thief!" cried he, "do you remember my scourging you with -the stirrup-leathers in Flanders, till there was not an inch of skin -upon your back?" - -"Yes, yes, that was your turn," said the captain; "I scourge you now." - -"Remark what he says," cried Sir Osborne, to those who stood round, -"and all of you bear witness in case----" - -"Prisoner, you stand committed," cried Sir Payan, in a loud voice. -"Take him away! Suffer him not to speak! Richard Heartley, place him -in the strong-room at the foot of the stair-case, and having locked -the door, keep guard over him. Captain, stay you with me; all the -rest, go." - -The commands of Sir Payan were instantly obeyed; and the room being -cleared, he pressed his hands before his eyes, and thought deeply for -some moments. - -"He is mine!" cried he at length, "he is mine! And shall I let him out -of my own hands now that I have him, when 'twould be so easy to -furnish him with a hook and a halter wherewith to hang himself, as the -good chaplain and John Bellringer did to the heretic Hun, in the -Lollards' Tower last year? But no, that is too fresh in the minds of -men, and too many suspicions are already busy. So, my captain--I -forgot. Sit down, my good captain. I am, as we agreed, about to give -this young man into your hands to take to Cornwall. Why do you laugh?" - -"He! he! Cornwall," cried the captain; "I do not go in Cornwall." - -"Nay, some time in your life you will probably voyage to Cornwall as -well as to other lands," said Sir Payan. "Now, 'tis the same to me -whether you take him there now or a hundred years hence: you may carry -him all over the world if you will, and drop him at the antipodes." - -"I understand, I understand," replied the Portingal; "you have much -need to get rid of him, and you give him to me. Well, I will take your -present, if you give me two hundred golden angels with him." Sir Payan -nodded assent. "But let me understand quite all well," continued the -captain: "you want me to take him to Cornwall. There is one Cornwall -at the bottom of the sea; do you mean that?" - -"'Twere fully as good as the other," said Sir Payan, "if the journey -were short, and the conveyance sure." - -"Two cannon-shot will make it a quick passage," replied the captain; -"but they must be made of gold, my good worship." - -"Why of gold?" demanded Sir Payan. "Oh! I catch your meaning. But you -grow exorbitant." - -"Not I," said the Portingal; "I only ask two hundred angels more. Why, -an indulgence will cost me half the pay. It's very dear drowning a -man. If you like me to take him and leave him in Turkey with the -Ottomites, I will do it for the two; but if I send him to Cornwall, -he! he! he! you shall give me four." - -"But how shall I know that it is done?" said Sir Payan, thoughtfully. -"But that must be trusted to. You are not such a child as to be -pitiful. _Men_ know how to avenge themselves, and you heard his boast -of having scourged you. If you be a man, then do not forget it." - -"Forget it!" cried the Portingal, his dark brows knitting till they -almost hid his eyes; "give me the order under your hand, and fear -not." - -"What! an order to murder him!" cried Sir Payan. "Think you my brain -is turned?" - -"No, no! You have the wrong," said the Portingal; "I mean an order to -take him to Cornwall. It shall be very easy to drop him by the way. If -I was exorbitant, as you call me, I had make you pay more, because for -why, I know you would eat your hand to get rid of him; else why have -you make me bring you news of him when he was in Flanders? Why you pay -three spies two crowns the month to give you news every step he took? -Oh! I know it all. But it is this: I am an honest merchant and no -rogue, and when I pop him in the sea I do a little bit of my own -business and a big bit of yours, so I do not charge you so much as if -it was all yours. Is not that honest?" - -"Honest!" said Sir Payan, with a grim smile; "yes, very honest. But -mark me, Sir Captain! I'll have some assurance of you. Thus shall it -be: I'll give you a warrant to take him to Cornwall, but you shall -sign me a promise to drop him overboard by the way, so that there be -no peaching; for when our necks are in the same halter, each will take -care not to draw the cord on his fellow, lest he be hanged himself." - -"Well, well," said the Portingal, "that's all right. No fear of me, -and you will not for your own sake. But look here, Sir Payan. What -have you intended to do with the other man that was taken with him, as -they tell me, who was at the inn-house, and will tell it to all the -world? He's the fat clothier; give him to me too, and let my men have -the clearing of his bags. You owe them something for the job, and one -has had his head broke, and will die by the time he is aboard. -Besides, they were never paid for bringing you up the whole cargo of -strong wine, five years past, which was paid for by Dudley, the -sequestrator." - -"Then he should have paid for the carriage," said Sir Payan. - -"But he never got it!" cried the Portingal. "You kept all when you -heard he was in prison, good Sir Payan; and when they did take his -head off, you drank the wine yourself. But say, will you, or will you -not, let my men have all that is inside that fat clothesman's bags, -and I will take him, so that you shall never see him again? If not, -your whole business shall soon be known by everybody in the world by -his tongue." - -Sir Payan thought for a moment. "It must e'en be so," said he at -length. "Take him, but do not hurt him; and as to his bags, do as you -like." - -"Oh! hurt him! no!" answered the other. "In six months he shall be so -good a sailor as any of the others, and two thousand miles away. But -we must get off to-night. I will go down, get the boat close under the -cliffs, and be back by about one o'clock in the morning. Have all -ready against I come, the gold and the order--warrant, as you call it, -and all; and lock all my men up in the big granary, with a thing of -bacon, and a big cask of liquor; so shall they be all drunk before -three, and asleep by four, and sober again by the while I am back, and -nobody hear anything about their being here at all." - -"That you must do yourself before you go," said Sir Payan. "In the -mean time, I must take care that the prisoners be kept out of sight, -for a lady cousin is to be here by noon, and neither she nor hers must -hear of this. I myself must be away. She came not yesterday when she -should have come; and fain would I pick a quarrel with her house, for -they have lands too near my own to be any others than my own. So, -though I have ordered her a banquet, yet shall she be served with -scanty courtesy; then, if one word of anger fall from her, there shall -more follow." - -"Oh! if I be here when she shall come," said the Portingal, "I will -give her some cause either to be pleased or angry." - -"What wilt thou do, fellow?" demanded Sir Payan sternly. "Beware! -remember she is of my blood." - -"Oh! nothing, nothing!" replied the captain, "only tell her some -little compliment upon her beauty. But, my good worship, can you trust -all your men about these prisoners?" - -"All! all!" replied Sir Payan. "There is no fear. No one of them but I -could hang one way or another, and they know it. All except Heartley, -and he is bound to me by an illegal oath, wrung from him by fear of -seeing his father driven out this hard winter. But 'tis past noon now. -Ho! without there! Send in my clerk. What! are the horses saddled? -Farewell, Sir Portingal, till one i' the morning!" - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - - Thrice had I loved thee - Before I knew thy face or name: - So in a voice, so in a shapeless flame, - Angels affect us oft, and worshipped be.--Donne. - - -The place to which Sir Osborne Maurice was conveyed, when the -servants, according to their master's commands, removed him from the -book-room, was a large dark chamber, running along beneath the whole -extent of the principal stair-case, and some way into one of the -towers beyond. The old manor-house--which for many reasons Sir Payan -still inhabited, even after dispossessing Lord Fitzbernard of Chilham -Castle--although built of brick, in a more modern style than the -ancient holds of the feudal nobility, had not entirely abandoned the -castellated architecture formerly in use. Here and there, upon the -long front of the building, was fastened a large square tower, useless -as a defence, and inconvenient as a dwelling; and at every angle -appeared an imposthume-like watch-turret, of redder brick than the -rest, like carbuncles upon the face of a drunkard. The curse of small -windows also was upon the house, making it look as sombre without as -it was dark within, and the thick leafless wood that swept round it on -both sides excluded great part of that light which might otherwise -have found its way into the gloomy mansion. - -Darker than all the rest was the chamber to which Sir Osborne Maurice -was conveyed; the whole of that part which was under the stair-case, -receiving no light whatever, except from the other half, that, placed -in one of the square towers, possessed the privilege of an unglazed -window near the ceiling. It would be difficult to say for what purpose -this chamber was originally contrived; but it is probable that at the -time the house was built (during the contentions of York and -Lancaster), such rooms might be necessary, even in private houses, -both as places of strength and concealment, although too weak to -resist long attack, and too easy of discovery to afford any very -secure lurking-place. The use to which Sir Payan Wileton applied it -was in general that of a prison for deer-stealers and other offenders -who came before him in his magisterial capacity, which offenders he -took care should ever be as numerous as there were persons of the -lower orders who opposed or displeased him. - -The men who conducted the young knight shut the door immediately upon -him; and thus being left to ruminate over his fate, with his arms -still tightly pinioned behind him, and scarcely light sufficient to -distinguish any objects which the room contained, it may well be -conceived that his meditations were not of the most pleasant -description. But, nevertheless, indignation had roused his spirit, and -he no longer felt that depression of mind, and abandonment of hope, -which for a time had overpowered him. His first thoughts, therefore, -were now of escape and revenge, but for the moment no means presented -themselves of either; and though he searched round the apartment, -ascertaining the nature and extent of his prison, which only consisted -of that room and a large closet containing some straw, no chance -whatever of flight from thence presented itself, and he was obliged to -wait in hopes of circumstances proving his friend. - -In about half an hour, the voice of Sir Payan Wileton was heard -without, giving various orders, and a moment after, the trampling of -horses sounded as if passing by the window. To Sir Osborne, accustomed -for several years to watch with warlike acuteness every motion of a -shrewd and active enemy, these sounds gave notice that his persecutor -was gone for the time, and even the circumstance of his absence -excited in the bosom of the young knight fresh expectation of some -favourable opportunity. - -Hardly had Sir Payan departed, when the lock, which might well have -fastened the door of an antediluvian giant, squeaked harshly with the -key; and the tall fellow, whom we have denominated hitherto, and shall -still continue to denominate Longpole, entered, and pushed the door -behind him. - -"The devil's gone out on horseback," said he, coming near Sir Osborne, -and speaking low, "and I have just got a minute to thank your -worship." - -"To thank me, my friend!" said Sir Osborne, somewhat doubting the -man's meaning; "for what should you thank me?" - -"For throwing the man over a hedge that struck my father," said -Longpole, "and by that I see you are a true heart and a gentleman--and -a knight into the bargain, I am sure, in spite of all Sir Payan's -tales, and his minion's false swearing; and if I were not his sworn -servant I'd let you off this minute, if I could find a way." - -"But is it not much worse to aid in so black a plot as this than to -leave this vile suborner, who is not your born master, and never can -be lawfully, if you be the son of old Richard Heartley? Only hear me." - -"Nay, sir knight," said Longpole; "faith I must not hear you, for I -must mind my oath, and do as I'm bid, though it be the devil bids me. -I only came to thank you, before I brought the other prisoner here, -and to tell you, that though I have forgotten and forgiven many hard -knocks, I never forget a good turn, and that you'll find, whatever you -may think now. Every dog has his day, but the dog-days don't last all -the year." - -After this quaint hint he waited for no reply, but quitted the room as -fast as possible, and in a moment after returned, pushing in the -unfortunate Jekin Groby almost drowned in his own tears. - -"Here, I've brought your worship a great baby," cried Longpole, before -he closed the door, "who has wasted as much salt water in five minutes -as would have pickled a side of bacon." - -As soon as they were alone, Sir Osborne attempted to comfort the -unhappy clothier as far as he could, assuring him that he had nothing -to fear; for that he was not in the least the object of the attack, -which had only comprised him on account of his being present at the -time. - -"But my bags! my bags!" blubbered Jekin Groby; "they've got my bags: -four hundred and twelve golden angels, and a pair of excellent shears, -oh! oh! oh! I know it's along of you that I've got into the scrape. Oh -dear! oh dear! Why the devil didn't you tell me you had made the -Cornish men revolt? then I wouldn't have gone with you; I'd ha' seen -you hanged first. But I'll tell King Henry and Lord Darby, I will; and -I'll have back my angels, I will. Lord! Lord! to think of my being -committed for aiding and abetting Osborne Maurice, alias Osborne -Darling, alias Jenkins, alias Thompson, alias Brown, alias Smith, to -make the Cornish folks revolt; I that was never there in my life!" - -"Nor I either," said the knight, calmly. - -"Why, they all swear you were!" cried Jekin Groby, leaving off -weeping; "and that you and five hundred miners burnt and sacked the -towns, and I believe carried away the steeples on your backs, for a -matter of that, you did so much. They all swear it." - -"And they ail swear falsely," answered Sir Osborne, "as you may very -well see, when they swear that you were there aiding and abetting me." - -"Gads! that's true too," said Groby: "if they swear such big lies -about me, why mayn't they do the like about you? I thought that nice -young lady, and that goodly old priest, would not ha' been so fond of -your worship if you had been a robber and an insurrectionist. Lord a' -mercy! I beg your worship's pardon with all my heart." As Groby lost -sight of the subject of his bags, his grief abated, and looking round -the room, he added, "I say, sir knight, is there no way of getting out -of this place? What think ye o' that window?" - -"If I had my hands free," said Sir Osborne, "I would try to climb up -and see." - -"Gads man! let's see your hands," said Groby; "mine are tied too, but -I've managed many a tight knot with my teeth. Turn round, your -worship, more to the light, such as it is. Ah, here I have it, the -leading cord! Now pull; well done, millstones! It gives!" And what by -dint of gnawing and pulling, in about five minutes Jekin Groby -contrived to loosen the cord that fastened the knight's arms, and a -very slight effort on Sir Osborne's part finished the work, and freed -them completely. The knight then performed the same good office to his -fellow-prisoner; and poor Jekin, overjoyed even at this partial -liberation, jumped and sang with delight. "Hist! hist!" cried he, at -length; "if I remember, that long rascal of a fellow did not lock the -door: let us see. No, as I live, the bolt's not shot. Let us steal -out; but first I'll look through the keyhole. Out upon it! there he -sits, talking to two of his fellows; ay, and there's a latch too on -the outside of this cursed door, with no way to lift it on the in." - -"The window is the surest way," said the knight, "if I can but reach -it. Lend me your back, good master Groby, and I will see. The sun -shines strong through it, and yet I cannot perceive that it throws the -shadow of any bar or grating." - -"Welcome to my back," said the clothier: "but, oh! do not leave me in -this place; pray don't ye, sir knight!" - -"On my honour I will not!" replied the knight, "though it is not you -they care to keep. Once I were away, you might have your liberty the -next hour. But still I will not leave you." - -"Thank you, sir knight, thank you!" said honest Jekin. "All I ask is, -when you are up, help me up too; and if we can get out, leave me as -soon as you like, for the less we are together, I take it, the better -for Jekin Groby. And now upon my back; it is a stout one." - -Jekin now bent his head against the wall, making a kind of step with -his two clasped hands, by means of which Sir Osborne easily got his -elbows on the deep opening of the window, which, from the thickness of -the wall, offered a platform three feet wide, and with an effort he -swung himself up. "Clear, all clear!" cried he, joyfully. "And now, my -good Jekin, let us see how we can get you up. Stay, let me kneel -here;" and turning round, he knelt down, holding out his hands to -Jekin Groby. But it was in vain that Sir Osborne, with all his vast -strength, strove to pull up the ponderous body of the Kentish -clothier. He succeeded, indeed, in raising him about a foot from the -ground, and holding him there, while he made a variety of kicks -against the wall, and sundry other efforts to help himself up, all -equally ineffectual; but at length Sir Osborne was obliged to let him -down, and still remained gazing upon him with a sorrowful countenance, -feeling both the impossibility, with any degree of honour, to leave -him behind, and the impracticability of getting him out. - -Poor Jekin, well understanding the knight's feeling, returned his -glance with one equally melancholy; and after remaining for a moment -in profound silence, he made a vast effort of generosity that again -unloosed the flood-gates of his tears, in the midst of which he -blubbered forth: "Go, sir knight, go, and God speed you! Heaven forbid -that I should keep you here! Go!" - -Sir Osborne jumped down, and shook him by the hand. "Never!" said he, -"never! But there seems still some hope for us. That tall fellow, that -we called Longpole this morning, is more friendly to us than he seems; -and I can tell him something that will perhaps make him serve us more -completely, if he will but hear me. Let me see whether he is now -alone." And by the same means that Jekin Groby had before used to -ascertain that the man was there, Sir Osborne discovered that the two -other servants had left him, and that he was alone. "Hist! Richard -Heartley!" said Sir Osborne, putting his mouth to the keyhole; "hist!" - -"Who calls?" cried Longpole, starting up. - -"'Tis I," said Sir Osborne; "open the door, and speak to me." - -"I dare not! I must not!" cried Longpole. "Have patience!" he -whispered, "have patience! I will come to you after dark." - -"Yet listen to me," said Sir Osborne; but at that moment a sound of -horses' feet was again heard through the open window, and, -unwillingly, he was obliged to desist. - -The arrival of some guest now took place, as Sir Osborne judged by the -sounds which made themselves heard: the inquiries for Sir Payan, the -directions for tending the horses, and the orders to have them at the -gate in an hour, the marshalling to the banquet-hall, the cries of the -serving men, and all the fracas that was made, in that day, in honour -of a visitor. - -"By heaven!" said Sir Osborne, "it is Lady Constance de Grey! I -remember she proposed coming here towards noon. If we could but let -her know that we are here, or good old Dr. Wilbraham, her people would -soon free us. But never does it fall better. Longpole has gone from -his watch, or he might tell her. However, the door is only held by -this latch; let us try to force it. Place your shoulder with mine, -good Groby. Now a strong effort!" But in vain. The giant door stood -unmoved, and Sir Osborne was obliged to resign himself to his fate. - -Presently the noise of serving the repast in the chief hall died away, -and the servants, retiring to their own part of the house, left the -rest in quiet, while not a sound stirred to communicate to the bosoms -of the prisoners any sensation either of hope or expectation. After -about a quarter of an hour's pause, however, a door opened, and the -voice of Lady Constance was heard speaking to Dr. Wilbraham. "Nay, my -good father," she said, "do not go yourself to seek them. Though we -have been treated with but little courtesy, yet we may stay a quarter -of an hour longer. Perhaps the servants have not dined, and that is -the reason they do not come." - -"By your leave, lady, I will go," said the chaplain, "and will see -that the horses be brought up; for to my poor mind we have staid here -too long already for the civility we have received. I will not be -long." - -"Doctor Wilbraham!" cried Sir Osborne, as the door shut; "Doctor -Wilbraham?" But the good tutor turned another way, and passed on -without hearing the voice of his former pupil, and silence resumed her -dominion over the part of the house in which they were placed. In a -minute or two after, however, a heavy foot announced to the watchful -ears of the young knight the approach of some other person; but he -turned away towards the hall where Lady Constance had been left, and -seemed to enter. - -Shortly the voice of the lady made itself heard, speaking high and -angrily, in a tone to which the lips of Constance de Grey seldom gave -utterance. - -"I do not understand what you mean, sir," said she, coming out of the -hall. "Where are my servants? Where is Dr. Wilbraham?" - -"That was not your way, my pretty lady," cried the voice of the -Portingal captain. "Let me kiss your loafly hand, and I will show you -the way." - -"Stand off, sir!" exclaimed Lady Constance. "Dare you insult me in my -cousin's house?" - -"This way! this way! Lady Constance de Grey," cried Sir Osborne, in a -voice that shook the hall. "This way there are friends. Throw up the -latch!" - -At that moment the unscrupulous Portingal seems to have offered some -still greater insult to the young lady; for, with a scream, she darted -towards the spot to which the voice of Sir Osborne directed her, and -throwing up the latch, as he called to her to do, ran in, followed -closely by the Portingal. Urged by fear, Lady Constance flew directly -to the knight, and recognising a friend, clung to him for protection. -The captain, not observing that his hands were freed, did not scruple -to pursue her, even close to the side of the prisoner, calling to her -not to be afraid; that he would show her the way. But Sir Osborne -raised his arm, and in a moment laid the Portingal grovelling on the -ground, with the blood gushing from his mouth and nostrils. - -Lady Constance still clung to the knight, who totally forgetting the -possibility of escape, endeavoured to soothe her and calm her -agitation. Not so Jekin Groby: after pausing for a moment, confounded -by the whole business, he at length bethought him, that as the door -was open he might as well walk out, and with this intent made a quick -step or two towards it. His purpose, however, was defeated by the -Portingal, who recovered from the blow, and perceiving the design of -the clothier, started upon his feet, and jumping through the open -door, banged it in the face of honest Jekin, at the same time making -the whole house ring with his cries of "Help! help! The lady is -letting out the prisoners, and they shall all get loose! Help! help!" -And getting hold of the rope of the alarum, he rang such a peal as -soon brought the whole household, together with the servants of the -Lady Constance, round the door of the strong room. - -Various were now the cries and exclamations: "What's the matter?" "Are -they out?" "Which way did they go?" "Where's the lady?" "Oh Lord!" "Oh -lauk!" "Oh dear!" "Dear me!" "How strange!" "Who'd have thought it!" -While the Portingal, with his face all streaming with blood, explained -to them that Lady Constance wished to let the prisoners out; and that -he, notwithstanding their efforts, had shut them up all together, by -the valour of his invincible arm, and he called his bloody muzzle to -bear testimony to the truth of his asseveration. - -"You lie, you vagabond thief!" cried one of the young lady's servants. -"It was you stole my riding whip, when you ran away in such a hurry -from the inn last night." - -"You must make a great mistake, my friend," said Dr. Wilbraham, who -had come up amongst the rest. "Lady Constance de Grey has too much -respect for the law to assist any prisoners to escape from the house -of a magistrate. Let me in here, and we shall soon hear the truth of -all this." - -"And let me in!" "And let me in!" "And let me in too!" cried a dozen -voices; and all prepared to rush into the room the moment any one -raised the latch, on which Longpole had his hand for the purpose. - -"Devil a one of you!" cried Longpole. "Curiosity, I've heard say, was -one of the great vices of the old gentlewoman of Babylon, and so -certainly I shall not gratify yours. March every one; for his worship, -when he went away, gave me charge of the prisoners, and I am to answer -for them when he comes back. The only one who goes with me shall be -his reverence, who, God bless him, taught me to read and write, and -speak French, when I was little Dick Heartley, the porter's son at the -old castle." - -"And art thou little Dick Heartley?" exclaimed Doctor Wilbraham. "We -are both changed, Dick; but open me the door, good Dick, for by that -Portingalo's speech I fancy the young lady is here also with the -prisoners, though I conceive not how." - -Heartley accordingly opened the door sufficiently to allow the -clergyman to pass, and then following, he shut it, taking care to put -his dagger under the latch, to prevent its obstructing his exit, in -case of the servants' leaving the spot during his stay. - -At first the change from a bright light to comparative obscurity -prevented the good tutor from distinguishing clearly the objects in -the apartment to which he was admitted by Longpole; but who can -express his astonishment when he beheld Sir Osborne? Forgetting Lady -Constance and every other circumstance, he clasped his hands in a sort -of agony. "Good God!" exclaimed he, "is it possible? You here! You, my -lord, in the power of your bitterest enemy? Oh! Osborne, Osborne! what -can be done to save you? And is it you," cried he, raising his voice, -and turning to Longpole, in a tone of bitter reproach, "and is it you, -Richard Heartley, that do the work of jailer upon your own born lord -and only lawful master?" - -"My born lord!" cried Heartley, springing forward; "what does your -reverence mean? Who is he? They told me his name was Maurice--Osborne -Maurice." - -"Osborne Darnley, they should have said," replied the young knight. -"Your old lord's son, Dick Heartley." - -Heartley threw himself at his lord's feet. "Why did not you tell me? -Why did not you tell me?" cried he. "I'd sooner have chopped my hand -off. I that first taught you to draw a bow and level an arrow! I that -sought you all through the camp at Terrouenne to be your servant and -servitor, as in duty bound, only that you were away guarding the fort -bridge on the Lambre! Cut my hand off! I'd rather have ripped myself -up with my dagger." - -It may be supposed that the surprise of Lady Constance and of Jekin -Groby was somewhat analogous to that expressed by Longpole on finding -that the person they had known only as Osborne Maurice, or at best as -Sir Osborne Maurice, an adventurous soldier, whose necessitous courage -had obtained for him the honour of knighthood, was in fact the young -Lord Darnley, whose misfortunes and accomplishments had already -furnished much employment for the busy tongue of fame. To the young -lady, especially, this discovery gave a sensation of timid shame, for -the interest she had so unguardedly displayed in his fate; an interest -which nevertheless she might perhaps feel heightened when she found -all that she had heard of Lord Darnley identified with all that she -knew of Osborne Maurice. "I too may ask, my lord," she said, "why you -did not tell me; or rather, why you did not tell my father, who ever -expressed the deepest interest in your fate, and in his life-time -might have served you?" - -"Your noble father, lady," replied Lord Darnley, "was well aware who I -was, even when I was a guest at his mansion; and he, as well as the -rest of my friends, thought it best that I should still conceal my -name while in England, in order to veil me from the machinations of a -man whose unaccountable interest at court, and unscrupulous nature, -were almost certain to carry through whatever villanous attempt he -undertook against me. Our lands and lordships he holds, not as we did, -by chivalry and tenure of possession, but only as steward of Dover -Castle, an office given and recalled at pleasure. You now see how wise -was the precaution, since here, in the midst of the most civilised -country in Europe, I have been unlawfully seized, on the king's -highway, accused of fictitious crimes, and destined to a fate that -only time will show. To think that I, a man-at-arms, long used to -camps, and, without boasting, on bad soldier either, should be, like -an infant, in the hands of this deep-plotting usurper! 'Tis enough to -drive me mad!" - -"No, no, my lord," said Heartley, or, as we have called him, Longpole, -"don't you fear. They say that when Old Nick stirs the fire, he is -sure to burn his fingers, and when he salts a birch broom, he pickles -a rod for his own back. But stay, let me see that there is no one at -the door listening: no, there they are, at the farther end of the -hall, but they can't hear. So, my lord, I'll undertake to get you out -this blessed night. My oath to Sir Payan is up at twelve o'clock -to-night." - -"No oath can bind you to commit a crime," said the clergyman; "and -that it is a crime to aid in any way in detaining your lord here, can -easily be proved." - -"Oh! your worship," said Heartley, "I can't reason the matter with -your reverence, you'd pose me in a minute; but, nevertheless, I'll -keep my oath, and I can give you a good reason for it. It would do my -lord no good if I was to break it: there are twenty people round about -who would all join to stop him if I were to let him out this moment, -and with my young lady's three servants to boot, we should still be -beaten by the numbers. We must wait till after dark; ay, and till -after the bell rings to bed at eleven; but then I will find means to -free my lord." - -"But may they not have thus time to commit some evil deed?" demanded -Lady Constance, "and your tardy succour may come too late." - -"No, no, my lady," replied Longpole; "I heard yon Portingallo, who is -just riding away, tell his rascally slavish crew, as he was locking -them up in the granary, that at half-past one he was to be back; and -then they were to carry down the two prisoners to the ship, for which -they were to have two hundred gold angels amongst them. Now, we shall -be far enough before half-past one." - -"At all events, my lord," said Lady Constance, "it will not be long -before we are at Canterbury, from whence we can send you sufficient -succour, backed with authority competent to procure your release." - -"But remember, lady," said the knight, "that I am but Sir Osborne -Maurice, and no one must know me as anything else if it can be -avoided; for it is of the utmost consequence to my interest, that at -present I should not appear before our noble but somewhat wayward -king, as I really am. And now, let me return you a thousand and a -thousand thanks for your kind interest past and present; to which but -add one favour. When I am free, give me but one little glove from this -fair hand," and he raised it to his lips, "and I will place it on my -pennon's pike, and write underneath it, _gratitude_; and if it fall in -the listed field, or the battle plain, Darnley is dead." - -"Nay, nay, my lord," replied Lady Constance, with a blush and smile, -"too gallant by half! But you are a prisoner, and I believe promises -made in prison are not held valid. Wait, therefore, till you are free, -and in the mean time you shall have my prayers and best wishes, and -such aid as I can send you from Canterbury I will." - -There is a witchery in the sympathy of a beautiful woman, whose -influence all men must have experienced, and all women understand; and -though our hero felt the most devout conviction that he was not the -least in love in the world with Lady Constance de Grey, there is no -knowing how far his gratitude for the interest she took in his fate -might have carried him, had she remained there much longer; and even -when she left him, and he heard the horses' feet repass the window of -his prison, he felt as if he were ten times more a prisoner than -before. - -There was something so kind and so gentle in her manner, and her smile -illuminated her countenance with such angelic light, that while she -was there, even though speaking of them, his sorrows and his dangers -seemed all forgot. She was so young, and so beautiful too, and there -was in her look and her gesture and her tone so much of that undefiled -simplicity which we love to suppose in a higher nature of beings, that -the young knight, as an admirer of everything that is excellent, might -well make the fair creature that had just left him the theme of his -thoughts long after she was gone; and in such dreams absorbed, he -paced up and down the strong-room, finding out that loss of rank and -fortune was a much greater misfortune than ever, till then, he had -deemed it. - -At the same time that Lady Constance departed, our friend Longpole -also left the prisoners; promising, however, to see them from time to -time during the day, and to find means of liberating them at night. In -this arrangement Jekin Groby took care to be specially included; and -trusting implicitly to the promises of Dick Heartley on the score of -his freedom, his only farther consideration was concerning his bags. - -"Don't you think, my lord," said he, after waiting a moment or two in -order to see whether Lord Darnley would finish his meditative -perambulations; "don't you think King Harry will make this Sir Payan, -or Sir Pagan as they ought to call him, refund my angels? Hey! my -lord?" - -"If there be justice in the land," replied Darnley; "but mark me, good -Jekin; you call me my lord. You have heard me say that it may be of -the utmost detriment to my interest if I be known as Lord Darnley. -Circumstances have put you in possession of my secret; but if you -would pleasure me, if you would not injure me, forget from this moment -that I am any other than Sir Osborne Maurice: call me by no other -title, think of me under no other name." - -"No, indeed, my lord," said Jekin; "I promise your lordship never to -call you my lord again; I won't indeed, my lord! Lord! There, only -see, my lord, I have called you my lord again! Well, it does come so -natural to one, when one knows that you are my lord, to call you my -lord. What a fool I am! But your lordship will forgive me; and so I'll -go and sleep in that straw in the closet, and forget it all, for I -shan't get my natural rest to-night, that's clear." - -So saying, Jekin nestled himself in the straw, which had attracted his -attention, and shutting the door to exclude all light, he was soon -buried in a profound sleep; while Sir Osborne (which, according to his -wish, we shall not cease to call him) continued his meditations, -walking up and down, as if on guard at some dangerous post. - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - - This is a devil, and no monster: I will leave him; I have no long - spoon. The Tempest. - - -One of the strangest problems of our inexplicable nature is the choice -of evil and the rejection of good, even after long experience has -proved that evil and misery are uniformly synonymous. Virtue, it is -true, does not always exempt from sorrow, but crime must ever be -wretchedness. Hope loses its balsam, and fear acquires a keener sting; -the present is anxiety, the past remorse, and the future is despair; -and yet wayward man drinks of the bitter cup when the sweet is offered -to him, and launches his boat upon an angry sea, where storms attend -his course, and shipwreck terminates his voyage, rather than glide -down the smooth current of a tranquil stream, where peace pilots him -on his way, and happiness waits him at the shore. - -Sir Payan Wileton knew not what happiness is. He had drunk the -intoxicating bowl of pleasure, he had drained the boiling draught of -revenge: pride, avarice, vanity, had all been gratified in turn; but -peace he had never sought, content he had never found, and vengeful -passions, like the Promethean vulture, preyed upon him for ever. -Possessed of the vast estates of Chilham Castle, joined to those he -also held of Elham Manor and Hyndesford, his wealth had been fully -sufficient to create for him that interest amongst the powerful of the -land which he could not hope to obtain by virtues or qualities. Thus -powerful, rich, and full of desperate fearlessness, he was dreaded, -detested, courted, and obeyed. He felt, too, that he was detested; and -hating mankind the more, he became the tyrant of the country round. -Seeking to govern by fear instead of esteem, he made his misanthropy -subservient to his pride and to his avarice; and wherever he received -or pretended an offence, there he was sure both to avenge and to -enrich himself. Thus his life was a continual warfare, and in this -active misanthropy he took as much delight as his heart was capable of -feeling. It was to him what ardent spirits are to the drunkard, or the -dice-box to the gambler. - -But there was one constant thorn that goaded him, even in the midst of -the success which attended his other schemes; namely, the fear that -the king might deprive him of the stewardship of Dover Castle, by -which alone he held the estates of Chilham. In vain he had used all -the influence he possessed to have the grant made absolute, or to hold -his land by sergeantry, as it had been held by Lord Fitzbernard; the -king was inexorable, and imagined that he did equal justice when he -refused to restore the estates to the forfeited family, or to grant -the feof thereof to Sir Payan. Indeed, it had been held by cunning -lawyers of the day that Lord Fitzbernard could not lawfully be -dispossessed, except under an attainder, which had never been -attempted against him; and that if it could be proved that the estates -had not reverted to the crown by any default of tenure, or by -extinction, Sir Payan's right would fall to the ground; and that the -only effect of the king's patent of the stewardry of Dover would be to -alienate that office from the family holding the estates. - -Sir Payan was too wise to moot the question; and Lord Fitzbernard, -hiding his indigence in a far part of Wales, had neither the means nor -opportunity of succeeding in a suit against him. The few friends, -indeed, that the test of misfortune had left the earl out of many -acquaintances, strongly urged the king to revoke the grant which his -father had made to a bad man, and to restore the property to a good -one; but they never ventured to hint to the choleric monarch that the -grant itself was illegal. - -However, Sir Payan had long foreseen that a time would come when the -young heir of Chilham Castle might wrench his heritage from the hand -that usurped it, and he resolved at all hazards to strike where the -blow would be most effectual. Several painful indignities had induced -the aged Earl of Fitzbernard to drop a title and a name to the -splendour of which his means no longer were proportioned; and burying -himself, as we have before said, in Wales, he devoted his whole time -to endowing his son both with those elegant and warlike -accomplishments which he fondly hoped would one day prove the means of -re-instating his family in the halls of their ancestors. "Fulbert de -Douvres," he said, "the founder of our family in England, won the -lands and lordships of Chilham at the point of his lance, and why -should not Osborne Darnley, the only descendant of Rose de Douvres, -his daughter, regain his patrimony by his good sword?" - -Happily, his very poverty had removed the old earl from any county -where the influence of Sir Payan Wileton might be felt, or where his -machinations could be carried on successfully. Yet more than one -attempt had been made to carry off the young heir of Chilham Castle, -and little doubt could be entertained in regard to whose hand had -directed them. All, however, had been frustrated by the extraordinary -foresight with which the old earl guarded his son, seeming to have an -intuitive knowledge of the time when any such attack was likely to -take place, and to be always prepared to avoid or repel it. - -At length, however, the time came when the young Osborne Maurice (as -he was now called) was to encounter alone all that his enemies could -do against him; but it seemed as if his father had now lost all fear, -and bidding him resume his real name when he joined the army, he sent -him forth unhesitatingly to win renown. How he acquitted himself we -have in some measure seen, and will now proceed with the circumstances -that followed immediately upon his return to his native country, after -five years of arduous military service. - -The bosom of Sir Payan Wileton, during his absence from the house -where he had left his prisoner, was agitated by a thousand various -passions. Triumph--malice--pride--fear that he might yet, by some -unforeseen circumstance, escape from his hands--newer and vaster -projects of ambition, still, as he made one step sure, seeking to -place another still higher--the feeling of a difficult enterprise -accomplished--the heart-stealing preparation for a fresh crime, and -mingled still withal an unwonted thrilling of remorse, that, like -sounds of music amidst cries of riot and tumult, made discord more -discordant--all occupied the void place of thought, and made him -gallop quickly on, communicating to even his corporeal actions the -hurried agitation of his feelings. - -Thus he proceeded for some way; but when he had ridden on for such a -time as he computed that Lady Constance would remain at his dwelling, -he turned his horse, and prepared to return home, having by his time -striven to remove from his face all trace of any emotion, and having -also, in some degree, reduced his feelings to their usual calm, -determined action. Yet, nevertheless, there was a strange sensation of -horror tugging at his heart, when he thought of the near -accomplishment of his long-entertained designs. "He is too like his -mother," muttered Sir Payan. "But yet I am not a woman to halt in my -purposes for the weak memory of an idle passion, which disappointment -and rejection should long have turned into revenge; and yet I wish he -were not so like his mother." - -As he returned he checked the speed with which he had set out, and was -proceeding leisurely on the road, when he heard the cantering of a -horse coming up behind; and, turning round, perceived the somewhat -curious figure of Sir Cesar the astrologer. It was one, however, well -known to Sir Payan, who (as too often is the case) was destitute of -religion, but by no means emancipated from superstition, and who, -while he rejected the light of revelation, could not refrain from -often yielding to the wild gleams of a dark imagination. - -In the still agitated state of his mind, too, when a sort of feverish -excitement stimulated him to seek from any source knowledge of what -would be the future consequences of his meditated actions, he looked -upon the coming of Sir Cesar as a benefit at the hands of Fortune, and -prepared to take advantage of it. - -Doffing low, therefore, his plumed hat as the old knight rode up, and -bowing almost to his saddle-bow, "Welcome, worthy Sir Cesar," he said; -"any news from your splendid friend his Grace of Buckingham?" - -Sir Cesar touched his palfrey between the ears with his small baton to -make it slacken its pace; and then, after regarding Sir Payan with his -keen dark eyes, as was usual with him on first encountering any one he -knew, he replied, "Welcome, fortunate Sir Payan Wileton! Your star is -in the ascendant!" And while he spoke there was a sort of cynical -sneer on his countenance, which seemed hardly to wish well to him that -he congratulated. - -"It is," replied Sir Payan; "but condescend, good Sir Cesar, to ride -to my dwelling and pass one day with me, and I will tell you more." - -"What can you tell me that I do not know already?" demanded the other. -"Do you think I know not how much you merited from fortune by your -deeds when Perkyn Warbeck fled from Taunton? Do you think I know not -that your enemy is in your power? I do, I do; and as I love the -fortunate, I will come and stay one day at your house, though you know -I tarry nowhere long." - -"I know it well, and hold your sojourn the more honour," answered Sir -Payan; "but let us on, good Sir Cesar; there is much information which -I will seek at your hands, and I know that you never refuse to give it -when it is asked for no idle purpose." - -"No," replied the astrologer; "every man who seeks knowledge from me -shall find it, were he worse than Satan himself; but woe be unto him -if he turn it to an evil account! The deeper damnation be upon his -head!" - -Putting their horses into a quick pace, they now soon reached the -manor-house, the owner of which showed his guest with some ceremony -into the banquet-hall. "How now!" cried he, observing the repast which -had been set before Lady Constance still upon the table; "why have not -these things been removed? And where is Heartley?" - -The answer involved a long account of what had happened during his -absence, in which the story of the Portingallo having frightened Lady -Constance till she fled into the strong-room was told with a greater -degree of accuracy than might have been expected, though the length of -time which she remained there was rather exaggerated, and some -comments upon the conduct of Heartley, otherwise Longpole, were added, -calculated to take from him Sir Payan's confidence. He had prevented -every one from going in, the servant said, but himself, and had -remained all the time the lady was there. - -"He did right," was the laconic reply of Sir Payan; "go to the -granary, where are the Portingallos and their contraband goods, and -bid the red-haired Dutchman who speaks English to come hither -directly. The key hangs on the nail in the passage." - -Sir Payan's plan was formed at once. He doubted not that the -communication which had taken place between his prisoner and Lady -Constance would lead to her seeking means to effect his liberation the -moment she arrived at Canterbury, or at least to set on foot some -investigation; for although he knew not that they had ever met before, -he felt sure that the young knight would make his situation known to -every one who might in any way procure his release. Under this -conviction, he determined to risk the event of sending down Sir -Osborne by daylight, in the custody of the Portuguese, accompanied by -two of his own servants, who might, in case of necessity, produce the -warrant for his detention, and who would not be missed from his own -household. - -The servant whom he had sent to the Portingals, however, soon -returned, with a countenance in which might be seen a strong desire to -laugh, contending with a habitual dread of Sir Payan. "What is the -matter, villain?" cried the knight: "where is the Dutchman?" - -"Lying in the granary, please your worship," replied the man, -restraining his merriment, "dead drunk, tumbled across a Portingallo's -face, that makes him heave up and down by dint of snoring." - -Sir Payan stamped his foot with anger and disappointment. "And the -rest?" demanded he; "all the rest?" - -"All dead drunk, please your worship!" replied the servant; "I kicked -them all, to make sure, but not one of them answered me a syllable but -Umph!" - -"Go!" said Sir Payan; "fetch me Heartley. Sir Cesar, give me your -advice. This is my embarrassment!" and he proceeded to state to his -companion the difficulty into which the news he had just heard had -cast him. - -This proceeding may appear at first somewhat extraordinary, but it was -very often the case in regard to Sir Cesar, that people acted as Sir -Payan Wileton, in letting him into their most private affairs, and -even into secrets where life and death were concerned, having such -perfect confidence in his foreknowledge of events that it would have -seemed to them folly to conceal them. It is very possible that in this -manner the old knight obtained much of the extraordinary information -which he certainly did possess, concerning the circumstances and -affairs of almost every person with whom he came in contact; and many -of those predictions which were so singularly verified may be -attributed to the combinations he was thus enabled to form. But at the -same time it is perfectly indubitable that he himself attributed all -to the sciences which he studied, and placed implicit faith in his own -powers; and thus, if he deceived the world, he deceived himself also. - -It was not, however, the nature of Sir Payan Wileton to confide wholly -in any one; and though he informed the old knight that he apprehended -the influence of Lady Constance de Grey might be exerted the moment -she arrived at Canterbury to procure the release of his prisoner, or -at all events that her representations might cause an immediate -investigation of the affair, which would prevent his disposing of -Darnley as he proposed; and though also perfectly convinced that Sir -Cesar, by his superhuman knowledge, was well aware of the fate he -meditated for his victim, he could not bring himself to unfold to him -that part of his plan, merely saying he intended to send the turbulent -youth, who, as he was well informed, came to seek no less than his -ruin and his death, to some far country from whence it would be -difficult to return. - -Sir Cesar listened in calm, profound silence; then, fixing his eyes on -Sir Payan, uttered slowly, "The grave!" Sir Payan started from his -seat. - -"You know too much! you know too much!" cried he. "Can you see -thoughts as well as actions?" - -"Yes!" replied Sir Cesar: "I see and know more than you dream of, but -calm yourself, and fear not. Lady Constance will not arrive at -Canterbury before seven o' the clock: you know the haste of -magistrates and magistrates' men, and can well judge whether she be -likely to find a man so generous as to abandon his rere-supper and his -bed of down, for a cold ride and a cold reception. At all events, they -could not be here before two i' the morning, and ere that he will be -gone. Rest satisfied, I tell you, that they may come if they will, but -before they come he will be gone." - -Sir Payan's fears were very much allayed by this assurance, for his -confidence in Sir Cesar's prophecies was great; but he felt still more -secure from the examination to which he subjected our friend Longpole, -who managed to evade his questions and to quiet his fears with -infinite presence of mind. The lady, he said, had been so terrified by -the insolence of the Portingal captain, that she had run into the -strong-room, not knowing where she went, and was more like one dead -than alive; and that as for the prisoner, he thought of nothing but -threshing the Portingal, against whom he seemed to have an ancient -grudge. - -Sir Payan was satisfied, but still his roused suspicion was never -without some effect; and to Longpole's dismay he demanded the key, -which he said he would now keep himself. There was, however, no means -of avoiding it; and Heartley was obliged to resign into the hands of -Sir Payan the means by which he had proposed to effect his young -lord's delivery. - -"Sir Cesar, I humbly crave your excuse for one moment," said the -crafty knight. "Stay, Heartley, where you are, and removing those -things, arrange the board for a second banquet: for a banquet such as -I give to my best and noblest friends. Open those cupboards of plate, -and let the vessels be placed in order." - -So saying, he quitted the apartment, and proceeded to the room in -which Sir Osborne was still pacing up and down, waiting impatiently -the approach of night. The key turned in the door, and with a firm -step Sir Payan entered, and stood before his captive. For a moment -they paused, and eyed each other as when they had first met; and it -was only by a strong effort that the young knight stayed himself from -seizing the persecutor of his race, and dashing him to pieces on the -floor of the prison. - -At length Sir Payan, after having glanced his eye round the chamber, -spoke, and in the deep, hollow tones of his voice no agitation made -itself heard. - -"You said this morning that we knew each other," said the knight; -"Osborne Lord Darnley, we do; I have long sought you, I have found -you, and you are mine own." - -"Calm, cold-blooded, mean-spirited villain!" answered Darnley, "what -seek you with me now? Is it not enough to have ruined a noble house? -Is it not enough to have destroyed your benefactor? Is it not enough -to have swept away the happiness of me and mine, without seeking -farther to injure those on whose head your detestable arts must nearly -have exhausted themselves?" - -"I have done enough for my revenge, young man," replied Sir Payan; "I -have done enough for my ambition; but I have not done enough for my -security." - -"For your revenge!" cried Darnley: "what mean you, ruffian? My father -was your friend, your benefactor. Compassionating your indigence, did -he not aid to raise you with his purse and with his influence, till -you could hold your head amongst your noble kindred, of whose house -you are now the opprobrium?" - -"Your father insulted me with his services," answered the knight, -"after your mother had insulted me with her scorn." - -"Name not my mother, traitor!" exclaimed Darnley, his eyes flashing -fire. "Profane not her name with your accursed lips, lest I tear you -limb from limb!" - -Sir Payan laid his hand on his dagger with a grim smile. "We waste -time, young man," said he: "to the purpose for which I came! There is -yet in my redder blood some drops of that weak thing called pity. I -would rather see you live than die; but if you would live, I must be -Lord of Chilham Castle, indeed and indeed. No stewardship of Dover, -and holding by tenure of good pleasure, for me. Within this hour, -then, sign me over, for yourself and for your father, all right and -interest, claim and title, to the lands and lordship which you and -yours did formerly possess, and you are free as air. But if you will -not--" - -"What then?" demanded Darnley. - -"Why, then I will hold by a still better tenure," replied Sir Payan; -"the extinction of the race of Darnley!" - -"Then hold thereby, if such be heaven's will," replied the prisoner. -"But beware yourself; for in your best-laid schemes you may chance to -fail, and even here on earth meet with that sure damnation for which -you have toiled so long. Were I willing to stain myself with crimes -like yours, this hour were your last; for yon dagger were but a poor -defence against a man who knows his life is lost." - -Sir Payan took a step forward to the door. "Will you sign?" said he, -laying his hand on the lock. - -"Never!" - -"Then farewell!" and he quitted the apartment. - -"Oh, the villain!" cried Jekin Groby, poking his head out of the -closet. "Oh, the downright, immense villain! What a damaged piece that -man's conscience must be! I'm all quaking with only hearing him. But -don't you think, my lord--that is to say, Sir Osborne--that if you had -just knocked his brains out, we might have got away?" - -"No, no!" replied the knight. "If, as Heartley told us, we could not -have escaped when aided by Lady Constance de Grey's servants, much -less could we do so now. Better wait till night, which surely cannot -be far distant, for it seems to me we have been here an age." - -Nevertheless, hour after hour went by, and the provoking sun, which -had now fully come round to that side of the house, continued to pour -his beams into the high window, as if willing to sicken the prisoners -with his unwished-for light. Nor did much conversation cheer the -passing of their time. Sir Osborne was silent and meditative; and -Jekin Groby, growing more and more tired of his situation, kept -running in and out of the closet, now sitting still for a moment upon -the straw, now walking up and down, not at all unlike a tame bear -perambulating to and fro in his den. - -Occasionally, indeed, a word or two of hope, or doubt, or inquiry, -passed between the prisoners; and Jekin, who felt in himself an -internal conviction that he was a man of as much consequence in the -world as any human being, could not conceive how Sir Payan Wileton -could have forgot to inquire where he was, when he did not find him in -the same room with the knight. On this he wondered, and better -wondered, till his companion replied, "I told you before, my good -Jekin, Sir Payan's designs only affect me, and possibly he may have -forgotten you altogether. But it seems growing darker. I wonder -Longpole has not been here to speak to us, according to his promise." - -"I should not wonder if he were playing us a trick, and were not -to come at all," said Jekin. "Oh, dear! What would become of us? -Lord-a-mercy! I don't like it at all!" - -In about a quarter of an hour, however, their hopes were raised, and -disappointed. The key once more turned in the door, and both the -knight and his companion expected to see their friend Heartley; but in -his place appeared two of the servants of Sir Payan, one of whom -brought in some provisions, while the other stood at the door. The -sight, however, of the roast beef and jug of ale was very gratifying -to the entrails of the worthy clothier, who looked on well contented -while the man laid them down on the ground before him. - -"Now, my good fellow, an we had a little salt," said Jekin, "we could -fall to." - -"Fellow me no fellow!" answered the servant. "Eat what you've got, my -forward chap, and thank God for it." - -"Ay, but wouldst have me tear it with my teeth?" cried the clothier. -"I'm not a wild beast, though you do keep me in a den." - -"Well, I will cut you a nuncheon with my dagger," replied the -serving-man. "Look to him, Will, that he do not smite me while I -kneel." And so saying, he stooped and cut several slices from the -meat with his side knife, which being done, he rose, and left the -strong-room quickly, as if almost afraid of its denizens. - -"Now, sir," cried Jekin, "come and keep your spirit up with some of -the best comfort in nature. Oh! to my mind, there is no consolation on -earth like roast beef and ale." - -But Sir Osborne had no inclination to join in the good clothier's -repast. The auguries which he drew from the appearance of these two -strange serving-men, and the absence of Longpole, were not of a nature -to increase his appetite; and he looked on silently, while Jekin, -without any sacrifice to the gods, devoured great part of the beef, -and made manifold libations of the ale. - -"Jekin," said Sir Osborne, when the clothier had finished, "I am -afraid Sir Payan Wileton has discovered that our friend Heartley is -not quite cordial to his interests, and that he may take means to -prevent his aiding us. Now, there is no reason that you should stay -here as well as I; therefore, as soon as it is dark, I will help you -up to the window as you did me. Drop down on the other side, and speed -as fast as you can to any town where you are well known, there get -together a body of a dozen horsemen, and scour the sea-coast from -Sandwich to Hythe. Wherever you hear of a Portingallo vessel, there -stop, and keep good watch; for I doubt not that this Sir Payan intends -to send me to some far land, and perhaps sell me for a slave. Kill me -I do not think he dare. Your pains shall be well paid. The night is -coming on; so you had better mount first, and see the ground on the -other side, that you may drop fair." - -"No, no, my lord--that is, Sir Osborne," said Jekin. "Dang it, no! you -would not go away and leave me, so I'll not go away and leave you. -Lord-'a-mercy! that's not fair, any way." - -"But by going you can serve me far more than by staying," said Sir -Osborne; "so try to mount on my shoulders that you may see the -ground." - -It was with great difficulty, however, that the honest clothier was -persuaded to make the attempt, and when he did so it was in vain, -Somewhat corpulent and shorter than the knight, even when standing -upright on Sir Osborne's shoulders, he could hardly get as much of his -arms over the opening as the other had done; and when he attempted to -swing himself up, the heavy part of his body, which, according to -Hudibras, is the seat of honour, and which, in the worthy clothier, -was by no means deficient in rotundity, weighed him back again with a -strong counteracting force, so that when Sir Osborne freed him he -swang for a moment like a pendulum, and then dropped to the ground. - -No resource now remained but to wait patiently the event, and much -need of patience had they to support them. Day waned, night fell, hour -after hour passed by, and yet no sound gave them notice that any -friendly being existed within the mansion. The curfew bell, the -distant village clock, the barking of some watchful dogs in the -hamlet, and the remote echoes of persons walking to and fro in the -different halls, were all that marked the passing of time to the -prisoners; and hope began gradually to wax dimmer and more dim, like -the flame of a lamp when its oil is spent. At length, after a weary, -silent pause, the clock was heard to strike again; but so faint were -the sounds before they reached their ears, that Sir Osborne could -hardly count them. "I counted but eleven," said he, "and yet methought -the last hour that struck was eleven too." - -"Oh, 'tis twelve, 'tis twelve!" replied Groby; "I did not take heed to -count, but I am sure it is twelve." - -"Hush!" cried the knight; "I hear some one on the outside. Hark!" - -"'Tis but a bat," said Jekin; "I heard its wings whirr past the -window." - -"Hush!" cried the knight again, and as he spoke something darted -through the opening, and fell at his feet. Feeling over the ground -with his hands, he soon discovered the object of his search, which was -a small roll of parchment. "It is a letter," said he; "but what is the -use of throwing me what I cannot see to read? It must be for to-morrow -morning." - -"Open it, open it!" cried Jekin; "methinks I see something shining -through the end. It casts a light upon your hand." - -Sir Osborne rapidly unrolled the scroll, when to his joy and surprise -he found it covered with large luminous characters, in which, though -somewhat smeared by rolling the parchment, was written legibly: "Pull -up the rope gently that is cast through the window. Catch the settle -that is tied to it. Make no noise. Come out, and be speedy." - -"Oons!" cried Jekin, "this is magic. The fairies are our friends!" - -"Oh! brave Heartley," cried the knight; "I thought he would prove -true. But let us lose no time. Jekin, stand you under with me, and -extend your arms, that the settle may not make a noise by falling." - -By searching along the wall the rope was found, and by pulling it -gently the knight soon began to feel a weight at the farther end. For -some way it ascended silently, as if a person without held it from the -wall; but then, when it had been raised about six or seven feet, it -grated desperately till it entered the opening in the wall, which by -courtesy we have termed window. The cord had been so adjusted as to -insure its entrance; and as soon as Sir Osborne was certain that it -had passed sufficiently, and hung upon the very brink, he gave it a -sudden jerk, and catching it with a strong hand as it fell, secured -possession of the tall settle or hall stool with scarcely any noise. - -"Now, good Jekin," said he, "we are free. I will mount first, and then -help you up; by standing on this settle, and pulled by me above, you -will not have much difficulty." - -"Oh, no! I warrant you, your worship," replied Jekin. "And when we are -once out, let every man run his own way, say I. Your worship's company -may prove somewhat dangerous, and I am a peaceable man." - -"Well, be it so," answered the knight; and placing the settle directly -under the window, he soon contrived to get into the opening, and -kneeling in the deep wall, managed with some trouble to raise the -heavy body of Groby, and place him in a sitting position on the edge, -so that the moment he himself dropped down on the other side, the -honest clothier could take his place and follow his example. - -Turning round, Sir Osborne could perceive by the dim light of the -night the tall form of Longpole standing below, but he took care not -to utter a sound; and bending his knees, he gradually stretched -himself out, till he hung by nothing but his hands; then dropped, and -in a moment stood silently by Heartley's side, who instantly placed in -his hands the large double-edged sword of which he had been deprived -in the morning. - -It now became poor Jekin's turn, who managed the matter somewhat more -slowly, and a good deal more clumsily; and at length, when he dropped, -although the arms of the knight broke his fall, he uttered a -tremendous "Oh!" and exhausted, leant against the wall. - -At that moment a light appeared in a window above, passed by a second -one, and instantly the alarum-bell rang out a peal loud enough to -awake the dead. - -"Run! run! every one his own way!" cried Jekin, who seemed to trust -mightily to the activity of his own legs, and plying them with vast -rapidity, he fled up an alley before him. - -"This way, my lord!" cried Heartley; "quick, we shall distance them -far." And darting off for the thick wood that almost touched the angle -of the house, he led the knight into a deep forest path, crying -"Stoop!" - -The sounds of pursuit were now loud on every side. Whoop, and halloo, -and shout, floated on the wind, as the servants, dispersed in all -directions, strove to give information or encouragement to their -comrades, and one party especially seemed by the sound to come rapidly -on their track. At length an alley, bounded by a wall, closed their -course in that direction. - -"We can vault?" said Heartley. - -"On!" cried the knight; and in a moment both had cleared the wall and -the dry ditch beyond; but at the same moment the sounds of two parties -of pursuers were heard in the parallel alley. - -"Down in the ditch!" cried the knight; "they will see us if we take to -the open field." - -No sooner was it said than done, and immediately after, they heard as -they lay, the feet and voices of half a dozen men passing rapidly by. - -"I was sure they did not take this way, Joe," cried one. - -"And I am sure they did!" answered the other. "They're in the wood -now. Let us----" - -What he said more was lost, and after pausing for a moment or two till -the sounds were but faintly heard in the wood, Longpole and his lord -betook them to the open field, and soon were out of sight of the park. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - - I do believe it: the common world - Teems out with things we know not; and our mind, - Too gross for us to scan the mighty whole, - Knows not how busy all creation is. - - -In the original history here follows a long chapter describing how Sir -Payan Wileton, sitting in deep and earnest consultation with Sir -Cesar, the magician, regarding the teeming future, was only awakened -to a full sense of the present by the very resonant "Oh!" uttered by -Jekin Groby as he fell from the window. And the same chapter goes on -at great length to detail all that Sir Payan did and said upon making -the discovery of his prisoners' evasion. His fury, his menaces, his -orders, his promises to those who should retake them, are all -described fully, and in very sublime language by Professor -Vonderbrugius. But nevertheless we shall omit them, as well as the -long account by which they are preceded of the strange and curious -ceremonies employed by Sir Cesar to ascertain the event of many dark -schemes that were then revolving in the breasts of men; and we think -that the reasons which induce us to leave out all those curious -particulars, will fully justify our so doing in the opinion of our -readers. In the first place, we wish to follow our hero as fast as -possible; in the next place, every reader whose head is any better -than a turnip, can easily figure the mad rage of a passionate though -wily man, on finding that his prey has escaped from his hand; and in -the third place, we did not translate this chapter, inasmuch as -Vonderbrugius, besides being vastly sublime, was wholly -unintelligible. - -Making, therefore, that short which was originally long, we shall only -say that all the servants, roused from their beds, beat the woods in -every direction, searching vainly for the young knight and Richard -Heartley, who, as we have seen, contrived to evade their pursuit. Not -such, however, was the fate of poor Jekin Groby, who, running straight -forward up one of the avenues, was soon seen and overtaken by a party -of servants, who taking it for granted that he would resist most -violently, beat him unmercifully out of mere expectation. - -Roaring and grumbling, the unfortunate clothier was brought back to -the manor, and underwent Sir Payan's objurgation with but an ill -grace. "You are a villain! you are!" cried Jekin. "You had better let -me alone, you had! You'll burn your fingers if you meddle with me. -You've stolen my bags already. But the king and Lord Darby shall hear -of it; ay, and the cardinal to boot, and a deal more too. Did not I -hear you promise to murder him, you black-hearted vagabond?" - -"Tie him hand and foot," said Sir Payan, "and bring him back again -into the strong room. Bring him along, I would fain see how they -reached the window." And followed by the servants, hauling on poor -Jekin, who ever and anon muttered something about Lord Darby, and the -king, and his bags, he proceeded to the chamber where the young knight -had been imprisoned. There the settle and the rope gave evidence of -the manner in which the escape had been effected, and were instantly -removed by order of the knight, to prevent the honest clothier, though -now bound hand and foot, from making the attempt again. "This man's -evidence would damn me," thought Sir Payan. - -"Fool that I was to forget that he was here, and not look in that -straw closet, before I committed myself with the other! But he must be -taken care of, and never see England again. What is that?" continued -he aloud, pointing to the scroll which caught his eye on the ground. -"Give it me. Ha! All fair! Can old Sir Cesar have aided in this trick: -we will see." And with hasty strides he proceeded to the high chamber -where he had left the astrologer. He slackened his pace, however, with -some feelings of awe, for as he approached he heard a voice speaking -high. "In the name of God most high," it cried, "answer! Shall his -head be raised so high for good or for evil? Ha! thou fleetest away! -Let be! let be!" - -At this moment Sir Payan threw open the door, and found the old man -with his hair standing almost erect, his eye protruded, and his arms -extended, as if still adjuring some invisible being. "It is gone!" -cried he, as the other entered. "It is gone!" And he sank back -exhausted in his chair. - -Notwithstanding the fund of dauntless resolution which Sir Payan held, -his heart seemed to grow faint as he entered the apartment, in which -there was a strange sickly odour of incense and foreign gums, and a -thin blue smoke, that diffusing itself from a chafing-dish on the -table, rendered the various objects flickering and indistinct. Nor -could he help persuading himself that something rushed by him as he -opened the door, like a sudden gust of cold wind, that made him give -an involuntary shudder. - -When he had left the room below, he had determined to tax the old -knight boldly with having aided in the prisoners' escape; but his -feelings were greatly changed when he entered, and accosting him with -a mixture of awe and respect, he asked how it was that people -discovered any characters written in a certain sort of ink he had -heard of, which was quite pure and white till the person who had the -secret submitted it to some other process. - -"Hold the paper to the fire!" said Sir Cesar, feebly. - -Sir Payan immediately extended the parchment over the chafing-dish, -but in vain; no trace of any kind appeared, and vexed and disappointed -he let it drop into the flame. - -"Know ye that my prisoner has escaped," said he, "and I am again -insecure?" - -"Listen to what is of mightier moment," cried Sir Cesar, with a great -effort, as if his powers were almost extinct with some vast excitement -just undergone. "Listen, and reply not; but leave me the moment you -have heard. You besought me to ascertain the fate of Edward, Duke of -Buckingham, that you might judge whether to serve him as he would have -you. I have compelled an answer from those who know, and I learn that, -within one year, Buckingham's head shall be the highest in the realm. -Mark! determine! and leave me!" - -Sir Payan, aware that it was useless to remain when Sir Cesar had once -desired to be alone, quitted the chamber in silence. "Yes!" said he, -thoughtfully, "I will serve him, so long as I do not undo myself. I -will creep into his counsels; I will appear his zealous friend, but I -will be wary. He aims at the crown: as he rises I will rise; but if I -see him make one false step in that proud ascent, I will hurl him -down, and when the fair lands of Buckingham are void----who knows? We -shall see. Less than I have risen higher! Ho! Who waits? When the -Portingallo returns, give the prisoner into his hands; but first make -the captain speak with me. Buckingham's head shall be the highest in -the realm! That must be king. Never did I know his prophecies fail, -though sometimes they have a strange twisted meaning. Highest in the -realm! There can be none higher than the king! Harry has no male heir. -Well, we shall see!" - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - - Welcome, he said: - Oh, long expected, to my dear embrace!--Dryden. - - -"We must not think ourselves safe," said Longpole, when they had got -about two miles from the park, "till we have put five estates between -us and that double cunning fox, Sir Payan Wileton; for by break of day -his horsemen will be out in every direction, and he will not mind -breaking a little law to have us." - -"Which way are we going now?" demanded the knight; "I should judge -towards Canterbury." - -"A little to the left we bear now," replied Longpole; "and yet the -left is become the right, for by going left we get right off his land, -my lord." - -"Call me not my lord, Heartley," said Darnley. "Did I appear before -the king as Lord Darnley his grace might be offended, and especially -the proud Wolsey; as, after many entreaties, made by the best in the -land, the prelate refused to see either my father or myself, that we -might plead our own cause; therefore, for the present, I am but Sir -Osborne Maurice. Thou hast too much wit I know to give me my lord at -every instant, like yon foolish clothier." - -"Oh, no! not I," replied Longpole; "I will Sir Osborne you, sir, -mightily. But speaking of the clothier, your worship, how wonderfully -the fellow used his legs! It seemed as if every step cried out -_ell-wide_; and when he stumbled 'twas but _three quarters_. I hope he -escaped, if 'twere but to glorify his running." - -"Even if they took him," said the knight, "Sir Payan would not keep -him after he found I was gone." - -"If 'twere not for avarice," said Longpole; "the fellow had all his -better angels in his bags, and Sir Payan has store of avarice. I've -seen him wrangle with a beggar for the change of a halfpenny, when the -devil tempted him to commit a charity. And yet avarice, looked upon -singly, is not a bad vice for a man to have either. It's a warm, a -comfortable solid sin; and if most men will damn their own souls to -get money, he can't be much worse off who damns his to keep it. Oh, I -like avarice! Give me avarice for my sin. But I tire your worship." - -"No, no, faith!" replied the knight. "Thy cheerfulness, together with -the freedom of my limbs, give me new spirit, Heartley." - -"Oh! good your worship," cried Longpole, "call me something else than -Heartley. Since the fit is on us for casting our old names, I'll be -after the fashion too, and have a new one." - -"Well, then, I will call thee Longpole," said the knight, "which was a -name we gave thee this morning, when thou wert watching us on the -bank." - -"Speak not of it, Sir Osborne," replied he; "that was a bad trick, the -worst I ever was in. But call me Longpole, if your worship chooses. -When I was with the army they called me Dick Fletcher,[3] because I -made the arrows; and now I'll be Longpole, till such time as your -honour Is established in all your rights again; and then I'll be merry -Master Heartley, my lord's man." - -"I fear me, Dick, that thou wilt have but little beside thy merriment -for thy wages," said the knight, "at least for a while; for yon same -Sir Payan has my bags too in safe custody, and also some good letters -for his Grace of Buckingham. Yet I hope to receive in London the -ransom of a knight and two squires, whom I made prisoners at Bouvines. -Till then we must content ourselves on soldiers' fare, and strive not -to grow sad because our purses are empty." - -"Oh! your worship, my merriment never leaves me," said Longpole. "They -say that I laughed when first I came into the world; and, with God's -will, I will laugh when I go out of it. When good Dr. Wilbraham, your -honour's tutor, used to teach me Latin, you were but a little thing -then, some four years old; but, however, I was a great boy of twelve, -and he would kindly have taught me, and made a clerk of me; but I -laughed so at the gods and goddesses, that he never could get on. The -great old fools of antiquity, as I used to call them; and then he -would cane me, and laugh too, till he could not cane me for laughing. -I was a wicked wag in those days; but since then I have grown to laugh -at folks as much as with them. But I think you said, Sir Osborne, that -you had letters for the Duke of Buckingham: if we walk on at this -pace, we shall soon be upon his land." - -"What! has he estates in this county?" asked the knight; "my letters -were addressed to him at Thornbury, in Gloucestershire." - -"Oh! but he has many a broad acre too in Kent," answered Longpole; -"and a fine house, windowed throughout with glass, and four chimneys -at each end; not a room but has its fire. They say that he is there -even now. And much loved is he of the commons, being no way proud, as -some of our lords are, with their upturned noses, as if they scorned -to wind their mother earth." - -"Were I but sure that his grace were there," said the knight, "I would -e'en venture without the letters; for much has he been a friend to my -father, and he is also renowned for his courtesy." - -"Surely, your worship," answered Longpole, "if his grace have any -grace, he must be gracious; and yet I have heard that Sir Payan is the -duke's good friend, and it might be dangerous to trust yourself." - -"I do not fear," said the knight. "The noble duke would never deliver -me into the hands of my enemy; and although, perhaps, Sir Payan may -play the sycophant, and cringe to serve his own base purposes with his -grace, I cannot believe that the duke would show him any farther -favour than such as we yield to a hound that serves us. However, we -must find some place to couch us for the night, and to-morrow morning -I will determine." - -"Still, we must on a little farther to-night," said Longpole. "That -Sir Payan has the nose of a bloodhound, and I should fear to rest yet -for a couple of hours. But the country I know well, every path and -field, so that I will not lead your worship wrong." - -For nearly ten miles more, lighted by neither moon nor stars, did the -two travellers proceed, through fields, over gates, and in the midst -of woods, through which Longpole conducted with such unerring -sagacity, that the young knight could not help a suspicion crossing -his mind that his guide must have made himself acquainted with the -paths by some slight practice in deer-stalking, or other gentle -employments of a similar nature. At length, however, they arrived in -the bottom of a little valley, where a clear quick stream was dashing -along, catching and reflecting all the light that remained in the air. -On the edge of the hill hung a portion of old forest ground, in the -skirts of which was a group of haystacks; and hither Longpole led his -master, seeming quite familiar with all the localities round about. -"Here, sir, leap this little ditch and mound. Wait! there is a young -hedge: now, between these two hay-stacks is a bed for a prince. Out -upon the grumblers who are always finding fault with Fortune! The old -lady, with her purblind eyes, gives, it is true, to one man a wisp of -straw, and to another a cap and plume; but if he with the wisp wears -it as gaily as the other does his bonnet, why fortune's folly is -mended by content. I killed a fat buck in that wood not a month -since," continued Longpole; "but, good your worship, tell not his -Grace of Buckingham thereof." - -By such conversation Longpole strove to cheer the spirits of his young -lord, upon whose mind all the wayward circumstances of his fate -pressed with no easy weight. Laying himself down, however, between the -two haystacks, while Heartley found himself a similar bed hard by, the -young adventurer contrived soon to forget his sorrows in the arms of -sleep; and as he lay there, very inconsiderately began dreaming of -Lady Constance de Grey. Sir Payan Wileton also soon took his place on -the imaginary scene; and in all the wild romance of a sleeping vision, -they both contrived to teaze poor Sir Osborne desperately. At length, -however, as if imagination had been having her revel after judgment -had fallen asleep, and had then become drowsy herself, the forms -melted gradually away, and forgetfulness took possession of the whole. - -It was bright daylight when the knight awoke, and all the world was -gay with sunshine, and resonant with the universe's matin song. -Longpole, however, was still fast asleep, and snoring as if in -obstinate mockery of the birds that sat and sang above his head. Yet -even in sleep there was a merry smile upon the honest Englishman's -face, and the knight could hardly find the heart to wake him from the -quiet blessing he was enjoying to the cares, the fears, and the -anxieties of active existence. "Wake, Richard!" said he, at length, -"wake; the sun has risen this hour." - -Up started Longpole. "So he has!" cried he; "well, 'tis a shame, I -own, that that same old fellow the sun, who could run alone before I -was born, and who has neither sat down nor stood still one hour since, -should still be up before me in the morning. But your worship and I -did not go to bed last night so early as he did." - -"Ay!" replied the knight; "but he will still run on, as bright, as -vigorous, and as gay as ever, long after our short race is done." - -"More fool he then!" said Longpole; "he'll be lag last. But how have -you determined, sir, about visiting the noble duke?" - -"I will go, certainly," replied the knight; "but, good Longpole, tell -me, is it far from the manor, for all my food yesterday was -imprisonment and foul words." - -"'Ods life! your worship must not complain of hunger, then, for such -diet soon gives a man a surfeit. But, in troth, 'tis more than one -good mile. However, surely we can get a nuncheon of bread at some -cottage as we go; so shall your worship arrive just in time for his -grace's dinner, and I come in for my share of good things in the -second or third hall, as it pleases master yeoman-usher. So let us on, -sir, i' God's name." - -Climbing the hill, they now cut across an angle of the forest, and -soon came to a wide open down, whereon a shepherd was feeding a fine -flock of sheep, singing lightly as he went along. - - -SHEPHERD'S SONG. - - "The silly beast, the silly beast, - That crops the grassy plain, - Enjoys more than the monarch's feast, - And never tastes his pain. - Sing oh! sing oh! for high degree, - I'd be a sheep, and browse the lee. - - "The 'broidered robe with jewels drest, - The silks and velvets rare, - What are they to the woolly vest - That shuts out cold and care? - Sing oh! sing oh! for high degree, - A woolly coat's the coat for me. - - "The king he feeds on dainty meat, - Then goes to bed and weeps, - The sheep he crops the wild thyme sweet, - And lays him down and sleeps. - Sing oh! sing oh! for high degree, - A careless life's the life for me." - - -"This shepherd will have his hard-pressed curds and his brown bread," -said Longpole; "and if your worship's hunger be like mine, no way -dainty, we can manage to break our fast with him, though it be not on -manchets and stewed eels." - -The knight was very willing to try the shepherd's fare; and bending -their course towards him, they came up just as he was placing himself -under an old oak, leaving his sheep to the care of his dogs, and found -him well disposed to supply their necessities. His pressed curds, his -raveled bread, and his leathern bottle, full of thin beer, were -cheerfully produced; and when the knight, drawing from his pocket one -of the few pieces that had luckily not been placed in his bags, -offered to pay for their refreshment, the honest shepherd would -receive no payment; his good lord, he said, the Duke of Buckingham, -let none of his people want for anything in their degree, from his -chancellor to his shepherd. - -"Content is as good as a king," said Heartley, as they proceeded on -their way. "But, there! does not your worship catch a glance of the -house where those two hills sweep across one another, with a small -road winding in between them? just as if under yon large mass of -chalky stone, that seems detached and hanging over the path, with a -bright gleam of sunshine seen upon the wood beyond? Do you not see the -chimneys, sir?" - -"I do, I do," answered Sir Osborne. "But, come, let us on, it cannot -be far." - -"Not above half-a-mile," answered Longpole; "but we must go round to -the other side, for on this lie the gardens, which, as I have heard, -are marvellous rich and curious. There may be seen all kinds of -foreign fruit, corn trees, capers, lemons, and oranges. And they say -that by a strange way they call grafting, making, as it were, a fool -of Dame Nature, they give her a party-coloured coat, causing one tree -to bring forth many kinds of fruit, and flowers of sundry colours." - -"I have seen the same in Holland," replied the knight, "where the art -of man seems boldly, as it were, to take the pencil from nature's -hand, and paint the flowers with what hues he will." - -Walking rapidly on, they soon crossed the fields that separated them -from the park, and skirting round the grounds reached the high road. -This ran along for about a mile under the thick massy wall, which, -supported by immense buttresses, and partially overgrown with ivy, -enclosed the domain on all sides. Every here and there some of the old -English oaks, the true aboriginal giants of our isle, waved their wide -bare arms over the boundary; while still between, the eye rested on -the various hues of tender green which the earlier trees just began to -put forth, mingled with the dark shades of the pine and the yew. The -thick wall continued uninterrupted till towards the middle, where, -turning abruptly round to the right, it was seen flanking on both -hands the wide road that led up to a pair of massy iron gates before -the house. On each side of these gates appeared a square tower of -brickwork, affording sufficient lodging for the porter and his men; -and round about the doors of which was a crowd of paupers already -collected, waiting for the daily dole which they received from the -table of the duke. - -Through these Sir Osborne took his way, followed by Longpole; yet not -without a sort of murmur amongst the beggar train, who, thinking -everything that remained of the dinners in the various halls their own -by right, grumbled at each person who went in, as if they thereby -received an injury. - -The gate being open, the knight entered, and looked round for some one -to answer his inquiries. The porter instantly stepped forth from his -house; and although the stranger's dress had lost the saucy freshness -of its first gloss, he doffed his cap with as much respect as if he -had been robed in ermines; and thus it may be invariably observed, -that where the noble and the great are affable and easy of access, -their dependants are, in their station, civil and courteous; and -where, on the contrary, the lord affects those airs of misproud -haughtiness which offer but a poor comment on his mind's construction, -his servants never fail, by their insolent rudeness, to afford a fine -caricature of their master's pride. - -"Sir," said the porter, doffing his cap with a low bow, imagining that -the knight came to dine at the table in the second hall, to which all -strangers of respectable appearance were admitted; "'tis not yet -eleven o'clock, and the dinner is never served till noon." - -"That will be more to my purpose," replied the knight, "as I wish to -have an audience of his grace, if he be now in Kent." - -"His grace walks in the flower-garden," replied the porter, "and I -know not whether he may be spoken with; but follow me, sir, and I will -bring you to his chamberlain." - -So saying, he led the way across the court, and ascending the steps of -the terrace on which the mansion was raised, he pushed open the -hall-door, and conducted the knight through a merry group of servants, -engaged in various sports, into a second hall, where were a number of -ecclesiastics and gentlemen, of that intermediate grade which raised -them above the domestics without giving them a title to associate with -the persons admitted to the duke's own table. - -Here the porter looked round, as if searching for some one amongst the -various groups that tenanted the apartment; and then begging the -knight to wait a moment, he left him. - -Finding that all eyes were fixed upon him with that sort of glance of -cool, impertinent inquiry, which few persons scruple to exercise upon -a stranger who comes new into a place where they themselves are at -home, Sir Osborne went up to some fine suits of armour which were -ranged in order at the end of the hall. Amongst the rest was one of -those beautiful fluted suits of Milan steel, which are now so rarely -met with. It was arranged as for use, and the arm extended, with the -gauntlet resting on the pommel of an immense double-handed sword, -which was supported by a small rail of iron, placed there as a guard. - -The knight considered it all with the eyes of a connoisseur, and -taking the sword from underneath the gauntlet, drew it partly out of -the sheath. - -"You are a bold gentleman!" said one of the starers, coming up to the -knight. "Do you know that these suits are my lord duke's? What are you -going to do with that sword?" - -"To slit the ears of any one who asks me impertinent questions," -answered the knight, turning suddenly round upon him. - -"Cast him out! cast him out!" cried a dozen voices. "Who is the -beggarly rascal with his gray doublet? Cast him out!" - -But the knight glanced round them with that sort of fierce, determined -look, which tells that an adversary would have no easy task to master -the heart that so lights up the eye; and though some still cried to -cast him out, no one thought fit to approach too near. - -"Peace! peace!" cried an old ecclesiastic, who had been sitting at the -farther extreme of the hall, and who now advanced. "Peace! see ye not -by his spurs the gentleman is a knight? My son," he continued, -addressing Sir Osborne, "those arms are the noble Duke of -Buckingham's, and out of respect for our patron, those who are -admitted to this hall refrain from touching his ten suits. That which -seems to have excited your curiosity was the prize at a tournament, -given by an old friend of his grace some fifteen years ago, and it is -one of the most handsome in his possession." - -"I should not have touched those arms, my good father," answered the -knight, "had I not thought that I recognised the suit; and was drawing -the blade to see if it was the same." - -"By what mark would you know it, young gentleman?" demanded the -priest. - -"If it be that I mean," replied Sir Osborne, "there is written on the -blade-- - - - I will win my right. - Or die in the fight." - - -"True, true!" said the clergyman. "There is so; but you must be too -young to have been at that tourney." - -"No matter," said the knight; "but, if I mistake not, here is his -grace's chamberlain." - -As he spoke, a gentleman, dressed in a black velvet suit, with a gold -chain round his neck, followed the porter into the hall, and addressed -himself to the knight. - -"I have communicated your desire," said he, "to my lord duke, who has -commanded me to say, that if your business with his grace be such as -may pass through a third person, he prays you to inform him thereof by -me; but if you must needs speak with him personally, he never denies -his presence to those who really require it." - -Though he spoke with all courtesy, there was something in the manner -of the chamberlain that Sir Osborne did not like; and he answered full -haughtily-- - -"Inform his grace that my business is for his private ear, and that a -moment will show him whether it be such as he can hear with pleasure." - -"Then I have nought left, sir, but to lead you to his grace," replied -the chamberlain; "though, I am sure, you know that it is not well to -trouble great men with small matters." - -"Lead on, sir!" said the knight, observing the chamberlain's eye -glance somewhat critically over his apparel. "My doublet is not very -new, you would say; but if I judge it good enough for your lord, it is -too good for his servant's scorn." - -The chamberlain led on in silence through one of the side doors of -the hall, and thence by a long passage to the other side of the -dwelling, where, issuing out upon the terrace, they descended into a -flower-garden, laid out much after the pattern of a Brussels carpet. -Formed into large compartments, divided by broad paved walks, the -early flowers of the season were distributed in all manner of -arabesques, each bed containing those of one particular colour; so -that, viewed from above, the effect was not ugly though somewhat -stiff, and gay without being elegant. - -As Darnley descended, he beheld at the farther end a tall, dignified -man, of about the middle age, walking slowly up and down the longest -walk. He was dressed in one of the strait coats of the day, stiff with -gold embroidery, the upper part of the sleeve puffed out with crimson -silk, and held down with straps of cloth of gold. The rest of his -attire was of the same splendid nature; the high breeches of silken -serge, pinked with gold; the mirabaise, or small low-crowned bonnet, -of rich velvet, with a thin feather leaning across, fastened by a -large ruby; the silken girdle, with its jewelled clasp: all were -corresponding; and though the dress might not be so elegant in its -forms as that which we are accustomed to call the Vandyk, yet it was -far more splendid in its materials, and had perhaps more of majesty, -though less of grace. Two servants walked about ten paces behind, the -one carrying in his hand his lord's sword, the other bearing an -orange, which contained in the centre a sponge filled with vinegar. - -The duke himself was busily engaged in reading as he walked, now -poring on the leaves of the book he held in his hand, now raising his -eyes and seeming to consider what he had just collected. As the young -knight approached, however, he paused, placed a mark between the -leaves where he had left off, and advanced a step, with that affable -smile and winning courtesy for which he was so famous. - -"I give you good morrow, fair sir!" said he. "My chamberlain says that -you would speak with me. Methinks my good fortune has made me see your -face before. Say, can Buckingham serve you?" And as he spoke he -considered the young stranger attentively, as if he did really -remember him. - -"Your grace is ever courteous," replied the knight; and then added, -seeing that the chamberlain still staid--"but, in the first place, let -me say that what I was unwilling to communicate to this your officer, -I am equally unwilling to speak before him." - -"Leave us!" said the duke. "In truth, I know not why you stay. Now, -fair sir, may I crave your name?" - -"'Tis now a poor one, my good lord," replied the knight. "Osborne -Darnley." - -"Rich, rich, dear youth, in virtue and in merit!" cried the duke, -taking him in his arms and embracing him warmly, which accolade did -not escape the reverted eyes of the chamberlain; "rich in honour and -courage, and every good quality. The Lord of Surrey, my good -son-in-law, to whom you are a dear companion in arms, wrote me from -Ireland some two months past that I might expect you here; evolved to -me the plans which you have formed to gain the favour of the king, and -prepared me to aid you to the best of my poor power. Hold you the same -purpose of concealing your name which you proposed when you wrote from -Flanders to Lord Surrey, and which you observed when last in this our -happy country?" - -"I do, my good lord," replied the knight, "on every account; but more -especially as it is the wish and desire of him I am bound most to -honour and obey: my father." - -"My judgment goes with his and yours," said the duke, "more especially -as for some cause that proud man Wolsey, when, not long since, I -petitioned the king to see your noble father, stepped in and staid the -wavering consent that hung upon his grace's lips. But think not, my -dear youth, that I have halted in your cause! Far from it; I have -urged your rights with all the noblest and best of the land; while -your own merits, and the high name you have acquired in serving with -the emperor, have fixed your interest on the sure basis of esteem; so -that, wherever you find a real English heart, and but whisper the name -of Darnley, there you shall have a friend; yet, indeed, I have much to -complain of in my lord your father." - -"Indeed, indeed, your grace?" cried the knight, the quick blood -mounting into his cheek. "Some misconception must make you think so. -My father, heaven knows! is full of gratitude and affection towards -you." - -"Nay, protest not," replied Buckingham, with a smile. "I have the -strongest proof of his ingratitude and bad esteem; for what can be so -great a proof of either as to refuse an offered kindness?" - -"Oh! I understand your grace," said Sir Osborne. "But though the -noble, the princely offers, of pecuniary assistance which your grace -held out to him were declined, my father's gratitude was not the less. -For five long years I have not seen him, but in all his letters he -speaks of the noble Duke of Buckingham as one whose virtues have -shamed him from misanthropy." - -"Well, well!" answered the duke. "At least remember you were counted -once as my page, when you were a child no higher than my knee: so now -with you I will command, whereas with your father I could but beg; and -I will say, that if you use not my house, my servants, and my purse, -you hold Buckingham at nought. But we must be more particular: come -into my closet till dinner be served, and tell me all, for young -soldiers are rarely rich, and I will not have my purpose balked." - -We shall not pursue the farther conversation of the duke of Buckingham -and the young knight: suffice that the frank generosity of his noble -friend easily drew from Sir Osborne all his history, even to the very -day. His plans, his wishes, and his hopes; the conduct of Sir Payan -Wileton, and his desperate designs; his own intention to seek the -court, and strive to win the favour of the king before he disclosed -himself; were all displayed before the duke, who did not fail to -encourage him to persevere, both by words of hope and proffers of -assistance. - -"As to your enemy, Sir Payan Wileton," said the duke, "I know him -well: he is a desperate villain; and yet such men are useful in great -enterprises. You say you met that strange but wonderful man Sir Cesar. -Did he not tell you anything concerning me? But no! he was wise. His -grace the king might die without issue male; and then----God knows! -However, we will not think of that!" And with these dark hints of some -more remote and daring schemes, the Duke of Buckingham contented -himself for the time, and returned to the more immediate affairs of -him whose interest he now so warmly embraced. But in the midst of -their conversation, the controller of the household entered to marshal -the way to the banquet hall. - -"What said you, my dear youth, was the name you had adopted?" demanded -the duke; "for I must gain you the acquaintance of my friends." - -"Ever since the sequestration of our estates," replied the knight, -"and their transfer to Sir Payan Wileton, I have, when in England, -borne the name of Osborne Maurice." - -"Osborne Maurice!" said the duke, with some emphasis, as if he found -something extraordinary in the name. "How came you to assume that?" - -"In truth, I know not," answered the knight; "'twas fixed on by my -father." - -"Yes, I now remember," said the duke, after musing for a while. "He -was a dear friend of my good lord your father's: I mean the other Sir -Osborne Maurice, who supported Perkyn Warbeck. But 'twill do as well -as another; the name is forgotten now." - - - - -CHAPTER X. - - Born of noble state, - Well could he tourney, and in lists debate.--Spenser. - - -When, as may be remembered, the porter led the knight into the second -hall, our friend Longpole remained in the first, with those of his own -degree; nor was he long in making acquaintance, and becoming intimate -with every one round about, from the old seneschal, who took his place -in the leathern chair by right of immemorial service, to the sucking -serving-man who was hardly yet weaned from his mother's cottage, and -felt as stiffly uncomfortable in his rich livery suit as a hog in -armour, a cat in pattens, or any other unfortunate animal in a garb it -has not been accustomed to. For all, and each, Longpole had his joke -and his quibble; he played with one, he jested with the other, and he -won the hearts of all. In short, every one was in a roar of laughter -when the porter returned from the second hall, followed by one of -those inferior gentlemen who had just found it inexpedient to follow -up his purpose of casting Sir Osborne out. Immediately on entering, -the porter pointed out Longpole to the other, who advanced and -addressed him with a vastly supercilious air, which, however, did not -produce any very awful effect upon the honest fletcher.[4] - -"So, fellow," said he, "you are the servant of that gentleman in the -old gray doublet?" - -"Yes, your worship, even so," answered Longpole. "My honoured master -always wears gray; for when he is not in gray cloth, he goes in gray -iron; and as to its being old, better an old friend than a new foe." - -"And who is your master? I should like to hear," asked the gentleman. - -"Lord! does not your worship know?" demanded Longpole, giving a merry -glance round the crowd, that stood already well disposed to laugh at -whatever he should say. "Bless you, sir! my master's the gentleman -that beat Gog and Magog in single fight, slew seventy crocodiles of -the Nile before breakfast, and played at pitch and toss with the cramp -bones of an elephant's hind leg. For heaven's sake, don't anger him: -he'd eat a score such as you at a mouthful!" - -"Come, fellow, no insolence, if you mind not to taste the stirrup -leather," cried the other, enraged at the tittering of the menials. -"You and your master both give yourselves too great airs." - -"'Ods life, your worship, we are not the only ones!" answered -Longpole. "Every Jack carries it as high as my lord, now-a-days; so -I'll not be out o' the fashion." - -"You had better bid your master get a new doublet, then," said the -gentleman of the second hall, with a look of vast contempt. - -"That your worship may have the old one?" asked Longpole, slily. - -What this might have produced it is impossible to say, for a most -insupportable roar burst from the servants at Longpole's last thrust; -but at that moment the chamberlain entered from the second hall, and -beckoned to the gentleman, who was no other than his cousin. - -"Take care what you say, William," whispered he; "that knight, with -whom I find Master Wilmotswood quarrelled about touching the armour, -is some great man, depend on it. The duke sent me away, and then he -embraced him, and hugged him, as he had been his brother; and the old -controller, who saw him go by, nods and winks, as if he knew who he -is, and says that we shall see whether he does not dine at the first -table, ay, and near his grace, too, for all his old gray doublet. Hast -thou found out his name?" - -"No," replied the other. "His knave is as close as a walnut, and does -not scruple to break his jests on any one, so I'll have no more of -him." - -Their farther conversation was interrupted by a yeoman of the kitchen -presenting himself at the door of the hall, and a cry of "Sewers, -sewers!" made itself heard, giving notice that the noon repast was -nearly ready to be placed upon the table. The scene was at once -changed amongst the servants, and all was the bustle of preparation; -the sewers running to serve the dinner, the yeomen of the hall and the -butler's men making speed to take their places in the banquet room, -and the various pages and servants of different gentlemen residing in -the manor hurrying to wait on their masters at the table. - -In the midst of this, our friend Longpole felt some doubt what to do. -Unacquainted with what had passed between his master and the duke, and -even whether the knight had made known his real rank or not, Longpole -did not well know where to bestow himself. "'Ods life!" said he, after -fidgeting for a moment on the thorns of uncertainty, "I'll e'en take -my chance, and go to the chief hall. I can but walk into the next, if -my young master does not show himself soon. Ho! youngster," he -continued to a page he saw running by, "which is the way to the lord's -hall?" - -"Follow, follow, quick!" cried the boy; "I'm going there to wait for -my Lord Abergany, and we are too late." - -Longpole lost no time, and arrived in the hall at the moment the -controller was arranging the different servants round the apartment. -"Stand you here, Sir Charles Poynder's man; why go you higher than Sir -William Cecil's? Sir William is a banneret. Harry Mathers, you keep -there. You, Jim, by that cupboard. And who are you? Who is your -master, tall fellow?" he continued, addressing Longpole. - -"Oh! the gentleman that is with the duke," cried several of the -servants; "the gentleman that is with the duke." - -"Why, I know not where he will sit," said the controller; "but wait -about, and stand behind his chair. Now, are yon all ranged? Bid the -trumpets sound." - -A loud flourish gave notice to the sewers to serve, and to the various -guests to descend to the hall, when in a few minutes appeared Lord -Abergany and Lord Montague, and one by one dropped in Sir William -Cecil, Sir Charles Poynder, and several other knights, who, after the -various salutations of the morning, fell into groups of two and three, -to gossip out the long five minutes which must pass while the -controller informed the duke that the first dish was placed upon the -table. - -In the mean while honest Longpole stood by, too anxious to know the -reception his lord had met with even to jest with those around him; -but instead, he kept examining all the splendid scene, the rich cloth -of estate placed for the duke, the various cupboards of magnificent -plate, the profusion of Venice glasses, and all the princely -furnishing of the hall and table, with feelings nearly allied to -apprehension. At length the voice of the controller was heard crying -"The duke! the duke! Make way there for the duke!" and in a moment -after the Duke of Buckingham entered, leaning with familiar kindness -on the arm of the young knight. - -"My Lord Abergany," said the duke, "my son, and you, my Lord Montague, -my excellent good friend, before we fall to the cheer that heaven has -given us, let me introduce to your love this much esteemed knight, Sir -Osborne Maurice, of a most noble stock, and what is better still, -ennobled by his deeds: and now let us to table. Sir Osborne, you must -sit here on my right, so shall you enjoy the conversation of my Lord -Abergany, sitting next to you, and yet I not lose yours. Our chaplain -is not here, yet let some holy man bless the meat. Lord Montague, you -will take my left." - -That profound silence now succeeded which ought always to attend so -important an avocation as that of dining, and the whole worldly -attention of every one seemed fixed upon the progress of each dish, -which being brought up in turn to the Duke of Buckingham, first -supplied those immediately around him, and then gradually travelling -down the table from person to person, according to their rank, was at -length carried out by a servant into the second hall, where it -underwent the same perambulation, and was thence transferred to the -third. Here, however, its journeys did not cease; for after having -thus completed the grand tour, and become nearly a finished gentleman, -the remnant was bestowed upon the paupers without. - -So different was the order of the dinner from that which we now hold -orthodox, and so strange would it appear to the modern epicure, that -were not such long descriptions insufferably tiresome, many curious -pages might be written to show how a roasted pig, disjointed by the -carvers without, was the first dish set upon the table; and also to -evince the wisdom of beginning with the heavier food, such as beef, -mutton, veal, and pork, and gradually drawing to the conclusion with -capons, herons, pigeons, rabbits, and other more delicate dishes. - -However, as our object is to proceed with our history as fast as -possible, we shall not stay to detail the various services, or to -defend antiquity against the prejudices of to-day: suffice it, that so -great was the noble Duke of Buckingham's attention to his new guest, -that Longpole, who stood behind to hand his master drink, threw -forward his chest, and raised his head two inches higher than -ordinary, as if all the stray beams of the great man's favour that -passed by the knight lighted upon himself. - -The duke, indeed, strove generously to distinguish his young friend, -feeling that misfortune has much greater claims upon a noble mind than -saucy prosperity. The marks of regard which he gave were such as, in -those days, might well excite the wonder of Lord Abergany, who sat -next to him. He more than once carved for him himself, and twice -invited him to drink; made him notice those dishes which were esteemed -most excellent, and spoke to him far more than was usual during the -course of dinner. - -At length the last service appeared upon the table, consisting -entirely of sweets. To use the words of Holingshed: "Gelaffes of all -colours, mired with a variety of representations of sundrie flowers, -herbes, trees, forms of beasts, fish, fowls, and fruits, and thereunto -marchepaines wrought with no small curiosity; tarts of divers heads -and sundrie denominations; conserves of old fruits, foreign and -homebred: sackets, codinals, marmalats, sugar-bread, ginger-bread, -florentines, and sundrie outlandish confections, wherein the sweet -hand of the seafaring Portingal was not wanting." - -Now also came the finer sorts of wines: Muscadel, Romanie, and -Caprike; and the more serious part of the banquet being over, the -conversation became animated and interesting. The young knight, as a -stranger to all, as well as from the marked kindness of the duke, was, -of course, a general object of attention; and as the guests easily -judged him a traveller lately returned from abroad, many were the -questions asked him concerning the countries he had seen, and the wars -he had been in. - -Tilts and tournaments then became the subject of discourse; and at -length the duke filled high a Venice glass with wine, and calling upon -all to do the like, "Good gentlemen," said he, "'tis seldom that -Buckingham will stint his guests, but this is our last just now, for I -would fain see a lance broken before night. I know not why, but me -thinks those sports and exercises, which are thus undertaken at a -moment's notice, are often more replete with joy than those of long -contrivance; and here is a good knight, who will balk no man of his -humour, when 'tis to strike a strong blow, or to furnish a good -course. Sir Osborne, to your good health, and may all prosperity and -success attend you! Good lords and friends, join me in drinking his -health." - -Sir Osborne expressed his willingness to do the duke any pleasure, and -to furnish his course with any knight who thought him worthy of his -lance. "But your grace knows," he continued, "that I have come here -without arms, and that my horse I lost yesterday, as I explained to -you." - -"He would fain excuse himself the trouble," said the duke, smiling, -"because we have no fair lady here to view his prowess; but, by -heavens! I will have my will. Surely in my armoury there is a harness -that may suit you, sir knight, and in my stables a steed that will -bear you stoutly. My Lord of Montague, you are unarmed too; quick to -the armoury and choose you arms. Sir Osborne shall maintain the field, -and furnish two courses against each comer. We have not time for more; -and the horse and harness which the good knight wears shall be the -prize. Ho! call here the armourer. He is a Fleming, most expert, and -shall choose your suit, Sir Osborne." - -All now rose, and Lord Montague proceeded to the armoury to choose his -arms; while the duke, taking Sir Osborne and Lord Abergany into one of -the recesses, spoke to them apart for some moments, the effect of -which, as it appeared, was, that the duke's kinsman embraced the young -knight heartily. While they were still speaking, the armourer -appeared, and with a low reverence approached the duke. - -"Billenbach," said the duke, "thou hast an excellent eye, and canst -see to the size of a straw that a harness be well adjusted. Look at -this good knight, and search out amongst the finest suits in the manor -one that may be convenient for him." - -"'Tis a damage, your grace," replied the armourer, with the sort of -bow a sledge-hammer might be supposed to make. "'Tis a great damage -that you are not at Thornbury, for there is the armour that would have -well harnessed him. The gelt armour that is all engrailed with gelt; -made for a tall man and a strong, such as his worship: very big upon -the chest. Then there is the polished suit up stairs, which might suit -him, but I doubt that the greaves be long enough, and I have taken -away the barbet and volant from the head-piece to give more light, and -'twould take much time to fasten them on. There are none but the ten -suits in the second hall: one of the tallest of them might do; but -then they are for your grace's own wear;" and he looked inquiringly at -the duke, as if he doubted whether he might not have offended by -mentioning them. - -"Nay, nay, thou art right, Billenbach!" exclaimed the duke; "the -fluted suit above all others! I am sure it will do. Call thy men, and -fetch it here; we will arm him amongst us." - -The armourer obeyed; and in a few minutes returned with his men -bearing the rich suit of fluted armour which had attracted the -knight's attention in the hall. "Ha! Sir Osborne," said the duke, "do -you remember this armour? You were present when it was won; but yet -you were too young for that gay day to rest on your memory." - -"Nay, my good lord, not so," replied the knight; "I remember it well, -and how gallantly the prize _was_ won. I doubt not it will fit me." - -"I feel full sure of it," said the duke, "and that you will fit it, -for a better harness was never worn; and Surrey says, and I believe, -there never was a better knight. Come! let us see; first, for the -greaves. Oh, admirable! Does the knee move free? But I see it must. -Now the corslet: that will fit of course. How, fellow! you are putting -the back piece before! The breast-plate! The breast-plate!" - -"This brassard is a little too close," said the knight. "If you loosen -that stud, good armourer, 'twill be better." - -"'Tis padded, good sir, near the elbow," said the man; "I will take -out the padding. Will your worship try the headpiece? Can you see when -the barbet is down?" - -"Well enough to charge my lance," said the knight. "These arms are -exquisite in beauty, my lord duke, yet very light." - -"There are none stronger in the world," said the duke, "and therein -lies the excellence. Though so light that one moves in them more -freely than in a coat of goldsmith's work, yet they are so well -tempered, both by fire and water, and the juice of herbs, that the -sword must be of fine steel indeed that will touch them." - -"One may see it by the polish that they keep," said the knight. "In -each groove one may view oneself in miniature, as in a mirror. They -are very beautiful!" - -"You must win them, my young soldier," whispered the duke. "Abergany -has gone to arm, with Cecil and Montague; but I know their force. And -now for the horses. The strongest in my stable, with his chanfron, -snaffle-bit, manifaire, and fluted poitrel (which I have all, point -device corresponding with the suit), goes along as part of the prize. -Billenbach! take the casque, put a little oil to the visor, and bring -it to the lawn of the Four Oaks. See that the other gentlemen be told -that we render ourselves there, where this knight will answer all -comers on horseback, and I will judge the field. Send plenty of light -lances; and as we have not time to put up lists, bid the porter bring -seven men with staves to mark the space." - -Thus saying, the duke led the way towards the stable, speaking to the -knight, as they went, of various matters which they had not discussed -in the morning, and making manifold arrangements for concentrating all -sorts of interest to produce that effect upon the mind of the king -which might lead to the fulfilment of Sir Osborne's hopes. Nor to the -Duke of Buckingham, who was well acquainted with the character of -Henry, did the plan of the young knight seem unlikely to be -successful. The sort of diffidence implied by concealing his name was -that thing of all others calculated to win the monarch's good-will; -and there was also a kind of romantic and chivalrous spirit in the -scheme altogether, that harmonised well with the tastes of the king, -who would fain have revived the days of the Round Table, not contented -with even the wild, adventure-loving character of the times: and yet, -heaven knows! those who read the history of the Chevalier Bayard, and -the memoirs of Fleurange, will find scenes and details recorded of -those days which the novelist dare not venture to portray. - -Only one thing made the duke anxious in regard to his young _protége_: -the vast splendour and magnificence of the court of England. He saw -that the knight, accustomed alone to the court of Burgundy, where -merit was splendour, and valour counted for riches, was totally -unaware of the thoughtless expense required by Henry. Sir Osborne had, -indeed, informed him that in London he expected to receive from a -Flemish merchant the ransom of a knight and three esquires, amounting -in all, together with the value of their arms, to about three thousand -French crowns, which the duke well knew would little more than pay for -the bard and base[5] of his first just; and yet he very evidently -perceived it would be difficult to prevail upon him to accept of any -purely pecuniary assistance, especially as he had no time to lay a -plan for offering it with any very scrupulous delicacy: Sir Osborne -purposing to depart after the beverage, or three o'clock meal. - -"Now, Osborne," said the duke familiarly, after they had seen their -horses properly accoutred, and were proceeding towards the place of -rendezvous; "now you are once more armed at all points, and fit to -encounter the best knight in the land; but we must have that tall -fellow who serves you armed too, as your custrel, and mounted; for as -you are a knight, and certainly errant, I intend to put you upon an -adventure; but here come the counterparty. No one but Cecil will run -you hard. I last year gave a harness and a purse of a thousand marks -as a prize, which Cecil had nearly won from Surrey. But you must win!" - -"I will do my best, your grace," replied the knight, "both for the -honour of your grace's friendship, and for this bright suit, which in -truth I covet. To break two spears with all comers? I think your grace -said that was my task. And if I keep the field with equal success -against all----" - -"Of course you win the prize," interposed the duke. "And if any other -gentleman make as good points as yourself, you furnish two more -courses with him to decide. But here we are. Well, my lords, the -horses will be here before the ground be marked. I stand by, and will -be an impartial judge." - -It is not easy to imagine, in these times, how the revenues of that -age could support the nobles in the sort of unbounded expense in their -houses which has made _Old English hospitality_ a proverbial -expression; but it is nevertheless a certain fact, that from fifty to -sixty persons commonly sat to dinner each day in the various halls of -every wealthy peer. The boards of those who, like Buckingham, -maintained a more than princely splendour, were generally much better -furnished with guests; and when he looked round the spot that had been -appointed for their morning's amusement, and beheld not more than a -hundred lookers-on, all of whom had fed at his own tables, he felt -almost disappointed at the scantiness of spectators. "We have more -guests at Thornbury," said he; "and yet, porter, you do not keep the -ground clear. Gentlemen, these four oaks are the bounds; I pray you do -not come within. Here are our chargers." - -The fine strong horse which Buckingham had chosen for the young knight -was now led up, harnessed as if for war; and before mounting, Sir -Osborne could not refrain from walking round to admire him, as he -stood pawing the ground, eager to show his speed. The young knight's -heart beat high, and laying his left hand on the neck, he sprang at -once from the ground into the saddle; while the very clang of his new -armour, and the feeling of being once more equipped as he was wont, -gave him new life, and hope, and courage. - -Ordered by a whisper from the duke, the groom beckoned Longpole from -the ground, and the armourer, taking the shield and lance, presented -them to the young knight at the end of the course. A note or two was -now sounded by the trumpet, and Lord Abergany offered himself on -horseback opposite to Sir Osborne, who paused a moment to observe if -he charged his lance at the head-piece or the shield, that, out of -compliment to the duke's relation, he might follow his example. - -"Spur, spur, Sir Osborne!" cried the duke, who stood near; "Abergany -comes." - -The knight struck his spurs into the charger's sides; the horse darted -forward, and the spear, aimed low, struck the fess point of Lord -Abergany's shield, and splintered up to the vantplate in Sir Osborne's -hand; at the same moment Lord Abergany's broke upon the young knight's -breast; and suddenly wheeling their chargers, they regained the -opposite ends of the lawn. - -The second lance was broken nearly in the same manner; with only this -difference, that Sir Osborne, having now evinced his respect for his -opponent, aimed at the head-piece, which counted a point more. - -Lord Montague now succeeded, laughing good-humouredly as he rode -towards his place, and bidding Sir Osborne aim at his head, for it -was, he said, the hardest part about him. The knight did as he was -desired, and broke his spear twice on the very charnel of his helmet. -It being now Sir William Cecil's turn, each knight charged his spear -directly towards the other's head, and galloping on, both lances were -shivered to atoms. - -"Gallantly done! gallantly done!" cried the Duke of Buckingham, though -he began to feel some little anxiety lest the knight banneret might -carry off the prize, which he had fully intended for Sir Osborne. -"Gallantly done! to it again, gentle knights." - -The spears were now once more delivered, and setting out as before, -each struck the other's head-piece; but Sir William Cecil's, touching -obliquely, glanced off, while that of Sir Osborne was again -splintered. - -"Give me your voices, gentlemen all!" cried the duke, turning to the -spectators. "Who has the day? Sir Osborne Maurice, I say." - -"Sir Osborne! Sir Osborne!" cried a dozen voices; but one person, no -other than he who had thought fit to quarrel with the knight about -touching the very armour he now wore, could not forbear vociferating -the name of Sir William Cecil, although, fearful of the duke's eye, he -took care to keep back behind the rest while he did so. - -"Some one says Sir William Cecil!" cried the duke, both surprised and -angry. "What say you yourself, Sir William?" - -"I say, Sir Osborne Maurice," replied the banneret surlily, "because -my lance slipped; but had it not, I think I should have unseated him." - -"He is not easily unseated," said the duke, "if report speak true. -However, the prize is yours, Sir Osborne. Yet, because one voice has -differed from my judgment, if you two knights will furnish one more -course for my satisfaction, I will give a thousand marks for the best -stroke." - -"Your grace knows that I must soon depart," said Sir Osborne; "but, -nevertheless, I am quite willing, if this good knight be so, for I am -sure his lance slipped merely by accident." - -"Oh! I am very willing!" cried Sir William Cecil, somewhat sharply. "A -thousand marks, your grace says?" - -"Ay, sir," replied the duke, "I do." - -"'Tis a tough prize!" cried Sir William; "so give me a tough ash -spear." - -"To me the same!" cried Sir Osborne Maurice, not exactly pleased with -the tone of his opponent. "'Tis for the best stroke." - -At this moment Longpole appeared, completely armed by Buckingham's -command, as a custrel, or shield-bearer; and hearing his master's -demand, he searched amongst the spears till he met with one that his -practised eye, long used in his quality of fletcher, or arrow-maker, -to select the hardest woods, instantly perceived was excellent, and -bore it himself to the knight. The trumpet sounded; both galloped -forward, and Sir William Cecil's lance, aimed as before at the -knight's casque, struck hard: but Sir Osborne was as immoveable as a -rock; and though of firm, solid wood, the spear shivered. Not so Sir -Osborne's; borne forward by a steady, unerring hand, it struck Sir -William Cecil's head-piece just under the crest, wrenched away the -crest and plume, and still catching against the ironwork, bore him -backwards upon the croupiere, and thence with his horse to the ground; -for though Sir Osborne pulled in his rein as soon as he could, it was -not before the weight of his charger had overborne that of his -opponent, and thrown him far back upon his haunches. - -The servants of Sir William ran up to disentangle him; and finding him -considerably hurt by the fall, they bore him away to his apartments in -the manor. - -In the mean while the duke and his friends were not scanty of the -praises which they bestowed upon the young knight; and indeed there -might be some sensation of pleasure at Cecil's overthrow, mingled with -their approbation of Sir Osborne; for though a good soldier and an -honourable man, the banneret was overbearing in society with his -equals, and insupportably proud towards those of an inferior rank, so -that all the servants winked to each other as he was borne past, -taking no pains to conceal their pleasure in his humiliation. - -"I am sorry that Sir William Cecil is hurt," said the knight, -springing off his horse: "On, Longpole, after his men, and discover -what is his injury." - -"'Tis no great matter," said Lord Abergany, "and it will do Cecil no -harm that his pride is lowered; for in truth, he has lately become -beyond all endurance vain. He spoke of quelling the mutiny of the -shipwrights at Rochester as if his single arm were capable of doing -more than Lord Thomas and all his company. Well, fellow!" he continued -to Longpole, who now returned, "what hurt has Sir William?" - -"Why, please your lordship," replied he, "he is neither whole beaten -nor whole strangled, but a little of both; for his casque has proved a -cudgel, and given him a bloody nose; and his gorget a halter, and half -hanged him." - -"A merry knave!" said the duke. "Come, Sir Osborne, half-an-hour still -rests before our beverage; that you shall bestow upon me, when you -have taken off your casque. Gentlemen, amuse yourselves till three, -when we will rejoin you in the hall." - -Thus saying, the duke again led the way to his closet, and concluded -all his arrangements with the young knight with the same generosity of -feeling and delicacy of manner which had characterised all the rest of -his conduct towards him. The prize Sir Osborne had won he paid to him -as a mere matter of course, taking every means to conceal that it had -been offered merely that he might win it. But he also exacted a -promise, that whenever the young knight was in London, he would use -his beautiful manor-house of the Rose, in St. Lawrence Pountney, as if -it were his own, and furnished him with a letter which gave him -therein unlimited command over whomsoever and whatsoever it contained. - -"And now," continued Buckingham, "let us speak, my young friend, of -the means of introducing you to the king, without my appearing in it, -for I am not well beloved of the butcher-begotten cardinal. My cousin, -the abbot of the Benedictines, near Canterbury, writes me this morning -that his sister, the lady abbess, a most holy and devout woman, has -with her, even now, a young lady of high station, a woman of the -queen's, one Mistress Katherine Bulmer, who has lately been there to -visit and cheer her relation the abbess, who has somewhat suffered -from a black melancholy that all her holy piety can hardly cure; and -also, as he hints, perhaps to tame down the young damsel's own light -spirits, which, it may be, soar a pitch too high. However, the time -has come that the queen calls for her lady, and the abbess must send -her back; but this mutiny of the shipwrights at Rochester puts the -good devotees in fear; and they must needs ask me, with an '_if I be -sending that way_,' to let the lady journey to the court at Greenwich -under escort of any of my retainers or friends. If you undertake the -charge, our most excellent Queen Katherine will surely give you her -best thanks, and make you know the king; and the mutiny of the -shipwrights, who are still in arms, will be a full reason and excuse -why you should ride armed. Three of my servants shall accompany you. -Say, does this proposal please you? Will you accept it?" - -"With many thanks!" replied the knight. "Your grace is ever kind and -thoughtful for your poor friend's good." - -"Your father once saved my life," answered the duke, "and I would -almost give that life again to see him what he was. See, here is the -letter to the lord abbot. Let us now back to our friends, or they will -think we are plotting treason. Do you favour the bad habit of -beverages? No? then we will drain one cup ere you mount, and bid you -farewell." - -The duke now led to the hall, called for a cup of wine, and then -pledging the young knight, together with Lord Abergany and Lord -Montague, conducted him to his horse, notwithstanding the opposition -which he made to so marked an honour. - -"'S life!" cried Lord Montague, seeing him still armed: "Are you going -to ride in harness? Three of his grace's servants armed too! Why you -are surely going to deliver some captive damsel from the power of a -base ravager." - -"Your lordship is not far wrong," replied the knight, springing on his -horse. "But as it is a secret adventure put upon me by the noble duke, -him you must ask if you would hear more." - -"Oh, the history! the history! I pray thee, most princely Buckingham?" -cried Lord Montague. "But the knight gallops off with his fellow, whom -he calls Longpole; but I doubt me much that both Longpole and Osborne -Maurice at times bear other names. Ha! my lord duke? Well, well! Keep -your secret; nothing like a little romance. He seems a noble heart, -whoever he be." - -With this speech the whole party turned into the mansion; the -generous-hearted duke congratulating himself on having thus found -means to furnish his old friend's son with money and arms, and laying -still farther plans for rendering him more extensive and permanent -service, and the two lords very well pleased with the little -excitement which had broken in upon the sameness of their usual -morning amusements. - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - - This is no Father Dominic: no huge overgrown - Abbey lubber.--Spanish Friar. - - -Who can depict the feelings of Sir Osborne Maurice as he found himself -riding on towards that court where, with the ardour of youthful hope, -he doubted not to retrieve the fortunes of his family by those -qualities which had already acquired for him an honourable fame? -Clothed once more in arms, which for five years had been his almost -constant dress, far better mounted than when he first set out, -supported by the friendship of some of the best and noblest of the -land, and furnished with a sum which he had never dreamed of -possessing, though but starting for the race, he felt as if he already -neared the goal; and looking round upon his four attendants, who were -all, as they were termed in that day, _especial stout varlets_, he -almost wished, like a real knight-errant, that some adventure would -present itself wherein he might signalise himself for the first time -in his native country. - -Dame Fortune, however, was coy, and would not favour him in that sort; -and after having ridden on for half-an-hour, enjoying almost to -intoxication the deep draughts of renewed hope, he brought to his -side, by a sign, our friend Longpole, who, now promoted to the dignity -of custrel, or shield-bearer, followed with the armed servants of the -duke, carrying Sir Osborne's target and spear. - -"Tell me, Longpole," said the knight, who had remarked his faithful -retainer in busy conversation with his companions, "hast thou -discovered why the duke's servants have not his grace's cognizance or -bearing, either on the breast or arm?" - -"Why, it seems, your worship, that they are three stout fellows who -attended the noble duke in the wars, and they are commanded to wait -upon your worship till the duke shall have need of them. Each has his -quiver and his bow, besides his sword and pike; so if we should chance -to meet that wolf Sir Payan, or any of his under-wolves, we may well -requite them for the day's board and lodging which your worship had at -the manor. We, being five, could well match ten of them; and besides, -the little old gentleman in black velvet told me that your worship -would be fortunate in all things for two months after you got out; but -that after that he could not say, for----" - -"What little gentleman in black are you speaking of?" interrupted the -knight. "You forget I do not know whom you mean." - -"Ay, true, your worship," answered Longpole. "I forgot you were locked -up all that while. But you must know that when Sir Payan returned -yesterday he brought with him a little gentleman dressed in a black -velvet doublet and crimson hose; but so small, so small he would be -obliged to stand on tip-toe to look me into a tankard. Well, Sir Payan -sent for me, and questioned me a great deal about the young lady who -had been in with you; and he thought himself vastly shrewd; for -certain he is cunning enough to cheat the devil out of a bed and a -supper any day; but I did my best to blind him, and then he asked me -for the key, and said he would keep it himself. So I was obliged to -give up the only way I had of helping your worship; for I saw by that -that Sir Payan suspected me, and would not trust me any more near you, -which indeed he did not. Well, he made a speech to the little -gentleman, and then left the room; and I suppose I looked at the -bottom of my wits, for the little fellow says to me, 'Heartley! -there's a window as well as a door.' So I started, first to find he -knew my name, and secondly because he knew what I was thinking about. -However, I thought there was no use to be angry with a man for picking -my pocket of my thoughts without my knowing it; so I took it quietly, -and answered, 'I know there is; but how shall I make him understand -what he is to do?' 'Tell me what it is,' said he, 'and I will show you -how.' So I don't know why, because he might have been a great cheat, -but I told him; and thereupon he took a bit of parchment from his -pocket, it might be half a skin, and a bit of whitish wax it looked -like, out of a bottle, and made as if he wrote upon the parchment; but -the more he wrote the less writing I could see. However, he gave me -the piece of parchment, and told me to throw it in at the window after -dark, with a heap more. I resolved to try, for I began to guess that -the little old gentleman was a conjuror; and when I got into the dark, -I found that the paper was all shining like a stinking fish; and your -lordship knows the rest." - -"He is an extraordinary man," said Sir Osborne. "But did you never -hear your father speak of Sir Cesar?" - -"I have heard my good dad talk about one Sir Cesar," said Longpole, -"but I did not know that this was he. If I had I would have thanked -him for many a kind turn he did for the two old folks while I was -away. But does your worship see those heavy towers standing up over -the trees to the left? That is the Benedictine Abbey, just out of -Canterbury." - -"That is where I am going," replied the knight, "if that be -Wilsbourne." - -"Wilsbourne or St. Cummin," answered Longpole; "they call it either. -The abbot is a good man, they say, which is something to say for an -abbot, as days go. Your abbey is a very silent discreet place; 'tis -like purgatory, where a man gets quit of his sins without the devil -knowing anything about it." - -"Nay, nay, you blaspheme the cloister, Longpole," said the knight. "I -have heard a great deal spoken against the heads of monasteries; but I -cannot help thinking that as most men hate their superiors, some of -the monks would be sure to blazon the sins of those above them, if -they had so many as people say." - -"Faith, they are too cunning a set for that," replied Longpole. "They -have themselves a proverb, which goes to say, 'Let the world wag, do -your own business, and always speak well of the lord abbot; so you -shall feed well, and fare well, and sleep, while tolls the matin -bell.' But your worship must turn up here, if you are really going to -the abbey." - -The knight signified that such was certainly his intention; and -turning up the lane that led across to the abbey, in about a quarter -of an hour he arrived at a little open green, bordered by the high -wall that surrounded the gardens. The lodge, forming, as it were, part -of the wall itself, stood exactly opposite, looking over the green, -with its heavy wooden doors and small loophole windows. To it Longpole -rode forward, and rang the bell; and on the appearance of an old -stupid-faced porter, the knight demanded to see the lord abbot. - -"You can see him at vespers in the church, if you like to go, any -day," said the profound janitor, whose matter-of-fact mind -comprehended alone the mere meaning of each word. - -"But I cannot speak with him at vespers," said the knight. "I have a -letter for him from his grace of Buckingham, and must speak with him." - -"That is a different case," said the porter; "you said you wanted to -see the abbot, not to speak to him. But come in." - -"I cannot come in without you open the other gate," said the knight. -"How can my horse pass, old man?" - -"Light down, then!" said the porter. "I shall not let in horses here, -unless it be my lord abbot's mule, be you who you will." - -"Then you will take the consequences of not letting me in," replied -the knight, "for I shall not light down from my horse till I am in the -court." - -"Then you will stay out," said the old man, very quietly shutting the -door, much to Sir Osborne's indignation and astonishment. For a -moment, he balanced whether he should ride on without farther care, or -whether he should again make an attempt upon the obdurate porter. A -moment, however, determined him to choose the latter course; and -catching the bell-rope, he rang a very sufficient peal. Nobody -appeared, and angry beyond all patience, the knight again clapped his -hand to the rope, muttering, "If you won't hear, old man, others -shall;" and pulling for at least five minutes, he made the whole place -echo with the din. - -He was still engaged in this very sonorous employment, when the door -was again opened by the porter, and a monk appeared, dressed simply in -the loose black gown of St. Benedict, with the cowl, scapulary, and -other vestments of a brother of the order. - -"I should think, sir knight," said he, "that you might find some -better occupation than in disturbing myself and brethren here, walking -in our garden, without offending you or any one." - -"My good father," answered Sir Osborne, "it is I who have cause to be -angry, rather than any one else. I came here for the purpose of -rendering a slight service to my lord abbot, and am bearer of a letter -from his grace of Buckingham; and your uncivil porter shuts your gate -in my face, because I do not choose to dismount from my horse, and -leave my attendants without, though I know not how long it may be -convenient for your superior to detain me." - -"You have done wrong," said the monk, turning to the porter; "first, -in refusing to open the gate, next, in telling me what was false about -it. Open the great gates, and admit the knight and his train. I shall -remember this in the penance." - -The old porter dared not murmur, but he dared very well be slow, and -he contrived to be nearly half an hour in the simple operation of -drawing the bolts and bars, and opening the gates, which the good monk -bore with much greater patience than the knight, who had fondly -calculated upon reaching the village of Sithenburn that night, and who -saw the day waning fast in useless retardation. - -At length, however, the doors unclosed, and he rode into the avenue -that led through the gardens to the back of the abbey, the monk -preparing to walk beside his horse. A feeling, however, of respect for -a certain mildness and dignity in the old man's manner, induced him to -dismount; and giving his horse to one of the servants, he entered into -conversation with his conductor, while, as they went along, his -clanging step and glistening arms called several of the brethren from -their meditative sauntering, to gaze at the strange figure of an armed -knight within their peaceful walls. - -"Surely, father," said Sir Osborne, as they walked on, his mind drawn -naturally to such thoughts, "the silent quietude of the scene, and the -calm tranquillity of existence which you enjoy here, would more than -compensate for all the fleeting unreal pleasures of the world, without -even the gratification of those holy thoughts that first call you to -this retirement?" - -"There are many who feel it so, my son, and I among them," answered -the old man; "but yet, do not suppose that human nature can ever -purify itself entirely of earthly feelings. Hopes, wishes, and -necessities produce passions even here: pettier, it is true, because -the sphere is pettier. But, depend upon it, no society can ever be so -constructed as to eradicate the evil propensities of man's nature, or -even their influence, without entirely circumscribing his communion -with his fellows. He must be changed, or solitary: must have no -objects to excite, or no passions to be excited: he must be a hermit -or a corpse; have a desert or the grave." - -"'Tis a bad account of human nature," said the knight. "I had fancied -that such feelings as you speak of were unknown here: that, at all -events, religious sentiments would correct and overcome them." - -"They do correct, my son, though they cannot overcome them," said the -monk. "I spoke of monastic life merely as a human institution; and -even in that respect we are likely to meet with more tranquillity -within such walls as these than perhaps anywhere else, because the -persons who adopt such a state from choice are generally those of a -calm and placid disposition, and religion easily effects the rest. But -there are others, driven by disappointment, by satiety, by caprice, by -fear, by remorse, by even pride; and urged by bad feelings from the -first, those bad feelings accompany them still, and act as a leaven -amongst those with whom they are thus forced to consort. Even when it -is but sorrow that, weaning from worldly pleasure, brings a brother -here, often the sorrow leaves him, and the taste for the world -returns, when an irrevocable vow has torn him from it for ever; or -else, if his grief lasts, it becomes a black and brooding melancholy, -as different from true religion as even the mad gaiety of the -thoughtless crowd. There was a youth here, not long ago, who was wont -to call the matin bell _the knell of broken hearts_. Others, again, -circumscribed in the range of their feelings, become irascible from -the very restraint, and vent their irritability on all around them." - -"But example in the superior does much," said the knight; "and I have -heard that your lord abbot----" - -"Whether you are about to praise or blame," said the monk, "stop! I am -the abbot. If it were praise you were about to speak I could not hear -it silently; if 'twere blame, I would fain save you the pain of -uttering to my own ears what many doubtless say behind my back." - -"Indeed, my lord abbot," answered the knight, "I had nothing to speak -but praise; and had it been blame, I would sooner have said it to -yourself than to one of your monks. But to the business which brings -me hither. His grace the Duke of Buckingham, by this letter, commends -him to your lordship; and knowing that I purpose journeying to the -court, he has desired me to conduct, and protect with my best power, a -young lady, whose name I forget, till I have rendered her safely to -her royal mistress, Queen Katherine." - -"I thank you for the trouble you have already taken, my son. We will -in to the scriptorium," said the abbot; "and when I have perused his -grace's letter, will have the lady informed that you are here." - -Although that art was rapidly advancing which soon after entirely -superseded the necessity of manual transcription for multiplying -books, yet the scriptorium, or copying-room, was still not only to be -found, but was also still employed for its original purpose, in almost -every abbey or monastery of consequence. In that of the Benedictines -of Wilsbourne, it was a large oblong chamber, vaulted with low Gothic -arches, and divided into various small compartments by skreens of -carved oak. Each of these possessed its table and writing apparatus; -and in more than one, when Sir Osborne entered, was to be seen a monk -copying some borrowed manuscript for the use of the abbey. The -approach of the abbot, whose manners seemed to possess a great deal of -primeval simplicity, did not in the least derange the copyists in -their occupation; and it is probable that, when unengaged in the -immediate ministry of his office, he did not exact that ceremonious -reverence to which the mitred abbot was by rank entitled. - -In politeness, as in everything else, there are of course various -shades of difference very perceptible to observation, yet hardly -tangible by language: thus, when the abbot had read the Duke of -Buckingham's letter, the character which it gave of Sir Osborne caused -a very discernible change to take place in his manner, though in what -it consisted it would be difficult to say. He had always been polite, -but his politeness became warmer: when he spoke it was with a smile; -and, in short, it was evidently an alteration in his mind, from the -mere feeling of general benevolence which inhabits every good bosom, -to the sort of individual kindness which can only follow some degree -of acquaintance. He expressed much gratification at the idea of Lady -Katrine Bulmer having the advantage of the knight's escort, more -especially, he said, as the news from Rochester became worse and -worse. But Sir Osborne, he continued, had better speak with the lady -herself, when they could form such arrangements as might be found -convenient; for Lady Katrine had a good deal of the light caprice of -youth, and loved to follow her own fantasies. He then sent some -directions to the prior concerning matters of discipline, and gave -orders that the attendants of Sir Osborne should be brought to the -hospitaler, whose peculiar charge it was to entertain guests and -strangers; and this being done, he led the way towards that part of -the abbey which contained the sisters of the order, preceded by a monk -bearing a large key. - -Separated throughout by a wall of massy masonry, no communication -existed between the two portions of the building, except by a small -iron door, the key of which always remained with the abbot, and by -some underground communications, as it was whispered, the knowledge of -which was confined also to his bosom. Of these subterranean chambers -many dark tales of cruelty and unheard-of penances were told as having -happened in former ages, when monastic sway had its full ascendant; -but even their very existence was now doubtful; and when any one -mentioned them before the abbot he only smiled, as a man will do at -the tales of wonder that amaze a child. However that may be, the way -by which he led the young knight to the female side of the monastery -was simply through the cloisters; and having arrived at the door of -communication, he took the key from the bearer, unlocked it himself, -and making the knight pass into the cloister on the other side, he -locked the door and rejoined him. - -The place in which they now were was a gloomy arcade, surrounding a -small square court, in the centre of which appeared a statue of -Scholastica, the sister of Saint Benedict; and several almost childish -ornaments evinced the pious designs of the good sisters to decorate -their patroness. But, notwithstanding all their efforts, it was a -dreary spot. The pointed arches of the cloister resting upon pillars -of scarce a foot in height; the thick embellishments of stone-work -forming almost what heralds would call a _bordure fleurée_ round the -archways; together with the towering height of the buildings round -about, took away the scanty light that found its way into deep -recesses of the double aisle, and buried all the second or inner row -of arches in profound shadow. - -Another small door appeared on the left of the abbot, who still held -the key in his hand; but stopping, he pointed along the cloister to -the right, and said, "My son, I must here leave you, for I go to my -sister's apartment, to have the lady called to the grate, and no -layman must pass here; but if you follow that arcade round the court -till you see a passage leading again towards the light (you cannot -miss your way), you will come to the convent court, as it is called, -and exactly opposite you will find a door which leads to the grate. -There I will rejoin you." - -The knight followed the lord abbot's direction; and proceeding round -the first side of the square, was turning into the second, when he -thought he saw the flutter of a white garment in the shadowy part of -the inner aisle. "It is some nun," thought he: but a moment's -reflection brought to his mind that the habit of the Benedictines was -always black; and it may be that curiosity made him take a step or two -somewhat faster than he did before. - -"Open the door, and make haste, Geraldine," said a female voice, in a -low tone, but one that, nevertheless, reverberated by the arches, -reached the knight's ears quite distinctly enough for him to hear the -lady proceed. - -"He must be on horseback, I think, by the quickness of his pace and -the clanking of his hoofs. Cannot you open it? Run across the court, -then, silly wench, quick! or Gogmagog will have you;" and with a light -laugh, the lady of the white robe darted out from the archway, and -tripped gracefully across the court, with her long veil flowing back -from her head as she ran, and showing fully the beautiful brown hair -with which it was mingled, and the beautiful sunny face which it was -meant to hide, but which, fully conscious of its own loveliness, was -now turned with a somewhat playful, somewhat inquisitive, somewhat -coquettish glance, towards the knight. - -Following close behind her was a pretty young woman, dressed as a -servant-maid, who ran on without looking to the right or left, and -who, probably being really frightened, almost tumbled over her -mistress, not perceiving that she slackened her pace as she reached -the other side of the court. It thus happened that she trod on the -young lady's foot, who uttered a slight cry, and leaned upon the -servant for support. - -As may be imagined, Sir Osborne was by her side in a moment, -expressing his hopes that she was not hurt, and tendering his services -with knightly gallantry; but the lady suddenly drew herself up, made -him a low curtsey, and stiffly thanking him for his attention, walked -slowly to the door by which the abbot had entered. - -Not very well pleased with the reception his politeness had met, the -knight proceeded on his way, and easily found the passage which the -abbot had described, leading, as he had been told into the larger -court, exactly opposite the door by which visitors were usually -admitted. This door, as usual, stood open; and mounting the steps, Sir -Osborne proceeded on into a small room beyond, separated from the -parlour by a carved oak partition, in the centre of which was placed -the trellis-work of gilded iron called the grate. - -Nobody appearing on the other side, Sir Osborne cast himself upon the -bench with which one side of the room was furnished, and waited -patiently for the appearance of the lady, abandoning now, of -necessity, the idea of proceeding farther that night. After having -waited for a few minutes, a light step met his ear; and without much -surprise, for he had already guessed what was the fact, he saw the -same lady approach the grate whom he had met in the court. Rising -thereupon from his seat, he advanced to the partition, and bowed low, -as if to a person he had never seen. The lady, on her part, made him a -low curtsey, and both remained silent. - -"I am here," said the knight, after a long pause, "to receive the -commands of Lady Katrine Bulmer, if I have now the honour of speaking -to her?" - -"My name is Bulmer, sir knight," replied the lady, "and eke Katrine, -and some folks call me lady, and some mistress; but by what my lord -abbot and my lady abbess just tell me, it seems that I am to receive -your commands rather than you to receive mine." - -"Very far from it, madam," said the knight; "you have but to express -your wishes, and they shall be obeyed." - -"There now!" cried the lady, with an air of mock admiration; "sir -knight, you are the flower of courtesy! Then you do not positively -insist on my getting up at five to-morrow morning to set out, as my -lord abbot informed me? A thing I never did in my life, and which, -please God, I never will do!" - -"I insisted upon nothing, madam," answered the knight, "I only -informed my lord abbot that it would be more convenient to me to -depart as speedily as possible; and I ventured to hint that if you -knew of how much importance it might be for me to arrive at the court -soon, you would gratify me by using all the despatch which you might -with convenience to yourself." - -"Then it is of importance to you?" demanded the lady; "that changes -the case. Name the hour, sir knight, and you shall find me ready. But -you know not what a good horsewoman I am; I can make long journeys and -quick ones." - -"Not less than two days will suffice, I fear," said the knight; "the -first day we may halt at Gravesend." - -"Halt!" exclaimed the lady, laughing, and turning to her woman, who -stood at a little distance behind, "do you hear that? Halt! He talks -to me as if I were a soldier. Tell me, Geraldine, is it possible that -I look like a pikeman?" - -"Not any way like a soldier," replied the knight, sufficiently amused -with her liveliness and beauty to forget her pertness; "not any way -like a soldier, unless it be one of heaven's host." - -"Gracious heaven!" cried the lady, "he says pretty things. Only think -of a man in armour being witty! But really, sir knight, it frightens -me to see you all wrapped up in horrid steel. Can it possibly be that -these Rochester shipwrights are so outrageous as to require a belted -knight with lance in rest for the escort of a simple girl like me?" - -"Men are wont to guard great treasures with even superfluous care," -replied Sir Osborne. The lady made him a very profound curtsey, and he -proceeded: "This was most probably the lord abbot's reason for sending -to request some escort from the Duke of Buckingham; for though I hear -of some riot or tumult at Rochester, I cannot suppose it very serious. -However, all I know is this, that the right reverend father did send -while I was there jousting in the park; and understanding that I was -about to proceed to London, his grace resigned to me the honour of -conducting you safely thither." - -"What, then! you are not one of the duke's own knights?" exclaimed -Lady Katrine. - -"I am no one's knight," replied Sir Osborne with a smile, "except it -be the king's and yours, if such you will allow me to be." - -"Oh, that I will!" answered the lady. "I should like a tame knight -above anything; but in troth, I have spoken to you somewhat too -lightly, sir." She proceeded more gravely: "From what my lord uncle -abbot told me, I judged the duke had sent me one of his household -knights,[6] men who, having forty pounds a year, have been forced to -receive a slap on the shoulder for the sake of the herald's fee; and -then, having nought to do that may become the sir, they pin themselves -to the skirts of some great man's robe, to do both knightly and -unknightly service." - -"Such am not I, fair lady," replied Sir Osborne, a little piqued that -she could even have supposed so. "I took my knighthood in the -battle-plain, from the sword of a great monarch; and so long as I live -my service shall never be given but to my lady, my king, or my God!" - -"Nay, nay, do not look so fierce, man in armour," answered Lady -Katrine, relapsing into her merriment. "Both from your manner and your -mien, I should have judged differently, if I had thought but for a -moment; but do not you see, I never think? I take a thing for granted, -and then go on acting upon it as if it were really true. But, as I -said, you shall be my knight, and before we reach the court I doubt -not I shall have a task to give you, and a guerdon for your pains, if -the good folks of Rochester do not cut our throats in the mean while. -But what hour did you say, sir knight, for setting out? for here my -poor wenches have to make quick preparations of all my habits." - -"I have named no hour," replied Sir Osborne; "but if you will do me -the honour to let me know when you are ready tomorrow, my horses shall -stand saddled from six in the morning." - -"But how am I to let you know?" demanded the lady, "unless I take hold -of the bell-rope, and ring matins on the convent bell; and then all -the good souls will wink their eyes, and think the sun has turned -lie-a-bed. Dear heart! sir knight, you do not suppose that the monks -and the nuns come running in and out between the two sides of the -abbey, like the busy little ants in their wonderful small cities? No, -no, no! none comes in here but my lord abbot and an old confessor or -two, so deafened with the long catalogue of worldly sins that they -would not hear my errand, much less do it. But now I think of it, -there is a good lay sister; her I will bribe with a silver piece to -risk purgatory by going round to the front gate of the abbey, and -telling the monk when I am ready. And now, good sir knight, I must go -back to my lord abbot, and fall down upon my knees and beg pardon; for -I left him so offended that he would not come down with me, because I -was pert about going early. Farewell! Judge not harshly of me till -to-morrow; perhaps then I may give you cause; who knows?" - -Thus saying, she tripped lightly away with a gay saucy toss of the -head, like a spoiled child, too sure of pleasing to be heedful about -doing so. As she turned away, the maid advanced to the grate, and -informed Sir Osborne that the lord abbot would meet him at the place -where they had parted, upon which information the knight retrod his -steps to the little court of the cloisters, where he found the abbot -pacing up and down, with a grave and thoughtful countenance. - -"I am afraid, Sir Osborne Maurice," said he, as the knight approached, -"that the young lady you have just left has not demeaned herself as I -could have wished, towards you; for she left me in one of those -flighty moods which I had good hope would have been cured by her stay -in the convent." - -"She expected to find you still with the lady abbess," said Sir -Osborne, avoiding the immediate subject of the abbot's inquiry; "and -went with the intention of suing for pardon of your lordship, having -given you, she said, some offence." - -"I am glad to hear it, with all my heart!" said the monk; "for then -she is penitent, which is all that God requires of us, and all that we -can require of others. Indeed her heart is good; and though she -commits many a fault, yet she repents the moment after, and would fain -amend it. But come, sir knight! Though our own rules are strict, we -must show our hospitality to strangers; and I hope our refectioner has -taken care to remember that you will partake the fare of my table -to-night. But first you had better seek your chamber, and disencumber -yourself of this armour, which, though very splendid, must be very -heavy. Ho! brother Francis, tell the hospitaller to come hither and -conduct the knight to his apartment." - -While this short conversation was taking place, the abbot had led Sir -Osborne back into the cloisters on the male side of the building; and -proceeding slowly along towards the wing in which was the scriptorium, -and other apartments of general use, they were soon met by the -hospitaller, who led the knight to a neat small chamber, furnished -with a bed, a crucifix, and a missal. Here the worthy officer of the -convent essayed with inexpert hands to disengage the various pieces of -the harness, speaking all the while, and asking a thousand idle -questions with true monastic volubility, without giving Sir Osborne -either time to hear or to reply. - -"Stay, stay!" said the knight at length, as the old man endeavoured to -unbuckle the cuissards; "you cannot do it, my good father; and -besides, it is an unworthy task for such a holy man as you." - -"Not in the least, my son, not in the least!" replied the monk. "But, -as I was saying, I dare say you have heard how the lord mayor and his -men went to Hogsden Lane, especially if you have been lately in -London; or have you been down in Cornwall, allaying the Cornish -tumultuaries? A-well, a-well! it is very odd I cannot get that buckle -out; though, perhaps, my son, you can tell me whether the prior of -Gloucester has embraced the mitigated rule instead of the severe; and -indeed the mitigated is severe enough: four days' fast in the week! If -the Duke of Buckingham were to send us another fat buck, as he did -last year: but I forget, it is not the season. Alack, alack! all -things have their times and seasons, and truly I am of the season of -old age; though, God help us all! I believe I must call your -shield-bearer, for I cannot get the buckle out." - -"Do so, my good father," said the knight, glad enough to get rid of -him; "and bid him bring my casque hither." - -Accordingly, our friend Longpole was soon brought to Sir Osborne's -chamber, and by his aid the knight easily freed himself from that -beautiful armour, which we, who are in the secret of all men's minds, -may look upon as in a great degree a present from the Duke of -Buckingham, although Sir Osborne himself did not begin to suspect that -the just and the prizes had been entirely given to furnish him with -money and arms, till the lapse of two or three days allowed calm -consideration to show him the events in their true colours. - -After once more admiring for a moment or two the beauty of the suit, -and having given directions for its being carefully cleansed of all -damp that it might have acquired on the road, he descended to the -table of the lord abbot, which he found handsomely provided for his -entertainment. - -To the wine, however, and the costly viands with which it was spread, -the abbot himself did little justice, observing almost the rigid -abstinence of an ascetic; but to compensate for his want of good -fellowship, the prior and sub-prior, who shared the same table, found -themselves called upon to press the stranger to his food, and to lead -the way. - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - - To-day is ours! why do we fear? - To-day is ours! we have it here. - Let's banish business, banish sorrow; - To the gods belongs to-morrow.--Cowley. - - I have dreamed - Of bloody turbulence.--Shakspere. - - -In profound silence will we pass over Sir Osborne's farther -entertainment at the abbey; as well as how Longpole contrived to make -himself merry, even in the heart of a monastery; together with sundry -other circumstances, which might be highly interesting to that class -of pains-taking readers who love everything that is particular and -orderly, and would fain make an historian not only tell the truth, but -the whole truth, even to the colour of his heroine's garters. For such -curious points, however, we refer them to the scrupulously exact -Vonderbrugius, who expends the greater part of the next chapter -upon the description of a flea-hunt, which Longpole got up in his -truckle-bed in the monastery; and who describes the various hops of -the minute vampire, together with all that Longpole said on the -occasion, as well as the running down, the taking, and the manner of -the death, with laudable industry and perseverance. But for the sake -of that foolish multitude who interest themselves in the fate and -adventures of the hero, rather than in the minor details, we will pass -over the whole of the next night much in the same manner as Sir -Osborne, who, sound asleep, let it fleet by in silence undisturbed. - -His horses, however, were scarcely saddled, and his four attendants -prepared, the next morning, than he was informed that the Lady Katrine -Bulmer was ready to depart; and proceeding on foot to the great gates -of the abbey, which fronted the high road, on the other side from that -on which he had entered, he found her already mounted on a beautiful -Spanish jennet, with her two women and a man, also on horseback. By -her side stood the abbot, with whom she had now made her peace, and -who, kindly welcoming Sir Osborne, led him to the young lady. - -"Sir knight," said he, "I give you a precious charge in this my dead -sister's child; and I give her wholly to your charge, with the most -perfect confidence, sure that you will guide her kindly and safely to -her journey's end. And now, God bless you and speed you, my child!" he -continued, turning to the young lady; "and believe me, Kate, there is -no one in the wide world more anxious for your happiness than your -poor uncle." - -"I know it, I know it, dear uncle!" answered the lady; "and though I -be whimsical and capricious, do not think your Katrine does not love -you too." A bright drop rose in her eye, and crying "Farewell! -farewell!" she made her jennet dart forward, to conceal the emotion -she could not repress. - -The knight sprang on his horse, bade farewell to the abbot, and -galloped after Lady Katrine, who drew in her rein for no one, but rode -on as fast as her steed would go. However, notwithstanding her -jennet's speed, Sir Osborne was soon by her side; but seeing a tear -upon her cheek, he made no remark, and turning round, held up his hand -for the rest to come up, and busied himself in giving orders for the -arrangement of their march, directing the two women, with Lady -Katrine's man, and Longpole, to keep immediately behind, while the -three attendants given him by the duke concluded the array. The young -lady's tears were soon dispersed, and she turned laughing to her -women, who came up out of breath with the rapidity of their course. - -"Well, Geraldine," she cried, "shall I go on as quick? Should I not -make an excellent knight at a just, Sir Osborne? Oh! I could furnish -my course with the best of you. I mind me to try the very next justs -that are given." - -"Where would you find the man," said Sir Osborne, "to point a lance at -so fair a breast, unless it be Cupid's shaft?" - -"Ah, Sir Osborne Maurice!" answered the lady, "you men jest when you -say such things; but you know not sometimes what women feel. But trust -me that same Cupid's shaft that you scoff at, because it never wounds -you deeply, sometimes lodges in a woman's breast, and rankling there -will pale her cheek, and drain her heart of every better hope." - -The lady spoke so earnestly that Sir Osborne was surprised, and -perhaps looked it; for instantly catching the expression of his eye, -Lady Katrine coloured, and then breaking out into one of her own gay -laughs, she answered his glance as if it had been expressed in speech, -"You are mistaken! quite mistaken!" said she, "I never thought of -myself. Nay, my knight, do not look incredulous; my heart is too light -a one to be so touched. It skims like a swallow o'er the surface of -all it sees, and the boy archer spends his shafts in vain; its swift -flight mocks his slow aim. But to convince you, when I spoke," she -proceeded in a lower voice, "I alluded to that poor girl, Geraldine, -who rides behind. Her lover was a soldier, who, when Tournay was -delivered to the French, was left without employment; and after having -won the simple wench's heart, and promised her a world of fine things, -he went as an adventurer to Flanders, vowing that he would get some -scribe to write to her of his welfare, and that as soon as he had made -sufficient, what with pay and booty they would be married; but -eighteen months have gone, and never a word." - -"What was his name?" asked the knight; "I would wish much to hear." - -"Hal Williamson, I think she calls him," said the lady: "but it -matters little; the poor girl has nigh broke her heart for the -unfaithful traitor." - -"You do him wrong," said the knight; "indeed, lady, you do him wrong. -The poor fellow you speak of joined himself to my company at Lisle, -and died in the very last skirmish before the death of the late -emperor. With some money and arms, that I expect transmitted by the -first Flemish ship, there is also a packet, I fancy, for your maid, -for I forget the address. From it she will learn that he was not -faithless to her, together with the worse news of his death." - -"Better! a thousand times better!" cried Lady Katrine, energetically. -"If I had a lover, I would a thousand times rather know that he was -dead, than that he was unfaithful. For the first, I could but weep all -my life, and mourn him with the mourning of the heart; but for the -last, there would be still bitterer drops in the cup of my sorrow. I -would mourn him as dead to me. I would mourn him as dead to honour; -and I should reproach myself for having believed a traitor, almost as -much as for being one." - -"So!" said the knight, with a smile, "this is the heart that defies -Cupid's shaft: that is too light and volatile to be hit by his -purblind aim!" - -"Now you are stupid!" said she, pettishly. "Now you are just what I -always fancied a man in armour. Why, I should have thought, that while -your custrel carries your steel cap, you might have comprehended -better, and seen that the very reason why my heart is so giddy and so -light is because it is resolved not to be so wounded by the shaft it -fears." - -"Then it does fear?" said Sir Osborne. - -"Pshaw!" cried Lady Katrine. "Geraldine, come up, and deliver me from -him: he is worse than the Rochester rioters." - -In such light talk passed they their journey, Sir Osborne Maurice -sometimes pleased, sometimes vexed with his gay companion, but upon -the whole, amused, and in some degree dazzled. For her part, whatever -might be her more serious feelings, the lady found the knight quite -handsome and agreeable enough to be worthy a little coquetry. Perhaps -it might be nothing but those little flirting airs by which many a -fair lady thinks herself fully justified in exciting attention, with -that sort of thirst for admiration which is not content unless it be -continually fresh and active. Now, with her glove drawn off her fair -graceful hand, she would push back the thick curls from her face; now -adjust the long folds of her riding-dress; now pat the glossy neck of -her pampered jennet, which, bending down its head and shaking the bit, -would seem proud of her caresses; and then she would smile, and ask -Sir Osborne if he did not think a horse the most beautiful creature in -nature. - -At length they approached the little town of Sittenbourne, famous even -then for a good inn, where, had the party not been plagued with that -unromantic thing called hunger, they must have stopped to refresh -their horses, amongst which the one that carried the baggage of Lady -Katrine, being heavily laden, required at least two hours' repose. - -The inn was built by the side of the road, though sunk two or -three feet below it, with a row of eight old elms shadowing its -respectable-looking front, which, with its small windows and red brick -complexion, resembled a good deal the face of a well-doing citizen, -with his minute dark eyes half swallowed up by his rosy cheeks. From -its position, the steps by which entrance was obtained, so far from -ascending, according to modern usage, descended into a little passage, -from which a door swinging by means of a pulley, a string, and a large -stone, conducted into the inn parlour. - -Here, when Lady Katrine had entered, while the knight gave orders for -preparing a noon meal in some degree suitable to the lady's rank, she -amused herself in examining all the quaint carving of the old oak -panelling; and having studied every rose in the borders, and every -head upon the corbels, she dropped into a chair, crying out--"Oh dear! -oh dear! what shall I do in the mean while? Bridget, girl, bring me my -broidery out of the horse-basket. I feel industrious; but make haste, -for fear the fit should leave me." - -"Bless your ladyship!" replied the servant, "the broidery is at the -bottom of all the things in the pannier. It will take an hour or more -to get at it; that it will." - -"Then give me what is at the top, whatever it is," said the lady; -"quick! quick! quick! or I shall be asleep." - -Bridget ran out, according to her lady's command, and returned in a -moment with a cithern or mandolin, which was a favourite instrument -among the ladies of the day, and placing it in Lady Katrine's hand, -she cried, "Oh, dear lady, do sing that song about the knight and the -damsel!" - -"No, I won't," answered her mistress; "it will make the man in armour -yawn. Sir knight," she continued, holding up the instrument, "do you -know what that is?" - -"It seems to me no very great problem," replied Sir Osborne, turning -from some orders he was giving to Longpole; "it is a cithern, is it -not?" - -"He would fain have said, 'A thing that some fools play upon, and -other fools listen to,'" cried Lady Katrine: "make no excuse, Sir -Osborne; I saw it in your face. I'm sure you meant it." - -"Nay, indeed, fair lady," replied the knight, "it is an instrument -much used at the court of Burgundy, where my days have lately been -spent. We were wont to hold it as a shame not to play on some -instrument, and I know not a sweeter aid to the voice than the -cithern." - -"Oh, then you play and sing! I am sure you do," cried the giddy girl. -"Sir Osborne Maurice, good knight and true, come into court, pull off -your gauntlets, and sing me a song." - -"I will truly," answered the knight, "after I have heard your -ladyship, though I am but a poor singer.'" - -"Well, well!" cried Lady Katrine, "I'll lead the way; and if you are a -true knight, you will follow." - -So saying, she ran her fingers lightly over the strings, and sang. - - -LADY KATRINE'S SONG. - - Quick, quick, ye lazy hours, - Plume your laggard wings; - Sure the path is strew'd with flowers - That love to true love brings. - From morning bright, - To fading light, - Speed, oh, speed, your drowsy flight! - - If Venus' courier be a dove, - As ancient poet sings, - Oh! why not give to absent love - At least the swallow's wings, - To speed his way, - The live-long day, - Till meeting all his pain repay? - - -Thus sang Lady Katrine; and it may well be supposed that the music, -the words, and the execution, all met with their full share of praise, -although Bridget declared that she liked better the song about the -knight and the damsel. - -"Now, your promise, your promise, sir knight!" cried the lady, putting -the instrument in Sir Osborne's hands; "keep your promise as a true -and loyal knight." - -"That I will do, to my best power," said Sir Osborne, "though my voice -will be but rough after the sweet sounds we have just heard: however, -to please Mistress Bridget here, my song shall be of a knight and a -damsel, though it be somewhat a long one." - - -THE KNIGHT'S SONG. - - The night was dark, and the way was lone, - But a knight was riding there; - And on his breast the red-cross shone, - Though his helmet's haughty crest upon - Was a lock of a lady's hair. - - His beaver was up, and his cheek was pale - His beard was of auburn brown; - And as night was his suit of darksome mail, - And his eye was as keen as the wintry gale, - And as cold was his wintry frown. - - Oh! sad were the tidings thy brow to shade, - Sad to hear and sad to tell; - That thy love was false to the vows she had made, - That her truth was gone, and thy trust betray'd - By her thou lovest so well. - - Now fast, good knight, on thy coal-black steed, - That knows his lord's command, - For the hour is coming with fearful speed - When her soul the lady shall stain with the deed, - And give to another her hand. - - In the chapel of yon proud towers 'tis bright, - 'Tis bright at the altar there; - For around in the blaze of the tapers' light - Stand many a glittering, courtly knight, - And many a lady fair. - - But why are there tears in the bride's bright eyes? - And why does the bridegroom frown? - And why to the priest are there no replies? - For the bitter drops, and the struggling sighs, - The lady's voice have drown'd. - - That clang! that clang of an armed heel! - And what stately form is here? - His warlike limbs are clothed in steel, - And back the carpet heroes reel, - And the ladies shrink for fear. - - And he caught the bride in his mailed arms, - And he raised his beaver high; - "Oh! thy tears, dear girl, are full of charms, - But hush thy bosom's vain alarms, - For thy own true knight is nigh!" - - And he pull'd the gauntlet from his hand, - While he frown'd on the crowd around, - And he cast it down, and drew his brand, - "Now any who dare my right withstand, - Let him raise it from the ground." - - But the knights drew back in fear and dread, - And the bride clung to his side; - And her father, lowly bending, said, - In the Holy Land they had deem'd him dead, - But by none was his right denied. - - "Then now read on, sir priest," he cried, - "For this is my wedding-day; - Here stands my train on either side, - And here is a willing and lovely bride, - And none shall say me nay. - - "For I'll make her the lady of goodly lands, - And of many a princely tower; - And of dames a train, and of squires a band, - Shall wait at their lady's high command, - In the Knight of de Morton's bower." - - -"Alack! alack!" cried Lady Katrine, as Sir Osborne concluded, "you are -not a knight, but a nightingale. Well, never did I hear a man in -armour chirrup so before! Nay, what a court must be that court of -Burgundy! Why, an aviary would be nothing to it! But if the master -sings so well," she continued, as Longpole entered, bearing in Sir -Osborne's casque and shield, "the man must sing too. Bid him sing, -fair knight, bid him sing; he will not refuse to pleasure a lady." - -"Oh, no! I am always ready to pleasure a lady," answered Longpole; -who, as he went along, though he had found it impossible to help -making a little love to Mistress Geraldine, had, notwithstanding, -noted with all his own shrewd wit the little coquettish ways of her -mistress. "But give me no instrument, my lady, but my own whistle; for -mine must not be pryck-song, but plain song." - - -THE CUSTREL'S SONG. - - Young Harry went out to look for a wife, - Hey, Harry Dally! - He said he would have her in virtues rife, - As soft as a pillow, yet keen as a knife, - With a hey ho, Harry! - - The first that he met with was quiet and glum, - Hey, Harry Dally! - But she'd got a bad trick of sucking her thumb, - And when he cried "Mary!" the never would come, - With a hey ho, Harry! - - The next that he came to was flighty and gay, - Hey, Harry Dally! - But she would not be play'd with, although she would play, - And good-humour was lost if she'd not her own way, - With a hey ho, Harry! - - The next that he tried then was gentle and sweet, - Hey, Harry Dally! - But he found that all people alike she would treat, - And loved him as well as the next she should meet, - With a hey ho, Harry! - - The next that he thought of was saucy and bold, - Hey, Harry Dally! - But he found that he had not the patience sevenfold - That could bear in one person a jade and a scold, - With a hey ho, Harry! - - So, weary with searching for wedlock enow, - Hey, Harry Dally! - He thank'd his good stars he had made no rash vow, - And, like the old woman, went kissing his cow, - With a hey ho, Harry! - - -"The saucy knave!" cried Lady Katrine, laughing. "Out upon him! -Bridget, Geraldine, if ye have the spirit of women, I am sure ye will -not exchange a word with the fellow the rest of the journey? What! -could he not make his hero find one perfect woman? But here comes our -host with dinner, for which I thank heaven! for had it been later, my -indignation would have cost me my appetite." - -As soon as the horses were refreshed, Sir Osborne, with his fair -charge, once more set out on the longer stage, which he proposed to -take ere they paused for the night. The news which he had received at -Sittenbourne leading him to imagine that the tumults at Rochester, -having been suffered, by some inexplicable negligence, to remain -unrepressed, had become much more serious than he at first supposed, -he determined to take a by-way, and, avoiding the town, pass the river -by a ferry, which Longpole assured him he would find higher up; but -still this was longer, and would make them later on the road; for -which reason he hurried their pace as much as possible, till they -arrived at the spot where the smaller road turned off, at about two -miles' distance from Rochester. - -It was a shady lane, with, on each side, high banks and hedges, -wherein the tender hand of April was beginning to bring forth the -young green shrubs and flowers; and as the knight and lady went along, -Nature offered them a thousand objects of descant which they did not -fail to use. Their conversation, however, was interrupted after a -while by the noise of a distant drum, and a variety of shouts and -halloos came floating upon the gale, like the breakings-forth of an -excited multitude. - -As they advanced, the sounds seemed also to approach. - -"My casque and lance," said Sir Osborne, turning to Longpole. "Lady, -you had perhaps better let your jennet drop back to a line with your -women." - -"Nay, I will dare the front," said Lady Katrine; "a woman's presence -will often tame a crowd." - -"You are with a band of soldiers," said Sir Osborne, hearing the -clamour approaching, "and must obey command. What! horse; back, back!" -and laying his hand on the lady's bridle, he reined it back to a line -with her women. "Longpole, advance!" cried the knight. "Left-hand -spear of the third line to the front! Archers behind, keep a wary eye -on the banks: shoot not, but bend your bows. I trust there is no -danger, lady, but 'tis well to be prepared. Now, on slowly." - -And thus opposing what defence they could between Lady Katrine and the -multitude, whose cries they now heard coming nearer and nearer, Sir -Osborne and the two horsemen he had called to his side, moved forward, -keeping a wary eye on the turnings of the road and the high banks by -which it was overhung. - -They had not proceeded far, however, before they descried the -termination of the lane, opening out upon what appeared to be a -village-green beyond; the farther side of which was occupied by a -motley multitude, whose form and demeanour they had now full -opportunity to observe. - -In front of all the host was a sort of extempore drummer, who with a -bunch of cocks' feathers in his cap, and a broad buff belt supporting -his instrument of discord, seemed infinitely proud of his occupation, -and kept beating with unceasing assiduity, but with as little regard -to time on his part as his instrument had to tune. Behind him, mounted -on a horse of inconceivable ruggedness, appeared the general with, a -vast cutlass in his hand, which he swayed backwards and forwards in -menacing attitudes; while, unheedful of the drum, he bawled forth to -his followers many a pious exhortation to persevere in rebellion. On -the left of this doughty hero was borne a flag of blue silk, bearing, -inscribed in golden letters, _The United Shipwrights_; and on his -right was seen a red banner, on which might be read the various -demands of the unsatisfied crowd, such as, "Cheap Bread," "High -Wages," "No Taxation," &c. - -The multitude itself did indeed offer a formidable appearance, the -greater part of the men who composed it being armed with bills and -axes; some also having possessed themselves of halberts, and even some -of hackbuts and hand-guns. Every here and there appeared an iron jack, -and many a 'prentice-boy filled up the crevices with his bended bow; -while half a score of loud-mouthed women screamed in the different -quarters of the crowd, and, with the shrill trumpet of a scolding -tongue, urged on the lords of the creation to deeds of wrath and -folly. - -The multitude might consist of about five thousand men: and as they -marched along, a bustle, and appearance of crowding round one -particular spot in their line, led the knight to imagine that they -were conducting some prisoner to Rochester, in which direction they -seemed to be going, traversing the green at nearly a right angle with -the line in which he was himself proceeding. "Hold!" said Sir Osborne, -reining in his horse. "Let them pass by. We are not enough to deal -with such numbers as there are there. Keep under the bank; we must not -risk the lady's safety by showing ourselves. Ah! but what should that -movement mean? They have seen us, by heaven! Ride on then; we must not -seem to shun them. See! they wheel! On, on! quick! Gain the mouth of -the lane!" - -Thus saying, Sir Osborne laid his lance in the rest, and spurred on to -the spot where the road opened upon the green, followed by Lady -Katrine and her women, not a little terrified and agitated by the -roaring of the multitude, who, having now made a retrograde motion on -their former position, occupied the same ground that they had done at -first, and regarded intently the motions of Sir Osborne's party, not -knowing what force might be behind. - -As soon as the knight had reached the mouth of the road he halted, and -seeing that the high bank ran along the side of the green guarding his -flank, he still contrived to conceal the smallness of his numbers by -occupying the space of the road, and paused a moment to watch the -movements of the crowd, and determine its intentions. - -Now, being quite near enough to hear great part of an oration which -the general whom we have described was bestowing on his forces, Sir -Osborne strained his ear to gather his designs, and soon found that -his party was mistaken for that of Lord Thomas Howard, who had been -sent to quell the mutiny of the Rochester shipwrights. - -"First," said the ringleader, "hang up the priest upon that tree, then -let him preach to us about submission if he will; and he shall be -hanged, too, in his lord's sight, for saying that he, with his -hundreds, would beat us with our thousands, and let his lord deliver -him if he can. Then some of the men with bills and axes get up on the -top of the bank: who says it is not Lord Thomas? I say it is Lord -Thomas; I know him by his bright armour." - -"And I say you lie, Timothy Bradford!" cried Longpole, at the very -pitch of his voice, much to the wonder and astonishment of Sir Osborne -and his party. "Please your worship," he continued, lowering his tone, -"I know that fellow; he served with me at Tournay, and was afterwards -a sailor. He's a mad rogue, but as good a heart as ever lived." - -"Oh, then, for God's sake! speak to him," cried Lady Katrine from -behind, "and make him let us pass; for surely, sir knight, you are not -mad enough, with only six men, to think of encountering six thousand?" - -"Not I, in truth, fair lady," answered the knight. "If they will not -molest us, I shall not meddle with them." - -"Shall I on, then, and speak with him?" cried Longpole. "See! he heard -me give him the lie, and he's coming out towards us. He'd do the same -if we were a thousand." - -"Meet him, meet him, then!" said the knight; "tell him all we wish is -to pass peaceably. The right-hand man advance from the rear and fill -up!" he continued, as Longpole rode on, taking care still to maintain -a good face to the enemy, more especially as their generalissimo had -now come within half a bow-shot of where they stood. - -As the yeoman now rode forward, the ringleader of the rioters did not -at all recognise his old companion in his custrel's armour, and began -to brandish his weapon most fiercely; but in a moment afterwards, to -the astonishment of the multitude, he was seen to let the point of the -sword drop, and, seizing his antagonist's hand, shake it with every -demonstration of surprise and friendship. Their conversation was quick -and energetic; and a moment after, Longpole rode back to Sir Osborne, -while the ringleader raised his hand to his people, exclaiming, "Keep -your ranks! Friends! These are friends!" - -"Our passage is safe," said Longpole, riding back; "but he would fain -speak with your worship. They have taken a priest, it seems, and are -going to hang him for preaching submission to them. So I told him if -they did they would be hanged themselves; but he would not listen to -me, saying he would talk to you about it." - -"Fill up my place," said the knight; "I will go and see what can be -done. We must not let them injure the good man." - -So saying he raised his lance, and rode forward to the spot where the -ringleader waited him; plainly discerning, as he approached nearer to -the body of the rioters, the poor priest, with a rope round his neck, -holding forth his hands towards him, as if praying for assistance. - -"My shield-bearer," said he, "tells me that we are to pass each other -without enmity; for though we are well prepared to resist attack, we -have no commission to meddle with you or yours. Nevertheless, as I -understand that ye have a priest in your hands, towards whom ye -meditate some harm, let me warn you of the consequences of injuring an -old man who cannot have injured you." - -"But he has done worse than injured me, sir knight," said the -ringleader; "he has preached against our cause, and against redressing -our grievances." - -"Most probably not against redressing your grievances," said Sir -Osborne, "but against the method ye took to redress them yourselves. -But listen to me. It is probable that the king, hearing of your wants -and wishes, he being known both for just and merciful, may grant you -such relief as only a king can grant; but if ye go to stain yourselves -with the blood of this priest, which were cowardly, as he is an old -man; which were base, as he is a prisoner; and which were -sacrilegious, as he is a man of God, ye cut yourselves off from mercy -for ever, and range all good men amongst your enemies. Think well of -this!" - -"By the nose of the tinker of Ashford!" said the man, "your worship is -right. But how the devil to get him out of their hands? that's the -job; however, I'll make 'em a 'ration. But what I was wanting to ask -your worship is, do you know his grace the king?" - -"Not in the least," was the laconic reply of the knight. - -"Then it won't do," said the man; "only, as merry Dick Heartley said -you were thick with the good Duke of Buckingham, I thought you might -know the king too, and would give him our petition and remonstrance. -However, I'll go and make them fellows a 'ration: they're wonderful -soon led by a 'ration." And turning his horse, he rode up to the front -of the body of rioters, and made them a speech, wherein nonsense and -sense, bombast and vulgarity, were all most intimately mingled. Sir -Osborne did not catch the whole, but the sounds which reached his ears -were somewhat to the following effect: - -"Most noble shipwrights and devout cannon-founders, joined together in -the great cause of crying down taxation and raising your wages! To you -I speak, as well as to the tinkers, tailors, and 'prentices who have -united themselves to you. The noble knight that you see standing -there, or rather riding, because he is on horseback: he in the -glittering armour, with a long spear in his hand, is the dearly -beloved friend of the great and good Duke of Buckingham, who is the -friend of the commons and an enemy to taxation." - -Here loud cries of "Long live the Duke of Buckingham!" "God bless the -duke!" interrupted the speaker; but after a moment he proceeded. "He, -the noble knight, is not Lord Thomas Howard; and so far from wishing -to attack you, he would wish to do you good. Therefore he setteth -forth and showeth--praise be to God for all things, especially that we -did not hang the priest!--that if we were to hang the priest, it would -be blasphemous, because he is an old man; and rascally, because he is -a man of God; and moreover, that whereas, if we do not, the king will -grant us our petition. He will infallibly come down, if we do, with an -army of fifty thousand men, and hang us all with his own hands, and -the Duke of Buckingham will be against us. Now understand! I am -not speaking for myself, for I know well enough that, having been -elected your captain, and ridden on horseback while ye marched on -foot, I am sure to be hanged anyhow; but that is no reason that ye -should all be hanged too; and, therefore, I give my vote that Simon -the cannon-founder, Tom the shipwright, and long-chinned Billy the -tinker, do take the priest by the rope that is round his neck, and -deliver him into the hands of the knight and his men, to do with as -they shall think fit. And that after this glorious achievement we -march straightway back to Rochester. Do you all agree?" - -Loud shouts proclaimed the assent of the multitude; and with various -formalities the three deputies led forth the unhappy priest, more dead -than alive, and delivered him into the hands of Longpole: after which -the generalissimo of the rioters drew up his men with some military -skill upon the right of the green, leaving the road free to Sir -Osborne. The knight then marshalled his little party as best he might, -to guard against any sudden change in the minds of the fickle -multitude; and having mounted the poor exhausted priest behind one of -the horsemen, he drew out from the lane, and passed unmolested across -the green into the opposite road, returning nothing but silence to the -cheers with which the rioters thought fit to honour them. - -Their farther journey to Gravesend passed without any interruption, -and indeed without any occurrence worthy of notice. Lady Katrine and -Sir Osborne, Geraldine and Longpole, mutually congratulated each other -on the favourable termination of an adventure which had commenced -under such threatening auspices; and every one of the party poured -forth upon his neighbour the usual quantity of wonder and amazement -which always follows any event of the kind. The poor priest, who had -so nearly fallen a victim to the excited passions of the crowd, was -the last that sufficiently recovered from the strong impressions of -the moment to babble thereupon. - -When, however, his loquacious faculties were once brought into play, -he contrived to compensate for his temporary taciturnity, shouting -forth his thanks to Sir Osborne Maurice from the rear to the front, -declaring that the preservation of his life was entirely owing to his -valour and conduct; that it was wonderful the influence which his sole -word possessed with the multitude, and that he should never cease to -be grateful till the end of his worldly existence. - -Sir Osborne assured him that he was very welcome; and remarked, with a -smile, to Lady Katrine, who was laughing at the priest's superfluity -of gratitude, that in all probability it was this sort of exuberance -of zeal that had brought him into the perilous circumstances in which -they had at first found him. - -"But can zeal ever be exuberant?" demanded Lady Katrine, suddenly -changing her tone; and then fixing the full light of her beautiful -dark eyes upon the knight, she added, "I mean in a friend." - -"It can," said Sir Osborne, "when not guided by prudence. But I do not -think a fool can be a friend." - -"Come, sir knight, come!" said the lady; "let us hear your idea of a -friend." - -"A friend," replied the knight, smiling at her earnestness, "must be -both a wise man and a good man. He must love his friend with -sufficient zeal to see his faults and endeavour to counteract them, -and with sufficient prudence to perceive his true interests and to -strive for them. But he must put aside vanity; for there is many a man -who pretends a great friendship for another merely for the vain -purpose of advising and guiding him, when, in truth, he is not capable -of advising and guiding himself. The man who aspires to such a name -must be to his friend what every man would be to himself, if he could -see his own faults undazzled by self-love and his own interests -unblinded by passion. He must be zealous and kind, steady and -persevering, without being curious or interfering, troublesome or -obstinate." - -"Would I had such a friend!" said Lady Katrine, with a sigh, and for -the rest of the way she was grave and pensive. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - - Let us - Act freely, carelessly, and capriciously, as if our veins - Ran with quicksilver.--Ben Jonson. - - Renown'd metropolis, - With glistening spires and pinnacles adorn'd.--Milton. - - -It is strange, in the life of man, always fluctuating as he is between -hope and fear, gratification and disappointment, with nothing fixed in -his state of existence, and uncertainty surrounding him on every side, -that suspense should be to him the most painful of all situations. One -would suppose that habit would have rendered it easy for him to bear; -and yet, beyond all questions, every condition of doubt, from -uncertainty respecting our fate, to mere indecision of judgment, are -all, more or less, painful in their degree. Who is it that has not -often felt irritated, vexed, and unhappy, when hesitating between two -different courses of action, even when the subject of deliberation -involved but a trifle? - -Lady Katrine Bulmer, as has been already said, was grave and pensive -when she reached Gravesend; and then, without honouring the knight -with her company even for a few minutes, as he deemed that in simple -courtesy she might have done, she retired to her chamber, and, -shutting herself up with her two women, the only communication which -took place between her and Sir Osborne was respecting the hour of -their departure the next morning. - -The knight felt hurt and vexed; for though he needed no ghost to tell -him that the lovely girl he was conducting to the court was as -capricious as she was beautiful, yet her gay whims and graceful little -coquetry, had both served to pique and amuse him, and he could almost -have been angry at this new caprice, which deprived him of her society -for the evening. - -The next morning, however, the wind of Lady Katrine's humour seemed -again to have changed; and at the hour appointed for her departure she -tripped down to her horse all liveliness and gaiety. Sir Osborne -proffered to assist her in mounting, but in a moment she sprang into -the saddle without aid, and turned round laughing, to see the slow and -difficult man[oe]uvres by which her women were fixed in their seats. -The whole preparations, however, being completed, the cavalcade set -out in the same order in which it had departed from the abbey the day -before, and with the same number of persons; the poor priest whom they -had delivered from the hands of the rioters being left behind, too ill -to proceed with them to London. - -"Well, sir knight," said the gay girl as they rode forward, "I must -really think of some guerdon to reward all your daring in my behalf. I -hope you watched through the livelong night, armed at all points, lest -some enemy should attack our castle?" - -"Faith, not I!" answered Sir Osborne; "you seemed so perfectly -satisfied with the security of our lodging, lady, that I e'en followed -your good example and went to bed." - -"Now he's affronted!" cried Lady Katrine. "Was there ever such a -creature? But tell me, man in armour, was it fitting for me to come -and sit with you and your horsemen in the tap-room of an inn, eating, -drinking, and singing, like a beggar or a ballad-singer?" - -The knight bit his lip, and made no reply. - -"Why don't you answer, Sir Osborne?" continued the lady, laughing. - -"Merely because I have nothing to say," replied the knight, gravely; -"except that at Sittenbourne, where you did me the honour of eating -with me, though not with my horsemen, I did not perceive that -Lady Katrine Bulmer was, in any respect, either like a beggar or -ballad-singer." - -"Oh! very well, sir knight; very well!" she said. "If you choose to be -offended I cannot help it." - -"You mistake me, lady," said Sir Osborne, "I am not offended." - -"Well then, sir, I am," replied Lady Katrine, making him a cold stiff -inclination of the head. "So we had better say no more upon the -subject." - -At this moment Longpole, who with the rest of the attendants followed -at about fifty paces behind, rode forward, and put a small folded -paper into Sir Osborne's hands. "A letter, sir, which you dropped," -said he aloud; "I picked it up this moment." - -The knight looked at the address, and the small silken braid which -united the two seals; and finding that it was directed to Lord Darby -at York House, Westminster, was about to return it to Longpole, saying -it was none of his, when his eye fell upon Lady Katrine, whose head, -indeed, was turned away, but whose neck and ear were burning with so -deep a red, that Sir Osborne doubted not she had some deep and -blushing interest in the paper he held in his hand. "Thank you, -Longpole! thank you," he said, "I would not have lost it for a hundred -marks;" and he fastened it securely in the foldings of his scarf. - -Though he could willingly have punished his fair companion for her -little capricious petulance, the knight could not bear to keep her in -the state of agitation under which, by the painful redness of her -cheek and the quivering of her hand on the bridle, he very evidently -saw she was suffering. "I think your ladyship was remarking," said he, -calmly, "that it was the height of dishonour and baseness to take -advantage of anything that happens to fall in our power, or any secret -with which we become acquainted accidentally. I not only agree with -you so far, but I think even that a jest upon such a subject is hardly -honourable. We should strive, if possible, to be as if we did not know -it." - -Lady Katrine turned her full sunny face towards him, glowing like a -fair evening cloud when the last rays of daylight rest upon it: "You -are a good, an excellent creature," she said, "and worthy to be a -knight. Sir Osborne Maurice," she continued, after a moment's pause, -"your good opinion is too estimable to be lightly lost, and to -preserve it I must speak to you in a manner that women dare seldom -speak. And yet, though on my word, I would trust you as I would a -brother, I know not how----I cannot, indeed I cannot. And yet I must, -and will, for fear of misconstruction. You saw that letter. You can -guess that he to whom it is addressed is not indifferent to the -writer. They are affianced to each other by all vows, but those vows -are secret ones; for the all-powerful Wolsey will not have it so, and -we must needs seem, at least, to obey. Darby has been some time absent -from the court, and I was sent to the abbey. What would you have more? -I promised to give instant information of my return; and last night I -spent in writing that letter, though now I know not in truth how to -send it, for my groom is but a pensioned spy upon me." - -"Will you trust it to me?" said the knight. The lady paused. "Do you -doubt me?" he asked. - -"Not in the least," she said; "not in the least. My only doubt is -whether I shall send it at all." - -"Is there a hesitation?" demanded the knight in some surprise. - -"Alas! there is," answered she. "You must know all: I see it. Since I -have been at the abbey they have tried to persuade me that Darby -yields himself to the wishes of the cardinal; and is about to wed -another. I believe it false! I am sure it is false! And yet, and -yet----" and she burst into tears. "Oh, Sir Osborne!" she continued, -drying her eyes, "I much need such a friend as you described -yesterday." - -"Let me be that friend, then, so far as I may be," said Sir Osborne. -"Allow me to carry the letter to London, whither I go after I have -left you at the court at Greenwich. I will ascertain how Lord Darby is -situated. If I find him faithful (which doubt not that he is, till you -hear more), I will give him the letter; otherwise I will return it -truly to you." - -"But you must be quick," said Lady Katrine, "in case he should hear -that I have returned, and have not written. How will you ascertain?" - -"There are many ways," answered the knight; "but principally by a -person whom I hope to find in London, and who sees more deeply into -the hidden truth than mortal eyes can usually do." - -"Can you mean Sir Cesar?" demanded Lady Katrine. - -"I do," answered the knight. "Do you know that very extraordinary -being?" - -"I know him as every one knows him," answered Lady Katrine; "that is, -without knowing him. But if he be in London, and will give you the -information, all doubt will be at an end; for what he says is sure: -though, indeed, I often used to tease the queer little old man, by -pretending not to believe his prophecies, till our royal mistress, -whom God protect! has rated me for plaguing him. He was much a -favourite of hers, and I somewhat a favourite of his; for those odd -magical hop-o'-my-thumbs, I believe, love those best who cross them a -little. He gave me this large sapphire ring when he went away last -year, bidding me send it back to him if I were in trouble: quite -fairy-tale like. So now, Sir Osborne, you shall carry it to him, and -he will counsel you rightly. Put it in your cap, where he may see it. -There now! it looks quite like some lady's favour; but don't go and -tilt at every one who denies that Katrine Bulmer is the loveliest -creature under the sun." - -"Nay, I must leave that to my Lord Darby," answered Sir Osborne. - -"Now, that was meant maliciously!" cried Lady Katrine. "But I don't -care! Wait a little; and if there be a weak point in all your heart, -sir knight, I'll plague you for your sly look." - -Lady Katrine Bulmer's spirits were of that elastic quality not easily -repressed; and before ten minutes were over, all her gaiety returned -in full force, nor did it cease its flow till their arrival in -Greenwich. - -For his part, Sir Osborne strove to keep pace with her liveliness, and -perhaps even forced his wit a little in the race, that he might not be -behindhand. Heaven knows what was passing in his mind! whether it -really was an accession of gaiety at approaching the court, or whether -it was that he wished to show his fair companion that the discovery he -had made of her engagements to Lord Darby did not at all mortify him, -notwithstanding the little coquetry that she might have exercised upon -himself. - -They now, however, approached the place of their destination, under -the favourable auspice of a fair afternoon. The most pardonable sort -of superstition is perhaps that which derives its auguries from the -face of nature, leading us to fancy that the bright golden sunshine, -the clear blue heaven, the soft summer breeze, and the cheerful song -of heaven's choristers, indicate approaching happiness to ourselves; -or that the cloud, the storm, and the tempest, come prophetic of evil -and desolation. At least both hope and fear, the two great movers in -all man's feelings, lend themselves strangely to this sort of -divination, combining with the beauty of the prospect, or the -brightness of the sky, to exalt our expectations of the future; or -lending darker terrors to the frown of nature, and teaching us to -dread or to despair. - -When Sir Osborne and his party arrived at the brow of Shooter's Hill, -the evening was as fair and lovely as if it had been summer: one of -those sweet sunsets that sometimes burst in between two wintry days in -the end of March or the beginning of April: a sort of heralds to -announce the golden season that comes on. The whole country round, as -far as they could see, whether looking towards Eltham and Chiselhurst, -or northwards towards the river, was one wide sea of waving boughs, -just tinged with the first green of the spring; while the oblique rays -of the declining sun, falling upon the huge bolls of the old oaks and -beeches, caught upon the western side of each, and invested its giant -limbs as with a golden armour. Every here and there, too, the beams, -forcing their way through the various openings in the forest, cast -across the road bright glimpses of that rich yellow light peculiar to -wood scenery, and, alternated with the long shadows of the trees, -marked the far perspective of the highway descending to the wide heath -below. The eye rested not on the heath, though it, too, was glowing -with the full effulgence of the sky; but passing on, caught a small -part of the palace of Greenwich, rising above the wild oaks which -filled the park; and then still farther turning towards the west, -paused upon the vast metropolis, with its red and dizzy atmosphere, -high above which rose the heavy tower and wooden spire of Old Paul's -Church; while to the left, beyond the influence of the smoke, was seen -standing almost alone, in solemn majesty, the beautiful pile of the -West Minster. - -Sir Osborne Maurice impulsively reined in his horse, and seemed as if -he could scarcely breathe when the whole magnificent scene rushed at -once upon his view. "So this is London!" cried he; "the vast, the -wealthy, and the great; the throne of our island monarchs, from whence -they sway a wide and powerful land. On! on!" and striking his horse -with his spurs, he darted down the road, as if he were afraid that the -great city would, before he reached it, fade away like the splendid -phantasms seen by the Sicilian shepherds, showing for a moment a host -of castles, and towers, and palaces, and then fleeting by, and leaving -nought but empty air! - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - - Paracelsus and his chymistical followers are so many Promethei, -will fetch fire from heaven.--Burton's Anatomy of Melancholy. - - -Now might I expend five pages of post octavo, with great satisfaction -to my readers and myself, in describing minutely the old rambling -palace inhabited by Henry VIII. at Greenwich, particularising its -several angles and abutments, its small lattice windows, its bays and -octagons, together with the various cartouches and mascarons which -filled up the spaces and covered the corbels between; but unhappily I -am in an egregious hurry, having already expended one whole tome -without getting through a fifth part of the portentous bulk of -Professor Vonderbrugius. I might, indeed, comfortably extend my tale -to four volumes instead of three. But no, gentle reader! out of -consideration for thine exemplary patience, I spare thee the -infliction, and shall curtail my descriptions, compress my dialogues, -circumscribe my digressions, and concentrate my explanations, so as to -restrain my history within the bounds I had originally proposed for -its extent. - -Suffice it, then, to say that Lady Katrine, having recalled to the -knight's remembrance that his course lay towards Greenwich, and not to -London, as he seemed inclined to direct it, they turned their horses -to the right at the bottom of the hill, and soon reached the -river-side, where, spreading along a little to the eastward of the -spot on which the hospital at present stands, lay a large mass of -heavy architecture, which, if judged by modern notions, would be -regarded as not very fit for the dwelling of a king. - -The dull appearance of the building, however, was relieved by the -gaiety of the objects round about; for though the sun was now half -below the horizon, yet loitering round the various gates of the -palace, or running to and fro on their separate errands, was seen a -host of servants and attendants in rich and splendid suits, while -multitudes of guards and henchmen, decked out to pamper the costly -whims of their luxurious lord, showed forth their finery to the -evening air. More than one group of lords, and ladies too, enjoying -the fine sunset before the palace, made the parade a sort of living -pageant; while the river beyond, as if emulous of the gay scene, -fluttered and shone with the streamers and gilding of the various -barges with which it was covered. - -To every one they met Lady Katrine seemed known, and all, according to -their rank, greeted her as she passed, some with light welcome, some -with respectful salutations, all stopping the moment after to turn and -fix their eyes upon Sir Osborne, with that sort of cold, inquiring -glance which owns no affinity with its object but mere curiosity. "Who -is he?" demanded one. "What splendid armour!" cried another. "He must -be from Rochester," said a third. But no word of gratulation met his -ear, no kind, familiar voice bade him welcome; and he rode on with -that chill, solitary sensation of friendlessness which we never so -strongly feel as in the presence of a crowd, who, possessing some -communion of thought and feeling amongst themselves, have no -established link of sympathy with us. - -At one of the smaller doors in the western wing of the palace, Lady -Katrine reined in her horse, and Sir Osborne, springing to the ground, -assisted her to dismount, while one of the royal servants, who came -from within, held the bridle with all respect. In answer to her -question the attendant replied, that "her highness Queen Katherine was -at that moment dressing for the banquet which she was about to give to -the king and the foreign ambassadors, and that she had commanded not -to be interrupted." - -"That is unfortunate, Sir Osborne Maurice," said the young lady, -resuming somewhat of that courtly coldness which had given way to the -original wildness of her nature while she had been absent: "I am sure -that her highness, who is bounty itself, would have much wished to -thank you for the protection and assistance which you have given to me -her poor servant. But----" and remembering the charge which the knight -had taken of her letter to Lord Darby, she hesitated for a moment, not -knowing how to establish some means of communication between them. -"Oh! they will break all those things!" she cried, suddenly stopping -and turning to the servant. "Good Master Alderson, do look to them for -a moment; that groom is so awkward: give him the horse. Now, knight! -quick! quick!" she continued, lowering her voice as the servant left -them, "Where do you lodge in London? I must have some way of hearing -of your proceeding: where do you lodge? Bless us, man in armour! where -are your wits?" - -"Oh! I had forgot," replied the knight; "it is called the Rose, in the -Laurence Poultney." - -"At the Duke of Buckingham's! Good, good!" she replied; and then -making him a low curtsy as the servant again approached, she added -with a mock gravity that nearly made the knight laugh, in spite of his -more sombre feelings, "And now, good sir knight, I take my leave of -your worship, thanking you a thousand times for your kindness and -protection; and depend upon it, that when her highness the queen shall -have a moment to receive you, I will take care to let you know." - -Thus saying, with another low curtsy, she retired into the palace; and -Sir Osborne, mounting his horse, bade adieu to the precincts of the -court, bearing away with him none of those feelings of hope with which -he had first approached it. There seemed a sort of coldness in its -atmosphere which chilled his expectations; and disappointed, too, of -his introduction to the queen, he felt dissatisfied and repelled, and -had the fit held, might well have taken ship once more, and returned -into Flanders. - -After having thus ridden on for some way, giving full rein to -melancholy fancies, he found himself in the midst of a small town, -with narrow streets, running along by the river, shutting out almost -all the daylight that was left; and not knowing if he was going in the -right direction, he called Longpole to his side, asking whether he had -ever been in London. - -"Oh! yes, sir," replied the custrel, "and have staid in it many a -month. 'Tis a wonderful place for the three sorts of men: the knaves, -the fools, and the wise men; and as far as I can see, the one sort -gets on as high as the other. The fool gets promoted at court, the -knave gets promoted at the gallows, and the wise man gets promoted to -be lord mayor, and has the best of the bargain." - -"But tell me, Longpole," said Sir Osborne, "where are we now? for -night is falling, and in sooth I know not my way." - -"This is the good town of Deptford," said Longpole; "but if your -lordship ride on, we shall soon enter into Southwark, where there is -an excellent good hostel, called the Tabard, the landlady of which may -be well esteemed a princess for her fat, and a woman for her tongue. -God's blessing is upon her bones, and has well covered them. If your -worship lodge there you shall be treated like a prince." - -"It may be better," said Sir Osborne, "for to-night; but you must lead -the way, good Longpole, for this is my first sight of the great city." - -Longpole readily undertook the pilotage of the knight and his company, -and in about half-an-hour lodged them safely in the smart parlour of -the Tabard: perhaps the very same where, more than a century before, -Chaucer, the father of our craft, sat himself at his ease; for the -Tabard was an old house that had maintained its good fame for more -than one generation, and the landlady piqued herself much on the -antiquity of her dwelling, telling how her great-grandfather had kept -that very house, ay, and had worn a gold chain to boot; and how both -the inn and the innkeepers had held the same name, till she, being a -woman, alack! had brought it as her dower to her poor dear deceased -husband, who died twenty years ago come Martinmas. - -All this was detailed at length to Sir Osborne while his supper was in -preparation, together with various other long orations, till the good -dame found that the knight was not willing to furnish her with even -the _ahs! ohs!_ and _yes-es_, which offer a sort of baiting-places for -a voluble tongue; but that, on the contrary, he leaned his back -against the chimney, not attending to one word she said after the -first ten sentences. Upon this discovery, she e'en betook herself to -Longpole, declaring that his master was a proper man, a fine man, and -a pensive. - -Longpole was, we all know, much better inclined to gossiping than his -master; and accordingly, as he found that his jolly hostess would fain -hear the whole of his lord's history, as a profound secret which she -was to divulge to all her neighbours the next morning, he speedily -furnished her with a most excellent allegory upon the subject, which -found its way (with various additions and improvements, to suit the -taste of the reciters) through at least five hundred different -channels before the ensuing night. - -In the mean while the knight supped well, and found himself happier; -slept well, and rose with renewed hope. So he was but of flesh and -blood, after all. - -As soon as he was up, and before he was dressed, the door of his -chamber flew open, and in rushed a thing called a barber, insisting -upon his being shaved. Volumes have been written upon barbers, and -volumes still remain to be written, but it shall not be I who will -write them. - -Suffice it, that for the sake of those who know not what I mean, I -define a barber. It is a thing that talks and shaves, and shaves and -talks, and talks and shaves again; the true immutable that never -varies, but comes down from age to age like a magpie, the same busy -chattering thing that its fathers were before it. - -Sir Osborne acquiesced in the operation, of which, indeed, he stood in -some want; and the barber pounced upon his visage in a moment. "The -simple moustache, I see: the simple moustache!" he cried; "well, 'tis -indeed the most seemly manner, though the _pique-devant_ is gaining -ground a leetle, a leetle: not that I mean to say, fair sir, that the -beard is not worn any way, so it be well trimmed, and the moustache is -of a sweet comely nature: the simple moustache! You have doubtless -heard, fair sir, of the royal pageant, which cheered the heart of the -queen and her ladies last night. We use, indeed, to cut beards all -ways, to suit the nature of the physiognomy; supplying, as it were, -remedies for the evil tricks of nature. Now, my good Lord Darby gives -in to the _pique-devant_, for it is a turn that ladies love; and -doubtless you have heard his marriage spoken of--to a lady--oh! such a -beautiful lady! though I cannot remember her name; but a most -excellent lady. Your worship would not wish me to leave the -_pique-devant_; I will undertake to raise and nourish it, by a certain -ointment, communicated to me by an alchymist, in ten days. Make but -the essay, fair sir; try how it comports with the figure of your -face." - -"No, no!" cried Sir Osborne, much in the same manner as the young man -of Bagdad. "Cease your babbling, and make haste and shave me." - -The operation, however, was sooner brought to a termination than in -the Arabian Nights; and being free from his chattering companion, the -knight took one or two turns in his apartment in deep thought. "So," -said he, "this light-of-love, Lord Darby does play the poor girl -false; and, as she said, the arrow will rankle in her heart, and rob -her of every better hope. But still it is not sure. I will not believe -it. If _I_ had the love of such a creature as that, could I betray -it?" and the thought of Lady Constance de Grey darted across his mind. -"I will not believe it; there must be better assurance than a babbling -fool like this. Oh, Longpole!" he continued, as the man entered the -room, "I have waited for you. Quick! As you know London, speed to the -house of an honest Flemish merchant, William Hans; ask him if he have -received the packages from Anvers for me. Give him my true name, but -bid him be secret. Bring with you the leathern case containing -clothes, and see if he have any letters from Wales. Greet the old man -well for me, and tell him I will see him soon. Stay; I forgot to tell -you where he lives; it's near the Conduit in Gracious Street, any one -near will tell you where. William Hans is his name." - -Longpole was soon gone; but, to the mind of Sir Osborne, long before -he returned. When, however, he did once more make his appearance, he -not only brought the news that all the packages which Sir Osborne -expected had arrived, but he also brought the large leathern case -containing the apparel in which the knight was wont to appear at the -court of the Duchess Regent of Burgundy, and a letter which Sir -Osborne soon perceived was from his father, Lord Fitzbernard. - -Being privileged to peep over men's shoulders, we shall make no -apology for knowing somewhat of the contents of the old earl's -epistle. It conveyed in many shapes the gratifying knowledge to the -son that the father was proud of the child, together with many -exhortations, founded in parental anxiety, still carefully to conceal -his name and rank. But the most important part of the letter was a -short paragraph, wherein the earl laid his injunctions upon his son -not to think of coming to see him till he had made every effort at the -court, and their fate was fully decided. "And then, my son," continued -Lord Fitzbernard, "come hither unto me, whether the news thou bringest -be of good or bad comfort; for, of a certain, thy presence shall be of -the best comfort; and if still our enemies prevail, I will pass with -thee over sea into another land, and make my nobility in thy honour, -and find my fortune in thy high deeds." - -Sir Osborne's wishes would have led him into Wales, for after five -long years of absence, he felt as it were a thirst to embrace once -more the author of his birth; but still he saw that the course which -his father pointed out was the one that prudence and wisdom dictated, -and therefore at once acquiesced. For a while he paused, meditating -over all the feelings that this letter had called up; but well knowing -that every moment of a man's life may be well employed, if he will but -seek to employ them, he cast his reveries behind him, and dressing -himself in a costume more proper to appear at the house of the Duke of -Buckingham, he commanded his armour to be carefully looked to, and -paying his score at the Tabard, departed to fulfil his noble friend's -hospitable desire, by taking up his lodging at the manor-house of the -Rose, in Saint Laurence Poultney. - -Passing through Southwark, he soon arrived at London Bridge, which, as -every one knows, was then but one long street across the water, with -rich shops and houses on each side, and little intervals between, -through which the passenger's eye might catch the flowing of the -Thames, and thence only could he learn that he was passing over a -large and navigable river. The shops, it is true, were unglazed and -open, and perhaps to a modern eye might look like booths; but in that -day the whole of Europe could hardly furnish more wealth than was then -displayed on London Bridge. The long and circumstantial history given -by Stowe will save the trouble of transcribing the eleven pages which -Vonderbrugius bestows upon this subject; for though I cannot be sure -that every one has read the old chronicler's "Survey of London," yet -certainly every one may read it if they like. Passing, then, over -London Bridge, the knight and his followers took their way up Gracious -Street (now corruptly Gracechurch Street), and riding through the -heart of the city, soon arrived at the gates of the Duke of -Buckingham's magnificent mansion of the Rose. As they approached the -garden entrance, they observed a man covered with dust, as from a long -journey, dismount from his horse at the door, bearing embroidered on -his sleeve the cognizance of a swan; from which, with the rest of his -appearance, Sir Osborne concluded that he was a courier from the -duke. This supposition proved to be correct: the considerate and -liberal-minded nobleman having sent him forward to prepare the -household to receive his young _protegé_, and also for the purpose of -conveying various other orders and letters, which might tend to the -advancement of his views. But it so unfortunately had happened, the -man informed the knight, that he had been attacked on the road by four -armed men, who had taken from him his bag with the letters, and that -therefore the only thing which remained for him to do was to deliver -the verbal orders which he had received to his grace's steward, and -then to return to his lord and inform him of the circumstances as they -had occurred. - -The profound respect with which he was treated very soon evinced to -Sir Osborne what those verbal orders were. - -He found the retinue of a prince ready to obey his commands, and a -dwelling that in decoration, if not in size, certainly surpassed that -of the king. It was not, however, the object of the young knight to -draw upon himself those inquiries which would certainly follow any -unnecessary ostentation; nor would he have been willing, even had it -coincided with his views, to have made his appearance at the court -with so much borrowed splendour. He signified, therefore, to the -chamberlain his intention of requiring merely the attendance of the -three yeomen, who, with his own custrel, had accompanied him from -Kent; and added that, though he might occupy the apartments which had -been allotted to him when he was in London, and dine at the separate -table which, by the duke's command, was to be prepared for himself, he -should most probably spend the greater part of his time at Greenwich. - -Having made these arrangements, he determined to lose no time in -proceeding to seek for Dr. Butts, the king's physician, at whose house -he had good hopes of hearing of his old tutor, Dr. Wilbraham, and of -discovering what credit was to be given to the reported marriage of -the young Earl of Darby. - -Sir Osborne knew that the physician was one of those men who had made -and maintained a high reputation at the court by an honest frankness, -which, without deviating into rudeness, spared not to speak the truth -to king or peasant. He was a great well-wisher to human nature; and -feeling that if all men would be as sincere as himself, the crop of -human misery would be much less to reap, he often lost patience with -the worldlings, and flouted them with their insincerity. His character -contained many of those strange oppositions to which humanity is -subject; he was ever tender-hearted, yet often rough, and combined -in manner much bluntness with some courtesy. He was learned, -strong-minded, and keen-sighted, yet often simple as a child, and much -led away by the mad visions of the alchymists of the time. - -However, as we have said, he was greatly loved and respected at the -court; and, from his character and office, was more intimately -acquainted with all the little private secrets and lies of the day -than any other person perhaps, except Sir Cesar, the astrologer, with -whom he was well acquainted, and upon whom he himself looked with no -small reverence and respect, shrewdly suspecting that in his magical -studies he had discovered the grand secret. - -Towards his house, then, Sir Osborne directed his steps, taking with -him no one but a footboy of the duke's to show him the way; for as the -good physician lived so far off as Westminster, it became necessary to -have some guide to point out the shortest and most agreeable roads. -Instead of taking the highway, which, following the course of the -river, ran in nearly a straight line from London to Westminster,[7] -the boy led Sir Osborne through the beautiful fields which extended -over the ground in the neighbourhood of Lincoln's Inn, and which, -instead of being filled with smoky houses and dirty multitudes, were -then breathing nothing but sweets from the primroses and other wild -spring flowers that were rising fresh out of a rich and grateful soil. -Thence, cutting across through many a gate, and over many a stile, his -young conductor brought him out into the road just at the little milk -and curd-house in the midst of the village of Charing, from whence, -looking down the road to the left, they could see the palace, and -gardens of the bishops of Durham and York, with the magnificent abbey, -rising over some clumps of trees beyond. - -Passing by York Place, where bustling menials and crowding courtiers -announced the ostentatious power of the proud prelate who there -reigned, they left the royal mansions also behind them, and entering -into some of the narrower and more intricate streets in Westminster, -soon reached a house with a small court before it, which, as the boy -informed Sir Osborne, was the dwelling of the physician. - -Seeing a door open opposite, the knight entered and found himself in a -sort of scullery, where a stout servant-girl was busily engaged in -scrubbing some pots and crucibles with such assiduity, that she could -scarcely leave off even to answer his inquiry of whether her master -was at home. - -"Yes, sir; yes, he is at home," replied she at length; "but he cannot -be spoken with, unless you are very bad, for he is busy in the -laboratory." - -The knight signified that he had a great desire to speak with him; and -the girl, looking at him somewhat more attentively, said that, "if he -were from abroad, the doctor would see him she was sure, for he had a -great many foreign folks with him always." - -The knight replied that, though he was not a foreigner, he certainly -had come from abroad very lately; upon which assurance the damsel -relinquished her crucible-scrubbing, and went to announce his -presence. Returning in a few minutes, she ushered him through a long -dark passage into a large low-roofed room, at the farther end of which -appeared a furnace, with the chimney carried through the ceiling, and -near it various tables covered with all sorts of strange vessels and -utensils. Round about, still nearer the door, were strewed old -mouldering books and manuscripts, huge masses of several kinds of ore, -heaps of coal and charcoal, and piles of many other matters, the -nature of which Sir Osborne could not discover by the scanty light -that found its way through two small lattice windows near the roof. - -The principal curiosity in the room yet remained. Standing before the -furnace, holding in one hand a candle sweltering in the heat of the -fire, and in the other a pair of chemical tongs embracing a crucible, -was seen a stout portly man, of a rosy complexion, with a fur cap on -his head, and his body invested in a long coarse black gown, the -sleeves of which, tucked up above his elbows, exhibited a full puffed -shirt of very fine linen, much too white and clean for the occupation -in which he was busied. - -"Sir, my wench tells me you are from abroad," said he, advancing a -little, and speaking quick. "From Flanders, I see, by your dress. -Pray, sir, do you come from the learned Erasmus, or from Meyerden? -However, I am glad to see you. You are an adept, I am sure; I see it -in your countenance. Behold this crucible," and he poked it so near -Sir Osborne's nose as to make him start back and sneeze violently with -the fumes. "Sir, that is a new effect," continued the doctor: "I am -sure that I have found it. It makes people sneeze. That is the hundred -and thirteenth effect I have discovered in it. Every hour, every -moment, as it concentrates, I discover new effects; so that doubtless -by the time it is perfectly concreted, it will have all powers, even -to the great effect, and change all things into gold. But let us put -that down;" and taking a paper he wrote, "_One hundred and thirteenth -effect, makes people sneeze_; violently, I think you said? -_Violently_. And now, my dear sir, what news from the great Erasmus?" - -"None that I know, my good sir," answered Sir Osborne, "as I never had -the advantage of his acquaintance." - -An explanation now ensued, which at last enlightened the ideas of the -worthy physician, although he had so fully possessed himself with the -fancy that the knight was an adept from Flanders, a country at that -time famous for alchymical researches, that it was some time before he -could entirely disembarrass his brain from the notion. - -"Bless my soul!" cried he; "so you are the young gentleman that my -excellent good uncle Wilbraham was concerned about; and well he might -be, truly, seeing what a lover you are of the profound and noble -science. He came here yesterday to inquire for you, and finding that I -had heard nothing of you, I thought he would have gone distracted. But -tell me, fair sir, have you met with any of the famous green water of -Palliardo? Ha! I see you were not to be deceived. I procured some, and -truly, on dipping the blade of a knife therein, it appeared gilt. But -what was it? A mere solution of copper." - -"You mistake, I see, still," replied the knight. "In truth, I know -nothing of the science to which you allude. I doubt not that it is one -of the most excellent and admirable inquiries in the world; but I am a -soldier, my dear sir, and have as yet made but small progress in -turning anything into gold." - -"'S life! I know not how I came to think so." cried the doctor; "sure, -the servant told me so. Ho, Kitty!" and throwing open the door, he -called loudly to the woman, "Ho, Kitty! how came you to tell me the -gentleman was an adept? Zounds! I've made him sneeze. But who is that -I see in the lavery? Oh, uncle Wilbraham! Come in! come in!" - -No words can express the joy of the good tutor when he beheld the -knight. He embraced him a thousand times; he shook him by the hand; he -shed tears of joy, and he made him repeat a thousand times every -particular of his escape. "The villain! the wretch!" cried he, -whenever the name of Sir Payan was mentioned; "the dissembling -hypocrite! We have had news since we left Canterbury that the _posse_, -which I obtained with great difficulty from the magistrates, when they -arrived at the manor-house, found every one in bed, but were speedily -let in, when Sir Payan sent word down, that though he was much -surprised to be so visited, being a magistrate himself, yet the -officers might search where they pleased, for that he had had no -prisoners during the day but two deer-stealers, whom he had liberated -that evening on their penitence. They searched, and found no one, and -so sent me a bitter letter this morning for putting them on the -business." - -"I am glad to hear they found no one," said the knight; "for then my -poor companion, Jekin Groby, has escaped. But, let me ask, how is Lady -Constance!" - -"Alas! not well, my lord, not well!" answered the clergyman. "First, -the anxiety about you: in truth, she has never looked well since, not -knowing whether you were dead or alive, and having known you in her -youth. Then this sudden news, that my lord cardinal will have her -marry her noble cousin, Lord Darby, has agitated her." - -The knight turned as pale as death, for feelings that had lain unknown -in the deepest recesses of his heart swelled suddenly up, and nearly -overpowered him. His love for Lady Constance de Grey had run on like a -brook in the summer time, which flows sweet, tranquil, and scarcely -perceptible, till the first rains that gather in the mountains swell -it to a torrent that sweeps away all before it. Of his own feeling he -had hitherto known nothing: he had known, he had but felt, that it was -sweet to see her, that it was sweet to think of her; but now at once, -with the certainty that she was lost to him for ever, came the -certainty that he loved her deeply, ardently, irrevocably. - -"Umph!" said Dr. Butts, at once comprehending all that the changes of -the knight's complexion implied; "umph! it's a bad business." - -"Nay, my good nephew, I see not that," answered the clergyman; who, a -great deal less clear-sighted than the physician, had neither seen Sir -Osborne's paleness, nor for a moment suspected his feelings: "I see -not that. 'Tis the very best marriage in the realm for both parties, -and the lady is only a little agitated from the anxiety and hurry of -the business." - -"If that be all," said the doctor, "I'll soon cure her. But tell me, -why did you call him 'my lord,' just now?" - -Dr. Wilbraham looked at the knight with a glance that seemed to -supplicate pardon for his inadvertence; but Sir Osborne soon relieved -him. "I am going, Dr. Butts," said he, "to ask your advice and -assistance, and therefore my secret must be told you. I ask your -advice because you know the court thoroughly, and because having, I am -afraid, lost one good means of introducing myself to his grace the -king, I would fain discover some other; and I tell you my secret, -because I am sure that it is as safe with you as with myself." - -"It is," said the physician. "But if you would have me serve you well, -and to some purpose, you must tell me all. Give me no half-confidence. -Let me know everything and then if I can do you good I will; if not, -your counsel shall not be betrayed, my lord, I suppose I must say." - -"You had better tell him all your history, my dear Osborne," said Dr. -Wilbraham. "He can, and I am sure will, for my sake, serve you well." - -"My dear Osborne!" echoed the physician. "Then I have it! You are my -Lord Darnley, my good uncle's first pupil. Your history, my lord, you -need not tell me: that I know. But tell me your plans, and I will -serve you heart and hand, to the best of my power." - -The plans of the young knight need not be again detailed here. Suffice -it that he laid them all open to the worthy physician, who, however, -shook his head. "It's a mad scheme!" said he, in his abrupt manner. -"His grace, though right royal, bountiful, and just, is often as -capricious as a young madam in the honeymoon. However, if Buckingham, -Abergany, Surrey, and such wise and noble men judge well of it, I -cannot say against it. A straw, 'tis true, will balance it one way or -t'other. However, give me to-day to think, and I will find some way of -bringing you to the king, so as to gain his good-will at first. And -now I will go to see Lady Constance de Grey." - -"We will go along, good doctor!" exclaimed the tutor; "for I must be -back to speak with her, and Osborne must render her a visit to thank -her for her good wishes and endeavours in his behalf. She will be so -charmed to see him free and unhurt that 'twill make her well again." - -"Will it?" said the doctor, drily. "Well, you shall give her that -medicine after I have ordered her mine. But let me have my turn first. -I ask but a quarter of an hour, then come both of you; and in the mean -time, my good learned uncle, study that beautiful amphora, and tell -me, if you can, why the ancient Greeks placed always on their tombs an -empty urn. Was it an emblem of the body, from within which the spirit -was departed, like the wine from the void amphora, leaving but the -vessel of clay to return to its native earth? Think of it till we -meet." - -Thus saying, the learned physician left them, to proceed on his visit -to Lady Constance de Grey. - - - - -CHAPTER XV. - - Though heaven's inauspicious eye - Lay black on love's nativity, - Her eye a strong appeal shall give; - Beauty smiles, and love shall live.--Crashaw. - - -When Dr. Butts had left them, the knight would fain have excused -himself from accompanying his old tutor on the proposed visit. He had -encountered many a danger in the "imminent deadly breach," and the -battle-field, with as light a heart as that which beats in beauty's -bosom when she thinks of sunning herself in admiring looks at the next -ball; but now his courage failed him at the thought of meeting the -person he loved best, and so much did his spirit quail, that "you -might have brained him with a lady's fan." - -Dr. Wilbraham, however, pressed, and insisted so intently upon the -pleasure it would give Lady Constance to see him after his escape, and -the rudeness which might be attributed to him if he did not wait upon -her soon, that he at length consented to go; and shortly after the -physician had left them they themselves took their way towards the -dwelling of the lady. In this happy age, when choice is as free as -thought, we can hardly imagine the generous nobility of England -submitting to yield the selection of a companion for life to the -caprice of a king or of his favourite; yet such was frequently the -case in the times whereof we write; and dangerous would it have been -to have opposed the will of the despotic Henry, or his tyrant -minister, when the whim of the one, or the interest of the other, led -them to seek the union of any two families. It is true that the sad -example of Lady Arabella Stuart was not yet before their eyes; but -still, the arbitrary power of the king was well enough established to -judge of what he might do, and few would have been found bold enough -to assert their liberty of choice in opposition to his command. Nor at -that time was Wolsey's will less potent than the king's; so that, to -the mind of the young knight, the marriage of Lady Constance with Lord -Darby seemed fixed beyond recall. - -There was, however, something in all that the old tutor said of her -anxiety respecting his fate, joined with a certain tenderness that he -had felt in her manner towards himself, and the words she had -inadvertently let drop respecting the fame he had acquired in -Flanders, that gave a vague but delightful feeling of hope to his -bosom; and while walking on with Dr. Wilbraham, there was still -amongst the wild confusion of his thoughts a strange sort of dreamy -plan for winning her yet: the buoyancy of youthful expectation that -would not be depressed, like a child's boat of cork, still rising -above the waves that had overwhelmed many a goodlier vessel. - -"If I dared but think she loved me," thought Sir Osborne, "I should -fear nothing;" and he felt as if his single arm could conquer a world. -But then came the remembrance, that as an equivalent for her rich -lands and lordships, he had nothing, absolutely nothing! and with a -sigh he entered the house, which Wolsey had taken care to provide for -his fair ward as near his own palace as possible. - -Most doors in that day standing open, Dr. Wilbraham, whose sacred -character gave him much freedom of access, took no pains to call -servant or attendant to announce them; but leading the way up the -narrow winding stairs, opened the door at the end of the flight, and -brought Sir Osborne into a large room, wherein were sitting several of -the young lady's women, occupied in various tasks of needle-work and -embroidery. One of these rose, and in silence gave them entrance to a -chamber beyond, into which the clergyman conducted his former pupil, -without even the ceremony of announcing him. - -Lady Constance, at the moment, was seated somewhat listlessly on a -pile of oriental cushions, holding her arms extended, while Dr. Butts -kept his hand upon her pulse. She was dressed in white, after the mode -of the French of that day: the upper part of her robe, except the -sleeves, which were large and floating, fitting close to her figure -round the waist and shoulders, but falling back, just above the bosom, -into a beautiful standing ruff, or fraise, as the French termed it, of -fine Italian lace. The skirt of the robe was wide and loose, and, -dividing at the girdle, showed part of a satin dress beneath, as well -as the beautiful small foot and delicate ankle, which, hanging over -the edge of the cushions, indicated, fully as much as the heaviness of -her eyes, the languor of sickness and want of rest. A few yards behind -her stood her waiting-woman, who remained in the room, fully as much -in the capacity of duenna, as for the purpose of serving her mistress. - -As Lady Constance did not raise her head when the door opened, -thinking that it was some of the domestics who entered, the eyes of -the waiting-maid were those that first encountered Sir Osborne; and as -she bore him no small goodwill for having given up with such alacrity -the tapestry chamber at the inn to herself and lady, immediately on -perceiving him she burst forth with a pleasurable "Oh dear!" - -Lady Constance looked up, and seeing who entered, turned as red as -fire, then pale, then red again; and starting up from the cushions, -drew her hand suddenly away from Dr. Butts, advanced a step, -hesitated, and then stood still. - -"Umph!" muttered the physician, "it's a bad business." - -"Oh, Sir Osborne Maurice!" said the lady, her eyes sparkling with -pleasure, although she struggled hard to compose herself, to seem -disembarrassed, and to hide the busy feelings at her heart; "I am most -delighted to see you safe; for indeed I--that is, Dr. Wilbraham--began -to be very seriously alarmed; and though he told me there was no -danger, yet I saw that he was very much frightened, and--and I hope -you got away easily. Will you not take that seat?" - -The young knight took the chair to which she pointed, and thanked her -for the interest and kindness she had shown towards him, with some -degree of propriety, though at first he felt his lip quiver as he -spoke; and then he fancied that his manner was too cold and -ceremonious; so, to avoid that he made it somewhat too warm and -ardent, and in the end, finding that he was going from one extreme to -the other, without ever resting at the mean, he turned to Dr. Butts, -and said with a sort of anxiety, which went thrilling to the heart of -Lady Constance, that he hoped he had not found his patient really ill. - -"Indeed I did though!" answered the physician; "a great deal worse -than I had expected, and therefore I shall go directly and tell my -good lord, the reverend father cardinal, that the lady must be kept as -tranquil as possible, and as quiet." - -"Nay, nay!" said Lady Constance; "I am not so ill, indeed, my good -physician; I feel better now. However, you may go to my lord cardinal -if you will; but I really am better." - -"Umph!" said Dr. Butts; "now _I_ think you are worse. But tell me, -lady, why do you quit the habits of your country, to dress yourself -like a Frenchwoman?" - -Lady Constance smiled. "Do you not know," said she, "that I am a -French vassal? Do you not know that all the estates that belonged to -my mother, of the Val de Marne and Boissy, are held from the French -crown?" - -"Go and see them, lady," said Dr. Butts; "the French air would suit -you better than the English, I've a notion; for a year or two, at -least." - -"Nay, Dr. Butts," said Sir Osborne; "why deprive England of Lady -Constance's presence? There are so few like her," he added, in an -under-voice, "that indeed we cannot spare her." - -Lady Constance raised her eyes for an instant to his face: they met -his, and though it was but for a moment, that look was sufficient to -determine his future fate. A thousand such looks from Lady Katrine -Bulmer would have meant nothing, from Lady Constance de Grey that one -meant everything, and Sir Osborne's bosom beat with renewed hope. -True, the same obstacles existed as heretofore; but it mattered not -Nothing, he thought, nothing now could impede his progress; and he -would dare all, defy all, win her, or die. - -Nor in truth was the heart of Lady Constancy de Grey less lightened, -although she still felt that trembling fear which a woman, perhaps, -does not wholly lose for long, long after the lips of the man she -loves have made profession of his attachment; yet still she was almost -sure that she was loved. There had been something in Darnley's manner, -in his agitation, in his anxiety about her, in his very glance, far, -far more eloquent than words; and Lady Constance's certainty that he -loved her was more, perhaps, a sensation of the heart than a -conviction of the mind: she felt that she was loved. - -While these thoughts, or feelings, or what you will, were busy in the -bosom of each, a servant entered, and with much more ceremony than the -good chaplain had used to usher in the young knight, announced that -Lord Darby waited in the ante-chamber to inquire after her ladyship's -health. - -"Bid him come in," said the young lady, and in a moment after, Sir -Osborne had his rival before his eyes. - -He was a slight, elegant young man, dressed with great splendour of -apparel, and possessed of that sort of calm, easy self-possession, and -gay, nonchalant bearing, that made the knight instantly conceive a -violent inclination to cut his throat. - -"Good morrow, my fair cousin!" cried he, advancing: "good morrow, -gentles all; God gi'ye good morrow, Mrs. Margaret," to the waiting -woman; "what, have you been standing there ever since I left you -yesterday?" (The woman tossed her head pettishly, much to the young -lord's amusement.) "Gad! you must do like the hens, then: stand upon -one leg while you rest the other. But say, my fair cousin, how dost -thou do?" - -"I am not well, my lord," replied the lady, "at least, so Dr. Butts -would fain have me believe, and he says I must have quiet; so, by your -leave, I will not have you quarrel with my woman, Margaret, as you did -yesterday." - -"'Faith, not I," answered he; "I love her dearly, bless the mark! But -cousin, his reverend grace the cardinal commends him, by your humble -slave, to your most sublime beauty, and adviseth (that is, you know, -commandeth) that you should betake yourself, for change of air (which -means for his pleasure and purposes), to the court at Greenwich, to -which you are invited by our royal mistress and queen. And if it -seemeth fit to you (which would say, whether you like it or not) he -will have his barge prepared for you to-morrow at noon." - -"Present my thanks unto the very reverend father," replied Lady -Constance, "and say that I will willingly be ready at the hour he -names." - -"Nay, if you are so sweetly obedient to all his commands," said Lord -Darby, more seriously, "'faith, Constance, our plan of yesterday will -fall to the ground; for I cannot be rude enough to take it all on -myself." Then darting off into a thousand other subjects, the young -peer laughed, and spoke with light facility of various indifferent -matters, while Dr. Butts looked on, keenly observing all that passed; -and Sir Osborne bent his eyes sternly upon the ground, biting his lip -and playing with the hilt of his sword, more irritated, perhaps, with -the confident gaiety of his rival than he would have been with a more -serious and enthusiastic passion, and certainly not appearing to -advantage where he wished most to please. - -"That sword, I think, must be of Spanish mounting," said Lord Darby, -at length turning calmly towards the knight. - -"Sir!" replied Sir Osborne, raising his eyes to his face. - -"I asked whether that sword was not mounted in Spain, sir knight?" -said Lord Darby, quietly. "Will you let me look at it?" and he held -out his hand. - -"I am not in the habit, my lord," replied Sir Osborne, "of giving my -weapon out of my own hands; but in answer to your question, it was -mounted in Spain." - -"I never steal folk's swords!" said the peer, with the same -imperturbably nonchalant air; and then turning to Dr. Wilbraham, he -went on: "Dear Dr. Wilbraham, do let me see that book you talked of -yesterday; for as you go to Greenwich to-morrow, I shall never behold -any of you again, I am sure." - -The good chaplain, who had remained silent ever since he had been in -the room, not at all understanding what was the matter between Lady -Constance and the young knight, although he evidently saw that they -had from the first been both agitated and embarrassed, now rose, and -went to search for the book which Lord Darby required, very willing to -get away from a scene he did not in the least comprehend. To make way -for him, however, Sir Osborne raised his cap and plume, which had -hitherto lain beside him; and as he did so, the sapphire ring that had -been given him by Lady Katrina Bulmer met the eye of Lord Darby, and -instantly produced a change in his whole demeanour. His cheek burned, -his eye flashed, and, starting upon his feet, he seemed as if he would -have crossed over towards Sir Osborne; but then recovering himself, he -relapsed into his former somewhat drawling manner, took leave of Lady -Constance, and, without waiting for Dr. Wilbraham's return, left the -apartment. A moment after, the physician also rose, in his usual, -quick, precipitate manner, saying that he must depart. - -"But, doctor! doctor!" cried Mrs. Margaret, the waiting-woman, seeing -him proceeding towards the door, "you have not told me how I am to -manage my mistress." - -"I can't stop! I can't stop!" said the physician, still walking on out -of the room. "What is it! What is it?" - -"Nay, but, doctor, you must tell me!" cried she, running after him. -"Indeed, I shall not know what to do with my lady." Still the doctor -walked on, giving her, however, some necessary directions as he went, -and Mrs. Margaret following for a moment, left the two lovers alone. - -Darnley felt that it was one of those precious instants which, once -lost, rarely if ever return; but an irresistible feeling of anxiety -tied his tongue, and he could but gaze at Lady Constance with a look -that seemed to plead for pardon, even for what he felt. The fair girl -trembled in every limb; and as if she knew all that was passing in his -mind, dared not look up but for a single glance, as she heard the last -words hang on the physician's lip, as he began to descend the stairs. - -Darnley raised the glove that lay beside her. "May I--may I have it?" -said he. - -"Oh, Darnley!" she replied; and happy almost to delirium, he placed -the glove in his bosom, and pressed an ardent kiss upon her hand. - -"Go!" cried she; "for heaven's sake, go if you love me! We shall meet -again soon." - -The knight obeyed, almost as agitated as herself; and passing out of -the room just as Mrs. Margaret entered, he followed Dr. Butts, whose -steps he heard descending the stairs before him. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - - Tybalt.--Gentlemen, good den; a word with one of you. - - Mercutio.--And but one word with one of us? Couple it with - something; make it a word and a blow. - - Tybalt.--You shall find me apt enough to that, sir, if you give - me occasion. - _Romeo and Juliet_. - - -Scarcely knowing what he did, Sir Osborne sprang after Dr. Butts, and -walked on with him for a minute or two in silence, while his brain -turned, and all his thoughts and feelings whirled in inextricable -confusion. - -"Ah!" muttered the physician to himself, seeing the absent agitated -air of his young companion; "ah! you've been making a fool of -yourself, I see, though you've not had much time either." - -The murmuring of the good doctor, however, did not disturb in the -least the young knight's reverie, which might have lasted an -indefinite space of time, had he not been roused therefrom by a smart -tap on the shoulder. Laying his hand upon his sword, he turned -suddenly round, and beheld Lord Darby, who, seeing him grasp the hilt -of his weapon, pointed to it coolly, saying, "Not here, sir, not here; -but anywhere else you please." - -"What would you with me, sir?" demanded the knight, not exactly -understanding his object, though quite ready to quarrel upon any -provocation that might occur. - -"But a trifle," replied the earl. "You looked at me some five minutes -past as if I had offended you in something. Now, that being the case, -I am ready to make reparation at the sword's point when and where it -may suit your convenience." - -"But, my good lord," said Dr. Butts, who had turned back, "this is a -mistake. How can you have offended this good knight, who never saw you -till to-day?" - -"Oh, the problem! the problem, my good doctor," replied Lord Darby. -"Why does a farmer's cur bark at a beggar, and let a ruffling gallant -swagger by? Perchance the knight may not like my countenance; my -complexion, my nose, may not please him; my mouth, the cut of my -beard." - -"Faith! neither one nor the other pleases me particularly," answered -Sir Osborne. "At all events, my lord, if your wish be to quarrel with -me, I will not balk your humour. So say your will, and have it." - -"Oh! if that be the case," said Lord Darby, "and you'd rather be -quarrelled with than quarrel, the offence shall come on my part. Fair -sir, I dislike that scar upon your brow so much that I shall not be -content till I make its fellow on your heart; therefore, when your -good humour serves to give me an opportunity of tilting at your nose, -you will find me your very humble servant." - -"Nay, now, my lord!" cried Dr. Butts, "I must witness that you have -given the provocation; for under any other circumstances, this -gentleman is so situated that 'twould be mere madness to meet you as -you wish." - -"If it be provocation he desires," cried the earl, "he shall have a -dish of it, so cooked as to serve an emperor. He is a gentleman, I -suppose, and worth a gentleman's sword?" - -"Your equal in every respect, and your better in many," replied the -knight. "And in regard to provocation, I have had as much, my lord, as -your body may well bear in repayment. How do you choose to fight?" - -"Quietly! quietly!" answered the earl. "A few inches of tough steel -are as good as a waggon load. A double-edged sword, sir, such as we -both wear, may serve our turn, I should suppose; and as it may be -unpleasant to both of us to make the monster multitude busy with our -little affair, we will be single, hand to hand. I do detest the habit -of making the satisfaction of private wrongs the public amusement. -We'll have no crowd, sir, to look on and criticise our passados, as if -we were gladiators on a stage. Where shall it be?" - -"Why, faith, my lord!" answered the knight, "as I am a mere stranger -here, I know but of one place. The gardens of my Lord of Buckingham, -at the Rose, are large; and I remarked this morning a grove, where -there must be good space and quiet. If, therefore, you will inquire -for me at his grace's dwelling this evening, at four of the clock, you -will find me prepared to receive you." - -Lord Darby waved his hand for his page to come up, who stood -chattering with the foot-boy that had accompanied the knight, and -taking from him a case of tablets, he wrote down the name of Sir -Osborne, and the place and hour he had appointed. "And now, fair sir," -said he, "I will leave you. I shall not miss my hour. Good doctor, -your profession has doubtless taught you secrecy, and so farewell!" - -So saying, Lord Darby walked away, leaving Sir Osborne with Dr. Butts. -"Ah!" cried the physician, "a bad business! a bad business! Yet it -cannot be helped; if two people will fall in love with the same woman, -what can be done? But it's a bad business for you. If he kills you, -why that is not pleasant; and if you kill him, you must fly your -country. A bad business! a bad business! But fare ye well! Don't kill -him if you can help it; for he's not bad, as times go; wound him -badly, then it may be mended. Fare ye well! fare ye well!" and turning -away he left Sir Osborne, not appearing to take much heed of the -approaching duel, though in reality deeply occupied with the means of -preventing it, without betraying the trust that had been reposed in -him. - -Sir Osborne was not displeased to be left to his own meditations; and -plunged in thought, he followed his young guide down a narrow lane, -running between the gardens of York and Durham Houses. "I thought, -sir, you might like to take boat," said the boy, who was himself -completely wearied out with waiting for the knight, "and so brought -your worship down here, where there is always a boatman. 'Twill save -three miles, your worship." - -Sir Osborne signified his assent, and the boat being procured, he was -soon after landed within a short distance of St. Lawrence Poulteney, -where he was received with great respect by the duke's household, and -formally marshalled to his apartment. Two hours still remained to the -time of rendezvous, which he spent in writing to his father; never -thinking, however, of alluding to his approaching rencontre; for in -truth, though not vain either of his skill or strength, he had enjoyed -so many opportunities of proving both, that he well knew it must be a -strong and dexterous man indeed, who would not lie greatly at his -mercy in such an encounter as that which was to ensue. - -In the mean while, Lord Darby, carried away by passion, thought of -nothing but his approaching meeting; and though he looked upon Sir -Osborne as some knight attached to the Duke of Buckingham, he was very -willing to pass over any little difference of rank for the sake of -gratifying the angry feelings by which he was possessed. He was, -however, very greatly surprised, when on presenting himself, towards -four o'clock, at the manor-house of the Rose, he found that the same -attendance and respect waited Sir Osborne Maurice, a man he never even -heard of, as he had seen paid to the Duke of Buckingham himself. Two -servants marshalled the way to the knight's apartments, one ran on -before to announce him; and with a deference and attention which -evidently did not proceed from his own rank, for he had not given his -name, but rather, apparently, from the station of the person whom he -went to visit, he was ushered into the splendid apartments which had -been assigned to the knight. - -Sir Osborne rose from the table where he had been writing, and with -graceful but frigid courtesy, invited him to be seated, which was -complied with by the earl, till such time as the servants were gone. - -"Now my lord," said Sir Osborne, as soon as the door was shut, "I am -at your service; I will finish my writing at my return. Will you -examine my sword, 'tis apparently somewhat longer than yours, but here -is one that is shorter. Now, sir." - -"That is shorter than mine," said Lord Darby. "Have you not another?" - -"Not here," replied the knight; "but this will do, if you are -satisfied that it is not longer than your own. By this passage we -shall find our way to the garden privately, as I am informed. Pardon -me, if I lead the way." - -Lord Darby followed in silence, perhaps not quite so contented with -the business in which he had engaged as when he undertook it. There -was a sort of calm determination in Sir Osborne's manner, that had -something in it very unpleasantly impressive, and the young peer began -to think it would have been better to have sought some explanation ere -he had hurried himself into circumstances of what might be unnecessary -danger. However, he felt that it was now too late to make any advance -towards such a measure; and there, too, in the knight's cap, still -stood the identical large sapphire ring, which, if he might believe -his eyes, he had seen a thousand times on the hand of his promised -wife. The sight, thereof, served marvellously well to stir up his -anger; and striding on, he kept equal pace with Sir Osborne down the -long alley which led from the house into a deep grove near the side of -the river. The knight paused at a spot where the trees concealed them -from the view of the house, and opening out into a small amphitheatre, -gave full space for the deadly exercise in which they were about to be -engaged. - -"Now, Lord Darby," said he, drawing his sword, and throwing down the -scabbard before him, "you see me as I stand; and as a knight and a -gentleman, I have no other arms, offensive or defensive, but this -sword, so help me God!" - -"And so say I," replied Lord Darby, "upon my honour;" and following -the knight's example, he drew his sword, cast the sheath away from -him, and brought his blade across that of his adversary. - -"Madmen! what are ye about to do?" cried a stern voice from the wood. -"Put up, put up!" and the moment after, the diminutive form of Sir -Cesar the astrologer stood directly between them. "What devil," he -continued, parting their drawn swords with his bare hands; "what devil -has tempted ye--ye, of all other men, destined to bring about each -others' happiness--what devil, I say, has tempted ye to point these -idle weapons at each other's life?" - -"Sir Cesar," said Lord Darby, "I am well aware that you possess the -means of seeing into the future by some method, for which scurrilous -people hint that you are likely to be damned pretty heartily in the -next world; so you are just the person to settle our dispute. But tell -us, which it is of us two that is destined to slay the other, and then -the one who is doomed to taste cold iron this day will have nothing to -do but offer his throat, for depend upon it, only one will leave this -spot alive." - -"Talk not so lightly of death, young lord," replied the old man, "for -'tis a bitter and unsavoury cup to drink, as thou shalt find when thy -brain swims, and thy heart grows sick, and thine eye loses its light, -and thy parting spirit reels upon the brink of a dim and shadowy -world. But I tell thee that both shall leave this spot alive; though -if any one remained upon this sward, full surely it were thyself; for -thou art as much fitted to cope with him as the sapling with the -thunderbolt of heaven. But listen, each of you, I adjure you: state -what you demand of the other; and if, after all, ye be still bent upon -blood, blood ye shall have. But full sure am I that now neither fool -knows what the other seeks." - -Both the antagonists stood silent, gazing first on each other, and -then on Sir Cesar, as if they knew not what to reply, and both feeling -that there might be some truth in what the old man advanced. At -length, however, Lord Darby broke forth, "God's life, what he says is -true! Sir Osborne Maurice, what do you seek of me?" - -"Speak! speak!" cried Sir Cesar, turning to the knight, who seemed to -hesitate; "speak, if the generous blood of a thousand noble ancestors -be still warm in your veins! Be candid, and charge him like a man." - -Sir Osborne's cheek burned. "The quarrel is of his own seeking," said -he, "and what I have to say, I know not how to speak, without -violating the confidence of a lady, which cannot be." - -"Then I will speak for you," said Sir Cesar. "Lord Darby he demands -that you shall yield all claim and all pursuit of Lady Constance de -Grey. This is his demand; now for yours. Oh! if I am deceived in you, -woe to you and yours for ever!" - -"I can scarcely suppose," replied the earl, with bitter emphasis, -"that such be this knight's demand, when I see the ring of another -lady borne openly in his bonnet; a lady that shall never be his, so -long as one drop of blood flows in my veins." - -"This ring, my lord," replied Sir Osborne, taking it from the plume of -his hat, "was only trusted with me as a deposit to transmit to the -person to whom it originally belonged, claiming his advice for a lady, -whose affianced lover was, as report said, about to wed another; Sir -Cesar, I give it unto you for whom it was intended." - -"Faith, I have been in the wrong!" cried Lord Darby, extending his -hand frankly to Sir Osborne. "In the first place, pardon me, sir -knight, for having insulted you; and next, let me say, that in regard -to Lady Constance de Grey, I have no claim but that of kindred upon -her affection, and none upon her hand. Farther, if you can show that -your rank entitles you to such alliance, none will be happier than -myself to aid you in your suit. Though, let me observe, without -meaning offence, that the name of Sir Osborne Maurice is unknown to -me, except as connected with the history of the last reign. And now, -sir, having said thus much, doubtless you will explain to me how that -ring came into your possession, and by what motives Lady Katrine -Bulmer could be induced to confide her most private affairs to a -gentleman who can be but an acquaintance of a month." - -"Most willingly," replied the knight; and after detailing to Lord -Darby the circumstances which we already know, he added: "The letter -of which I speak is still in my possession, and if you will return -with me to the house, I will deliver it to you, as I cannot doubt, -from what you say, that the report of a marriage being in agitation -between yourself and Lady Constance de Grey originated in some -mistake." - -"Faith, not a whit!" cried the earl; "the report is unhappily too -true. The lord cardinal, whom we all know to be one degree greater -than the greatest man in England, has laid his commands upon me to -marry my cousin Constance, although both my heart and my honour are -plighted to another, and has equally ordered my cousin to wed me, -although her heart be, very like, fully as much given away as mine. -However, never supposing we could think of disobeying, he has already -sent to Rome for all those permissions and indulgences which are -necessary for first cousins in such cases; and on my merely hinting in -a sweet and dutiful manner, that it might be better to see first -whether it pleased the lady, he replied, meekly, that it pleased him, -and that it pleased the king, which was quite enough both for her and -me." - -This information did not convey the most pleasing sensations to Sir -Osborne's heart, and in a moment there flashed through his mind a -thousand vague but evil auguries. Danger to Constance herself, the -ruin of his father's hopes, the final destruction of his house and -family, and all the train of sorrows and of evils that might follow, -if Wolsey were to discover his rash love, hurried before his eyes like -the thronging phantoms of a painful dream, and clouded his brow with a -deep shade of thoughtful melancholy. - -"Fear not, Osborne Darnley," said Sir Cesar, seeing the gloomy look of -the young knight. "This cardinal is great, but there is one greater -than he, who beholds his pride, and shall break him like a reed. Nor -in this thing shall his will be obeyed. Believe what I say to you, for -it is true; I warned you once of coming dangers, and you doubted me; -but the evils I foresaw fell upon your head. Doubt me not then now; -but still I see fear sits upon your eyelids. Come, then, both of you -with me, for in this both your destinies are linked for a time -together. Spend with me one hour this night, and I will show you that -which shall ease your hearts," and he turned towards the house, -beckoning them to follow. - -"I suppose, then, your lordship is satisfied," said Sir Osborne, -taking up the scabbard of his sword, and replacing it with the weapon -in his belt, as the astrologer moved away. - -"I should be more satisfied," said Lord Darby, laying his hand on the -knight's arm with a frank smile, "if you would confide in me. Indeed, -I have no title to pry into your secrets," he added, "nor in those of -Constance either, though I think she might have told me of this -yesterday, when I made her a partaker of all mine. However, I cannot -believe that the profound reverence in which all the duke's servants -seem to hold you, can be excited by the unknown Sir Osborne Maurice. -Besides, Sir Cesar called you but now Osborne Darnley. Can it be that -I am speaking to the Lord Darnley, who from his feats at the court of -the princess dowager, goes amongst us by the surname of the Knight of -Burgundy?"[8] - -"I shall not deny my name, Lord Darby," replied the knight. "I am, as -you say, Lord Darnley; but as this has fallen into your knowledge by -mere accident, I shall hold you bound in honour to forget it." - -"Nay!" replied the earl. "I shall remember it--to render you, if -possible, all service. But come, Darnley, as by a mistake we began -bitter enemies, now let us end dear friends. I can aid you much, you -can aid me much, and between us both surely we shall be able to break -the trammels with which the cardinal enthrals us. We will put four -young heads against one old one, and the world to nothing we shall -win!" - -There was a frankness in Lord Darby's manner that it was impossible to -resist, and taking the hand he tendered him, the young adventurer met -his offered friendship with equal candour. With the openness natural -to youth, the plans of each were soon told, the sooner, indeed, that -their future prospects and endeavours so greatly depended for success -upon their sincere co-operation, and thus they sauntered back to the -house, with very different feelings from those with which they had -left it. Before they had arrived at the steps of the door, they had -run through a thousand details, and were as much prepared to act -together as if their acquaintance had been of many years' duration. No -sooner did the young earl hear that his new friend had not yet been -introduced to the king, than he at once proposed to be the person to -do it, offering to call for him in his barge the next day but one, and -convey him to the court at Greenwich, where he undertook to procure -him a good reception. - -"It may be difficult," he said, "to find private audience of those two -persons whom we both feel most anxious to meet. Dame Fortune, however, -may befriend us; but we must be cautious even to an excess, for Wolsey -has eyes that see where he is not present, and ears that hear over -half the realm, and the first step to make our plans successful, -depend upon it, is to conceal them. But, lo! where Sir Cesar stands at -the window of the hall. Now, in the name of fortune, where will he -lead us to-night? 'Tis strange that there should be men so gifted with -rare qualities as to see into the deepest secrets of nature, to view -things that to others are concealed, and yet seemingly to profit -little by their knowledge; for never did I meet or hear of one of -these astrologers that were either happier or more fortunate than -other men. And yet, what were the good to Sir Cesar to boast a -knowledge that he did not possess? For he seeks no reward, will accept -of no recompense, and hourly exposes what he says to contradiction if -it be not true. But doubtless it _is_ true, for every day gives proofs -thereof. That man is a riddle, which would have gained the Sphynx a -good dinner off [OE]dipus. You seem to know him well, but I dare say -know no more of him than any one else does; for no one that I ever met -knows who he is, nor where he comes from, nor where he goes to; and -yet he is well received everywhere, courted, ay, and even loved, for -he is beneficent, charitable, and humane; is rich, though it is -unknown whence his wealth arises, and possesses wonderful knowledge, -though, I fear me, wickedly acquired. I have heard that those poor -wretches who have mastered forbidden secrets often strive to repair, -by every good deed, the evil that their presumptuous curiosity has -done to their own souls: God knows how it is. But come, let us join -him. The information we gain from him, at all events, is sure." - -Entering the manor-house, they passed on into the hall, where they -found Sir Cesar buried in deep thought; and while the young knight -proceeded to his own apartments, to procure the letter which Lady -Katrine Bulmer had entrusted to him, the Earl of Darby approached the -old knight with that sort of constitutional gaiety which, like a -spoiled servant, would very often play the master with its lord. -"Well, Sir Cesar," cried he, "where are your thoughts roaming? In the -world above, or the world below?" - -"Farther in heaven than you will ever be," replied the old man. - -"Nay, then," continued the earl, "as you can tell everything, past, -present, and to come, could you divine what we were talking of but now -in the gardens?" - -"At first you were talking of what did concern yourselves, and -afterwards of what did _not_ concern you," answered the knight. - -"Magic, by my faith!" cried the earl; "and in truth, your coming just -in the nick of time, as folks have it, to save us from slicing each -other's throats, must have had a spice of magic in it too." - -"If one used magic for so weak a purpose as that of saving an empty -head like thine," replied the knight, "it would be worthy the jest -with which you treat it. Fools and children attribute everything to -magic that they do not comprehend; but, however, my coming here had -none. Was it not easy for one friend to tell another that he had heard -two mad young men name a place to slaughter each other, they knew not -for what? But here comes thy companion. Read thy letter, and then come -with me; for the light is waning, and the hour comes on when I can -show ye both some part at least of your destiny." - -Lord Darby eagerly cut the silk which fastened Lady Katrine's letter, -and read it with that air of intense earnestness which can never be -put on, and which would have removed from the mind of Sir Osborne any -doubt of the young earl's feelings, even if he had still continued to -entertain such. This being done, they prepared to accompany Sir Cesar, -who insisted that not even a page should follow them; and accordingly -Lord Darby's attendant was ordered to remain behind and wait his -lord's return. - -Passing, then, out into the street, they soon found themselves in the -most crowded part of the city of London, which was at that time of the -evening filled with the various classes of mechanics, clerks, and -artists, returning to their homes from their diurnal toil. Gliding -through the midst of them, Sir Cesar passed on, not in the least -heeding the remarks which his diminutive size and singular apparel -called forth, though Lord Darby did not seem particularly to relish a -promenade through the city with such a companion, and very possibly -might have left Sir Osborne to proceed alone if he liked it, had not -that strong curiosity which we all experience to read into the future -carried him on to the end. - -Darkness now began to fall upon their path, and still the old man led -them forward through a thousand dark and intricate turnings, till at -length, in what appeared to be a narrow lane, the houses of which -approached so closely together, that it would have been an easy leap -from the windows on one side of the way into those of the other, the -old knight stopped and struck three strokes with the hilt of his -dagger upon a door on the left hand. - -It was opened almost immediately by a tall meagre man, holding in his -hand a small silver lamp, which he applied close to the face of Sir -Cesar before he would permit any one to pass. "Il maestro," cried he, -as soon as he saw the dark small features of the astrologer, making -him at the same time a profound inclination, "entra, dottissimo! -Benvenuto, benvenuto sia!" - -Sir Cesar replied in an under tone, and taking the lamp from the -Italian, motioned Sir Osborne and the earl to follow. The staircase up -which he conducted them was excessively small, narrow, and winding, -bespeaking one of the meanest houses in the city; and what still more -excited their surprise, they mounted near forty steps without -perceiving any door or outlet whatever, except where a blast of cold -air through a sort of loophole in the wall announced their proximity -to the street. - -At length the astrologer stopped opposite a door only large enough to -admit the passage of one person at a time, through which he led the -way, when to the astonishment of both Sir Osborne and the earl, they -found themselves in a magnificent oblong apartment, nearly forty feet -in length, and rather more than twenty in breadth. On each side were -ranged tables and stands, covered with various specimens of ancient -art, which, rare in any age, were then a thousand times more scarce -than they are now. - -Although the taking of Constantinople, about seventy years before, by -driving many of the Greeks amongst whom elegance and science long -lingered, into other countries, had revived already, in some degree, -the taste for the arts of painting and sculpture, still few, very few, -even of the princes of Europe, could boast such beautiful specimens as -those which that chamber contained. - -Here stood a statue, there an urn; on one table was an alabaster -capital of exquisite workmanship, on another a bas-relief whose -figures seemed struggling from the stone; medals, and gems, and -specimens of curious ores, were mingled with the rest; and many a -book, written in strange and unknown characters, lay open before their -eyes. There, too, were various instruments of curious shape and -device, whose purpose they could not even guess; while here frowned a -man in armour, there grinned a skeleton; and there, swathed in its -historic bands, stood an Egyptian mummy, resting its mouldering and -shapeless head against the feet of a figure, in which some long-dead -artist had laboured skilfully to display all the exquisite lines of -female loveliness. - -To observe all this the two young men had full opportunity, while Sir -Cesar proceeded forward, stopping between each table, and bringing the -flame of the lamp he carried in contact with six others, which stood -upon a row of ancient bronze tripods ranged along the side of the -hall. At the end of the room hung a large black curtain, on each side -of which was a clock of very curious manufacture; the one showing, -apparently, the year, the day, the hour, and the minute; and the other -exposing a figure of the zodiac, round which moved a multitude of -strange hieroglyphic signs, some so rapidly that the eye could -scarcely distinguish their course, some so slow that their motion was -hardly to be discerned. - -As Sir Osborne and Lord Darby approached, Sir Cesar drew back the -curtain, and exposed to their sight an immense mirror, in which they -could clearly distinguish their own figures, and that of the -astrologer, reflected at full length.[9] "Mark!" said Sir Cesar, "and -from what you shall see, draw your own inference. But question me not: -for I vowed when I received that precious gift, which is now before -you, never to make one comment upon what it displayed. Mark! and when -you have seen, leave me." - -"But I see nothing," said Sir Osborne, "except my own reflection in -the glass." - -"Patience, patience. Impetuous spirit," cried the old man. "Will a -hundred lives never teach thee calmness? Look to the mirror!" - -Sir Osborne turned his eyes to the glass, but still nothing new met -his view; and after gazing for a minute or two, he suffered his glance -to wander to the clock by his side, which now struck eight with a -clear, sweet, musical sound. - -At that moment Lord Darby laid his hand on his arm. "God's my life!" -cried he, "we are vanishing away. Look, look!" - -Sir Osborne turned to the glass, and beheld the three figures he had -before seen plain and distinctly, now growing dimmer and more dim. He -could scarcely believe his sight, and passing his hand before his -eyes, he strove, as it were, to cure them of the delusion. When he -looked again, all was gone, and the mirror offered nothing but a dark -shining blank. Presently, however, a confusion of thin and misty -figures seemed to pass over the glass, and a light appeared to spring -up within itself: gradually the objects took a more substantial form; -the interior of the mirror assumed the appearance of a smaller chamber -than that which they were in, lighted by a lattice window, and in the -centre was seen a female figure leaning in a pensive attitude on a -table. Sir Osborne thought it was like Lady Katrine Bulmer, but the -light coming from behind cast her features into shadow. The moment -after, however, a door of the chamber seemed to open, and he could -plainly distinguish a figure, resembling that of Lord Darby, enter, -and clasp her in his arms, with a semblance of joy so naturally -portrayed, that it was hardly possible to suppose it unreal. - -While he yet gazed, the outlines of the figures began to grow confused -and indistinct, and various ill-defined forms floated over the glass. -Gradually, however, they again assumed shape and feature; the mirror -represented a princely hall hung with cloth of gold, and a thousand -gay and splendid figures ranged themselves round the scene. Princes, -and prelates, and warriors, moved before their eyes, as if 'twas all -in life. There might be seen the slight significant look, the animated -gesture, the whisper apart, the stoop of age; the high erect carriage -of knight and noble, and the graceful motion of youth and beauty. - -"By heavens!" cried Lord Darby, "there is the Earl of Devonshire, and -the Duke of Suffolk, and the Princess Mary. It is the court of -England! But no! Who are all these?" - -Gradually the crowd opened, and two persons appeared, whose apparel, -demeanour, and glance, bespoke them royal. - -"Henry himself, as I live!" cried Lord Darby. - -"Which? which?" demanded Sir Osborne. - -"The one to the right," answered the earl; "the other I know not." - -It was the other, however, who advanced, leading forward by the hand a -knight, in whom Sir Osborne might easily distinguish the simulacre of -himself. The prince, whoever he was, seemed to speak, and a lady came -forth from the rest. By the graceful motion, by the timid look, by the -rich light brown hair, as well as by all a lover's feelings, Sir -Osborne could not doubt that it was Constance de Grey. The monarch -took her hand; placed it in that of the knight; the figures grew dim -and the glass misty; but gradually clearing away, it resumed its -original effect, and reflected the hall in which they were, their own -forms standing before the mirror, and the old man, Sir Cesar, sitting -on the ground, with his hands pressed over his eyes. The moment they -turned round, he started up. - -"It is done!" cried he; "so now, begone! We shall meet again soon;" -and putting his finger to his lip, as if requiring silence, he led -them out of the hall, and down the stairs, signed them with the cross, -and left them. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII. - - There grows - In my most ill-composed affection - A quenchless avarice, that were I king - I should cut off the nobles for their lands.--Macbeth. - - -Oh, the man in the moon! the man in the moon! What a prodigious -sackful of good resolutions you must have, all broken through the -middle. First, there are all sorts of resolutions of amendment, of -every kind and description, except the resolution of a carter to amend -his draught, or that of a gourmand whose appetite fails to drink -Chateau Margaux instead of Lafitte. All, except these, my dear sir, -you clutch by handfuls; and then you get all the resolutions of women -of five-and-thirty never to marry whenever the opportunity happens; -the resolutions of many young heirs not to be taken in, and of young -coquettes not to go too far; of old gentlemen to look young, and of -vulgar men to hold their tongues. Though I see, my dear sir, that your -bag be almost bursting, yet I must trouble you with one more. - -I had determined, as I hinted in a former chapter, never to quit my -hero and go vagabondising about in my history from one part to the -other, like a gipsy or a pedlar; but, on the contrary, to proceed in a -quiet, respectable, straightforward manner, telling his story, and -nobody else's story but his; but it is this individual resolution that -I am now under the necessity of foregoing, for it is absolutely -necessary, that I should return to what took place at the mansion of -the Duke of Buckingham, in Kent, even if I should risk the breaking of -my neck, as well as my resolution, in scampering back again -afterwards. - -Early in the morning of the day after that on which Sir Osborne had -left the manor-house to proceed to the Benedictine Abbey, near -Canterbury, Sir Payan Wileton, with a large suite, rode up to the -gates, and demanded an audience of the duke, which was immediately -granted. As the chamberlain marshalled him the way to the duke's -closet, the knight caught a glance of the old man, Sir Cesar, passing -out, from which he argued favourably for his purposes; doubting not -that the discourse of the astrologer had raised the ambition and -vanity of the duke, and fitted him to second the schemes with which he -proposed to tempt him. - -When the knight entered, the princely Buckingham was seated, and with -that cold dignity which he knew well how to assume, he motioned his -visiter to a chair, without, however, deigning to rise. - -"He thinks himself already king," thought Sir Payan. "Well, his pride -must be humoured. My lord duke," he said, after a few preliminary -words on both parts, "I come to tender your grace my best service, and -to beg you to believe, that should ever the occasion offer, you shall -find me ready at your disposal, with heart and hand, fortune and -followers." - -"And what is it that Sir Payan Wileton would claim as his reward for -such zealous doings?" demanded the duke, eyeing him coolly. "Sir -Payan's wisdom is too well known to suppose that he would venture so -much without proportionate reward." - -"But your grace's favour," replied the knight, somewhat astonished at -the manner in which his offers were received. - -"Nay, nay, Sir Payan!" replied the duke; "speak plainly. What is it -you would have? Upon what rich lordship have you cast your eyes? Whose -fair estate has excited your appetite? Is there any new Chilham Castle -to be had?" - -"In truth, I know not well what your grace means," answered the -knight, "though I can see that some villain behind my back has been -blackening my character in your fair opinion. I came here frankly to -tender you, of my own free will, services that you once hinted might -be acceptable. Men who would climb high, my lord duke, must make their -first steps firm." - -"True, true, sir knight," replied the duke, moderating the acerbity of -his manner; "but how can I rise higher than I am? Perhaps, indeed, my -pride may soar too high a pitch, when I fancy that in this realm, next -to his grace the king, my head stands highest." - -"True," said Sir Payan; "but I have heard a prophecy, that your -grace's head should be of all the highest without any weakening -qualification next to any man's. His grace King Henry may die, and I -have myself known the Duke of Buckingham declare, that there were -shrewd doubts whether the king's marriage with his brother's wife were -so far valid as to give an heir to the English crown. Kings may die, -too, of the sharp sword and the keen dagger. Such being the case, and -the king dying without heirs male, who will stand so near the throne -as the Duke of Buckingham? Who has so much the people's love? Who may -command so many of the most expert and powerful men in England?" - -The duke paused and thought. He was "not without ambition, though he -was without the illness that should accompany it." No one did he more -thoroughly abhor than Sir Payan Wileton; and, yet rich, powerful, -unscrupulous, full of politic wile and daring stratagem, Sir Payan was -a man who might serve him essentially as a friend, might injure him -deeply as an enemy; and he was, moreover, one that must be treated as -one or the other, must be either courted or defied. While a thousand -thoughts of this kind passed through the mind of the duke, and -connecting themselves with others, wandered far on the wild and -uncertain tract that his ambition presented to his view, while the -passion by which angels fell was combating in his bosom with duty, -loyalty, and friendship, the eye of Sir Payan Wileton glanced from -time to time towards his face, watching and calculating the emotions -of his mind, with that degree of certainty which long observation of -the passions and weakness of human nature had bestowed. At length he -saw the countenance of the duke lighted up with a triumphant smile, -while, fixing his eyes upon the figure of an old king in the tapestry, -he seemed busily engaged in anticipations of the future. "He has them -now," thought Sir Payan, "the crown, the sceptre, and the ball. Well, -let him enjoy his golden dream;" and dropping his eyes on the table, -he gathered the addresses of the various letters which Buckingham had -apparently been writing: "_The Earl of Devonshire_"--"_The Lord -Dacre_"--"_Sir John Morton_"--"_The Earl of Fitzbernard, to be -rendered to the hands of Sir Osborne Maurice_"--"_The Prior of -Langley_." - -"Ha!" thought the knight, "Lord Fitzbernard! Sir Osborne Maurice! So, -so! I have the train. Take heed, Buckingham! take heed, or you fall;" -and he raised his eyes once more to the countenance of the duke, whose -look was now fixed full upon him. - -"Sir Payan Wileton," said Buckingham, "we have both been meditating, -and perhaps our meditations have arrived at the same conclusion." - -"I hope, my lord duke," answered Sir Payan, returning to the former -subject of conversation, "that your grace finds that I _may_ be of -service to you." - -"Not in the least," replied the duke, sternly; for it had so happened -that his eyes had fallen upon Sir Payan just at the moment that the -knight was furtively perusing the address of the letter to Lord -Fitzbernard, and the combinations thus produced in the mind of the -noble Buckingham had not been very much in favour of Sir Payan: "not -in the least, Sir Payan Wileton. Let me tell you, sir, that you must -render back Chilham Castle to its lord; you must reverse all the evil -that you have done and attempted towards his son; you must abandon -such foul schemes, and cancel all the acts of twenty years of your -life, before you be such a man as may act with Buckingham." - -"My lord duke! my lord duke!" cried Sir Payan, "this is too much to -bear. Your pride, haughty peer, has made you mad, but your pride shall -have a fall. Beware of yourself, Duke of Buckingham, for no one shall -ever say that he offended Sir Payan Wileton unscathed. Know you that -you are in my power?" - -"In thine, insect!" cried the duke. "But begone! you move me too far. -Ho! without there! Begone, I say, or Buckingham may forget himself!" - -"He shall not forget me," said Sir Payan. "Mark me, lord duke: you -wisely deem, that because you have not shown me your daring schemes in -your hand-writing, you are safe, but you have yet to know Sir Payan -Wileton. We shall see, lord duke! we shall see! So, farewell!" and -turning on his heel, he left the duke's closet, called for his horse, -and in a few minutes was far on the road homeward. - -"Guilford," cried he, turning towards his attendants, "Guilford, ride -up." - -At this order, a downcast, sneering-looking man drew out from the rest -of the servants and rode up to the side of his master, who fixed his -eyes upon him for a moment, shutting his teeth hard, as was his custom -when considering how to proceed. "Guilford," said he at last, -"Guilford, you remember the infant that was found dead in Ashford -ditch last year, that folks supposed to be the child of Mary -Bly----? ha!" The man turned deadly pale. "I have found an owner for -the kerchief in which it was tied with the two large stones," -proceeded Sir Payan. "A man came to me yesterday morning, who says he -can swear to the kerchief, and who it belonged to. Fie! do not shake -so! Do you think I ever hurt my own? Guilford, you must do me a -service. Take three stout fellows with you, on whom you can depend; -cast off your liveries, and ride on with all speed to the hill on this -side of Rochester. Wait there till you see a courier come up with a -swan embroidered on his sleeve; find means to quarrel with him; and -when you return to Elham Manor, if you bear his bag with you, you -shall each have five George nobles for your reward. But leave not the -place. Stir not till you have met with him. And now be quick; take the -three men with you; there will be enough left to return with me. Mark -me! let him not escape with his bag, for if you do, you buy yourself a -halter." - -"Which of them shall I take?" said the man. "There are Wandlesham and -Black John, who together stole the Prior of Merton's horse, and sold -it at Sandwich. They would have been burned i' the hand if your -worship had not refused the evidence. Then there is Simpkin, the -deer-stealer----" - -"That will do," said Sir Payan, "that will do; 'tis said he set -Raper's barn on fire. But be quick; we waste time." - -It was late the next day before the party of worthies whom Sir Payan -entrusted with the honourable little commission above stated returned -to his house at Elham Manor; but, to his no small satisfaction, they -brought the Duke of Buckingham's letter-bag along with them, which -Master Guilford deposited on the table before Sir Payan in his usual -sullen manner, and only waited till he had received his reward, which -was instantly paid; for the honest knight, well knowing by internal -conviction that rascality is but a flimsy bond of attachment, took -care to bind his serviceable agents to himself by the sure ties both -of hope and fear. If they were useful and silent, their hopes were -never disappointed; if they were negligent or indiscreet, their fears -were more than realised. - -The moment he was alone, the knight put his dagger into the bag, and -ripped it open from side to side. This done, his eye ran eagerly over -the various letters it contained, and paused on that to Lord -Fitzbernard. In an instant the silk was cut, and the contents before -his eyes. - -"Ha!" said Sir Payan, reading; "so here it is, the whole business; so, -so, my young knight, 'the real name to be told to nobody till the -king's good-will is gained.' But I will foil you, and blast your false -name before your real one is known. Good Duke of Buckingham, I thank -you! 'A villain!' If I am, you shall taste my villany. Oh! so he had -charge to 'conduct the Lady Katrine Bulmer to the court: his feats of -arms and manly daring shall much approve him with the king.' Ay, but -they shall damn him with the cardinal, or I'll halt for it! Now for -the rest!" - -With as little ceremony as that which he had displayed toward the -letter addressed to Lord Fitzbernard, Sir Payan tore open all the -rest, but seemed somewhat disappointed at their contents, gnawing his -lip and knitting his brow till he came to the last, addressed to Sir -John Morton. "Ha!" exclaimed he, as he read, "Duke of Buckingham, you -are mine! Now, proud Edward Bohun, stoop! stoop! for out of so little -a thing as this will I work thy ruin. But what means he by this? Sir -Osborne Maurice! It cannot be him he speaks of. It matters not; it -shall tell well, too, and in one ruin involve them both. Sir Osborne -Maurice! I have it! I have it! Sure the disclosure of such a plot as -this may well merit Wolsey's thanks; ay, and even, by good favour, -some few acres off the broad estates of Constance de Grey. We shall -see. But first let us track this young gallant; we must know his every -step from Canterbury to Greenwich." - -Proud in supreme villany, Sir Payan trod with a longer stride, -confidently calculating that he held all his enemies in his power; -but, subtle as well as bold, he did not allow his confidence to -diminish in the least his care; and calling to his aid one of his -retainers, upon whose cunning he could count with certainty, he laid -him upon the path of our hero like a hound upon the track of a deer, -with commands to investigate, with the most minute care, every step he -had taken from Canterbury to Greenwich. - -"And now," said Sir Payan, "to-morrow for Greenwich; I must not fail -the party of Sir Thomas Neville. When enemies grow strong, 'tis time -to husband friends;" and springing on his horse, he proceeded to put -in train for execution some of those minor schemes of evil which he -did not choose to leave unregulated till his return. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII. - - Traffic is thy god.--Timon. - - -"By my faith!" cried the Earl of Darby, as soon as they found -themselves in the street, or rather lane, before the dwelling of Sir -Cesar, "I know not in the least where we are; and if I had known it -before, my brain is so unsettled with all this strange sight, that I -should have forgotten it now. Which way did we turn?" - -"The other way! the other way!" cried Sir Osborne, "and then to the -right." - -"Pray, sir, can you tell me where the devil I am?" demanded the earl, -when they had reached the bottom of the lane, addressing a man who was -walking slowly past. - -"I'll tell you what, my young gallant," answered the man, "if you -don't march home with your foolery, I'll lock you up. I am the -constable of the watch." - -"It is my _way_ home that I want to know, friend constable," replied -the earl. "For, 'fore God! I know not where I am any more than a -new-born child, who, though he comes into the world without asking the -way, finds himself very strange when he is in it." - -"Why, marry, thou art at the back of Baynard's Castle, sir fool," -replied the constable. - -"Ay; then I shall find my road," said the earl. "Thank thee, honest -constable; thou art a pleasant fellow, and a civil, and hast risked -having thy pate broken to-night more than thou knowest. So, fare thee -well!" and turning away, he led his companion through various winding -lanes into a broader street, which at length conducted them to the -mansion of the Duke of Buckingham. - -"Now, by my faith, Darnley, or Maurice, or whatever you please to be -called," said the earl, "if you have any hospitality in your nature, -you will give me board and lodging for a night. May you make so free -with the good duke's house?" - -"Most willingly will I do it," said Sir Osborne, "and find myself now -doubly happy in his grace's request, to use his mansion as if it were -my own." - -"Were I you," said Lord Darby, "and had so much of Buckingham's -regard, I would hear more of that strange man, if he be a man, Sir -Cesar; for 'tis said that the duke and Sir John Morton are the only -persons that know who and what he really is. God help us! we have seen -as strange a sight to-night as mortal eyes ever beheld." - -"I have heard one of my companions in arms relate that a circumstance -precisely similar happened to himself in Italy," replied the knight. -"The famous magician, Cornelius Agrippa, showed him out of friendship -a glass, wherein he beheld the lady of his love reading one of his own -letters,[10] which thing she was doing, as he ascertained afterwards, -at the very minute and day that the glass was shown to him. I never -thought, however, to have seen anything like it myself." - -It may be easily supposed that various were the remarks and -conjectures of the two young noblemen during the rest of the evening, -but with these it will be unnecessary to trouble the reader. Suffice -it that we have translated as literally as possible the account which -Vonderbrugius gives of the circumstances; nor shall we make any -comment on the facts, leaving it to the reader's own mind to form what -conclusion he may think right. Whether the whole was an artifice on -the part of Sir Cesar, aided by strongly-excited imagination on -theirs, each person must judge for himself; but certain it is that -they both firmly believed that they saw the same thing; and, as in the -well-known case of Lord Surrey, the argument is of avail, that the -magician had no object or interest in deceiving those to whom he -displayed his powers. The effect, however, upon the mind of Sir -Osborne was to give him new hope and courage; for so completely had -the former prediction of Sir Cesar been fulfilled, that though he -might still doubt, yet his very hesitation leant to the side of hope. - -Lord Darby laughed, and vowed 'twas strange, 'twas passing strange, -and wrote it down in his tablets, lest he should not believe a word of -it the next morning. When the morning came, however, he found that his -belief had not fled; and before leaving Sir Osborne, he talked over -the business with more gravity than he could usually command. Many -arrangements also were necessary to be made in regard to the knight's -introduction to the court; but at length it was agreed that the earl -should account for his acquaintance with Sir Osborne by saying that -their parents had been friends, and that, having been educated in the -court of Burgundy, the knight was then in England for the first time -since his youth. - -"All this is true," said Lord Darby, "for my father was well known to -yours, though, perhaps, they could hardly be called friends; but, -however, there are not above two grains of lie to an ounce of truth, -so it will poison no one." - -When all their plans were finally settled, Lord Darby took leave of -the knight, and left him to make his preparations for the next -morning. As soon as he had departed, Sir Osborne called for his horse, -and, accompanied by Longpole, of whom he had seen little since his -arrival in London, set out for the house of the honest Flemish -merchant, William Hans, from whom, as we have said, he expected sundry -sums of money. - -As they proceeded, the worthy custrel, who, for the purpose of showing -him the way, rode by his side (permitting him, nevertheless, to keep -about a yard in advance), did not fail to take advantage of their -proximity to regale the knight's ears with many a quaint remark upon -the great bee-hive, as he called it, in which they were. - -"Lord! Lord!" said he, "to think of the swarm of honey-getting, or -rather money-getting insects, that here toil from morn to night, but -to pile up within their narrow cells that sweet trash which, after -all, is none of theirs; for ever and anon comes my good lord king, the -master of the hive, and smokes them for a subsidy. Look at yon fat -fellow, your worship! For God's sake, look at him! How proud he seems, -waddling forward under the majesty of his belly! Well, if a paunch -like that be the damnation attached to an alderman's gown, heaven -absolve me from city feasts, I say! And his lean follower; see! with -the quill behind his ear, and inkhorn at his button, so meagre, as if -he wished to mock his master's fatness. Oh! 'tis the way, 'tis the -way; the fat merchant seems to absorb all the lean clerk's portion. -Everything begets its like; fat gets fat, riches get riches, and even -leanness grows more lean, as it were, by living upon itself. Now to -the left, your worship, up that paved court." - -The house of the merchant now stood before them, and Sir Osborne, -dismounting from his horse, advanced to the door of what seemed to be -a small dark counting-house, in which he found an old man, with many a -book and many a slate before him, busily employed in adding to the -multitude of little black marks with which the page under his eyes was -cumbered. - -In answer to the knight's inquiry for Master William Hans, he replied -that he was in the warehouse, where he might find him if he wished to -see him. "Stay, stay! I will show you the way," cried he, with ready -politeness. "Lord, sir! our warehouse is a wilderness, wherein a man -might lose himself with blessed facility. Thanks be to God therefor; -for on May-day, three years last past, called 'Evil May-day,' we -should have lost our good master, when the prentices, and watermen, -and pick-purses, and vagabonds, broke into all the aliens' houses, and -injured many; but, happily, he hid himself under a pile of stockfish, -which was in the far end of the little warehouse, to the left of the -barrel-room, so that they found him not." - -While he pronounced this oration, the old clerk locked carefully the -door of the counting-house, and led the knight into an immense vaulted -chamber, wherein were piled on every side all kinds of things, of -every sort and description that human ingenuity can apply to the -supply of its necessities or the gratification of its appetites. On -one side were displayed a thousand articles of foreign produce or -manufacture brought thither for the English market, and on the other -appeared the various productions of England, destined soon to be -spread over half the world. The objects that met the eye were not more -various than the smells that assailed the nose. Here was the delicious -odour of salted fish, there the delicate scent of whale oil; here dry -skins spread their perfume around, and there a cask of fresh tallow -wasted its sweetness on the warehouse air; while through the whole was -perceived, as a general medium for all the rest, the agglomerated -stink of a hundred unventilated years. - -Making his way through all, Sir Osborne proceeded directly towards the -spot where a small window in the roof poured its light upon a large -barrel, the contents of which were undergoing inspection by the worthy -Fleming whom he sought. In Flanders the knight had known the good -burgess well, and had been sure to receive a visit from him whenever -business had called his steps from his adopted to his native country. -There might be both an eye to gratitude and an eye to interest in this -proceeding of Master William Hans; for the knight had twice procured -him a large commission for the army, and, what was still more in those -days, had procured him payment. - -On perceiving his visitor in the present instance, the merchant caught -up his black furred gown, which he had thrown off while busied in less -dignified occupations, and having hastily insinuated his arms into the -sleeves, advanced to meet the knight with a bow of profound respect. -"Welcome back to England, my lord!" cried he, in very good English, -which could only be distinguished as proceeding from the mouth of a -foreigner by a slight accent and a peculiar intonation. "Coot now, my -lord, I hope you have not given up your company in Flanders. I have -such a cargo of beans in the mouth of the Scheldt, it would have -suited the army very well indeet." - -"But, my good Master Hans," answered the knight, "the army itself is -given up since the peace. When I left Lisle, there were scarce three -companies left." - -After a good deal more of such preliminary conversation, in the course -of which the knight explained to the merchant the necessity of keeping -his name and title secret for the present, they proceeded to the -arrangement of those affairs which yet remained unconcluded between -them. Conducting the knight back to the counting-house, William Hans -turned over several of his great books, looking for the accounts. - -"Here it is, I think," he cried, at length. "No! that is the Lady de -Grey's." - -"Lady Constance de Grey?" demanded Sir Osborne, in some surprise. - -"Yes, yes!" answered the merchant. "I receive all the money for her -mother's estates, who was a French lady. Did for her father, too, till -the coot old lord died. Oh! it was hard work in the time of the war; -but I got a Paris Jew to transmit the money to a Flemish Jew, who sent -it over to me. They cot ten per cent. the thieves! for commission, but -that very thing saved the estates; for they would have been forfeited -by the old king Louis, if the Jew, who had given him money in his -need, had not made such a noise about it, for fear of losing his ten -per cent, that the king let it pass. Ah! here is the account. First, -we have not settled since I furnished the wine for the companie, when -they had the fever. Five hundred chioppines of wine, at a croat the -chioppine, make just twenty-five marks: received thirty marks; five -carried to your name. Then for the ransom of the Sire de Beaujeu: you -put him at a ransom of two thousand crowns, not knowing who he was, -but he has sent you six thousand; because, he says, he would not be -ransomed like an écuyer. Creat fool! Why the devil, when he could get -off for a little, pay a much?"[11] - -"No true knight but would do the same," replied Sir Osborne. "It was -only by my permission that he got away at all: therefore he was bound -in honour to pay the full ransom of a person of his condition." - -"Well, then," said the Fleming, "here comes the ransom of two -esquires, gentlemen they call themselves, five hundred crowns each, -making in the whole seven thousand crowns, or two thousand six hundred -and twenty-five marks. Then there is against you, freight and carriage -of armour and goods, four marks; exchange and commission, three marks; -porterage, a croat; warehouse-room, two croats: balance for you, two -thousand six hundred and seventeen marks, five shillings, and two -croats, which I am ready to pay you, as well as to deliver the two -suits of harness and the packages." - -"The money, at present, I do not want," replied Sir Osborne; "but I -will be glad if you would send the arms, and the rest of the packages, -to the manor of the Rose, in St. Lawrence Poultney." - -"To the coot Duke of Buckingham's? Ah! that I will, that I will! But I -hope you will stay and take your noon-meal with me; though I know you -men of war do not like the company of us merchants. But I will say, I -have never found you any way proud." - -"I would most willingly, Master Hans," answered the knight; "but I go -to the court to-morrow for the first time, and I have no small -preparation to make with tailors and broiderers." - -"Oh! stay with me, stay with me, and I will fit you to your desire," -answered the Fleming. "There is a tailor lives hard by who will suit -you well. I am not going to give you a man who can make nothing but a -burgomaster's gown or a merchant's doublet. I know your coot -companions would laugh, and say you had had a merchant's tailor; but -this is a man who, if you like it, shall stuff out your breeches till -you can't sit down, make all the seams by a plumb-line, tighten your -girdle till you have no more waist than a wasp; and, moreover, he is -tailor to the Duke of Suffolk." - -The knight found this recommendation quite sufficient; and agreeing to -dine with the honest Fleming, the tailor was sent for, who, with a -great display of sartorial learning, devised several suits, in which -Sir Osborne might appear at court, without being either so gaudy as -the butterflies of the day, or so plain as to call particular -attention. The only difficulty was to know whether the tailor could -furnish a complete suit for the knight, and one for each of his four -attendants, by the next morning; but after much calculation, and -summing up of all the friendly tailors within his knowledge, he -undertook to do it; and, what is wonderful for a tailor, kept his -word. - - - - -CHAPTER XIX. - - What strange adventure do ye now pursue? - Perhaps my succour or advisement meet - Mote stead ye much.--Spenser. - - -A barber surgeon one day, bleeding a farrier, bound up his arm with a -piece of red tape, and pinned it. The farrier went the next day to -shoe one of the king of the country's horses; as he was driving the -nail, the pin pricked him, the nail went too near the quick, the -horse's foot grew tender, the king went out to hunt, the horse threw -him, the king was taken up dead, and was succeeded by his son, whom he -intended to have disinherited the next day for his cruel disposition. -The new king cut off his subjects' heads, made continual war upon all -the states around, conquered a great many countries, gained a great -many battles, robbed, murdered, and burned, and at last was -assassinated himself, when human nature could bear him no longer; and -at the end of his reign it was computed that a hundred millions of -treasure, and twenty millions of human lives, had been wasted, by a -barber pinning a piece of red tape, instead of tying it, like his -grandfather. - -"The luckiest accident for you in the world has just happened!" cried -Lord Darby, entering Sir Osborne Maurice's apartment two full hours -before the time he had appointed. "Order your men to choose your best -suit of harness, to pack it on a strong horse, to lead your own -courser by the bridle, and to make all speed to the foot of the hill -at Greenwich, there to wait till they be sent for; and you come with -me: my barge waits at the duke's stairs." - -"But what is the matter, my lord?" demanded Sir Osborne; "at least, -tell me if my horse must be barded." - -"No, no; I think not," replied the earl; "at all events, we shall find -bards,[12] if we want them. But be quick, we have not a moment to -lose, though the tide be running down as quick as a tankard of bastard -over the throat of a thirsty serving-man; I will tell you the whole as -we go." - -"Longpole," cried the knight to his follower, who, at the moment the -Earl entered, was in the room, putting the last adjustment to his -master's garments; "Longpole, quick! you hear what Lord Darby says. -Take the fluted suit----" - -"Oh! the fluted, the fluted, by all means," interrupted the earl, "it -shows noble and knightly. So shall we go along as in a Roman triumph, -with flutes before, and flutes behind. The fluted by all means, good -Longpole, and lose no time on the road: for every flagon you do not -drink, you shall have two at Greenwich. Now, Maurice, are you ready? -By heaven! you make a gallant figure of it; your tailor deserves -immortality. 'Tis well! 'tis mighty well! But, to my taste, the cuts -in your blue velvet had been better lined with a soft yellow than a -white; the hue of a young primrose. The feather might have been the -same, but 'tis all a taste: white does marvellous well; the silver -girdle and scabbard too! But come; we waste our moments: let two of -your men come with us." - -Lord Darby conducted his new friend to the barge, and as they -proceeded towards Greenwich with a quick tide, he informed him that -some knights, Sir Henry Poynings, Sir Thomas Neville, and several -others--having agreed to meet, for the purpose of trying some -newly-invented arms, the king had been seized with a desire of going -unknown to break a lance with them on Blackheath, and had privately -commanded the Earl of Devonshire to accompany him as his aid: but that -very morning, at his house in Westminster, the earl had slipped, and -had so much injured his leg, that his surgeon forbade his riding for a -month. "As soon as I heard it," continued Lord Darby, "I flew to his -lodging, and prayed him to let me be his messenger to the king, to -which petition he easily assented, provided I set off with all speed, -for his grace expects him early. Now, the moment that the king hears -that the earl cannot ride, he chooses him another aid, and I so hope -to manage, that the choice may fall upon you. If you break a lance to -his mind, you shall be well beloved for the next week at least; and -during that time you must manage to fix his favour. But first, let me -give you some small portraiture of his mind, so that by knowing his -humour, you may find means to find it." - -The character which Lord Darby gave of Henry the Eighth shall here be -put in fewer words. He was then a very, very different being from the -bloated despot which he afterwards appeared. All his life had hitherto -been prosperity and gladness; no care, no sorrow, had called into -action any of the latent evil of his character, and he showed himself -to those around him as an affable and magnificent prince; proud -without haughtiness, and luxurious without vice. Endowed with great -personal strength, blessed with robust health, and flourishing in the -prime of his years, he loved with a degree of ostentation all those -manly and chivalrous exercises which were then at their height in -Europe; and placed, as it were, between the age of chivalry and the -age of learning, he in his own person combined many of the attributes -of each. In temper and in manner he was hasty but frank, and had much -of the generosity of youth unchilled by adversity. Yet he was ever -wilful and irritable, and in his history even at that time may be -traced the yet unsated luxurist, and the incipient tyrant, beginning a -career in splendour and pride that was sure to end in despotism and -blood. - -It may well be supposed that the knight's heart beat quickly as the -boat came in sight of the palace at Greenwich. It had nothing, -however, to do with that agitation which men often weakly feel on -approaching earthly greatness. Accustomed to a court, though a small -one, if Sir Osborne had ever experienced those sensations, they had -long left him; but he felt that on what was to follow from the present -interview, perhaps on that interview itself, depended his father's -fortune and his own; more: his own happiness for ever. - -Lord Darby's rowers had plied their oars to some purpose, and before -ten o'clock the barge was alongside the king's stairs at Greenwich. -"Come, Sir Osborne," cried the earl; "bearing a message which his -grace will think one of great consequence, I shall abridge all -ceremony, and find my way as quickly to his presence as I can." - -The two young men sprang to the shore, followed by their attendants, -and passed the parade, which was quite empty, the king having taken -care to disperse the principal part of his court in various -directions, that his private expedition might pass unnoticed, feeling -a sort of romantic interest in the concealment and mystery of his -proceedings. The earl led the way across the vacant space to one of -the doors of the palace, which opened into a sort of waiting hall, -called the "Hall of Lost Steps," where the two friends left their -servants; and proceeding up a staircase that seemed well known to Lord -Darby, they came into a magnificent saloon, wherein an idle page was -gazing listlessly from one of the windows. - -"Ha, Master Snell!" cried the earl; "may his grace be spoken with?" - -"On no account whatever, my noble lord," replied the page, "I am -placed here expressly to prevent any one from approaching him: his -grace is at his prayers." - -"Go then, good Master Snell," said the earl, "and bid our royal master -add one little prayer for the Earl of Devonshire, who has fallen in -his house at Westminster, and is badly hurt; and tell his grace that I -bear an humble message from the earl, who dared not confide it to a -common courier." - -"I go directly, my noble lord," said the page. "The king will find -this bad news;" and making all haste, he left the room by a door on -the other side of the apartment. - -"This is indeed a kingly chamber," said Sir Osborne, gazing around -upon the rich arras mingled with cloth of gold which covered the -walls. "How poor must the court of Burgundy have seemed to the king, -when he visited the Princess Regent at Lisle. And yet, perhaps, he -scarcely saw the difference." - -Even while he spoke, the door by which the page had gone out was again -thrown open, and a tall, handsome man entered the apartment, with -haste and peevishness in his countenance. He was apparently about -thirty years of age, broad-chested and powerfully made, muscular, but -not fat, and withal there was an air of dignity and command in his -figure that might well become a king. He seemed to have been disturbed -half-dressed; for under the loose gown of black velvet which he wore -was to be seen one leg clothed in steel, while the other remained free -of any such cumbersome apparel. The rest of his person, as far as -might be discovered by the opening of the gown, was habited in simple -russet garments, guarded with gold, while on his head he wore a -small-brimmed black bonnet and a jewelled plume. Lord Darby and Sir -Osborne immediately doffed their hats as the king entered, the young -knight not very well pleased to see the irritable spot that glowed on -his brow. - -"How now, lord? how now?" cried Henry, as they advanced. "What is this -the page tells me? Devonshire is hurt--is ill? What is it? what is it, -man? speak!" - -"I am sorry to be the bearer of evil news to your grace," replied Lord -Darby, with a profound inclination; "but this morning, as my Lord of -Devonshire was preparing to set out to render his duty to your -highness, his foot slipped, heaven knows how! and his surgeons fear he -has dislocated one of the bones of the leg. He, therefore, being -unwilling to trust an ordinary messenger, begged me humbly, in his -name, to set forth his case before you, and to crave your gracious -pardon for thus unintentionally failing in his service." - -"Tut! he could not help it," cried Henry. "The man broke not his bones -and wrenched not his leg to do me a displeasure; and yet in this is -Fortune cross-grained; for where now shall I find an aid who may -supply his place? But, how now! What is this? Who have you with you? -You are bold, young lord, to bring a stranger to my privy chamber! Ha! -how now! Mother of God, you are too bold!" - -Hope sickened in Sir Osborne's bosom, and bending his head, he fixed -his eyes upon the ground, while Lord Darby replied, nothing abashed by -the king's reproof-- - -"Pardon me, my liege; but trusting to the known quality of your royal -clemency, which finds excuses for our faults, even when we ourselves -can discover none, I made bold to bring to your grace's presence this -famous knight, Sir Osborne Maurice, who, being himself renowned in -many courts in feats of arms, has conceived a great desire to witness -the deeds of our most mighty sovereign, whose prowess and skill, -whether at the tourney or in the just, at the barriers or with the -battle-axe, is so noised over Europe, that none who are themselves -skilful can refrain from coveting a sight of his royal daring. Allow -me to present him to your grace." - -Sir Osborne advanced, and kneeling gracefully before the king, bent -his head over the hand that Henry extended towards him; while, pleased -with his appearance and demeanour, the monarch addressed him with a -smile: "Think not we are churlish, sir knight, or that we do not -welcome you freely to our court; but, by St. Mary! such young gallants -as these must be held in check, or they outrun their proper bounds. -But judge not of our poor doings by Darby's commendation: he has of a -sudden grown eloquent." - -"On such a theme who might not be an orator?" said Sir Osborne, -rising. "Were I to doubt Lord Darby, I must think that Fame herself is -your grace's courtier, acting as your herald in every court, and -challenging a world to equal you." - -"Fie, fie! I must not hear you," cried the king. "Darby, come hither: -I would speak with you. Come hither, I say!" - -Sir Osborne drew a step back, and the king, taking the young earl into -the recess of a window, spoke to him for a moment in a low tone, but -still sufficiently loud for a great part of what he said to be audible -to the knight, especially towards the conclusion. - -"A powerful man," said the king; "and, if he be but as dexterous and -valiant as he is strong, will prove a knight indeed. Think you he -would?" - -"Most assuredly, my liege," replied the earl. "He is your grace's born -subject; only, his father having fallen into some unhappy error in the -reign of our last royal king, Sir Osborne has had his training at the -court of Burgundy, and received his knighthood from the sword of -Maximilian, the late emperor." - -"Good, good!" said Henry: "I remember hearing of his father; 'twas -either Simnel, or Perkyn Warbeck, or some such treasonous cause he -espoused. But all that is past. Sir knight," he continued, turning to -Sir Osborne, "what if in my armoury we could find a harness that -would fit you? are you minded to break a lance as consort with the -king?--ha! This very morning--ay, this very hour? What say you?--ha!" - -"That I should hold an honour never to be forgot, my liege," replied -the knight. "And for the arms, my own are here in Greenwich. They -might be brought in a moment." - -"Quick, quick, then!" cried the king. "But we must be secret. Stop, -stop! You go, Lord Darby. Send for the arms quick. Is your horse here, -sir knight? By St. Mary, 'tis happy you came! Darby, bid them take the -knight's horse into the small court, and shut the gates. Quick with -his armour! Bid them put no bards on the horses, and be secret. I'll -go arm. You arm here, sir knight. Snell! stand firm at that door; let -no one pass but Lord Darby and the knight's armourer. Be quick, sir -knight! I charge you be quick: and, above all, let us be secret. -Remember, we will never raise our visors. These knights think of no -such encounter, but fancy they have it all amongst themselves. They -have kept their just mighty secret; but we will break their lances for -them--ha!" - -The king now left Sir Osborne, who, delighted with the unexpected turn -which his humour had taken, waited impatiently for Lord Darby's -return, expecting every minute to see the other door open and Henry -re-appear before he had even received his armour. At length, however, -Lord Darby came, and with him our friend Longpole, who, as the page -would only allow one person to enter with the earl, received that part -of the armour which he did not carry himself from the attendant -without, and then flew to assist his lord. Sir Osborne lost no time, -and, expert by constant habit, he put on piece by piece with a -rapidity that astonished the young earl, who, accustomed alone to the -tilt-yard, was unacquainted with the facility acquired by the -unceasing exercises of the camp. - -At length, while Longpole was buckling the last strap, the king -re-entered alone, completely armed, and with his beaver down. - -"What! ready, sir knight?" cried he; "nay, 'faith, you have been -expeditious." - -"Lord bless you, sir!" cried Longpole, never dreaming that he spoke to -the king, "my master puts on his arms as King Hal took Terouenne." - -"How now!" cried Sir Osborne, afraid of what might coms next; but the -king held up his hand to him to let the man speak. "How is that, good -fellow?" demanded he. - -"Why, he just puts his hand on it, and it is done," replied Longpole. - -"Thou art a merry knave," said Henry, better pleased perhaps with the -unquestionable compliment of the yeoman than he would have been with -the more refined and studied praise of many an eloquent oration. "Thou -art a merry knave. Say, canst thou blow a trumpet?" - -"Ay, that I can, to your worship's contentment," replied Longpole, who -began to see by the looks of Lord Darby and his master that something -was wrong. "I hope I have not offended." - -"No, no," answered Henry, "not in the least. Snell, fetch him a -trumpet with a blanche banner. Now, fellow, take the trumpet that the -page will bring you, and, getting on your horse, follow us. When you -shall come to a place where you see lists up, blow me a defiance. Hast -thou never a vizard to put thy muzzle in? Darby, in that chamber you -will find him a masking vizard, so that we may not be recognised by -his face hereafter." - -Longpole was soon furnished with one of the half masks of the day, the -long beard of which, intended to conceal the mouth and chin, as it had -been worn by the king himself, was composed of threads of pure gold, -so that the yeoman bore an ample recompense upon his face for the duty -the king put him on. He would fain have had his remark upon the -vizard; but beginning to entertain a suspicion of how the matter -really stood, he wisely forebore, and followed his master and Lord -Darby, who, preceded by the king, passed down a narrow back-staircase -into the smaller court, wherein stood the horses prepared for their -expedition. - -All now passed in almost profound silence. The king and his aid -mounted, and, followed by Longpole with his trumpet, issued forth -through two gates into the park, where, taking the wildest and most -unfrequented paths, they made a large circuit, in order that their -approach might seem from any other quarter than the palace. After -gaining the forest on Shooter's Hill, the king led the way through one -of the roads in the wood, to what we may call the back of Blackheath, -on the very verge of which they might behold a group of gentlemen on -horseback, with a crowd of lookers-on afoot, disposed in such sort as -to show that their exercises were begun. The spot which they had -chosen was a very convenient one for their purpose: shaded on the -south by a grove of high elms, whose very situation has not been -traceable for more than two centuries, but which then afforded a width -of shade sufficient for several coursers to wheel and charge therein, -without the eyes of the riders being dazzled by the morning sunshine. -At the foot of these trees extended an ample green, soft, smooth, and -even, round which the tilters had pitched the staves and drawn the -ropes, marking the limits of the field; and at the northern end was -erected a little tent for them to arm in before, and rest after, the -course. The four knights themselves, who had met to try their arms, -together with several grooms, an armourer, a mule to bear the spears, -and two horses for the armour, with their several drivers, formed the -group within the lists, which, in the wide-extended plain whereon they -stood, looked but a spot, and would have seemed still less had it not -been for the crowd of idlers that hung about the ground, and the four -knightly pennons, which, disposed in a line, with a few yards' -distance between them, caught the eye as it wandered over the heath, -and attracted it to the spot by their flutter and their gaudy hues. - -The king paused for a moment to observe them, and then beckoning -Longpole to come up, "Now, ride on, trumpet!" cried he; "blow a -challenge, and then say that two strange knights claim to break two -lances each, and pass away unquestioned."[13] - -At this command Longpole rode forward, and while Henry and his master -followed more slowly, blew a defiance on his trumpet at the entrance -of the lists, and then in a loud voice pronounced the message with -which the king had charged him. - -As he finished, Henry and Sir Osborne presented themselves; and Sir -Thomas Neville, the chief of the other party, after some consultation -with his companions, rode up and replied: "Though we are here as a -private meeting, for our own amusement only, yet we will not refuse to -do the pleasure of the stranger knights; and as there are four of us, -we will each break a spear with one of the counter-party, which will -make the two lances a-piece that they require. Suffer the knights to -enter," he continued to the keeper of the barrier; and Henry, with the -young knight, taking the end of the ground in silence, waited till -their lances should be delivered to them. - -Whether the tilters suspected or not who was the principal intruder on -their sport matters not, though it is indeed more than probable that -they did; for it was well known to everybody, that if Henry heard of -any rendezvous of the kind, he was almost certain to be present, -either privately or avowedly; and indeed on one occasion, recorded by -Hall, the chronicler of that day, this romantic spirit had almost cost -him dear, the sport being carried on so unceremoniously as nearly to -slay the gentleman by whom he was accompanied, and to bring his own -life into danger. - -On the present occasion no words passed between the two parties, and -after a few minutes' conversation amongst the original holders of the -ground as to who should first furnish the course to the strangers, Sir -Thomas Neville presented himself opposite to the king, and Sir Henry -Poynings, one of the best knights of the day, prepared to run against -Sir Osborne. "Now do your best, my knight," said the king to his aid; -"you have got a noble opponent." - -The spears were delivered, the knights couched their lances, and -galloping on against each other like lightning, the tough ash staves -were shivered in a moment against their adversaries' casques. - -"Valiantly done!" said Henry to Sir Osborne, as they returned to their -place; "valiantly done! You struck right in the groove of the basnet, -and wavered not an inch. Who are these two, I wonder? They have their -beavers down." - -While he spoke the spears were again delivered; and upon what impulse, -or from what peculiar feeling, would be difficult to say, but Sir -Osborne felt a strong inclination to unhorse his opponent; and -couching his lance with dexterous care, as far as possible to prevent -its splintering, he struck him in full course upon the gorget, just -above its junction with the corslet, and bore him violently backwards -to the ground, where he lay apparently deprived of sense. - -By this time the king had shivered his lance, and some of the -attendants ran up to unlace the fallen man's helmet, when, to his -surprise, Sir Osborne beheld the countenance of Sir Payan Wileton. He -appeared to be much hurt by his fall; but that was a thing of such -common occurrence in those days, that no further notice was ever taken -of an accident of the kind than by giving the injured person all the -assistance that could be administered at the time. - -However, it may well be supposed that Sir Osborne Maurice felt no -ordinary interest in the sight before him. By an extraordinary -coincidence, overthrown by his hand, though without intention, and -apparently nearly killed, lay the persevering enemy who had swallowed -up the fortunes of his house, and had sought so unceasingly to sweep -it for ever from the face of the earth; and while he lay there, -prostrate at his feet, with the ashy hue of his cheek paler than ever, -and his dark eye closed as if in death, Sir Osborne still thought he -could see the same determined malignity of aspect with which he had -declared that he would found his title to the lordship of Chilham -Castle on the death of its heir. - -Still holding the lance in his hand, the knight bent over the bow of -his saddle, and through the bars of his volant-piece contemplated the -face of his fallen adversary, till he began to unclose his eyes and -look around him; when Sir Thomas Neville, thinking that the stranger -was animated merely by feelings of humanity, turned to him, saying -that Sir Payan had only been a little stunned, and would do very well -now. - -"Gentlemen," continued he, addressing the king and Sir Osborne, "we -must, according to promise, let you pass away unquestioned; but I will -say, that two more valiant and skilful knights never graced a field, -nor is it possible to say which outdoes the other; but ye are worthy -companions and true knights both, and so fare ye well." - -The king did not reply, lest he should be recognised by his voice; but -bending low, in token of his thanks, rode out of the lists, -accompanied by Sir Osborne and followed by Longpole. - -"Now, by my fay, sir knight!" cried Henry, when they had once more -reached the cover of the wood, "you have far exceeded my expectations; -and I thank you heartily--good faith, I do!--for your aid. But I must -have you stay with me. Our poor court will be much graced by the -addition of such a knight. What say you? ha!" - -"To serve your grace," replied Sir Osborne, "is my first wish; to -merit your praise my highest ambition. It is but little to say that -you may command me when you command all; but if my zeal to obey those -commands may be counted for merit, I will deserve some applause." - -"Wisely spoken," answered the king; "we retain you for ours from this -moment; and that you may be ever near our person, we shall bid our -chamberlain find your apartments in the palace. How say you, sir -knight? are you therewith contented?" - -"Your grace's bounty outstrips even the swift wings of Hope," replied -Sir Osborne; "but I will try to fly Gratitude against it; and though, -perhaps, she may not be able to overtop, she shall, at least, soar an -equal pitch." - -The knight's allusion to the royal sport of falconry was well adapted -to the ears that heard it. Every one must have remarked, that whatever -impressions are intended to be produced on the mind of man are always -best received when addressed to his heart through its most common -associations. Whether we wish to explain, to convince, to touch, or to -engage, we must refer to something that is habitual and pleasing; and, -therefore, the use of figures in eloquence is not so much to enrich -and to deck, as to find admission to the soul of the hearer, by all -the paths which its own habits have rendered most easy of access. - -Thus, Sir Osborne, without knowing it, drew his metaphor from a sport -in which the king delighted; and, more convinced of his zeal by these -few words than if the young knight had spoken for an hour, the king -replied, "I doubt ye not; 'faith, I doubt ye not. But this night we -give a mummery unto our lady queen, when I will bring you to her -knowledge: 'tis a lady full of graciousness, and though 'tis I who say -it, one that will love well all that I love. But now let us haste, for -the day wears; and as you shall be my masking peer, we must think of -some quaint disguise: Darby shall be another; and being all light of -foot, we will tread a measure with the fair ladies. You are a proper -man, and may, perchance, steal some hearts, wherein you shall have our -favour, if 'tis for your good advancement. But turn we down this other -path; in that I see some strangers. Quick! Mary Mother! I would not be -discovered for another kingdom!" - - - - -CHAPTER XX. - - Not rain she finds the charmful task, - In pageant quaint, in motley mask.--Collins. - - -During this expedition of Henry and Sir Osborne, Lord Darby had acted -with more prudence than might have been expected from one so light and -volatile as himself. But, with all the levity of youth, he had a great -fund of shrewdness and good sense, which enabled him keenly to -perceive all the weaknesses of the king's character, and adapt his own -behaviour exactly to the circumstance, whenever he was brought -particularly in contact with the monarch. - -In the present instance, seeing that the spirit of mystery had seized -upon Henry, he consented to forego all more active amusement; so that, -when the king and his young companion returned, they found the earl -seated in the saloon wherein Sir Osborne had been armed, never having -quitted it during their absence. - -Henry was in high spirits. All had gone well with him: his expedition -had been both successful and secret, and he was not a little pleased -to find that the earl had not joined any of the gay parties of the -court while he had been away. - -"Ha, my lord!" cried he, as he entered; "still here! You have done -well; you have done well. 'Tis a treasure you have brought me, this -good knight. Snell, unlace my casque; I must thank you for him as a -gift, for he is now mine own. He outdoes all expectation; nay, say not -against it, Sir Osborne; I should be able to judge of these matters: I -have broken spears enow, and I pronounce you equal to any knight at -this court. Call some one to undo these trappings. But, Darby, you -must not quit the court to-night. Dine here; 'tis time, i'faith; near -one o' the clock! and take Sir Osborne Maurice with you. Make him -known to the best of the court: say the king holds him highly. But -stay," he added, "I had forgot;" and sending for the sub-controller of -the household, he gave commands that the young knight should be -furnished with apartments in the palace from that moment, and receive -the appointment of a gentleman of the privy chamber. "The number is -complete," he continued, turning to Sir Osborne; "but, nevertheless, -you shall be rated as such, and yourself and men provided in the -palace. See it be done, Sir John Harvey. Darby, return hither -privately with your friend, at nine to-night. We have a masque and -revel afoot; but take no heed to send to London for disguise; we will -be your furnishers." - -"I hope, sir," said the sub-controller, as the knight and his friend -followed him from the presence, "you are aware that only three -servants are allowed to a gentleman of the privy chamber." - -"Three will be as much as I shall have occasion for," answered the -knight; "the other shall remain in London." - -"If you will follow me, then," said the officer, "I will show you to -the apartment. Ho! send me a yeoman usher there," he continued, -speaking to a servant who passed. "This way, sir, we shall find the -rooms." - -"What!" cried Lord Darby, after they had ascended a good many steps in -one of the wings of the building; "are you going to put my friend in a -third story? Think, Sir John Harvey, may not the king find it strange -when he hears that a knight he honours with his regard has been so -lodged?" - -"I can assure you, my lord," answered the controller, "they are -absolutely the only ones in the palace vacant which are at all equal -to the knight's quality; and in truth, were it not for the height, are -among the best in the place. They are large and spacious; exactly the -same size as those which were appointed yesterday, by the queen's -command, for Lady Constance de Grey, and which are immediately -underneath." - -"I was going to offer Sir Osborne the use of mine," said Lord Darby, -with a laughing glance towards the knight, "till you could find him -better; but if they are so very good as you say, maybe he will prefer -having his own at once. Ha! Sir Osborne?" - -The controller looked solemn, seeing there was some joke, and not -understanding it; but, however, he was joined in a moment after by a -yeoman usher, bearing a bunch of keys, from which he selected one, -and opened the door at which they had been standing while the earl -spoke. A little ante-chamber conducted into three others beyond, all -very well furnished according to the fashion of the day, with a -beautiful view of the wild park from the windows of some of the -rooms, and of the river from the others; on which advantage the -worthy sub-controller descanted with much the tone and manner of a -lodging-house keeper at a watering-place; little knowing that one word -regarding the proximity of Constance de Grey would have been a higher -recommendation to the young knight than all the prospects in the -world, though he loved the beautiful and varied face of earth as much -as any one. - -"Go to the wardrobe of beds, usher," said the officer, when he had -promenaded the knight and Lord Darby through the apartment; "go to the -wardrobe of beds, and tell the undermaster to come hither and garnish -this apartment with all speed. As I do not know the honourable -knight's face," continued he, "it is probable that he is new to this -court, and is not aware of the regulations, which, therefore, I will -make bold to tell him. Dinner and supper are served at the board of -estate, every day, at noon and at nightfall. No rere-suppers are -given, nunchions, beverages, or breakfast; but to each gentleman of -the privy-chamber his grace commands a livery every night." - -"A livery!" said Sir Osborne; "pray, Sir John, what is that?" - -"Its value, sir," said the controller, "depends upon the station of -the person to whom it is given. I have known it cost as much as ten -pounds; such was sent every night to the gentlemen who came to seek -the Princess Mary for the French king; but the livery given by his -grace the king to the gentlemen of the privy-chamber, and others -bearing the same rank, is a cast of fine manchet bread, two pots of -white or red wine at choice, one pound weight of sugar, four white -lights, and four yellow lights of wax, and one large staff torch, -which is delivered every evening at seven of the clock." - -Without proceeding further with such discourse, we shall merely say -that the arrangement of Sir Osborne's apartment was soon completed, -himself unarmed, his servants furnished with what modern lacqueys -would call dog-holes, and with truckle-beds; and having, by -intercession with a gentleman wearing black velvet and a gold chain, -and calling himself the chief cook, obtained some dinner, for the -board of estate had long been cleared, Lord Darby and Sir Osborne -sauntered forth on the parade, where the young gallants of the court -were beginning to show themselves; some taking, as it were, a furtive -walk across, afraid to be seen there before the moment of fashion -sanctioned their appearance, and some, who, from either ignorance or -boldness, heeded no mode but their own convenience. Fashions are nine -times out of ten affectations; affectations in those who lead and in -those who follow; and as it is now, so was it in the days of Henry the -Eighth. - -The presence of Lord Darby, however, who gradually gathered round him -a little multitude as he walked, soon rendered the parade more -populous. Sir Osborne was introduced to all who were worthy of his -acquaintance; and the same persons who three days before might hardly -have given him a courteous answer, if he had asked them a question, -were now mortified at not being numbered with his acquaintance. The -knight himself, however, was absent and inattentive, his eye -continually seeking Lady Constance de Grey through the crowd, and his -mind sometimes occupied with pleasing dreams of love, and hope, and -happiness to come, and sometimes pondering over his unexpected -encounter with Sir Payan Wileton, and its probable results. - -So strange is the world, that this very abstractness of manner and -carelessness in regard to those about him had its grace in the eyes of -the court. They seemed to think that he who cared so little about -anybody, must be somebody of consequence himself; and when, after a -prolonged saunter, the two friends re-entered the palace, Sir -Osborne's name had acquired a degree of _éclât_ which the most -attentive politeness would scarcely have obtained. Still no Constance -de Grey had he seen, and he sat down in the apartments of Lord Darby, -not peculiarly satisfied with their walk. - -The young earl himself had also suffered a similar disappointment, for -in the midst of all the _nonchalant_ gaiety which he had displayed to -the crowd, his eye had not failed to scan every group of ladies that -they met for the form of Lady Katrine Bulmer, and he felt a good deal -mortified at not having seen her. But very different was the manner in -which his feelings acted, from the deeper and more ardent love of -Darnley. He laughed, he sung, he jested his companion upon his -gravity, and in the end consoled him, by assuring him that they should -meet with both their lady-loves that night at the queen's, so that if -he were not in a very expiring state, he might hope to live to see her -once more. - -The hours quickly flew, and a little before nine the knight and his -companion presented themselves at the door of the king's private -apartments, where they were admitted by a page. When they entered -Henry was reading, and pursued the object of his study without taking -any notice of their approach by word or sign. Nothing remained to be -done but to stand profoundly still before him, waiting his good -pleasure, which remained full a quarter of an hour unmanifested. - -"Well, gentlemen both," cried the king at last, starting up and laying -down the book; "I have kept ye long--ha? But now, to make amends, I -will lead ye to the fair ladies. Oh, the disguises! the disguises! -Bring the disguises, Minton; the three I chose but now. You, Darby, -shall be a Muscovian; you, Maurice, a Polacco; and I an Almaine. Say, -Darby, did you see my good lord cardinal this morning ere you came? -Holds he his mind of going to York, as he stated yesterday?" - -"I did not see the very reverend lord this morning," replied Lord -Darby, who was Wolsey's ward, as well as the chief lord of his -household. "But his master of the horse informed me that he still -proposed going at ten this morning. Your grace knows that he never -delays when business calls him; and in the present case he thinks that -his presence may quell the murmurers of Yorkshire, as well as Lord -Howard has put down the Rochester fools." - -"Ah, 'twas a shrewd business that of Rochester," said the king. "Now -would I give a thousand marks to know who 'twas that set that stone -a-rolling. Be you sure, Darby, that the brute shipwrights would ne'er -have dreamed such a thing themselves. They were set on! They were set -on, man! Ha, the disguises! Quick! come into this closet, and we will -robe us. 'Tis late, and our lady has promised to give, as well as to -receive, a mask." - -So saying, Henry led the way to a cabinet at the side of the saloon in -which they were; and here the two young lords offered to assist in -dressing him, but of this he would not permit, bidding them haste with -their own robes, or he would be ready first. The disguise assigned to -Sir Osborne was a splendid suit of gold brocade trimmed with fur, -intended to represent the dress of a Pole; having a sort of pelisse -with sleeves of rich gold damask and sables thrown over the back, and -held by a baldrick, crossing from the right shoulder under the left -arm. His head was covered with a square bonnet of cloth of gold, like -his dress, with an edge of fur; and his face concealed by a satin mask -with a beard of golden threads. - -The dress of Lord Darby was not very dissimilar, with only this -difference, that in place of the pelisse, he was furnished with a robe -with short sleeves, and wore on his head a sort of turban, or toque, -with a high feather. In a very different style was the king's -disguise, being simply a splendid German dress of cloth of gold, -trimmed with crimson velvet, but certainly not so unlike his usual -garments as to afford any great degree of concealment. All being -masked and prepared, Henry sent the page to see if the torchbearers -were ready, and issuing out of the palace the three maskers, preceded -by half-a-dozen attendants, crossed the greater quadrangle, passed out -at the gate, and making a circuit round the building, came immediately -under the windows of the queen's great hall, from each of which a -broad blaze of light flashed forth upon the night, and cast a line of -twinkling splendour across the river, that otherwise flowed on, dark -and indistinct, under a clouded and moonless sky. - -"Sir Osborne," said Henry, in a low voice, as they entered the open -doors, and turned into a suite of apartments anterior to the room -where the queen held her assembly--"Sir Osborne, your voice being -unknown, you shall be our orator, and in your fine wit seek a fair -compliment for our introduction." - -Had his face been uncovered, perhaps the young knight might have -sought to excuse himself; but there is wonderful assurance in a mask; -and feeling a boldness in his disguise, which perhaps the eye of -Constance de Grey might have robbed him of, had he not been concealed -from its glance, he at once undertook the task, saying that he would -do his best. - -As he spoke, a couple of hautboys, by which Henry was preceded, paused -at the entrance of the great hall, and placing themselves on each -side, began a light duet, to announce that some masks were coming. The -doors were thrown open, and a splendid scene burst on the view of Sir -Osborne, full of bright and glittering figures, fleeting about in the -blaze of innumerable lights, like the gay phastasms of a brilliant -dream. The knight instinctively paused, but Henry urged him on. - -"Quick! quick!" whispered he; "to the lady, to the lady; you forget -your task." - -Sir Osborne instantly recollected himself, and seeing a lady, who, -standing unmasked at the farther end of the hall, bore about her that -air of royalty, and that majestic beauty, scarcely touched by time, -for which the noble Catherine was famous, he advanced directly towards -her, and bent one knee to the ground. Nature had given him somewhat of -a poet's inspiration, which came now happily to his aid, and if his -verses were not very good, they were at least ready. - - - "Lady of beauty, queen of grace, - Strangers three have come to thee, - To gaze on thine unclouded face, - Where so many maskers be. - Oh! never shade that brow so high - With the mummers' painted wile. - Sure you keep that lip and eye, - Welcome on your slaves to smile." - - -"I thank you, fair sir; I thank you," replied the queen, with a -pleased and gracious smile: "be most welcome, you and your company. I -should know you, and yet I do not. But will you not dance? Choose your -fair ladies; and, chamberlain, bid the music sound." - -Sir Osborne passed on, and the king and Lord Darby followed. - -"Excellent well, my knight! excellent well!" whispered Henry. "Now -show your wit in choice of a fair dame. I'faith, one must be keen in -these same masks to tell the foul from the fair. However, let us -disperse and find the jewels, though they be hid in such strange -rinds." - -At the word the three maskers took different paths amongst the various -figures with which the hall was now nearly filled; Lord Darby and the -knight, each in search of the object of his love; while Henry, as yet -unrecognised, glided through the apartment, it might be in quest of -some fair one also. - -For some time Sir Osborne sought in vain, bewildered amongst the crowd -of quaint disguises with which he was surrounded. Now he thought he -beheld the form of Lady Constance here, and after following it for a -moment was called away by the sight of one that resembled her more. -That again he gave up, convinced by some turn or some gesture that it -was some other. Another presented itself, which perhaps he might have -mistaken, but the gay flutter of her manner at once showed that it was -not the person he sought. He saw that already Lord Darby had found his -partner; the tuning of the musical instruments was over, and mentally -cursing his own stupidity, or his own ill-fortune, he was proceeding -once more towards the part of the room where stood the queen, with his -heart beating between eagerness and vexation, when he beheld a lady, -dressed in silver brocade, with a plain satin mask, glide into the -hall, and passing by several who spoke to her, approach that spot, as -if to take a seat which stood near. Sir Osborne darted forward. He -felt that it was her; and, eager to prevent any one intercepting him, -almost startled her with the suddenness of his address. - -"Fair mask," said the knight, in a voice that trembled with delight -and hope, "will you tread a measure with a stranger, for courtesy's -sake?" - -"I should know your voice," said the lady, in a low tone; "but I can -scarce believe I see you here. But one word, to tell me who you are?" - -"My motto," replied the knight, "is _Constanc-y_; my crest, a lady's -glove." - -The lady instantly put her hand into his. "Darnley!" said she, in a -voice so low as to be inaudible to any one but himself, who, bending -his head over her, trembled to catch every accent. - -"Ah! Constance," he replied, in the same subdued tone, "what is it I -have dared to say to you? what is it I have dared to hope? Friendless -and fortuneless as I am, can you ever pardon my boldness?" - -"Hush!" she said, "for pity's sake speak not in that way. Now I know -you love me, that is enough. Friendless you are not, and fortuneless -you cannot he, when all that is Constance's is yours. But see! they -are going to dance; afterwards we will speak more. Do not think me -bold, Darnley, or too easily won; but were I to affect that reserve -which still perhaps might be right, we are so circumstanced that we -might be ruined before we understood each other." - -The knight poured forth a thousand thanks, and strove to explain to -Lady Constance how deeply grateful he felt for that generous candour -which is ever the companion of the truest modesty; and, the music now -beginning, he led her through the dance with calm and graceful ease. -As soon as the measure was ended, the queen's chamberlain pronounced, -with a loud voice, that in the other halls the knights and ladies who -had danced would find cool air and shady bowers; and, gladly taking -advantage of this information, Sir Osborne led his partner into the -chamber beyond, which by the queen's device had been divided into a -thousand little arbours, where artificial trees and shrubs, mingled -with real ones, and often ornamented with gilt fruit or flowers, -formed a sort of enchanted garden, for the dancers to repose -themselves; not very exquisite in its taste, indeed, but very much to -the taste of the day. - -Singling out the farthest of all the arbours, and the one which -permitted its occupants most easily to observe the approach of any -other party, Darnley led Lady Constance to one of the seats which it -contained, and placing himself by her side, paused for a moment in -silence, to enjoy the new delights that came thrilling upon his heart. -"Oh, Constance!" said he at length, looking up to the sweet hazel eyes -that gazed upon him through the meaningless mask; "never, never did I -think to know such happiness on earth! Could I have dreamed of this -when I left you for Flanders?" - -"I do not know," replied Constance; "I have done nothing but think -ever since--ever since you took my glove; and I have fancied that my -dear father foresaw this, and wished it, as you tell me he was aware -who you were; for never, even at that age, was I permitted to know, -and converse with, and see intimately, any young cavalier but -yourself. And then, do not you remember, when you used to teach me to -shoot with the bow, how he would stand by and praise your shooting? -Oh! I can call to mind a thousand things to make me think so." - -"Could I but believe it," said Darnley, "I should be even happier than -I am. But still, dear Constance, I hope, I trust, that in the end I -may be enabled to seek your hand, not as an outcast wanderer. Your -good cousin, Lord Darby, has brought me to the knowledge of the king, -whose favour I have been happy enough to gain. He has retained me as -one of the gentlemen of his privy chamber, appointed me apartments in -the palace, which are just above your own; and I hope so far to win -his regard by this opportunity, that he may be induced to hear my -cause against the villain who has seized our inheritance, and do -justice to us at last. And then, Constance, with rank, and fortune, -and favour, all restored, Darnley may hope." - -"And what if not restored, Darnley?" said Lady Constance. "Do you -think that rank, or fortune, or favour, will make any difference in -the regard of Constance de Grey? No, Darnley: if--but I won't say -_if_---you love me, the cardinal may do what he will, but I will never -wed another. He may find means, as they hint, to forfeit my English -lands, yet he cannot take my French ones; and even if he did, I would -rather be beggar and free than married to a man I do not love. Not -that I do not love Darby as my cousin; he is kind, and generous, and -frank; but oh!! it is very, very different. But you say that he -introduced you to the king; I did not know you were even acquainted." - -"It is a long story, dear Constance," replied the knight; "I will give -it you some other time; but now tell me, while we are yet -uninterrupted, how may I see you? To watch for you, even to catch a -word during the day, certainly were delight; but still 'tis hard, -situated as we are, not to be able to communicate together more -freely. May not I come to see you?" - -"Certainly," replied Lady Constance; "but you know that I can hardly -have any private conversation with you even when you do; for good Dr. -Wilbraham is with me the greater part of the morning, and one of my -women always." She paused for a moment in thought, and, raising her -eyes to his, "Darnley," she said, "I never could love a man in whose -honour I could not entirely confide; therefore I do not think it shows -me either weak or wrong when I say that I will be entirely guided by -you. We are not situated as people in general, and therefore we cannot -act as people in general do. Tell me, then, what you think right, and -I will do it. But here are two of the maskers coming directly towards -us. Say what must I do?" - -"It is necessary, Constance," said the knight quickly, "absolutely -necessary, that I should sometimes be allowed half-an-hour's -conversation alone, especially at the present moment. I will come -to-morrow early, very early, if it can be then. May I?" - -"Yes," said Lady Constance, "I will see. But who are these? They are -coming to us." - -"It is Lord Darby," said the knight, "and, if I mistake not, Lady -Katrine Bulmer." - -"Dear Polacco!" cried Lord Darby, approaching with a lady, who, to use -an old writer's description, was wondrous gay in her apparel, with a -marvellous strange and rich tire on her head: "dear Polacco, I am but -now aware of how much I have to thank you for. What! you were near -tilting at the Rochester host, and broaching me half-a-dozen -plank-shavers on your spear in defence of a fair lady, and also took -my part even before you knew me? Now, will I guess who is this silver -fair one by your side? she's blushing through her mask as if I were -going to pronounce her name with the voice of a trumpet. Well, sweet -cousin! will you own that you have a wild and rattle-pated relation in -the good town of Westminster? and if so, though you cannot love him, -will you love a very loveable creature for his sake?" - -"Hush, mad-cap! let me speak!" said the voice of Lady Katrine Bulmer. -"Lady," she continued, placing herself by the side of Lady Constance, -"will you hate one that would fain love you very much, and have your -love again?" - -"Heaven forbid!" replied Lady Constance. "'Tis so sweet to be loved -ourselves, that feeling it, we can scarce refuse it again to those -that love us: with a reservation, though," she added. - -"Granted the reservation, that there is still a one must be loved -best," said Lady Katrine; "we all four know it," and she glanced her -merry eyes round the circle. "Oh, what a happy thing is a mask! Here -one may confess one's love, or laugh at one's friends, or abuse one's -relations, without a blush; and surely, if they were worn always, they -would save a world of false smiles and a world of false tears. Oh, -strange economy! What an ocean of grimaces might be spared if man were -but to wear a pasteboard face!" - -"I am afraid that he does so more than you think, lady," replied Sir -Osborne. "You will own that his countenance is hollow, and that its -smiles are painted: in short, that it is all a picture, though a -moving one." - -"Listen to him!" cried Lady Katrine, raising her look to Lord Darby; -"think of his having the impudence to moralise in the presence of two -women! Would you have believed it?" - -"Nay, fair lady! it was you who led the way," replied Sir Osborne. -"But what means that trumpet in these peaceful halls?" - -"'Tis either a sound to supper," replied Lord Darby, "or the entrance -of one of those pageants of which our gracious king is so fond. At all -events, let us go and see." - -Thus speaking, he led away Lady Katrine gaily to the door, towards -which all the other parties from the enchanted garden were now -proceeding. Sir Osborne and Lady Constance followed more slowly. -"Darnley," said the fair girl, as she leaned on his arm, "I know not -what sort of presentiment led me hither to-night, for I have been so -vexed and so distressed with much that has happened since my arrival -in London, that I can hardly call myself well. I am now much fatigued, -and if I can escape, I will hie me to my bed. When you come to-morrow, -you shall answer me a thousand questions that I have to ask. Oh! I see -I can pass round by that other door. Farewell for this night!" - -"Oh, that I dared hope it had been a happy one to you, as it has been -to me!" said the knight, still holding her hand with a fond and -lingering pressure. - -"It has, Darnley; it has!" replied Lady Constance; "it has been one -that I shall never forget. Farewell!" and turning away, she passed out -of the door at the side, which led to the apartments in that wing of -the building: not, however, without one look more into the room where -her lover stood gazing still, to catch the last glance of that -graceful figure ere it left his sight. - -When she was gone, the young knight, with a high-beating heart, turned -to the door of the great hall, and entered with some of the last -lingerers, who were now changing their slowness into speed, in order -to get a place before the pageant entered. The thoughts of Sir -Osborne, however, were employed on so much more engrossing subjects, -that he took no pains to hasten his steps till he was fairly within -the chamber, when, seeing the whole of the guests arranged on the -farther side of the hall, with the queen in the centre, under her -canopy or cloth of estate, he felt the impropriety of standing there -alone, and hastened to seek a place. - -At that moment he observed Henry, who, still disguised, was seated -amongst the rest, and who made him a sign to take a place beside him. -Notwithstanding his mask, however, it was very evident that the king -was known; for, on his sign to Sir Osborne, all around made way for -the young knight to approach the monarch. Scarcely had he taken his -seat when, through the great doors of the hall, a huge machine was -rolled in, before which extended a double cloth of arras, so arranged -as to hide every part of the gewgaw within, only leaving a twinkling -light here and there, seen through the crevices, like the lamps that, -through the cracks of the last scene in a pantomime, announce the -brilliant change that is soon to take place to the temple of Love or -Venus, or some other such sweet power, that deals in pasteboard and -spangles. - -But such a thing can never be so well described as in the words of -those who saw it, and whose old stiff style harmonises admirably well -with the quaint and graceless show that they detail. We shall -therefore only so far modify the account which Hall, the chronicler, -gives of this very pageant, as to render him generally intelligible. - -"Then," says he, "there was a device or pageant brought in, out of -which pageant issued a gentleman richly apparelled, that showed how, -in a garden of pleasure, there was an arbour of gold, wherein were -lords and ladies, much desirous to show pleasure and pastime to the -queen and ladies, if they might be licensed so to do; who was answered -by the queen, how sire and all other there were very desirous to see -them and their pastime, when a great cloth of arras, that did hang -before the same pageant, was taken away, and the pageant brought more -near. It was curiously made and pleasant to behold; it was solemn and -rich, for every post or pillar thereof was covered with frieze gold. -Therein were trees of hawthorn, eglantines, roses, vines, and other -pleasant flowers of divers colours, with gillofers and other herbs, -all made of satin, damask, silk, silver and gold, accordingly as the -natural trees, herbs, or flowers ought to be. In which arbour were six -ladies, all apparelled in white satin and green, set and embroidered -full of H. and K. of gold, knit together with laces of gold of damask, -and all their garments were replenished with glittering spangles gilt -over; and on their heads were bonnets all opened at the four quarters, -overfriezed with flat gold of damask. In this garden also were six -lords, apparelled in garments of purple satin, all of cuts with H. and -K. Every edge garnished with friezed gold, and every garment full of -posies, made in letters of fine gold in bullion, as thick as might be; -and every person had his name in like letters of massy gold. The -first, _C[oe]ur Loyal_; the second, _Bonne Volure_; the third, _Bon -Espoir_; the fourth, _Valiant Désire_; the fifth, _Bonne Foi_; the -sixth, _Amour Loyal_. Their hose, caps, and coats, were full of posies -and H. K.'s of fine gold in bullion, so the ground could scarce -appear, and yet in every void place were spangles of gold. When time -was come, the said pageant was brought forward into presence, and then -descended a lord and lady by couples, and then the minstrels, which -were disguised, also danced, and the lords and ladies danced, that it -was a pleasure to behold." - -Such is old Hall's description of the pageant which now entered: and -it may easily be imagined that Sir Osborne, accustomed to a less -luxurious court, was somewhat astonished at the splendour of the -scene, if he was not much gratified by the good taste of the device. - -When the eye of Henry, pampered with such gaudy food from day to day, -had taken in enough of the pageant, he rose from his seat, and waving -his hand for the musicians to cease, "Thanks, gentle lords and ladies; -thanks!" he cried; and taking off his own mask, added, "Let us ease -our faces of their vizards." - -As he spoke, every one rose and unmasked; and Henry, taking Sir -Osborne by the hand, led him forward to the queen, while all eyes -naturally fixed upon him. - -"Fair lady mine," said the king, "I bring you a good knight, Sir -Osborne Maurice, who, as you see, has wit at will, and who, I can -vouch, is as keen a champion in the saddle as he is a graceful dancer -in the hall. In short, he is a very gentle perfect knight, whom you -must cherish and receive for my love." - -While Sir Osborne knelt and kissed the hand that she extended to him, -Katherine replied, "Indeed, my lord, you have brought me one that I -have longed to see. This is the good knight who, on his journey -towards London, took charge of my giddy girl and namesake, Katrine -Bulmer, and defended her from the Rochester rioters. Come hither, -Kate, and in our presence thank the knight for all the trouble I am -sure he had with thee upon the road." - -"Nay, your grace," said Lady Katrine, advancing, "I have thanked him -once already, and men are all too saucy and conceited to thank them -twice." - -"'Tis thou art saucy, my fair mistress," said the king, laughing; and -then bending down his head to the queen, who was still seated, he -whispered something to her which made her smile and raise her eyes to -the knight and Lady Katrine. "A handsome pair, indeed!" said she, in -reply to what the king had whispered. "But the banquet is ready." - -"Lords and ladies," said Henry, raising his voice, "our royal mistress -will not let us part without our supper. All, then, come in pairs, for -in the White Hall is prepared a banquet. Sir Osborne, lead in Lady -Katrine there; you shall be coupled for an hour at least." - -Sir Osborne glanced his eye to Lord Darby; but the earl was perfectly -master of his countenance, and looking as indifferent as if nothing -had happened, led in some other lady, while the knight endeavoured to -entertain Lady Katrine as well as he might, labouring under the -comfortable assurance that she would very much have preferred another -by her side. - - - - -CHAPTER XXI. - - Would I a house for happiness erect, - Nature alone should be the architect.--Cowley. - - Light hath no tongue, but is all eye; - If it could speak as well as spy, - This were the worst that it could say, - That being well I fain would stay.--Donne. - - -We must now pass over a brief space of time with but little -commemoration. - -It was a bright and beautiful morning in the beginning of the month of -May, when the sky was of that soft, tender blue which it possesses in -the early year, ere the ardent rays of summer have dyed it with a -deeper tint; and yet there was nothing of that misty faintness of hue -which foretels that the blue eye of heaven may be filled with tears -before nightfall. It was clear, though it was soft; and the light -white clouds that, winged by the breeze, sped quickly over the wide -expanse, gave to the earth no trace of their passing, except the -fleeting shadows that followed them, which, hurrying rapidly over the -distant fields and woods, made each spot as they left it look brighter -than before. Every object that met the eye spoke of spring. The bright -green of the trees, and the fields, and the woods, clearly told that -they had not known the burning touch of summer, which, like manhood -and the world's experience, coming o'er the fresh dreams of youth, -withers while it ripens, and with its very first approach steals -somewhat of the refreshing hue of early nature. The wild singing of -the birds, rejoicing in the return of brightness to the earth, and -making the whole air vocal with the bursting happiness of their -renewed enjoyment; the busy hum of animated being rising up from hill, -and dale, and wood, and joining with their song upon the breeze; all -spoke of refreshed existence. Flowers painted the fields, and blossoms -hung upon the trees, and perfume shook its light wings in the morning -air and sprinkled it with balm. - -It was one of those mornings when the heart opens, and when every vein -thrills with glad existence; when we feel, as it were, the Deity on -the morning's breath; when we hear Him in the voice of creation; when -we worship Him in his works, and adore Him in the temple He himself -has raised. The scene, too, was lovely. It was in a wide open park, -where the rich thick grass spread like velvet over every slope and -lawn; so rich, so thick, its elasticity almost raised the foot that -trod it. On its luxuriant bosom the wide old trees, scattered in -clumps, or gathered together in broad sweeping woods, cast a deep -shadow, defined and clear, making the glossy softness and the vivid -green shine out more strongly for the contrast. It was the elm and the -oak that principally tenanted that park, though occasionally a -hawthorn or a beech would interpose; and wherever they congregated in -a wood there was to be found every sort of shrub and brushwood -clinging round their roots. Many a glade, however, appeared, and many -a lawn between; and where the trees broke away, there a wide extended -view presented itself, showing a rich and fertile country beyond, full -of green hedgerows and fields, broken and diversified by the lines of -hamlets and villages, mingling an air of wealth, prosperity, and -living gladness, with the bright sweetness of the morning and the calm -tranquillity of the park itself. - -At the foot, then, of one of the old oaks in Richmond Park sat Lady -Constance de Grey, while her woman Margaret stood at a little distance -with a page, and Sir Osborne Maurice leaned by her side. They had met -by chance--really by chance--at that early hour in that remote part of -the park; though it is more than probable that the same thoughts, -acting on hearts so nearly allied, had led them both forth to meditate -on their fate. And even after they had met, the stillness of the scene -seemed to have found its way to their souls, for they remained almost -in silence watching the clouds and gazing at the view, content to feel -that they enjoyed together the same sweet morning and the same lovely -scene. - -It may be as well, however, before proceeding further, to give some -slight sketch of what had occurred since the close of the last -chapter; though were we to account for every day, it would be but -detail of just after just, tourney after tourney, revel upon revel, -wearisome from their repetition, and sickening from their vain -splendour. Suffice it that Sir Osborne still maintained his place in -the king's favour. His lance was always held by the judges of the -field as next to the king's: his grace in the hall, or at the court, -his dexterity in martial exercises, his clerkly learning, and his -lighter accomplishments, won him much admiration; while a sort of -unassumingness, which seemed to hold his own high qualities as light, -silenced much envy. In short, it became the fashion to praise him; and -it is so easy for courtiers to applaud or to decry, as the veering -breath of favour changes, that to believe the outward semblance, Sir -Osborne Maurice, next to the king himself, and Charles Brandon Duke of -Suffolk, was the god of the court's idolatry. - -There was, however, many a curious whisper of--Who was he? Whence did -he come? What was his family? And some of the knights who had served -abroad, and had been with the king at Terouenne and Tournay, conferred -together, and shook the wise head; but still it was remarked that they -were amongst those who most praised and sought the young knight. Sir -Osborne marked with a keen and observing eye all that passed about -him; and seeing that he was recognised by more than one, he felt that -he must hasten to prevent his secret being communicated to the king by -any lips but his own; and now high in favour, he only waited a fitting -opportunity to hazard all by the avowal of his name and rank. - -Wolsey had been absent for nearly a month in his diocese at York, and, -removed from the influence of his presence, Lord Darby and Lady -Katrine Bulmer, Sir Osborne and Constance de Grey, seemed to have -forgot his stern authority, and given course to the feelings of their -hearts. The knight had seen Lady Constance almost every day; and good -Mistress Margaret, her woman, with whom Sir Osborne was no small -favourite, took care not to exercise towards him that strict etiquette -which she practised upon all other visitors, leaving them full -opportunity to say all that the heart sought to communicate, as she -very well perceived what feelings were busy in their breasts. - -Thus everything between them was explained, everything was known: -there was no coldness, there was no reserve, there was none of that -idle and base coquetry which delights in teasing a heart that loves. -Constance de Grey loved sincerely, openly, and she had too high an -esteem for the man she had chosen, to suppose that the acknowledgment -of that love could make it less worthy in his eyes. Happy indeed it -was for them both that the most perfect confidence did exist between -them, for Henry had conceived the project of marrying the young knight -to Lady Katrine; and though the queen, with the instinctive perception -of a woman in those matters, soon saw that such a plan would very ill -accord with the feelings of either party, and quickly discouraged it, -yet Henry, giving way to all his own impetuosity, hurried it on with -precipitation, took every occasion to force them together, and -declared that he would have them married as soon as the court returned -from the meeting with the French king at Guisnes. - -The situation of Sir Osborne was not a little embarrassing, the more -especially as Lady Katrine, in her merry malice, often seemed to give -in entirely to the king's schemes, having a threefold object in so -doing, if object can be attributed to such heedless gaiety; namely, to -coquet a little with Sir Osborne, which she did not dislike with -anybody, to enjoy his embarrassment, and, at the same time, to tease -Lord Darby. - -With these three laudable motives she might have contrived to make Sir -Osborne and Lady Constance unhappy, had not that mutual confidence -existed between them which set all doubts at defiance. Nor, indeed, -was it Lady Katrine's wish to do harm: whimsical, gay, and -thoughtless, she gave way to the impulse of the moment. If she was in -good humour, she was all liveliness and spirit, running as close to -the borders of direct flirtation as possible with whomsoever happened -to be near; but, on the contrary, if anything went wrong with her, she -would be petulant and irritable, showing forth a thousand little airs -of affected dignity and reserve which were not natural to her. No -one's good regard did she seek more than that of Lady Constance de -Grey; and yet she seemed to take every way to lose it. But Constance, -though so different herself, understood her character, appreciated the -good, made allowance for the faults, and secure in Darnley's -affection, forgave her little coquetry with her lover. - -In regard to Lord Darby, he knew Lady Katrine too; and if ever he gave -himself a moment's uneasiness about her waywardness, he did not let it -appear. If she flirted, he flirted too; if she was gay, he took care -not to be a whit behind; if she was affectionate, he was gentle; and -if she was cross, he laughed at her. She never could put him out of -humour, though, to do her all manner of justice, she tried hard; and -thus finding her attempts to tease ineffectual, she gradually relaxed -in the endeavour. - -In the mean time, the days of Sir Osborne and Lady Constance flew by -in a sweet calm, that had something ominous in its tranquillity. He -had almost forgotten Sir Payan Wileton; and in the mild flow of her -happiness, Constance scarcely remembered the schemes with which the -avaricious and haughty Wolsey threatened to trouble the stream of her -existence. But, nevertheless, it was to be expected that if the -dispensation had not yet arrived from Rome, it could not be delayed -more than a few days; and that, at the return of the minister from -York, the command would be renewed for her to bestow her hand upon -Lord Darby. Such thoughts would sometimes come across Constance's mind -with a painful sensation of dread; and then, with a spirit which so -fair and tender an exterior hardly seemed to announce, she would -revolve in her mind a plan for baffling the imperious prelate at all -risks, and yet not implicate her lover at the very moment that his -"fortunes were a-making." - -Then, again, she would often hope that the extraordinary preparations -that were going forward for the speedy meeting of the two courts of -France and England, all the ceremonies that were to be arranged, and -the many important questions that were to be discussed, would divert -the mind of the cardinal from herself, at least till after that -meeting had taken place; during which interval chance might produce -many circumstances more favourable to her hopes. At all events, her -resolution was taken: she felt, too, that no power on earth was -adequate to combat that determination; and thus, with fixed purpose, -she turned her mind from the contemplation of future dangers to the -enjoyment of her present happiness. - -The scene in Richmond Park, to which the court had now removed from -Greenwich, as well as the bright gentleness of the May morning in -which she met Sir Osborne there, was well calculated to nurse the most -pleasing children of hope; and yet there was something melancholy even -in the magnificent aspect of the day. I know not how, but often in -those grand shining mornings the soul seems to swell too powerfully -for the body; the spirit to feel galled, as it were, by the chain that -binds it to mortality. Whatever be the cause, there is still, in such -a scene, a pensiveness that steals upon the heart; a solemnity that -makes itself felt in those innermost recesses of the mind where -thought and sensation blend so intimately as to be hardly separable -from each other. Constance and Darnley both felt it; but still it was -not sorrow that it produced; for, mingling with their fervent love and -their youthful hope, it gave their feelings something of divine. - -"This is very, very lovely, Darnley," said Lady Constance, after they -had long gazed in silence. "Oh, why are not all days like this! Why -must we have the storm, and the tempest, and the cloud!" - -"Perhaps," replied the knight, "if all days were so fair, we might not -esteem them so much: we should be like those, Constance, who in the -world have gone on in a long course of uninterrupted prosperity, and -who have enjoyed so much that they can no longer enjoy." - -"Oh, no, no!" cried she; "there are some pleasures that never cloy, -and amongst them are those that we derive from contemplating the -loveliness of nature. I cannot think that I should ever weary of -scenes like these. No! let me have a fairy sky, where the sunshine -scarcely knows a cloud, and where the air is always soft and sweet -like this." - -At this moment Mistress Margaret approached, with some consternation -in her aspect. "Good now, lady!" cried she; "look! who is that coming? -Such a strange-looking little man, no bigger than an atomy! Oh! I am -glad the knight is with us; for it is something singular, I am sure." - -"You are very right, Mistress Margaret," said Sir Osborne; "this is, -indeed, a most singular being that approaches. Constance, you have -heard the queen and her ladies speak of Sir Cesar, the famous -alchymist and astrologer. He is well known to good Dr. Wilbraham, and -seems, for some reason, to take a strange interest in all my -proceedings. Depend on it, he comes to warn us of something that is -about to happen, and his warning must not be slighted; for, from -wheresoever his knowledge comes, it is very strange." - -Lady Constance and the knight watched the old man as he came slowly -over the green towards them, showing little of that vivacity of -demeanour by which he was generally characterised. On approaching -near, he bowed to Lady Constance with courtly ease, saluted the knight -in a manner which might be called affectionate; and, without apology -for his intrusion, seated himself at the lady's feet, and began a gay -and easy conversation upon the justs of the day before. - -"There is no court in the world," said he, after a little--"and there -are few courts I have not seen--where such sports are carried to the -height of luxury that they are here. I never saw the tournaments, the -justs, the pageants of Henry the Eighth, King of England, excelled but -once." - -"And when was that, may I ask?" demanded Lady Constance, whose -feelings towards the old man were strangely mingled of awe and -curiosity, so much had she heard of him and his strange powers during -her residence at the court. - -"It was in Germany," replied Sir Cesar, "at the city of Ratisbon; and -it was conducted as all such displays should ever be conducted. Each -knight wore over his armour a motley suit, and on his casque a cap and -bells; the hilt of his sword was ornamented with a bauble, and as they -made procession to the lists, the court fools of all the electors in -the empire followed behind the knights, and whipped them on with blown -bladders." - -"Nay, nay, you are a satirist," said Lady Constance; "such a thing, -surely, could never happen in reality." - -"In truth it did, lady," answered Sir Cesar; "it was called the -_Tournament of Fools_, though I wot not to distinguish it from other -tournaments, which are all foolish enough. Osborne," he continued, -turning abruptly to the young knight, "you will ride no more at this -court." - -"How mean you?" demanded Sir Osborne: "why should I not?" - -"I mean," replied the old man, "that I come to forewarn you of -approaching evil. Perhaps you may turn it aside, but there is much -that threatens you. Are you not losing time? The king's regard is -gained; wherefore, then, do you delay? While Wolsey is absent--mark -me! while Wolsey is absent--or you are lost for the moment." - -"Oh! say not so," cried Lady Constance, clasping her hands; "oh! say -not so, for I hear that he returns to-morrow." - -"Fear not, lady," said Sir Cesar, who had now risen; "the danger will -last but for a time, and then pass away. So that, whatever happens to -either of you, let not your hearts sink; but be firm, steadfast, and -true. All the advice I can give you is but the advice of an ordinary -mortal like yourselves. Men judge rashly when they think that even -those who see clearest can yet see clear. All that I know, all that I -behold, is but a dim shadowing forth of what will be, like the -indistinct memory of long gone years; a circumstance without a form. I -see in both your fates an evil and a sorrowful hour approaching, and -yet I cannot tell you how to avoid it; but I can descry that 'twill be -but for a while, and that must console you." - -"Good Sir Cesar," said the young knight, "I will ask you no questions, -for I have now learned that you were a dear friend of my father, and I -feel sure that you will give all knowledge that may be useful to me; -and if you will tell me what is good to do in this conjuncture, I will -follow it." - -"Good, now!" said Sir Cesar, with a gratified look: "good! I see you -are overcoming your old fault, though you have been a long while about -it. Three thousand years! three thousand years to my remembrance." - -Constance turned an inquiring look to her lover, who, however, was not -capable of giving her any explanation. "Think you," demanded he, -addressing Sir Cesar, "that it would be best to inform his grace of -everything at once?" - -"I think it would," said the old man; "I think it would, but I -scarcely dare advise you. Osborne, there is a conviction pressing on -my mind, which I have perhaps learned too late. Can it be that those -who are permitted to read certain facts in the book of fate are -blinded to the right interpretation of that which they discover? -Perhaps it may be--I have reason to believe it. Nought that I have -ever calculated has proved false; but often, often it has been -verified in a sense so opposite to my expectations, yet so evident -when it did appear, that it seems as if heaven held the search -presumptuous, and baffled the searcher even with the knowledge he -acquired. Never more will I presume to expound aught that I may learn. -The fact I tell you: an evil and a bitter hour is coming for you both, -but it shall not last, and then you shall be happy--when I am no -more." And turning away without other farewell, he left them, and took -the way to the palace. - -Lady Constance gazed on the face of her lover with a look of -apprehensive tenderness that banished all thought of himself. "Oh, my -Constance!" said he, "to think of your having to undergo so much for -me is too, too painful! But fear not, dear Constance; we are still in -a land where laws are above all power, and they cannot, they dare not -ill-treat you!" - -"For myself, Darnley," replied Constance, "I have no fear. They may -threaten, they may wrong me, they may do what they will, but they can -never make me marry another. It is for you I fear. However, he said -that we should be happy at last, though he hinted that you would be -driven from the court. Oh, Darnley! if that be the case--if you find -there be the least danger--fly without loss of time----" - -"And leave behind me," said Darnley, "all I love in the world! Oh, -Constance! would not the block and axe itself be preferable? It would, -it would, a thousand times preferable to leaving you for ever!" - -"It might," said Constance; "I myself feel it might, if you feel as I -feel. But, Darnley, I tell you at once I boldly promise to follow." - -"But still, Constance, dear, excellent girl!" said the knight, "would -it be right, would it be honourable, in me to accept such a -sacrifice?" - -"Darnley," said Lady Constance, firmly, "my happiness is in your -hands, and what is right and honourable is not to throw that happiness -away. Now that my love is yours, now that my hand is promised to you, -you have no right to think of rank, or fortune, or aught else. If I -were obliged to fly, would you not follow me? and wheresoever you go, -there will I find means to join you. All I ask, all I pray in return -is, that if there be the least danger, you will instantly fly. Will -you promise me? If you love me you will." - -"I will," said Sir Osborne. "What would I not do to prove that love! -But I trust, dear Constance, there may be no need of hasty flight. All -they can do will be to banish me the court, for I have committed no -crime but coming here under a feigned name." - -"I know not; I know not," said the lady; "'tis easy, where no crime -is, to forge an accusation; and, if report speak truth, such has been -Wolsey's frequent policy, when any one became loved of our gracious -king; so that even the favour you have gained may prove your ruin. -But you have promised to fly upon the first threatening of danger, -and I hold as a part of that promise that you will stay for no -leave-taking." - -"Well, well, Constance," replied the knight, "time will show us more. -But, at all events, I will try to anticipate Wolsey's return, and, by -telling Henry all, secure my fate." - -"Do so, do so!" said Lady Constance; "and, oh! lose no time. Fly to -him, Darnley; he must be risen by this time. Farewell! farewell!" - -Sir Osborne would fain have lingered still, but Constance would not be -satisfied till he went. At last then he left her, and proceeded with -quick steps to the palace; while she, with a slower pace, pursued -another path through the park, having been rejoined by Mistress -Margaret, who, not liking the appearance of old Sir Cesar, had removed -to a secure distance on his approach, and who now poured forth no -inconsiderable vituperation on his face, his figure, and his apparel. - - - - -CHAPTER XXII. - - _Gloucester_.--Talking of hawking--nothing else, my - lord.--Shakspere. - - -On arriving at the palace, Sir Osborne found that he had been sent for -by the king; and hurrying his steps towards the privy chamber, he was -met by Henry himself, bearing a hawk upon his hand, and armed with a -stout leaping-pole, as if prepared for the field. "Come, sir knight," -cried the king, "if you would see sport, follow quick. Bennet has just -marked a heron go down by the side of the river, and I am resolved to -fly young Jacob here, that his wings may not rust. Follow quick!" - -Thus speaking, the king made all speed out of the palace; and cutting -partly across the park, and round the base of the hill, soon reached -the edge of the river, where slower progress became necessary, and he -could converse with the young knight without interrupting his sport. -Their conversation, however, was solely about hawking and its -accessories; and winding along by the side of the sedges with which -the bank was lined, they tried to raise the game by cries, and by -beating the rushes with the leaping-pole. - -For a long way no heron made its appearance; and Henry was beginning -to get impatient, just in the same proportion as he had been eager in -setting out. Unwilling, however, to yield his sport, after persisting -some time in endeavouring, with the aid of Sir Osborne, to make the -prey take flight, he sent back the only attendant that had followed -him for a dog, and went on slowly with the knight, pursuing the course -of the river. When they had proceeded about two hundred yards, and had -arrived at a spot where the bank rose into a little mound, the knight -paused, while Henry, rather crossed with not having instantly met with -the amusement he expected, sauntered on, bending his eyes upon the -ground. - -"Hist, your grace! hist!" cried Sir Osborne: "I have him!" - -"Where, man? where?" cried Henry, looking round without seeing -anything. "'Odslife, where?" - -"Here, your grace! here!" replied the knight. "Do you not see him, -with one leg raised and the claw contracted, gazing on the water as -intently as a lady in a looking-glass, by that branch of a tree that -is floating down?" - -"Ha! yes, yes!" cried Henry. "The long neck and the blue back! 'Tis -he. Whoop! sir heron! whoop! Cry him up, Maurice! cry him up!" - -Sir Osborne joined his voice to the king's; and their united efforts -reaching the ears of the long-legged fowl they were in search of, he -speedily spread his wings, stretched out his neck, and rose heavily -from the water. With a whoop and a cry the king slipped the jesses of -his falcon, and flew him after the heron, who, for a moment, not -perceiving the adversary that pursued him, took his flight over the -fields, instead of rising high. On went the heron, on went the falcon, -and on went Henry after them; till, coming to a little muddy creek, -which thereabouts found its way into the river, the king planted his -pole with his accustomed activity, and threw himself forward for the -leap. Unfortunately, however, at the very moment that his whole weight -was cast upon the pole, in the midst of the spring, the wood snapped, -and in an instant Sir Osborne saw the king fall flat on his face, and -nearly disappear in the ooze and water with which the creek was -filled. Henry struggled to free himself, but in vain; for the tenacity -of the mud prevented his raising his head, so that in another minute -he must inevitably have been drowned, had not Sir Osborne plunged in -to his aid, and lifted his face above the water, thus giving him room -to breathe. Short as had been the time, however, that respiration had -been impeded, the king's powers were nearly exhausted, and even with -the knight's assistance he could not raise himself from the position -in which he had fallen. - -Though an unsafe experiment for both, considering the mud and slime -with which they were entangled, nothing remained for Sir Osborne but -to take the king in his arms, and endeavour to carry him to the bank; -and this at length he accomplished, sometimes slipping, and sometimes -staggering, from the uncertain nature of the footing and the heavy -burden that he carried; but, still supported by his vast strength, he -contrived to keep himself from falling, proceeding slowly and -carefully forward, and assuring himself of the firmness of each step -before he took another.[14] - -With a feeling of inexpressible gladness, he seated Henry on the bank, -and kneeling beside him expressed his hopes that he had received no -injury. "No," said the king, faintly; "no. But, Maurice, you have -saved my life. Thank God, and thank you!" - -A pause now ensued, and the young knight endeavoured, as well as -circumstances would permit, to cleanse the countenance and hands of -the monarch from the effects of the fall. While he was thus employed, -the king gradually recovered his breath and strength, and from time to -time uttered a word or two of thanks or directions, till at last -Bennet, the attendant, was seen approaching with the dog. - -"Stay, stay, Sir Osborne," said the monarch; "here comes Bennet. We -will send him for fresh clothes. Where is the falcon? By my faith, I -owe you much; ay, as much as life! Whistle for the falcon; I have not -breath." - -Sir Osborne uttered a long falconer's whistle, and in a moment the -bird hovered above them, and perched upon the hand the monarch -extended to it, showing by its bloody beak and claws that it had -struck the prey. Nearly at the same time came up Bennet, who, as may -be supposed, expressed no small terror and surprise at beholding the -king in such a situation, and was preparing to fill the air with -ejaculations and lamentations, when Henry stopped him in the midst. - -"No, Bennet, no!" cried he; "keep all that for when I _am_ dead quite! -Ha, man! 'twill be time enough then. Thanks to Sir Osborne, I am not -dead at present. Here, take this bird. I have lost both hood and -jesses in that foul creek. Hie to the manor, Bennet, and fetch me a -large cloak with a hood, and another for Sir Osborne. We will not -return all draggled with the ooze; ha, Maurice! Quick, Bennet! But -mind, man; not a word of this misadventure, on your life!" - -"Ah! your grace knows that I am discreet," replied the footman. - -"Ay, as discreet as the babbling echo, or a jay, or a magpie," cried -Henry; "but get thee gone, quick! and return by the path we came, for -we follow slowly. Lend me your arm, Sir Osborne. We will round by yon -little bridge. A curse upon the leaping-pole, say I! By my fay, I will -have all the creeks in England stopped. I owe my life to you, but -hereafter we will speak of that: I will find means to repay it." - -"I am more than repaid, your grace," said Sir Osborne, "by the -knowledge that, but for my poor aid, England might have lost her king, -and within a few hours the whole realm might have been drowned in -tears." - -"Ay, poor souls! I do believe they would regret me," said the monarch; -"for, heaven knows, it is my wish to see them happy. A king's best -elegy is to be found in the tears of his subjects, Sir Osborne; and -every king should strive to merit their love when living and their -regret when dead." - -Strange as it may seem, to those accustomed to picture themselves -Henry the Eighth as the sanguinary and remorseless tyrant which he -appeared in later years, such were the sentiments with which he set -out in his regal career, while youth, prosperity, and power were all -in their first freshness: 'twas the tale of the spoiled child, which -was always good-humoured when it was pleased. Now the first twelve -years of Henry's reign offered nought but pleasure, and during their -lapse he appeared a gay, light-hearted, gallant monarch, fit to rule -and win the hearts of a brave people; for nothing yet had arisen to -call into action the mighty vices that lay latent in his nature. -Gradually, however, luxury produced disease, and disease pain, and -pain called up cruelty; while long prosperity and uncontradicted sway -made him imperious, irascible, and almost frantic under opposition. -But such was not the case now, and it was only the close observer of -human nature that could at all perceive in the young and splendid -monarch the traits that promised what he would afterwards become. - -Discoursing on the unlucky termination of their sport, Henry proceeded -with Sir Osborne into the park, and there awaited the coming of the -servant with their cloaks; feeling a sort of foppish unwillingness to -enter the palace in the state in which his fall had left him, his -whole dress being stiff with mud, and both face and hands in anything -but a comely condition. Many men might have taken advantage of Sir -Osborne's situation to urge their suit; but notwithstanding the very -great claim that the accident of the morning had given him upon Henry, -the knight was hardly satisfied that it had occurred. He deemed that, -in common decency, he should be obliged to delay the communication -which he had proposed to make that very evening, and thereby allow -Wolsey to arrive before the event was decided, which for every reason -he had hoped to avoid. Were he to press his suit now, it would seem, -he thought, surprising from the king's gratitude what his justice -might have denied, and indelicately to solicit a high reward for an -accidental service. His great hope, however, was that in the course of -the evening the king might himself renew the subject, and, by offering -some token of his thanks, afford him an opportunity of pleading for -justice for his father and himself. - -The discomfited falconers waited not long in the park before they were -rejoined by the servant bearing the cloaks which the king had -commanded; but although they soon reached the palace, the clammy -wetness of his whole dress caused several slight shiverings to pass -over the limbs of Henry, and after some persuasion by Sir Osborne he -was induced to ask the counsel of his surgeon, who recommended him -instantly to bathe, and then endeavour to sleep. - -This was, of course, a signal for the young knight to withdraw; and -taking leave of the king, he retired to his apartments to change his -own dress, which was not in a much more comfortable state than that of -the monarch. Our old friend Longpole soon answered to his call; and -while aiding him in his arrangements, without any comment upon the -state of his clothes, which he seemed to regard as nothing -extraordinary, the honest custrel often paused to give a glance at his -master's face, as one who has something to communicate, the nature of -which may not be very palatable to the hearer. - -"Well, Longpole," said the knight, after observing several of these -looks, "when you have trussed these three points, you shall tell me -what is the matter, for I see you have something on your mind." - -"I only wished to ask your worship," said the custrel, "if you had -seen him; for he's lurking about here, like a blackbird under a -cherry-tree." - -"Seen whom?" demanded the knight. - -"Why, the devil, your worship," replied Longpole. "I've seen him -twice." - -"Indeed!" said Sir Osborne; "and pray what did his infernal highness -say to you when you did see him? Or rather, what do you mean?" - -"Why, I mean, sir," replied the other, "that I have seen Sir Payan -Wileton twice here in the park during yesterday, if it was not his -ghost; for he looked deadly pale, and I fancied I could smell a sort -of brimstony smell. Now, I wot, a cunning priest would have told by -the flavour whether 'twas purgatory half and half, or unadulterated -hell: though, if he's not there, hell's empty." - -"Hush!" said Sir Osborne; "speak not so lightly. When was this?" - -"The first time I saw him, sir," answered the yeoman, "was yesterday -in the forenoon, soon after the justs, when I took a stroll out into -the park with Mistress Geraldine, the Lady Katrine's maid, for a -little fresh air after the peck of dust I had broken my fast upon in -the field. We had got, I don't know how, your worship, into that -lonely part under the hill, when beneath one of the trees hard by I -saw Sir Payan standing stock-still, with his hand in the bosom of his -doublet. His colour was always little better than that of a turnip, -but now it looked like a turnip boiled." - -"Did he speak to you?" demanded Sir Osborne, "or give any sign that he -recognised you?" - -"He did not speak," replied Longpole; "but when he saw me, he quietly -slipped his hand out of the bosom of his doublet, and getting it down -to the hilt of his poniard, kept fingering it with a sort of -affectionate squeeze, as much as to say, 'Dearly beloved, how I should -like to pluck you out of your leathern case, and furnish you with one -of flesh and blood!' He was ever fond of playing with his poniard; and -when he spoke to you, if it were but of sousing a toast, he would draw -it in and out of the scabbard all the time, as though he were afraid -of losing the acquaintance if he did not keep up the intimacy." - -"You neither spoke nor took any notice, I hope," said Sir Osborne. - -"Oh, no, your worship!" answered the custrel; "I did not even give him -_bon jour_, though he was fond of talking French to me when he wished -to say something privately. I only twitched Mistress Geraldine over to -the other side, and passed him by close; thinking to myself, 'If I see -your dagger in the air, I'll go nigh to sweep your head off with my -broadsword, if I have to run to France for it;' but seeing that I -looked him in the face, he turned him round upon his heel, with a draw -down of the corner of his mouth, which meant a great deal if it were -rightly read. - -"Why, first, it meant--I hate you sufficiently to pretend to despise -you. Then--I'll murder you whenever I can do so safely; and again it -went to say--Give my best love to your master, and tell him he'll hear -more of me soon." - -"By my faith! a good reading, and, I doubt not, a true one," replied -the knight; "but we must try and render his malice of no avail. And -now, tell me, when did you see him the second time?" - -"The second time was after dinner, sir," said Longpole, "when his -grace the king, yourself, and the Duke of Suffolk kept the barriers -against all comers." - -"He did not try the field, did he?" demanded Sir Osborne. - -"Oh, no!" replied Longpole; "he stood looking on at a good distance, -wrapped up in a cloak, so that it needed sharp eyes to recognise him; -but I saw him all the time fix his eyes upon you, so like a cat before -a mouse-hole, that I thought every minute to see him overspring the -barrier and take you by the throat. Depend upon it that good and -honest knight, like his german-cousin, Satan, never travels for any -good, and we shall hear more of him." - -"I doubt it not," answered Sir Osborne; "and we must guard against -him. But now, Longpole, a word or two to you. Did you give the packet, -as I directed you, to Mistress Geraldine, Lady Katrine's woman?" - -"I did, your worship," answered Longpole, somewhat surprised at the -serious air that came over his lord's countenance: "I gave it -immediately I received it from your hands." - -"That was right," replied Sir Osborne. "And now, let me say to you, my -good Heartley, that I have remarked you often with this same girl -Geraldine, and it seems to me that you are seeking her love." - -"Oh! good now! your worship," cried Longpole; "if you prohibit me from -making love, it's all over with me. Indeed, your worship, I could not -do without it. It is meat, drink, and sleep to me; better than a -stirrup-cup when I rise in the morning, or a sleeping cup when I go to -bed at night. 'Faith I could not sleep without being in love. There, -when I was with Sir Payan, where there was nothing to fall in love -with but the portrait of his grandmother against the wall, I could not -sleep o' nights at all, and was forced to take to deer-stealing, just -for amusement. 'Odslife! your worship is hard on me. There, you have -a bellyful of love, all day long, from the highest ladies of the -court, and you would deny me as much as will lie in the palm of a -serving-woman." - -"Nay, nay, Longpole!" said Sir Osborne, laughing; "you have taken me -up too hastily. All I meant to say was, merely, that seeing you are -evidently seeking this poor girl's love, you must not play her false. -I do not wish to imply that you would wrong her virtue: of that I am -sure you are incapable; but I mean you must not win her love, and then -leave her for another." - -"Dear heart, no!" cried Longpole; "I would not for the world. Poor -little soul! she has suffered enough; so I'm now consoling her, your -worship. It's wonderful how soon a broken heart is patched up with a -little of the same stuff that broke it. It is the very reverse of -piecing a doublet; for in love you mend old love with new, and it's -almost as good as ever. However, some day soon we intend to ask your -worship's leave and the priest's blessing, and say all those odd -little words that tie two folks together." - -"My leave and good wishes you shall have, Longpole," replied the -knight, "and all I can do to assist your purse. Hark! is not that the -trumpet to dinner? Give me my bonnet; I will down and dine at the -board of estate to-day, as I was not there yesterday." - -On descending to the hall, Sir Osborne was instantly assailed by a -thousand questions respecting the accident which had befallen the -king; for, what between the diligent exertions of the attendants and -those of the surgeon, the news had already spread through the whole -court. In reply, the knight gave as brief and exact an account of the -whole occurrence as possible, endeavouring to stop the lying tongue of -Rumour by furnishing her with the truth at least. After dinner he -returned to his own apartments, and only left them once for a -momentary visit to Constance de Grey, remaining in hopes all the -evening that the king might send for him when he arose. Such hopes, -however, were in vain: day waned and night fell, and the knight's suit -was no farther advanced than when Sir Cesar warned him to hasten it in -the morning. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII. - - A spirit fit to start into an empire, - And look the world to law. - He, full of fraudful arts, - This well-invented tale for truth imparts--Dryden. - - -We must now for a while change our place of action, and endeavour to -carry the mind of the reader from the sweeter and more tranquil scenes -of Richmond Park, one of the most favoured residences of Henry the -Eighth, to York Place, the magnificent dwelling of that pampered child -of fortune, Cardinal Wolsey. - -His progress, his power, and his fall; his arrogance, his splendour, -and his vices; all the many changes that may be traced to his -government of the realm, or to his artifices with the king, and of -which to this day we feel the influence--changes which, though -beneficial in their effects, like many of our most excellent -institutions, originated in petty passions or egregious errors; in -short, all his vast faults and his vast powers have so often called -the eyes of the world to the proud prelate, that he seems hardly one -of those remote beings which the cloud of past centuries has shadowed -with misty indistinctness. His image, as well as his history, is -familiar to the mind's eye. He lives, he moves before us, starting out -from the picture of the times of old to claim acquaintance with our -memory, as something more tangibly real than the vague, undefined -forms that float upon the sea of history. Such skilful pens also have -depicted him in every scene and situation, that it becomes almost -unnecessary, and, perhaps, somewhat presumptuous, to say more -concerning him than that which strictly interweaves itself with the -web of this tale. - -York Place, which, as every one knows, was afterwards called -Whitehall, though it offered an appearance very different from the -building at present known by that name, stood nearly on the same spot -which it now occupies. Surrounded by splendid gardens, and ornamented -with all that the arts of the day could produce of luxurious or -elegant, so far from yielding in any degree to the various residences -of the king, it surpassed them all in almost every respect. The -combination, also, of ecclesiastical pomp with the magnificence of a -lay prince, created in the courts and round the gates of the palace a -continual scene of glitter and brilliancy. Whether it were deputations -from abbeys and monasteries, the visits of other bishops, the -attendance of noblemen and gentlemen come to pay their court, the halt -of military leaders with their armed bands, prepared for service and -waiting for command, still bustle, activity, and splendour were always -to be met with in the open space before the building on every morning -when the fineness of the weather permitted such display. There were to -be seen passing to and fro the rich embroidered robes of the clergy, -in all the hues of green and purple and of gold; the splendid liveries -of the cardinal's own attendants, and of the followers of his -visitors; the white dresses of the soldiery, traversed with the broad -red cross of England; the arms of the leaders, and the many-coloured -housings of the horses; while above the crowd was often displayed the -high-wrought silver cross or the glittering crook of bishop or mitred -abbot, borne amongst banners, and pennons, and fluttering plumes. - -It was on a morning when the scene before the palace was full of more -than usual life, owing to the arrival of the cardinal the night before -from York (which was, be it remarked, one day earlier than he had been -expected), that Sir Payan Wileton rode through the crowd to the grand -entrance. He was followed by ten armed attendants, the foremost of -whom were Cornishmen, of that egregious stature which acquired for -their countrymen in the olden time the reputation of sprouting out -into giants. These two Sir Payan had sent for expressly from his -estates in Cornwall, not without a purpose; and now, having dressed -them in splendid liveries, he gave orders for his train to halt at -such a distance as to be plainly visible from the windows of the -palace. - -Dismounting from his horse at the door, he gave him to his page, and -entering the hall passed through the crowd of attendants with which it -was tenanted, and mounted the grand staircase with that sort of slow, -determined step which is almost always to be found in persons whose -reliance on their own powers of mind is founded in long experience and -success. - -The number of people whom he met running up and down the wide -staircase, with various papers in their hands, announced at once the -multitude of affairs which the cardinal was obliged to despatch after -his long absence at York, and foreshowed some difficulty in obtaining -an audience. Here was a sandalled monk, slowly descending from what -seemed some disappointed suit; there, a light courtier hurrying -forward in fear of being too late; now, the glad look of a satisfied -applicant; now, the vexed mien of one whose expectations were delayed; -while, ever between, the familiar servants of the place glided to and -fro on their various errands, passing coldly amongst that crowd of -throbbing bosoms as beings apart, whose feelings had no community with -the hopes, the fears, the wishes, and all the thronged emotions which -were then excited or destroyed. - -Following one of these into the waiting-hall at the top of the -staircase, Sir Payan found it crowded almost to suffocation with -persons staying for an audience, either from Wolsey himself or from -one of his secretaries. Above their heads appeared a misty atmosphere -of condensed human breath, and all around was heard the busy buzz of -many voices murmuring in eager but whispered consultation. - -The hall was a large chamber, cutting directly through the centre of -the house, with a high Gothic window at each end, to the right and -left of which, at both extremities, appeared a door. The one opposite -to that by which Sir Payan entered stood open, though a small wooden -bar prevented the entrance of the crowd into the room beyond, which -was occupied by six or seven ordinary clerks, busily employed in -filling up various papers, and speaking from time to time to the -persons who presented themselves on business. At each of the doors, at -the other end of the room, stood an usher with his rod and a marshal -with his staff, opposing the ingress of any but such as the highest -rank or personal interest entitled to enter beyond the porch of the -temple; for there the right-hand path led to the privy chambers of -Wolsey himself, and the left to the offices of his principal -secretaries. It was round this left-hand door that the crowd took its -densest aspect; for many, who were hopeless of obtaining a hearing -from the cardinal himself, fondly flattered themselves that their -plaint or petition might reach his ear through his secretary, if, -either by bribe or flattery, they could secure the interest of the -secondary great man. - -Winding in and out through the meandering path left by the various -groups in the hall, Sir Payan approached the door which led to the -cardinal's apartments, and demanded admission. There was something in -his tone which implied right, and the usher said, if he would give his -name he would inquire, though an applicant who had remained long -unlistened to audibly murmured his indignation, and claimed to be -admitted first. - -Sir Payan turned to look at him while the usher was gone, and at once -encountered the eyes of a near neighbour of his own, who, under his -fostering care, had dwindled from a rich landholder to a poor farmer, -and thence had sunk to beggary, while his possessions, one by one, had -merged into the property of Sir Payan, which, like the Norwegian -whirlpool, seemed to absorb everything that came within its vortex. No -sooner did the old man's eyes fall upon his countenance, and behold -who it was that kept him from the light, than, giving way to his rage, -he clasped his hands, and, stamping upon the ground, cursed him before -all the multitude, with the energy of despair. - -Sir Payan cast upon him a cold look, mingled of pity and contempt, and -passed through the door, which the usher now held open for his -entrance. The room at which he arrived was a large ante-room, occupied -by various groups of lords and gentlemen attached to the household of -the cardinal, who, prouder than royalty ever needs to be, would at -least be equal with the king himself in the rank of his various -officers. These were scattered about in various parts of the room -talking with the select visitors whom the ushers had permitted to -enter, or staring vacantly at the figures on the rich tapestry by -which they were surrounded, wherein, though scrutinised a thousand -times, they still found sufficient to occupy their idle eyes, while -waiting till the minister should go forth. With almost every one he -saw Sir Payan was in some degree acquainted; but in their bow or -gratulation, as he passed, there was none of the frank, cordial -welcome of regard or esteem: it was simply the acknowledgment of a -rich, powerful man, whose only title to reverence was in his influence -and his wealth. - -About the centre stood Lord Darby, and to him Sir Payan approached -with a "Good morrow, my good lord!" - -"Sir!" said the earl, looking him steadfastly in the face for a -moment; then, turning on his heel, he walked to the other end of the -room. Nothing abashed, Sir Payan kept his ground, tracing the young -lord with his eyes, in which no very amicable expression was visible; -and then, after a moment, he approached a small table, near the door -of the minister's cabinet, whereat was seated a clerk, whom, as it so -happened, Sir Payan himself had recommended to the cardinal. - -"Can his grace be spoken with, Master Taylor?" demanded the knight, as -the clerk bowed low at his approach. - -"He is busied, honoured sir," replied the man, with a second profound -reverence, "in conversation with the prior of his abbey of St. Albans -on matters of deep importance----" A loud laugh from the chamber -within reached Sir Payan's ear, through the door by which he stood; -but he took no notice of this comment on the important business which -Wolsey was transacting, and the clerk went on. "I am sorry to say, -sir, also, that there are five or six persons of distinction who have -waited on his grace's leisure for near an hour." - -"But the cardinal sent for me," said Sir Payan; "and besides----" And -he whispered something to his former servant which seemed convincing. -In a minute or two after, the door opened, and the prior of St. Albans -issued forth. Rustling up to the table in his rich silk robes, he said -to the clerk, in a low and important voice, "His grace commands you to -send in the person of the highest rank that came next." - -"Well, holy father," said the clerk rising; and then, appearing to -search the room with his eyes, he waited till the prior was gone, -when, turning to Sir Payan, he added in a loud voice, "Sir Payan -Wileton, the lord cardinal is waiting for you." - -The knight instantly proceeded to the door, which was opened by one of -the ushers who stood near; and passing on, he found himself directly -in the presence of the cardinal, who, seated in a chair of state, -waited the next comer, with a countenance prepared to yield a good or -bad reception, according to his rank and purpose. - -He was, at that time, not apparently much above fifty-five; tall, -erect, and dignified; with a face replete with thought and mind, and a -carriage at once haughty and graceful. His dark eye was piercing and -full of fire; and lurking about the corners of his mouth might be seen -the lines of unbounded pride, striven against and repressed, but still -existing with undiminished force. The robes of bright scarlet satin, -which he wore without any other relief than a tippet of rich sables, -made his cheek look almost ashy pale; and the shade of the broad hat -which covered his brow gave an air of pensive solemnity to his -features, which, joined with the fire of his eye, the pride of his -lip, and the knowledge of his power, invested his presence with an -impressiveness not devoid of awe. - -As Sir Payan entered, Wolsey's brow gradually contracted into a frown; -and fixing his glance full upon him, he let him stand for several -moments before he motioned him to a seat. At length, however, he -spoke. - -"Sir Payan Wileton," said he, "I have sent for you to speak on many -subjects that may not be very agreeable for you to discuss. However, -as they concern the welfare of society and the fame of the king's -justice, they must be inquired into; nor must any man's rank or wealth -shelter him from the even eye of equity." - -"Your grace hardly does me justice," replied Sir Payan, resolving to -keep to vague professions till he had ascertained, as far as possible, -what was passing in Wolsey's mind. "Had I been unwilling to discuss -any part of my conduct with your grace, should I have importuned your -gates every day for the last week in hopes of your return? and if, on -the most minute investigation, I found any of my acts which would not -meet the eye of equity itself, should I voluntarily present myself -before the Cardinal of York?" - -"You were sent for, Sir Payan," replied Wolsey. "Last night the -messenger set out." - -"By your grace's pardon," said the knight, "if you but calculate, you -will find that I could not have come from a far part of Kent in so -short a space of time. It is true that I have received the packet, but -that was only by sending last night to know if you had then returned. -My servant met your messenger at the very door, and received the -letter intended to be sent to Chilham. But every day, as I have told -your grace, since I have risen from a bed of sickness, where a cross -accident had thrown me, I have not ceased to seek your presence on -business of some import." - -Wolsey, long accustomed to encounter every species of wily art, was -not to be led away by the exhibition of a new subject; and pursuing -his first object, he proceeded:-- - -"We will speak of that anon. At present, it is my task to inform you, -sir, that various are the complaints, petitions, and accusations -against you, that daily reach my hand. And many prayers have been -addressed to his royal grace the king, by the very best and noblest of -the land, to induce him to re-establish the house of Fitzbernard in -the lordship and estates of Chilham Castle. All these things have -led me to inquire--as indeed is but my duty as chancellor of this -kingdom--into the justice of your title to these estates, when I find -that the case stands thus: the Earl of Fitzbernard, in the last year -of his late majesty's reign, was accused by those two infamous -commissioners, Empson and Dudley, and was, upon the premises, -condemned to the enormous fine of one hundred thousand pounds, under -the penal statutes; and, as a still further punishment for some words -lightly spoken, the king, then upon his death-bed, recalled the -stewardship of Dover Castle, which involved, as was supposed, the -forfeiture of Chilham Castle and its lands. Was it not so?" - -"It was so far, your grace," replied Sir Payan; "but allow me to -observe----" - -"Hush!" said the cardinal, waving his hand; "hear me, and then your -observations, if you please. Such being the case, as I have said, and -the wide barony of Chilham supposed to be vacant, the stewardship of -Dover Castle, with those estates annexed, is bestowed upon you: how, -or why, is not very apparent, though the cause alleged is service -rendered in the time of Perkyn Warbeck. Now it appears, from some -documents placed in the hands of Lord Dacre, of the north, by the Duke -of Buckingham, that Chilham Castle was granted to Fulbert de Douvre, -at a period much subsequent to the grant of the stewardship of Dover; -that it was totally distinct, and held by tenure of chivalry, in fee -and unalienable, except under attainder or by breach of tenure. What -say you now, Sir Payan?" - -"Why, simply this, your grace," replied Sir Payan, boldly: "that the -good Duke of Buckingham--the noble Duke of Buckingham, as the commons -call him--seems to be nearly as much my good friend as he is to the -king, his royal master, or to your grace;" and, knitting his brow and -clenching his teeth, he fixed his eyes upon the rose in his shoe, -remaining sternly silent, to let what he had said, and what he had -implied, work fully on the mind of the cardinal. - -Wolsey's hatred to the princely Buckingham was well known, and Sir -Payan easily understood that hatred to be the most maddening kind, -called jealousy; so that not a word he had said but was meted to the -taste and appetite of the cardinal with a skilful hand. The minister's -cheek flushed while the knight spoke; and when, after implying by -tone, and look, and manner, that he could say more, Sir Payan suddenly -stopped, and bent his eyes upon the ground, Wolsey had nearly burst -forth in that impatient strain of question which would have betrayed -the deep anxiety he felt to snatch at any accusation against his noble -rival. Checking himself, however, the politic churchman paused, and -seemed to wait for some further reply, till, finding that Sir Payan -still maintained his silent attitude of thought, he said-- - -"Have you any reason, sir, to suppose that the duke is ill-disposed -towards his grace the king? Of myself I speak not. His envy touches me -not personally; but where danger shows itself towards our royal -master, it becomes a duty to inquire. Your insinuations, Sir Payan, -were strong: you should be strongly able to support them." - -"I know not, your grace," replied the knight, with the unhesitating -daring that characterised all his actions, "how far a man's loyalty -should properly extend; but this I know, that I am not the tame and -quiet dog that fawns upon the hand that snatches its mess from before -its muzzle. What I know, I know; what I suspect remains to be proved; -but neither knowledge, nor suspicion, nor the clue to guide judgment -through the labyrinth of wicked plotting, will I furnish to any one, -with the prospect before my eyes of being deprived, for no earthly -fault, of my rightful property, granted to me by the free will of our -noble king Henry the Seventh." - -An ominous frown gathered upon Wolsey's brow, and fain would he have -possessed the thunder to strike dead the bold man who dared thus to -withhold the information that he sought, and oppose him with -conditions in the plenitude of his power. - -"You are gifted with a strange hardihood, sir," cried he, in a voice, -the slight trembling of whose tone told the boiling of the soul -within. "Did you ever hear of misprision of treason--say?" - -"I have, your grace," replied Sir Payan, whose bold and determined -spirit was not made to quail even before that of Wolsey. Acting, -however, coolly and shrewdly, he was moved by no heat as was the -cardinal; and though calculating exactly the strength of his position, -he knew that it was far from his interest to create an enemy in the -powerful minister, who, sooner or later, would find means to avenge -himself. At the same time, he saw that he must make his undisturbed -possession of Chilham Castle the price of any information he could -give, or that he might both yield his secret and lose his land. "I -have heard, your grace," he said, "of misprision of treason, but I -know not how such a thing can affect me. First, treason must be -proved; then it must be shown that it was concealed with full -knowledge thereof. Doubts and suspicions, your grace knows, are not -within the meaning of the law." - -Sir Payan paused, and Wolsey remained in silence, as if almost -disdaining to reply. The knight clearly saw what was passing in his -mind, and continued, after an affectation of thought, to give the -appearance of a sudden return of affectionate submission to what he -was about to say. - -"But why, your grace, why," cried he, "cast away from you one of your -most faithful servants? Why must it be, when I have waited at your -door day after day, to give you some information, much for the state's -and for your grace's benefit to know, that the very first time I am -admitted to your presence, I find my zeal checked and my affection -cooled by an express intention to deprive me of my estates?" - -"Nay, Sir Payan," said Wolsey, glad of an opportunity of yielding, -without compromising either pride or dignity, "no such intention was -expressed. You have mistaken entirely: I only urged these reasons, -that you might know what had been urged to me; and I was about to put -it to you what I could do if the young Lord Darnley came over to this -country and claimed these estates; for, probably, the old earl will -not have energy enough to make the endeavour. What could I do, I say?" - -"Let him proceed by due course of law, my lord," replied Sir Payan, -the calculation in whose mind was somewhat to the following effect, -though passing more rapidly than it could when embodied in -words:--"Before his claim is made in law (thought he) he shall taste -of the axe of the Tower, or I am mistaken. However, I will not let -Wolsey know who he is, for then my interest in the business would be -apparent, and I could claim no high recompense for ridding myself of -my own enemy. No; I will crush him as Osborne Maurice, a perfect -stranger to me: then will my zeal seem great. Pride will prevent him -from owning his name till the death; and if he does own it, his coming -here concealed, joined to the crimes that I will find means to prove -against him, shall but make him appear the blacker." Such was the -train of thought that passed instantly through his mind; while, with -an affectation of candour, he replied, "Let him proceed by due course -of law, my lord; then, if he succeed, let him have it, in God's name. -All I ask is, that your grace will not moot the question; for one word -of the great Wolsey throws more weight into one or other of the scales -of justice than all the favour of a dozen kings." - -Wolsey was flattered, but not deceived. However, it was his part not -to see, at least for the time; and though he very well understood that -Sir Payan would take special means to prevent the young lord from -seeking justice by law, he replied, "All that I could ever -contemplate, Sir Payan, was to do equal right to any one that should -bring his cause before me. It is not for me to seek out occasions for -men to plunge themselves in law; and be you very sure, that unless the -matter be brought before me in the most regular manner, I shall never -agitate the question, which is one that, even should it be discussed, -would involve many, many difficulties. From what I say now you may -see, sir, that your haste has hurried you into unnecessary disrespect, -which, heaven knows, I feel not as regards my person, but as it -touches my office I am bound to reprove you." - -"Most deeply do I deplore it," replied Sir Payan, "if I have been -guilty of any disrespect to one whom I reverence more than any other -on the earth; but I think that the information which I have to -communicate will at least be some atonement. I have then, my lord," he -proceeded, lowering his voice--"I have then discovered, by a most -singular and happy chance, as dangerous a conspiracy as ever stained -the annals of any European kingdom; and I hold in my hand the most -irrefragable proofs thereof, together with the names of the principal -persons, the testimony of several witnesses which bears upon the -subject, and various letters which are in themselves conviction. I -will now, with your grace's leave----" - -At that moment one of the ushers opened the door of the cabinet, and -with a profound reverence informed Wolsey that the Earl of Knolles -desired to know when he could have an audience, as he had been waiting -long without. - -"Ha! What!" exclaimed the cardinal, his eye flashing, and his lip -quivering with anger at the interruption; "am I to be disturbed each -moment? Tell him I cannot see him; I am busy; I am engaged; occupied -on more important things. Were he a prince I would not see him. And -you, beware how you intrude again! Now, Sir Payan, speak on. This is -matter of moment indeed. What was the object of this conspiracy?" - -"Nothing less, I can conceive, my lord, than to make the commons -dissatisfied with the government under which they live; to incite them -to various insurrections, and, if possible, into general rebellion, -under favour of which my Lord Duke of Buckingham might find his way to -the throne: at least, there are fixed his eyes." - -"Ha, ha! my proud Lord of Buckingham!" cried Wolsey, with a triumphant -smile. "What! hast thou wired thine own feet? But you say you have -proofs, Sir Payan. We must have full proof; but you are not a man to -tread on unsteady ground: your proofs are sure?" he reiterated, with a -feverish sort of anxiety to ascertain that his rival was fully in his -power. - -"In the first place, read that, my lord," said Sir Payan, putting in -his hand one out of a bundle of papers that he had brought with him. -"That is the first step." - -"Why, what is this?" cried Wolsey. "This is but 'the deposition of -Henry Wilson, of Pencriton, in the duchy of Cornwall, who maketh oath -and saith, that the prisoner Osborne Maurice, _alias_ Sir Osborne -Maurice, is the man whom he saw at the head of the Cornish miners in -insurrection, on the 3rd of January last, and who incited them, by -cries and words, to burn and destroy all that came in their way, till -they should have satisfaction in everything that they required; but -for the further acts of the said Osborne Maurice, he, the deponent, -begs leave to refer to his former depositions, taken before Sir John -Balham, knight, of the city of Penzance, in Cornwall; only upon oath -he declareth, that the said Osborne Maurice, now present, is the -ringleader or conductor of the mob mentioned in his former deposition, -in witness whereof----' Ha!" said Wolsey, thoughtfully; "there is one, -I find, of this same name, Sir Osborne Maurice, who, during my -absence, has crept into the king's favour. Surely it may be the same!" - -"On my life, my lord, the very same!" replied Sir Payan. "'Twas but -the morning before last, that, at the justs at Richmond, I saw him -with our noble king, his chosen companion, with the Duke of Suffolk, -to keep the barriers against all comers; and there he ruffled it -amongst the best, swimming, as 'twere, on the top of the wave." - -"Then will we lay this on his head," said Wolsey, placing his -forefinger emphatically on the paper, "and that shall sink him. But -how does this touch the Duke of Buckingham?" - -"Your grace shall hear," replied Sir Payan. "This Wilson, who made -the deposition you there hold, came to me one day in the last of -March--you must know he is my bailiff--and told me a sad story of his -woeful plight; how in a cottage hard by he had met the man whom he had -seen burn down his father's house in Cornwall, and who was there -employed in the same devilish attempt to instigate the peasants to -revolt. Wilson, it seems, accused him; whereon, being a most powerful -and atrocious traitor, he struck the bailiff to the ground, and left -him for dead. This being sworn on oath before me, as a magistrate, I -sent forth and had the villain arrested, after a most desperate -struggle. With the intention of sending him to Cornwall, I had him -committed to the strong room of the manor; but somehow, during the -night, he contrived to escape through a window, and made his way to -the court----" - -"But still, Sir Payan," interrupted the cardinal, "this does not -implicate the Duke of Buckingham, who, as I have good reason to -believe, is but a scant lover of our royal king, and towards myself -bears most inveterate malice. I have heard many a rumour of his plots -and schemes. But it is proof, Sir Payan; it is proof that we must -have." - -"And proof your grace shall have," replied the knight, counting the -hatred that Wolsey bore towards the duke as his own gain, and enjoying -the inveteracy of his malice not only with the abstract satisfaction -of fellow-feeling, but as a fisherman delights to see the voracious -spring of the trout at the fly he casts before his snout. "Let your -grace listen to me; for my story, though somewhat long, is -nevertheless conclusive. This Osborne Maurice, in his escape, left -behind him the leathern horsebags with which he rode when he was -taken, and, in my capacity as magistrate, I made free to open -them----" - -"You did right, you did right!" cried Wolsey, almost forgetting his -dignity in eagerness. "What did you find? Say, Sir Payan! What did you -find?" - -"I found several letters from his grace the Duke of Buckingham," -answered Sir Payan, "being principally written to bring this Sir -Osborne Maurice to the knowledge of persons about the court, -recommending him as one that _may be trusted_. Your grace will mark -those words, '_may be trusted_.' But amongst the rest was one which -shows for _what_ he may be trusted. Behold it here, my lord! You know -the duke's hand and style;" and he presented the letter to Wolsey. - -The cardinal snatched it eagerly; but remembering himself, he turned -more composedly to the address, and read, "'Sir John Morton.' Ah!" -cried he. "So! an old Perkyn Warbeckist! the last I believe -alive. But for the contents: '_Trusty and well-beloved friend!_ -'--um--um--um--'_everlasting friendship!_--of course, one traitor -loves another. But let us see. How! the daring villain! '_to -inform you, that before another year arrive, my head shall be the -highest in the realm, at least so promises Sir Osborne Maurice, whose -promises, as you know, are not such as fail!_' Ha, Sir Payan! ha! Did -you read it? This is treason, is it not? By my life, the duke's own -hand! But what says he farther? Ha! '_The butcher's cur Wolsey has -long wanted the lash, and he shall have it soon_.' See you how rank is -his malice! We will read no farther. This condemns him; and as for Sir -Osborne Maurice, to-night he shall have his lodging in the Tower." - -"Though other proof might be deemed superfluous," said Sir Payan, -"yet, my lord, when I came to the part where he calls your grace a -butcher's cur" (and the knight dwelt somewhat maliciously on the -words), "my zeal and affection for your grace's service made me -instantly resolve to track this Osborne Maurice on his journey, after -escaping from prison. In person I could not do it, for a fall from my -horse laid me in my bed for three weeks. But I took care that it -should be done, and found that he returned straight to my Lord of -Buckingham's; from thence he went to the Benedictine Abbey at -Canterbury, where he seems to have been sent to escort a Lady Katrine -Bulmer to the court. Then, passing by Rochester, he had an interview -with the chief of the rioters at Hilham Green. Your grace will be at -no loss to know how, and by whom, that memorable tumult was -instigated. There he pretended to save a good simple priest from the -mob; but, by the clergyman's own account, they gave him up at a single -word from this Maurice, which shows what was his influence with them; -for they were, the moment before, about to hang the man they yielded -so quietly after. The priest is at my lodging here. This was the -traitor's last adventure before arriving at the court, where, either -by some sorcery or other damned invention, he has bewitched the better -judgment of the king, so that none is so well loved as he. Perhaps he -waits but an opportunity to put his dagger in our royal master." - -"Heaven forbid!" cried Wolsey. "We will instantly set off for -Richmond. Without there! Let the barge be prepared directly: Sir -Payan, you have saved the realm, and may claim a high reward." - -"The reward I most affect," replied the knight, in a well-acted tone -of moderation, "is simply to remain in quiet possession of that which -I have. Life is now wearing with me, your grace, and I covet not -greater charges than those which I enjoy. Let me but be sure of them." - -"Rest tranquil on that point," replied Wolsey. "I will look thereto." - -"There are, indeed," continued Sir Payan, "some hereditary estates, -which, though they should be mine, are held by another; and on that -score I may claim your grace's assistance before I endeavour to -recover them; for I put my whole actions in your grace's hands, that, -like a mere machine, I may move but as you please." - -"What estates are these, Sir Payan?" demanded Wolsey, with something -very nearly approaching to a smile, at the peculiar line of the -knight's cupidity. "If they be truly yours, doubt not but you shall -have them." - -"They are those estates in Cornwall," replied the knight, "lately held -by my cousin, the Earl de Grey, which have since passed to Constance, -his daughter; though, by all custom of succession, according to their -tenure, I hold them to pass directly in the male line." - -"Nay, nay, Sir Payan," cried Wolsey, with a curl of his lip; "this is -too much! Constance de Grey is my ward, and shall not lose her estates -lightly. She is, indeed," added he, thoughtfully, and speaking to -himself more than to the knight, though not a word was lost to his -attentive ears; "she is, indeed, somewhat wilful. That letter, in -which she refuses to wed her cousin, though calm and humble, was full -of rank obstinacy. The fear of losing her estates, however----. But we -shall see. Sir Payan, I must hold my opinion suspended till such time -as you lay before me some proofs of the matter. And now tell me: think -you, in this plot of Buckingham's, is there any other person of high -rank implicated? Indeed there must be, for he would never undertake -such daring schemes without some sure abettors. Sir Payan, these lords -are all too proud. We must find means to humble them. It may be as -well to let this arch-traitor Buckingham proceed for some short time, -till we find who are his accomplices. But, for this Sir Osborne -Maurice, he shall to the Tower to-night, for therein is the king's -life affected." - -"Might it not be better, in your grace's good judgment," said Sir -Payan, "to take the duke's person at once? For assuredly, as soon as -he hears that his minion is committed, he will become alarmed, and -find security in some foreign land." - -"He shall be so well watched," said Wolsey, closing his hand tightly, -as if he grasped his enemy, "that were he no larger than a meagre -ermine, he should not escape me. No; we must let him condemn himself -full surely. But, Sir Payan, are you prepared to accompany me to -Richmond?" - -"If by any chance this Maurice were to see me with your grace," -replied Sir Payan, "he would lose no time, but fly instantly, before -you had speech of his grace the king. If you think it necessary, my -lord, that I should attend you, it may be well to arrest the traitor -immediately on your arrival." - -"Nay, nay, nay!" said Wolsey, shaking his head. "You know not Henry, -Sir Payan; he is hard and difficult to rule, and, were I to arrest Sir -Osborne, would take for insult what was meant as a service. But you -shall not go: there is, indeed, no need. These papers are quite -enough, with the testimony of the priest. Let him be sent down -post-haste to Richmond after me." - -"He shall, my lord," replied Sir Payan. "But one word more, your -grace. If the Duke of Buckingham be condemned, his estates, of course, -are forfeited to the crown. Near me lies his beautiful manor of the -Hill, in Kent, and I know your grace will not forget your faithful -servants." Wolsey paused, and Sir Payan went on. "To show how -constantly present your grace is to all my thoughts, you told me some -time ago that you desired to have two of the tallest men in the realm -for porters of the gate. Cast your eyes through that window, my lord, -and I think you will see two that no prince in Europe can match in his -hall." - -No service that Sir Payan could have rendered, either to the state or -to himself, would have given half so much pleasure to Wolsey as the -possession of the two gigantic Cornishmen we have before mentioned; -for, amongst all his weaknesses, his passion for having tall men about -him was one of the most conspicuous. As soon as for a moment or two he -had considered them attentively through the window, and compared them -with all the pigmy-looking race around, he thanked Sir Payan with -infinite graciousness for his care; and hinted, though he did not -promise, that Buckingham's manor in Kent might be the reward. While he -yet spoke, a gentleman-usher entered, to announce that the barge was -ready; and, giving some more directions to Sir Payan, in regard to -sending the priest, Wolsey rose to proceed on his journey. The -procession, without which he never moved, was already arranged in the -ante-chamber, consisting of marshals and gentlemen-ushers, with two -stout priests bearing the immense silver crosses of his archbishopric -and his legacy; and the moment he moved towards the door, the ushers -pressed forward, crying, "On before, my lords and masters! on before! -Make way for the lord cardinal! Make way for my lord's grace! On -before! on before!" - -Wolsey immediately followed, and proceeded to his barge; while Sir -Payan returned to his own house in Westminster, and despatched the -priest to Richmond, after which he sat himself down to write. What he -did write consisted of but a few lines, but they were of some import; -and as soon as they were finished, he entrusted them to one of his -shrewdest and most assured servants, with many a long direction, and -many an injunction to speed. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV. - - This hour's the very crisis of your fate: - Your good or ill, your infamy or fame, - And all the colour of your life depends - On this important _now_.--The Spanish Friar. - - -If any one will look at the almanac for the year 1520, he will find -marked, opposite the 4th day of May, the following curious piece of -information: "High-water at London Bridge at half-past three;" and, if -he calculate rightly, he will discover that as Wolsey set out from -what was then called the Cardinal's Bridge[15] at high noon, he had -the most favourable tide in the world for carrying him to Richmond. -His rowers, too, plied their oars with unceasing activity; and his -splendid barge, with its carved and gilded sides, cut rapidly through -the water, but still not rapidly enough for his impatience. - -Siting under an awning, with a table before him, at which was placed a -clerk, he sometimes read parts of the various papers that had been -presented during the morning, and sometimes dictated to the secretary; -but more frequently gave himself up to thought, suffering his mind to -range in the wild chaos of political intrigue, which was to him like -the labyrinth a man makes in his own garden, in which a stranger might -lose his way, but where he himself walks for his ease and pleasure. -Not that Wolsey's mind was one that soared above the pains of -political life; for his were all the throbbing anxieties of precarious -power, his was all the irritation of susceptible pride and insatiable -vanity; while jealous envy, avarice, and ambition, at once made the -world a desert, and tormented him with unquenchable thirst. - -No surer road to Wolsey's hatred existed than the king's favour; and -since his return to London, though but one evening had passed, yet -often had his heart rankled at hearing from those who watched for him -in his absence, that a young stranger, named Sir Osborne Maurice, had -won the king's regard and become the sharer of all his pleasures. The -information given him by Sir Payan Wileton had placed in his hand arms -against this incipient rival, as he deemed him, which were sure to -crush him; and, with a sort of pride in the conquest he anticipated, -he muttered to himself, as he saw the narrowing banks of the river, -approaching towards Richmond, "Now, Sir Osborne Maurice! now!" - -The boat touched the shore; and while the chief yeoman of the barge, -as his privilege, supported the arm of the cardinal, the two stout -priests bearing the crosses hurried to land with the other attendants, -and ranged themselves in order to proceed before him. Two of his -running footmen sped on to announce his approach, and the rest, with -the form and slowness of a procession, traversed the small space that -separated them from the court, reached the gate, and entering the -palace, Wolsey, more like an equal prince than a subject, passed -towards the king's privy-chamber, amidst the profound bows and -reverences of all the royal attendants, collected to do honour to his -arrival. - -Many had been the rumours in the palace during the morning respecting -the king's health, and it was generally reported that the accident of -the day before had thrown him into a fever. This, however, was -evidently not the case; for a little before noon Sir Osborne Maurice -had received a message by one of the royal pages, to the effect that -at three o'clock the king would expect him in his privy-chamber. That -hour had nearly approached, and the young knight was preparing to obey -Henry's commands, when a note was put into his hands by Mistress -Margaret, the waiting-woman of Lady Constance de Grey. It was a step -which Sir Osborne well knew she would not have taken had it not been -called for by some particular circumstance, and with some alarm he -opened the paper and read-- - -The lord cardinal is here: remember your promise. Tarry not rashly, if -you love Constance. - -As Wolsey had ever been a declared enemy to his father, and a steady -supporter of Sir Payan Wileton, Sir Osborne felt that the prospect was -certainly in some degree clouded by his arrival; and while at the -court, he had heard enough of the jealousy that the favourite -entertained towards all who often approached the king, to make him -uneasy with regard to the future. But yet he could not imagine that -the regard of Henry would be easily taken from him, nor the service he -he had rendered immediately forgotten; and strong in the integrity of -his own heart, he would not believe that any serious evil could befall -him; yet the warning of Sir Cesar still rung in his ears, and made an -impression which he could not overcome. - -It would be very easy to represent our hero as free from every failing -and weakness, even from those of the age he lived in; easy to make him -as perfect as ever man was drawn, and more perfect than ever man was -known: but then we should be writing a romance, and not a true -history. Sir Osborne was not perfect; and living in an age whose -weakness it was to believe implicitly in judicial astrology, he shared -in that weakness, though but in a degree; and might, indeed, have -shared still less, had not the very man who seemed to take such an -interest in his fate acquired in the court where he lived a general -reputation for almost unerring perception of approaching events. No -one that the young knight met, no one that he heard of, doubted for a -moment that Sir Cesar possessed knowledge superhuman: to have doubted -of the possibility of acquiring such knowledge, would have been in -those times a piece of scepticism fully equal in criminality to -doubting the sacred truths of religion; and therefore we cannot be -surprised that he felt a hesitation, an uneasiness, a sort of -presentiment of evil, as he approached the privy chamber of the king. - -At the door of the ante-chamber, however, he found stationed a page, -who respectfully informed him that the king was busy on affairs of -state with the cardinal lord chancellor, and that his grace had bade -him say, that as soon as he was at leisure he would send for him to -his presence. - -Sir Osborne returned to his own apartment, and after calling for -Longpole, walked up and down the room for a moment or two, while some -curious, vague feelings of doubt and apprehension passed through his -mind. - -"'Tis very foolish!" said he, at length; "and yet 'tis no harm to be -prepared. Longpole, saddle the horses, and have my armour ready. 'Tis -no harm to be prepared;" and quitting his own chambers, he turned his -steps towards those of Lady Constance, which here, not like the former -ones in the palace at Greenwich, were situated at the other extremity -of the building. His path led him again past the royal lodgings; and -as he went by, Sir Osborne perceived that the page gave entrance to a -priest, whose figure was in some degree familiar to his eye. Where he -had seen him he did not know; but, however, he staid not to inquire, -and proceeded onward to the door of Lady Constance's apartments. -One of her women gave him entrance, and he soon reached her -sitting-chamber, where he found her calmly engaged in embroidery. But -there, also, was good Dr. Wilbraham, who of late had shrewdly begun to -suspect a thing that was already more than suspected by half the -court; namely, that Sir Osborne Maurice was deeply in love with -Constance de Grey, and that the lady was in no degree insensible to -his affection. Now, though the good doctor had thought in the first -instance that Lady Constance's marriage with Lord Darby would be the -very best scheme on earth, he now began to think that the present -arrangement would be a great deal better: his reasoning proceeding in -the very inverse of Wolsey's, and leading him to conclude that as Lord -Darby had quite enough of his own, it would be much better for Lady -Constance to repair, with her immense wealth, the broken fortunes of -the ancient house of Fitzbernard, and at the same time secure her own -happiness by marrying the best and the bravest of men. Notwithstanding -all this, he could not at all comprehend, and never for a moment -imagined, that either Constance or her lover might in the least wish -his absence; and therefore, with great satisfaction at beholding their -mutual love, he remained all the time that Sir Osborne dared to stay, -and conducted him to the door with that affectionate respect which he -always showed towards his former pupil. While the old clergyman stood -bidding Sir Osborne farewell, a man habited like a yeoman approached, -inquiring for the lodging of Lady Constance de Grey; and on being told -that it was before him, he put a folded note into the hands of Dr. -Wilbraham, begging him to deliver it to the lady, which the chaplain -promised to do. - -And now, leaving the good clergyman to perform this promise, and Sir -Osborne to return to his apartment, somewhat mortified at not having -had an opportunity of conversing privately with Constance, even for a -moment, we will steal quietly into the privy-chamber of the king, and -seating ourselves on a little stool in the corner, observe all that -passes between him and his minister. - -"God save your royal grace!" said Wolsey, as he entered, "and make -your people happy in your long and prosperous reign!" - -"Welcome back again, my good lord cardinal," replied the king; "you -have been but a truant of late. We have in many things wanted your -good counsel. But your careful letters have been received, and we have -to thank you for the renewed quiet of the West Riding." - -"Happily, your grace, all is now tranquil," replied the cardinal, "and -the kingdom within itself blessed with profound peace; but yet, my -lord, even when this was accomplished, it was necessary to discover -the cause and authors of the evil, that the fire of discord and -sedition might be totally extinguished, and not, being only smothered, -burst out anew where we least expected it. This has been done, my -liege. The authors of all these revolts, the instigators of their -fellow-subjects' treason, have been discovered; and if your grace have -leisure for such sad business, I will even now crave leave to lay -before you the particulars of a most daring plot, which, through the -activity of good Sir Payan Wileton, I have been enabled to detect." - -"Without there!" cried the king, somewhat impatiently. "See that we -are not interrupted. Tell Sir Osborne Maurice that we will send for -him when we are free. Sit, sit, my Wolsey!" he continued. "Now, by the -holy faith, it grieves me to hear such things! I had hoped that, -tranquillity being restored, I should have sped over to France to meet -my royal brother Francis, with nothing but joy upon my brow. However, -you are thanked, my good lord, for your zeal and for your diligence. -We must not let the poisonous root of treason spread, lest it grow too -great a tree to be hewn down. Who are these traitors? Ha! Have you -good proof against them?" - -"Such proof, my liege, that, however willing I be to doubt, -uncertainty, the refuge of hope, is denied me, and I must needs -believe. When we have nourished anything with our grace, fostered it -with kindly care, taught it to spread and become great, heaped it with -favours, loaded it with bounty, we naturally hope that, having sowed -all these good things, our crop will be rich in gratitude and love; -but sorry I am to say, that your grace's royal generosity has fallen -upon a poisoned soil, and that Edward Duke of Buckingham, who might -well believe himself the most favoured man in the realm, now proves -himself an arrant traitor." - -"By heaven!" cried the king, "I have lately much doubted of his -loyalty. He has, as you once before made me observe, much absented -himself from the court, keeping, as I hear, an almost royal state in -the counties; and lately, on the pretence that he is sick, that his -physicians command him quiet, he refuses to accompany us to Guisnes. I -fear me, I fear me, 'tis his loyalty is sick. But let me hear your -reasons, my good lord cardinal. Fain would I still behold him with an -eye of favour; for he is in many things a noble and a princely peer, -and by nature richly endowed with all the shining qualities both of -the body and the mind. 'Tis sad, indeed 'tis sad, that such a man -should fall away and lose his high renown! But your reasons, Wolsey! -Give me the history." - -It were needless in this place to recapitulate all that we have seen, -in the last chapter, advanced by Sir Payan Wileton to criminate the -Duke of Buckingham. Suffice it that Wolsey related to the king the -very probable tale that had been told him by the knight: namely, that -Buckingham, aspiring to the throne, affected an undue degree of -popularity with the commons, and by his secret agents rendered them -dissatisfied with the existing government, exciting them to various -tumults and revolts, of which he cited many an instance; and that, -still further, he had contrived to introduce one of the most active -agents of his treason into the court, and near to the king's own -person. - -"Whom do you aim at?" cried the king. "Quick! give me his name. I know -of no such person. All about me are men of trust." - -"Alas! no, my liege," answered Wolsey: "the man I mean calls himself -Sir Osborne Maurice." - -"Ha!" cried Henry, starting; and then, after thinking for a moment, he -burst into a fit of laughter. "Nay, nay, my good Wolsey," he said, -shaking his head: "nay, nay, nay; Sir Osborne saved my life no longer -ago than yesterday, which looks not like treason;" and he related to -the cardinal the accident that had befallen him while hawking. - -Wolsey was somewhat embarrassed; but he replied, "We often see that, -taken by some sudden accident, men act not as they proposed to do; and -there is such a nobility in your grace's nature, that he must be a -hardened traitor indeed who could see you in danger, and not by mere -impulse hasten to save you. Perhaps such may have been the case with -this Sir Osborne, or perhaps his master's schemes may not yet be ripe -for execution: at all events, my liege, doubt not that he is a most -assured traitor." - -"I cannot believe it!" cried Henry, striking the table with his hand. -"I will not believe it! By heaven! the very soul of honour sparkles in -his eye! But your proofs, lord cardinal! your proofs! I will not have -such things advanced against my faithful subjects, without full and -sufficient evidence." - -The more eagerness that Henry showed in defending his young friend, -the more obnoxious did Sir Osborne become to Wolsey, and he laid -before the king, one by one, the deposition of Wilson, Sir Payan's -bailiff; several letters which Buckingham had written in favour of the -young knight; and lastly, the duke's letter to Sir Thomas Morton, -where, either by a forgery of Sir Payan Wileton's, or by some strange -chance, it appeared that Sir Osborne Maurice had promised that within -a year the duke's head should be the highest in the realm. - -While he read, Henry's brow knit into a heavy frown, and, biting his -lip, he went back to the beginning, and again read over the papers. -"Cardinal," said he, at length, "bid the page seek Pace, my secretary, -and ask him for the last letter from the Duke of Buckingham." - -Wolsey obeyed; and, while waiting for the return of the page, Henry -remained with his eyes averted, as if in deep thought, beating the -papers with his fingers, and gnawing his lip in no very placable mood; -while the cardinal wisely abstained from saying a word, leaving the -irritation of the king's mind to expend itself, without calling it -upon himself. As soon as the letter was brought, Henry laid it side by -side with those that Wolsey had placed before him, and seemed to -compare every word, every syllable, to ascertain the identity of the -handwriting. "True, by my life!" cried he, casting down the papers. -"The writing is the same; and now, my lord cardinal, what have you -farther to say? Are there any farther proofs, ha?" - -"Were there none other, your grace," replied Wolsey, "than the duke's -handwriting, and the deposition of a disinterested and respectable -witness, who can have no enmity whatever against this Sir Osborne -Maurice, and who probably never saw him but on the two occasions he -mentions, I think it would be quite sufficient to warrant your grace -in taking every measure of precaution. But there is another witness, -whom, indeed, I have not seen, but who can give evidence, I -understand, respecting the conduct of the person accused towards the -Rochester rioters. Knowing how much your grace's wisdom passeth that -of the best in the realm, I have dared to have this witness (a most -honourable priest) brought hither, hoping that the exigency of the -case might lead you to examine him yourself, when, perhaps, your royal -judgment may elicit more from him than others could do." - -"You have done wisely, my good lord cardinal," replied Henry, whose -first irritation had now subsided. "Let him be called, and bid your -secretary take down his deposition, for 'tis not fitting that mine be -so employed." - -At the command of Wolsey, one of the pages went instantly to seek the -priest, who, by the care and despatch of Sir Payan, had been sent down -with all speed, and was now waiting with the cardinal's attendants in -no small surprise and agitation, not being able to conceive why he was -thus hurried from one place to another, and breathing also with some -degree of alarm in the unwonted atmosphere of a court. On being -ushered into the royal presence, the worthy man fell down upon both -his knees before Henry, and, clasping his hands, prayed for a blessing -on his head with such fervour and simplicity that the monarch was both -pleased and amused. - -"Rise, rise, good man!" said the king, holding out his hand for him to -kiss: "we would speak with you on a business of import. Nay, do not be -alarmed. We know your worth, and purpose to reward you. Place yourself -here, master secretary, and take down his replies. Sit, my good lord -cardinal; we beg you to be seated." - -As soon as Wolsey had taken a low seat near the king, and the -secretary, kneeling on one before the table, was prepared to write, -Henry again proceeded, addressing the priest, who stood before him the -picture of a disquieted spirit. - -"Say, do you know one Sir Osborne Maurice?" demanded the king. - -"Yes, surely, please your royal grace," replied the priest. "At least -that was the name which his attendants gave to the noble and -courageous knight that saved me from the hands of the Rochester -shipwrights." - -"First," said Wolsey, "give us your name, and say how you came to fall -into the hands of these rebellious shipwrights." - -"Alas! your grace," answered the priest, "I am a poor priest of -Dartford, my name John Timeworthy; and hearing that these poor -misguided men at Rochester were in open rebellion against the -government, from lack of knowledge and spiritual teaching, I resolved -to go down amongst them and preach to them peace and submission. I -will not stay to say how and where I found them; but getting up upon a -bench that stood hard by, under an apple-tree, I gathered them round -me like a flock of sheep, and began my discourse, saying, 'Woe! woe! -woe! Woe unto ye, shipwrights of Rochester, that you should arm -yourselves against the king's grace! You are like children, that must -fain eat hot pudding, and burn their mouths withal; for ye will cry, -and ye will cry, till the sword fall upon you; and then, when Lord -Thomas comes down with his men-at-arms, ye will turn about and fly; -and the spears will stick in your hinder parts, and ye shall be put to -shame: for though he have but hundreds, and ye have thousands, his are -all men of the bow and of the spear, and ye know no more of either -than a jackass does of the harp and psaltery.' And thereupon, your -grace, they that I took for strayed sheep showed themselves to be a -pack of ravening wolves, for they haled me down from the bench, and -beat me unmercifully, and putting a halter round my neck, led me along -to hang me up, as they vowed, in sight of Rochester Castle; when, just -as they were dragging me along, more dead than alive, across a little -green, the knight, Sir Osborne Maurice, came up, and, as I said, -rescued me; and for a surety he is a brave and generous knight, and -well deserving your grace's favour." - -"By my faith, I have always thought so," said Henry. "What say you -now, cardinal? Question him yourself, man." - -Wolsey eagerly snatched at the permission, for he plainly saw that the -matter was not proceeding to his wish. "Pray, my good Master -Timeworthy," said he, "how was it that this Sir Osborne rescued you? -Did he put his lance in rest, and charge the whole multitude, and -deliver you from their hands?" - -"Not so! not so!" cried the priest. "He did far more wisely, for there -would have been much blood spilt; but he sent forward one, who seemed -to be his shield-bearer, who shook hands with the chief of the -rioters, and spoke him fair; and then the knight came forward himself, -and spoke to him; and the chief of the rioters cried with a loud voice -to his people, that this was not Lord Thomas, as they had thought, but -a friend and well-beloved of the good Duke of Buckingham; and it was -wonderful how soon the eloquence of that young man worked upon the -multitude, and made them let me go. He was, indeed, a youth of a -goodly presence, and fair to look upon, and had something noble and -commanding in his aspect; and his words moved the rioters in the -twinkling of an eye, and made them wholly change their purpose." - -Henry's brow, which had cleared during the former part of the priest's -narration, now grew doubly dark and cloudy; and he muttered to -himself, "Too clear! too clear!" while Wolsey proceeded to question -the priest more closely. - -"Indeed, your grace," replied he, in answer to the cardinal's more -minute questions, "I can tell you no more than I have told; for, as I -said, I was more dead than alive all the time, till they gave me up to -the knight, and did not hear half that passed." - -"And what did you remark after you were with the knight?" demanded -Wolsey. "Was there no particular observation made on the whole -transaction?" - -"Not that I can call to mind," answered the priest. "All I remember -is, that they seemed a very merry party, and laughed and joked about -it; which I, being frightened, thought almost wicked, God forgive me! -for it was all innocency and high blood of youth." - -"Well, sir," said Wolsey, "you may go. Go with him, secretary; and see -that he be well tended, but allowed to have speech of no one." - -The priest and the secretary withdrew in silence; and no sooner were -they gone, than, abandoning his kingly dignity, Henry started from his -seat, and strode up and down the room in one of those fits of passion -which, even then, would sometimes take possession of him. At length, -stopping opposite Wolsey, who stood up the moment the king rose, he -struck the table with his clenched hand. "He shall die!" cried he; "by -heaven, he shall die! Let him be attached, my Wolsey." - -"My sergeant-at-arms is with me, your grace," replied the cardinal, -"and shall instantly execute your royal will. Better arrest him -directly, lest he fear and take flight." - -"Whom mean you?" cried the king. "Ha! I say attach Edward Bohun, Duke -of Buckingham." - -"In regard to the Duke of Buckingham, my liege," replied Wolsey, less -readily than he had before spoken, "will you take into your royal -consideration whether it may not be better to suffer him to proceed a -while with his treasonous schemes? for I question if the evidence we -have at present against him would condemn him with the peers." - -"But he is a traitor," cried Henry; "an evident traitor; and, by my -faith! shall suffer a traitor's death." - -"Most assuredly he is a black and heinous traitor," answered Wolsey. -"And yet your grace will think what a triumph it would be for him if -his peers should pronounce him innocent. He has store of friends among -them. Far better let him proceed yet a while, and, with our eyes upon -him, watch every turn of his dark plot, and seize him in the midst, -when we shall have such proof that even his kindred must, for very -shame, pronounce his guilt. In the mean time, I will ensure that he be -so strictly guarded that he shall have power to do no evil." - -"You are right, my Wolsey; you are right!" cried the king, seating -himself, and laying his hand upon the papers; "let it be conducted as -you say. But see that he escape not, for his ingratitude adds another -shade to what is black itself. As to this Sir Osborne Maurice, 'tis a -noble spirit perverted by that villain Buckingham. I have seen and -watched the seeds of many virtues in him." - -"It must be painful, then, for your grace to command his arrest," said -Wolsey; "and yet he is so near your royal person, and his treason is -so manifest, that the very love of your subjects requires that he -should suffer death." - -"And yet," replied Henry, fixing his eye upon the cardinal, and -speaking emphatically; "and yet, even now I feel the warm blood of the -English kings flowing lightly in my veins, which but for him would -have been cold and motionless: and shall I take his life that has -saved mine? No, Wolsey, no! It must not be! He has been misled, but is -not wicked." - -"Still, your grace's justice requires," said Wolsey (pardon me my -boldness), "that he should undergo his trial. Then, if condemned, -comes in your royal mercy to save him; saying to him, You are judged -for having been a traitor, you are pardoned for having saved your -king." - -"But be assured, my Wolsey," replied Henry, "that if his trial were to -take place now, the great traitor Buckingham will take alarm, and -either endeavour to do away all evidence of his treason, or take to -flight and shelter himself from justice." - -"No need that his trial be immediate," answered the cardinal; "if your -grace permits, he shall be committed privately to the Tower, and there -await your return from France; by which time, depend on it, the Duke -of Buckingham will have given further tokens of his mad ambition, and -both may be tried together. Then let the greater traitor suffer and -the lesser find grace, so that your royal justice and your clemency be -equally conspicuous." - -"Be it so, then," said the king; "though in truth, good cardinal, it -grieves me to lose this youth. He is, without exception, the best -lance in Christendom, and would have done our realm much credit in our -journey to France: I say it grieves me! Ay, heartily it grieves me!" - -"Nay, your grace," said Wolsey, "you will doubtless find a thousand as -good as he." - -"Not so! not so, lord cardinal!" cried Henry; "these are things not so -easily acquired as you churchmen think. I never saw a better knight. -When his lance breaks in full course, you shall behold his hand as -steady as if it held a straw: nor knee, nor thigh, nor heel shall -shake; and when the toughest ash splinters upon his casque, he shall -not bend even so much as a strong oak before a summer breeze. But his -guilt is clear, so the rest is all nought." - -"Then I have your grace's commands," said Wolsey, "to commit him to -the Tower. He shall be attached directly by the sergeant-at-arms, and -sent down by the turn of the tide." - -"Hold, hold!" cried the king; "not to-night, good Wolsey. Before we -fly our hawk we cry the heron up, and he shall have the same grace. -To-morrow, if he be still found, arrest him where you will; but for -to-night he is safe, nor must his path be dogged. He shall have free -and fair start, mark me, till tomorrow at noon; then slip your -greyhounds on him, if you please." - -"But, your grace," cried Wolsey, "if you let him----" - -"It is my will," said the king, his brow darkening. "Who shall -contradict it? Ha! See that it be obeyed exactly, my lord!" - -"It shall, your grace," said Wolsey, bending his head with a profound -inclination. "Your will is law to all your faithful servants; but only -let your noble goodness attribute to my deep love for your royal -person the fear I have that this traitorous agent of a still greater -traitor may be tempted in despair, if he find that he is discovered, -to attempt some heinous crime against your grace." - -"Fear not, man! fear not!" replied the king. "He, that when he might -have let me die, risked his own life to save mine, will never arm his -hand against me: I fear not, cardinal. So be you at ease. But return -to London; see that Buckingham be closely watched; and be sure that no -preparation be wanting for the meeting with Francis of France. Be -liberal, be liberal, lord cardinal! I would not that the nobles of -France should say they had more gold than we. Let everything be -abundant, be rich, and in its flush of newness; and as to Sir Osborne -Maurice, arrest him to-morrow, if he be still here. Let him be fairly -tried, and if he come out pure, well. Yet still, if he be condemned, -his own life shall be given him as a reward for mine. However, till -tomorrow let it rest. It is my will!" - -Though Wolsey would have been better pleased to have had the knight -safely in the Tower, yet, even in case of his making his escape before -the next morning, his great object was gained, that of banishing from -the court for ever one whose rapid progress in the king's regard bade -fair, with time, to leave every one behind in favour. He therefore -ceased to press the king upon the subject, especially as he saw, by -many indubitable signs, that Henry was in one of those imperious moods -which would bear no opposition. A few subjects of less import still -remained to be discussed, but the monarch bore these so impatiently, -that Wolsey soon ceased to importune him upon them; and resolving to -reserve all further business for some more auspicious day, he rose, -and taking leave with one of those refined, yet high-coloured, -compliments which no man was so capable of justly tempering as -himself, he left the royal presence, and proceeded to another part of -the palace on business whose object is intimately allied to the -present history, as we shall see hereafter. - - - - -CHAPTER XXV. - - And knowing this, should I yet stay, - Like such as blow away their lives, - Enamoured of their golden gyves?--Ben Jonson. - - Away! though parting be a fretful corrosive, - It is applied to a deathful wound.--Shakspere. - - -Who would be a king if he could help it? When Wolsey had left him, -Henry once more raised the papers which lay upon the table, and read -them through; then leant his head upon his hand, and passed some -moments in deep and frowning meditation. "No!" said he, "no! I will -not show them to him, lest he warn the traitor Buckingham. Ho, -without! Tell Pace to come to me;" and again falling into thought, he -remained musing over the papers with bent brows and an absent air, -till the secretary had time to obey his summons. On his approach, the -good but timid Pace almost trembled at the angry glow he saw upon the -king's face; but he was relieved by Henry placing in his hands the -papers which Wolsey had left, bidding him have good care thereof. - -Pace took the papers in respectful silence, and waited an instant to -see whether the king had further commands; but Henry waved his hand, -crying, "Begone! leave me, and send the page." - -The page lost not a moment in appearing; for the king's hasty mood was -easily discernible in his aspect, and no one dared, even by an -instant's delay, to add fuel to the fire which was clearly burning in -his bosom; but still Henry allowed him to wait for several minutes. -"Who waits in the ante-chamber?" demanded he, at length. - -"Sir Charles Hammond, so please your grace," replied the page. - -"And where is Denny?" asked the king. "Where is Sir Anthony Denny, -ha?" - -"He has been gone about an hour, your grace," replied the page. - -"They hold me at nought!" cried Henry. "Strike his name from the list! -By my life, I will teach him to wait! Go call Sir Osborne Maurice to -my presence," and rising from his seat, he began again to pace the -apartment. - -The page, as he conducted the young knight to the hall in which Henry -awaited him, took care to hint that he was in a terrific mood, with -that sort of eagerness which all vulgar people have to spread evil -tidings. The knight, however, asked no question and made no comment, -and passing through the door which he had seen give admission to the -priest about an hour before, he entered the ante-chamber, in which was -seated Sir Charles Hammond, who saluted him with a silent bow. -Proceeding onward, the page threw open the door of the privy-chamber, -and Sir Osborne approached the king, in the knitting of whose brow, -and in the curling of whose lip, might be plainly seen the inward -irritation of his impetuous spirit. As he came near, Henry turned -round, and fixed his eye upon him; and the knight, not knowing what -might be the cause or what the consequence of his anger, bent his knee -to the ground, and bowing his head, said, "God save your grace!" - -"Marry, thou sayest well!" cried Henry. "We trust he will, and guard -us ever against traitors! What say you?" - -"If ever there be a man so much a traitor to himself," replied Sir -Osborne, "as to nourish one thought against so good a king, oh, may -his treason fall back upon his own head, and crush him with the -weight!" - -"Well prayed again," said Henry, more calmly. "Rise, rise, Sir -Osborne; we must speak together. Give me your arm. We cannot sit and -speak when the heart is so busy. We will walk. This hall has space -enough," and with a hurried pace he took one or two turns in the -chamber, fixing his eyes upon the ground, and biting his lip in -silence. "Now, by our Lady!" cried he at length, "there are many men -in this kingdom, Sir Osborne Maurice, who, seeing us here, holding -your arm and walking by your side, would judge our life in peril." - -Sir Osborne started, and gazed in Henry's face with a look of no small -surprise. - -"Did I but know of any one," said he, at length, "who could poison -your royal ear with such a tale, were it other than a churchman or a -woman, he should either confess his falsehood or die upon my sword. -But your grace is noble, and believes them not. However," he -continued, unbuckling his sword and laying it on the table as far away -as possible, "on all accounts I will put that by. There lays the sword -that was given me by an emperor, and here is the hand that saved a -king's life; and here," he continued, kneeling at the king's feet, "is -a heart as loyal as any in this realm, ready to shed its best blood if -its king command it. But tell me, only tell me, how I have offended." - -"Rise, sir knight," said the king. "On my life, I believe you so far, -that if you have done wrong, you have been misled; and that your heart -is loyal I am sure: yet listen. You came to this court a stranger; in -you I found much of valour and of knightly worth. I loved you, and I -favoured you; yet now I find that you have in much deceived me. Speak -not, for I will not see in you any but the man who has saved my life; -I will know you for none other. Say, then, Sir Osborne, is not life a -good return for life? It is? ha?" - -"It is, my liege," replied Sir Osborne, believing his real name -discovered. "Whatever I have done amiss has been but error of -judgment, not of heart, and surely cannot be held as very deep offence -in eyes so gracious as my noble king's." - -"We find excuses for you, sir, which rigorous judges might not find," -replied the monarch; "yet there are many who strive to make your -faults far blacker than they are, and doubtless may urge much against -you; but hitherto we stand between you and the law, giving you life -for life. But see you use the time that is allowed you well, for -to-morrow, at high noon, issues the warrant for your apprehension, and -if you make not speed to leave this court and country, your fate upon -your head, for you have warning." - -Sir Osborne was struck dumb, and for a moment he gazed upon the king -in silent astonishment. "I know not what to think," he cried, after a -while; "I cannot believe that a king famous for his clemency, can see -in my very worst crime aught but an error. Your grace has said that -many strive to blacken me; still humbly at your feet let me beseech -you to tell me of what they do accuse me." - -"Of many rank offences, sir!" replied the king, somewhat impatiently; -"offences of which you might find it hard to wash yourself so clear as -not to leave enough to weigh you down. However, 'tis our will that you -depart the court, without further sojourn; and if you are wise, you'll -speed to leave a country where you may chance to find worse -entertainment and a harder lodging if you stay. Go to the keeper of -our private purse, who will give a thousand marks to clear your -journey of all cost; and God befriend you for the time to come!" - -"Nay, your grace," replied Sir Osborne, "poor as I came I'll go; but -thus far richer, that for one short month I won a great king's love, -and lost it without deserving; and if to this your grace will add the -favour to let me once more kiss your royal hand, you'll send me -grateful forth." - -Henry held out his hand towards him. "By my faith," cried he, "I do -believe him honest! But the proofs! the proofs! Go, go, Sir Osborne; I -judge not harshly of you. You have been misled; but fly speedily, I -command you; for your own sake, fly!" - -Sir Osborne raised himself, took his sword from the table, and, with a -low obeisance to the king, quitted the room, his heart far too full to -speak with any measure what he felt. - -His hopes all broken, his dream of happiness dispelled like a wreath -of morning mist in the sunshine, the young knight sought his chamber, -and casting himself in a seat, leant his head upon his hands, in an -attitude of total despondency. He did not think; for the racking -images of despair that hurried through his brain were very different -from the defined shapes of the most busy thought. His bosom was a -chaos of dark and gloomy feelings, and it was long before reason lent -him any aid to arrange and disentangle his ideas. As it did so, -however, the thought of whither he should fly presented itself, and -his first resolution was to go to his father in Wales; but then, to be -the bearer of such news! it was more than he could undertake. Besides, -as he reflected, he saw that, use what speed he might, his course -would be easily tracked in that direction, and that the facilities -which the messengers of the government possessed of gaining fresh -horses would soon enable them to overtake and arrest him if the -warrant were issued the next day at noon, as the king had said, and -followed up with any degree of alacrity. That it would be so he had no -reason to doubt, attributing, as he did, the whole of his misfortune -to the hatred and jealousy of Wolsey; whose haste to ruin him had been -sufficiently evinced by his having begun and completed it within one -day after his arrival from York. These thoughts brought on others; and -not knowing the stinging impulse of a favourite's jealousy, he -pondered over the malice of the cardinal, wondering whether in former -days his father might have offered the then rising minister either -offence or injury, and thus entailed his evil offices on himself and -family. But still the question, whither he should fly, returned; and -after much consideration he resolved that it should be to Flanders, -once more to try the fortune of his sword; for though peace nominally -subsisted between the French king and the new emperor, it was a peace -which could be but of short duration, and it was even then interrupted -by continual incursions upon each other's territories, and incessant -violation of the frontier by the various garrisons of France and -Burgundy. Once arrived, he would write, he thought, to his father, who -would surely join him there, and they would raise their house and name -in a foreign land. But Constance de Grey--could she ever be his? He -knew not; but at her very name Hope relighted her torch, and he began -to dream again. - -As he thought thus, he raised his eyes, and perceived his faithful -attendant Longpole watching him with a look of anxious expectation, -waiting till his agitated reverie should end. "How! Longpole!" said -he. "You here? I did not hear you come in." - -"I have been here all the time, your worship," replied the yeoman. -"And I've made some noise in the world, too, while you have been here, -for I let all the armour fall in that closet." - -"I did not hear you," said the knight. "My thoughts were very busy. -But, my good Heartley, I am afraid the time is come that we must -part." - -"By my faith, it must be a queer time, then, your worship!" answered -Longpole; "for it is not every-day weather that will make me quit you, -especially when I see you in such a way as you were just now." - -"But, my good Longpole," answered the knight, "I am ruined. The king -has discovered who I really am; Wolsey has whetted his anger against -me, and he has banished me his court, bidding me fly instantly, lest I -be to-morrow arrested, and perhaps committed to the Tower. I must -therefore quit this country without loss of time, and take my way to -Flanders, for my hopes here are all at an end. Wolsey is too powerful -to be opposed." - -"Well, then, my lord," said Longpole, "I will call you by your real -name now; and so I'll go and saddle our horses, pack up as much as I -can, and we'll be off in a minute." - -"But, my good Longpole," said his master, "you do not think what you -are doing. Indeed, you must not leave your country and your friends, -and that poor girl Geraldine, to follow a man ruined in fortune and -expectations, going to travel through strange lands, where he knows -not whether he may find friends or enemies." - -"More reason he should have a companion on the road," replied -Longpole. "But, my lord, my determination is made. Where you go, there -will I go too; and as to little Mistress Geraldine, why, when we've -made a fortune, which I am sure we shall do, I'll make her trot over -after me. But, as I suppose there is but little time to spare, I will -go get everything into order as fast as possible. _Carpe diem_, as -good Dr. Wilbraham used to say to me when I was lazy. There is your -lordship's harness. If you can manage to pop on the breast and back -pieces, I will be back directly." - -"Nay," said the knight, "there is yet one person I must see. However, -be not long, good fellow, for I shall not stay. Give me that wrapping -cloak with the hood." - -Longpole obeyed; and enveloping himself in a large mantle, which he -had upon a former occasion used to cover his armour, in one of those -fanciful justs where every one appeared disguised, the knight left his -own apartments, and proceeded to those of Lady Constance de Grey. Many -were the sounds of mirth and merriment which met his ears as he passed -by the various ranges of apartments, jarring harshly with all his own -sorrowful feelings, and in the despondency of his mind he marvelled -that any but idiots or madmen could indulge in laughter in a world so -full of care. Hurrying on to avoid such inharmonious tones, he -approached the suite of rooms appropriated to Lady Constance, and was -surprised at finding the door open. Entering, nothing but confusion -seemed to reign in the ante-chamber, where her maids were usually -found employed in various works. Here stood a frame for caul-work, -there one for embroidery; here a cushion for Italian lace thrown upon -the ground; there a chair overturned; while two of the maids stood -looking out of the window (to make use of the homely term), crying -their eyes out. - -"Where is your mistress?" demanded Sir Osborne, as he entered; the -agitation of his own feelings, and the alarm he conceived from the -strange disarray of the apartment, making him stint his form of speech -to the fewest words possible. - -"We do not know, sir," replied one of the desolate damsels. "All that -we know is, that she is gone." - -"Gone!" cried Sir Osborne. "Gone! In the name of heaven, whither is -she gone? Who is gone with her?" - -"Jesu Maria, sir! don't look so wild," cried the woman, who thought -herself quite pretty enough, even in her tears, to be a little -familiar. "Dr. Wilbraham is with the Lady Constance, and so is -Mistress Margaret, and therefore she is safe enough, surely." - -"But cannot you say whither she is gone?" cried the knight. "When did -she go? How?" - -"She went but now, sir," replied the woman. "She was sent for about an -hour or more ago to the little tapestry-hall, to speak with my lord -cardinal; and after that she came back very grave and serious, and -made Mistress Margaret pack up a great parcel of things, while she -herself spoke with Dr. Wilbraham; and when that was done, they all -three went away together; but before she went she gave each of us -fifty marks a-piece, and said that she would give us news of her." - -"Did she not drop any word in regard to her destination?" demanded Sir -Osborne. "Anything that might lead you to imagine whither she was -gone?" - -"Mistress Margaret said they were going to London," said the other -girl, turning round from the window, and speaking through her tears. -"She said that they were going because such was my lord cardinal's -will. But I don't believe it, for she said it like a lie; and I'm sure -I shall never see my young lady again. I'm sure I shan't! So now, sir -knight, go away and leave us, for we can tell you nothing more." - -The knight turned away. "Oh, Constance! Constance!" thought he, as he -paced back to his apartments; "will you ever be able to resist all the -influence they may bring against you? When you hear, too, of your -lover's disgrace! Well, God is good, and sometimes joy shines forth -out of sorrow, like the sun that dispels the storm." As he thought -thus, the prediction of Sir Cesar, that their misfortune should be but -of short duration, came across his mind. "The evil part of his -prophecy," thought he, "is already on my head. Why should I doubt the -good? Come, I will be superstitious, and believe it fully; for hope is -surely as much better than fear as joy is better than sorrow. Will -Constance ever give her hand to another? Oh, no, no! And surely, -surely, I shall win her yet." - -Of all the bright gifts with which heaven has blessed our youth, there -is none more excellent than that elasticity of spirit which rebounds -strongly from the depressing load of a world's care, and after the -heaviest weight of sorrow, or the severest stroke of disappointment, -raises us lightly up, and gives us back to hope and to enjoyment. It -is peculiar to youth, and it is peculiar to good conduct; for the -reiterated burdens that years cast upon us as they fly gradually rob -the spring of expectation of its flexibility, and vice feels within -itself that it has not the same right to hope as virtue. Sir Osborne's -spirit was all rebound; and though surrounded with doubts, with -difficulties, and with dangers, it was not long before he was ready to -try again the wide adventurous world, with unabated vigour of -endeavour, though rebuffed in his first endeavours and disappointed in -his brightest expectations. - -On returning to his apartment he found his faithful attendant ready -prepared; and there was a sort of easy, careless confidence in the -honest yeoman's manner, that well seconded the efforts of reviving -hope in his master's breast. It seemed as if he never thought for a -moment that want of success was possible; and, besides, he was one of -those over whom Fortune has little power. He himself had no extraneous -wants or wishes. Happy by temperament, and independent by bodily -vigour, he derived from nature all that neither Stoic nor Epicurean -could obtain by art. He was a philosopher by frame; and more than a -philosopher, as the word is generally used, for he had a warm heart -and a generous spirit, and joined affection for others to carelessness -about himself. - -Such was the companion, of all others, fitted to cheer Sir Osborne on -his way; far more so than if he had been one of equal rank or equal -refinement, for he was always ready to assist, to serve, to amuse, or -advise, without sufficient appreciation of finer feelings to -encourage, even by understanding them, those thoughts upon which the -knight might have dwelt painfully in conversation with any one else. - -At the same time, Longpole was far above his class in every respect. -He had some smattering of classical knowledge, which was all that -rested with him of the laborious teaching which good Dr. Wilbraham had -bestowed upon his youth; he not only could read and write, but had -read all the books he could get at, while a prisoner in France, and -had, on more than one occasion, contrived to turn a stanza, though -neither the stuff nor the workmanship was very good; and he had, -moreover, a strange turn for jesting, which he took care to keep in -perpetual exercise. To these he joined all the thousand little -serviceable qualifications of an old soldier, and an extraordinary -fluency in speaking French, which had proved very useful to him in -many instances. Thus equipped inwardly, he now stood before Sir -Osborne, with his outward man armed in the plain harness of a custrel, -or shield-bearer, with casque and corslet, cuissards, brassards, and -gauntlets; and considering that he was nearly six feet three inches in -height, he was the sort of man that a knight might not be sorry to see -at his back in the _mêlée_ or the skirmish. - -"Longpole," said the knight, "give me my armour; I will put it on -while you place what clothes you can in the large horsebags. But, my -good custrel, we must put something over our harness: give me that -surcoat. You have not barded my horse, I trust?" - -"Indeed I have, my lord," replied he; "and depend on it you may have -need thereof. Remember how dear the barding of a horse is: I speak of -the steel, which is, in fact, the true bard, or bardo, as the Italians -call it, for the cloth that covers it is not the bard; and if you -carry the steel with you, you may as well have the silk too." - -"But 'twill weary the horse," said Sir Osborne; "however, as 'tis on, -let it stay: only it may attract attention, and give too good a track -to any that follow; though, God knows, I can hardly determine which -way to turn my rein." - -"To London! to London, to be sure, your worship," cried Longpole; -"that is the high road to every part on the earth, and off the earth, -and under the earth. If a man want to go to heaven, he will there find -guides; if he seek hell, he will find plenty going the same road; and -if he love this world better, there shall he meet conveyance to every -part of it. What would you think of just paying a visit to good Master -William Hans, the merchant, to see if he cannot give us a cast over to -Flanders? A thousand to one he has some vessel going, or knows some -one that has." - -"Well bethought," answered Sir Osborne, slowly buckling on his armour. -"It will soon grow dusk, and then our arms will call no attention. My -hands refuse to help me on with my harness: I am very slow. Nay, good -Longpole, if you have already finished, take a hundred marks out of -that bag, which will nearly empty it, and seek the three men the Duke -of Buckingham gave me. Divide it between them for their service; and, -good Longpole, when you have done that, make inquiries about the -palace as to what road was taken by Lady Constance de Grey and Dr. -Wilbraham. Do not mention the lady; name only Dr. Wilbraham, as if I -sought to speak with him." - -Longpole obeyed, and after about half-an-hour's absence returned, -tolerably successful in his inquiries; but, much to his surprise and -disappointment, he found his young lord very nearly in the same -situation in which he had left him, sitting in his chair, half armed, -with his casque upon his knee, his fine head bare, and his eye fixed -upon the fading gleams of the evening sky, where some faint clouds -just above the distant trees seemed as if lingering in the beams of -the sun's bright eye, like man still tenacious of the last ray of -hope. - -"Well, Longpole," cried he, waking from his reverie, "what news? Have -you heard anything of Lady Constance?" and, as if ashamed of his -delay, he busied himself to finish the arrangement of his armour. - -"Let me aid you, my lord," said Longpole, kneeling down, and soon -completing, piece by piece, what his master had left unfinished, -replying at the same time to his question. "I have spoken with the man -who carried the baggage down to the boat, my lord; and he says that -Dr. Wilbraham, Lady Constance, and one of her women, took water about -half-an-hour after the lord cardinal, and seemed to follow his barge." - -Sir Osborne fell into another reverie, from which, at last, he roused -himself with a sigh. "Well, I can do nothing," said he; "like an angry -child I might rage and struggle, but I could do no more. Were I to -stay, 'twould but be committing me to the Tower, and then I must be -still perforce----" - -Longpole heard all this with an air of great edification; but when he -thought that his master had indulged himself enough, he ventured to -interrupt him by saying, "The sun, sir, has gone to bed; had not we -better take advantage of his absence, and make our way to London? -Remember, sir, he is an early riser at this time of year, and will be -up looking after us tomorrow before we are well aware." - -"Ay, Longpole, ay!" replied the knight; "I will linger no longer, for -it is unavailing. The trumpet must have sounded to supper by this -time; has it not? So we shall have no idlers to gaze at our -departure." - -"The trumpet sounded as I went down but now," said Longpole, "and I -met the sewer carrying in a brawn's head so like his own, that I could -not help thinking he had killed and cooked his brother: they must be -hard at his grace's liege capons even now." - -"Well, I am ready," said the knight; "give me the surcoat of tawny -velvet. Now; no more feathers!" he continued, plucking from his casque -the long plume that, issuing from the crest in graceful sweeps, fell -back almost to his girdle, taking care, however, at the same time, to -leave behind a small white glove wrought with gold, that had -surrounded the insertion of the feather, and which he secured in its -place with particular attention. "Some one will have rare pillage of -this apartment," he added, looking round. "That suit of black armour -is worth five hundred marks; but it matters not to think of it: we -cannot carry them with us. The long sword and baldrick, Longpole, and -the gold spurs: I will go as a knight, at least. Now, take the bags. I -follow. Farewell, King Henry! you have lost a faithful subject!" - -Thus saying, he proceeded down the stairs after Longpole, and -following a corridor, passed by one of the small doors of the great -hall, through the partial opening of which were to be heard the rattle -and the clatter of plates, of dishes, and of knives, and the buzz of -many busy jaws. A feeling of disgust came over Sir Osborne as he heard -it, he scarce knew why, and stayed not to inquire, but striding on, -came speedily to the stable-yard, and was crossing towards the -building in which his horses stood, when he observed a man loitering -near the door of the stable, whom he soon discovered to be one of the -yeomen given him by the Duke of Buckingham. - -"On, Longpole!" cried the knight; "on, and send him upon some errand, -for I am in no fit mood to speak with him now." While Sir Osborne drew -back into the doorway, Longpole advanced, and in a moment after the -man was seen traversing the court in another direction. The knight -then proceeded, the horses were brought forth, and springing into the -saddle, Sir Osborne, with a sigh given to the recollection of lost -hopes, touched his charger with the spur, and rode out of the gates. -Longpole followed, and in a few minutes they were on the high road to -London. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVI. - - He is a worthy gentleman, - Exceedingly well read, and profited - In strange concealments.--Henry IV. - - -It was hardly night when Sir Osborne departed; a faint and diminishing -blush still tinged the eastern sky; the blackbird was still singing -his full round notes from every thicket; and not a star had yet -ventured forth upon the pathway of the sun, except one, that, bright -and sweet even then, seemed like a fond and favoured child to the -monarch of the sky, following fearlessly on his brilliant steps, while -others held aloof. The calm of the evening sank down gently on the -young adventurer's heart: it was so mild, so placid; and though, -perhaps, pensive and tinged with melancholy, yet there was a sort of -promise in that last smile of parting day, which led Hope forward, and -told of brighter moments yet to come. For some time the knight -indulged in vague dreams, made up, as indeed is the whole dream of -human life, of hopes and fears, expectation and despondency; then -giving up thought for action, he spurred forward his horse, and -proceeded as fast as he could towards London. Longpole followed in -silence; for, in spite of all his philosophy, he felt a sort of qualm -at the idea of the long period which must intervene ere he could hope -to see his pretty Geraldine, that took away several ounces of his -loquacity. - -London, at length, spread wide before them, and after some needless -circumambulation, owing to the knight's total ignorance of the -labyrinthian intricacies of the city, and the dangerous littleness of -Longpole's knowledge thereof, they at length reached Gracious Street, -and discovered the small, square paved court, long since built over, -and I believe now occupied by a tea-dealer, but which then afforded a -sort of area before the dwelling of the Flemish merchant, William -Hans. On the left hand, nearest the river, was situated the -counting-house; and to the front, as well as to the right, stretched a -range of buildings which, from their Polyphemus-like appearance, -having but one window or aperture in the front (except the door), the -knight concluded to be those warehouses whose indiscriminate maw -swallowed up the produce of all parts of the earth. Over the -counting-house, however, appeared several smaller windows, principally -glazed, and through one of these shone forth upon the night the light -of a taper, giving notice that some one still waked within. While -Longpole dismounted, and knocked with the hilt of his dagger against a -little door by the side of that which led to the counting-house, the -knight watched the light in the window; but he watched and Longpole -knocked in vain; for neither did the light move nor the door open, -till Sir Osborne bethought him of a stratagem to call the merchant's -attention. - -"Make a low knocking against the windows of the counting-house, -Longpole," said he, "as if you were trying to force them. I have known -these money-getters as deaf as adders to any sound but that which -menaced the mammon." - -Longpole obeyed, and the moment after the light moved. "Hold! hold!" -cried the knight, "he hears;" and the next moment the casement window -was pushed open, through which the head of the good merchant protruded -itself, vociferating, "Who's tere? What do you want? I'll call te -watch. Watch! Watch!" - -"_Taisez-vous!_" cried the knight, addressing him in French, not being -able to speak the Brabant dialect of the merchant, and yet not wishing -to proclaim his errand aloud in English. "_Nous sommes amis_; -_descendez, Guillaume Hans: c'est le Sire de Darnley_." - -"Oh! I'll come down, I'll come down," cried the merchant "Run, -Skippenhausen, and open te door. I'll come down, my coot lord, in a -minute." - -The two travellers had not now long to wait; for in a moment or two -the little door at which Longpole had at first in vain applied for -admission was thrown open by a personage, the profundity of whose -nether garments, together with his long waistcoat, square-cut blue -coat, with the seams, and there were many, all bound with white lace, -induced Sir Osborne immediately to write him down for a Dutch -navigator. Descending the stairs, immediately behind this first -apparition, came the merchant himself, with his black gown, which had -probably been laid aside for the night, now hurried on, not with the -most correct adjustment in the world, for it looked very much as if -turned inside out, which might well happen to a robe, the sleeves of -which were not above six inches long. Sir Osborne, however, did not -stay to investigate the subject very minutely; but explaining to the -good merchant that he had something particular to say to him, he was -conducted into the counting-house, where he informed him as succinctly -as possible of what had occurred and what he desired. Good Master Hans -was prodigal of his astonishment, which vented itself in various -exclamations in Flemish, English, and French; after which, coming to -business, as he said, he told the knight that he could put up his -horses in the same stable where he kept his drays, and that after that -they would talk of the rest. "But on my wort, my coot lord," said he, -"I must go with your man myself, for there is not one soul in the -place to let him in or out of the stable, which is behind the house." - -The most troublesome part of the affair for the moment was to take off -the bard or horse armour that covered the knight's charger, as it -could not be left in the stable till the next morning, when the -merchant's carters would arrive; and poor William Hans was desperately -afraid that the round of the watch would pass while the operation was -in execution, and suppose that he was receiving some contraband goods, -which might cause a search the next day. - -The business, however, was happily accomplished by the aid of the -Dutch captain, who, seeing that there was something mysterious going -forward, and having a taste that way, gave more active assistance than -either his face or figure might have taught one to expect. - -He also it was who, while the good merchant, with the candle in his -hand, led our friend Longpole with the horses to the stable, conducted -the knight up-stairs into the room where they had first discovered the -light, and invited him, in extremely good English, to be seated. By -the appearance of the chamber it seemed that Master Hans had been -preparing to make great cheer for his captain; for various were the -flagons and bottles that stood upon the table, together with trenchers -and plates unused, and a pile of manchet and spice bread, with other -signs and prognostications of a rere-supper; not to mention an immense -bowl which stood in the midst, and whose void rotundity seemed -yearning for some savoury mass not yet concocted. - -It was not long before the merchant re-appeared, accompanied by -Longpole, who, according to the custom of those days, when many a -various rank might be seen at the same board, seated himself at the -farther end of the table, after having taken his master's casque, and -soon engaged the Dutch captain in conversation, while the knight -consulted with William Hans regarding the means of quitting England as -speedily as possible. - -"It is very unlucky you did not let me know before," said the -merchant, "for we might easily have cot the ship of my coot friend -Skippenhausen there ready to-day, and you could have sailed to-morrow -morning by the first tide. You might trust him; you might trust him -with your life. Bless you, my coot lord! 'tis he that brings me over -the Bibles from Holland." - -"But cannot we sail the day after to-morrow," said the knight, "if one -day will be sufficient to complete his freight?" - -"Oh, that he can!" answered the merchant; "but what will you do till -then?" he added, with a melancholy shake of the head; "you will never -like to lie in warehouse like a parcel of dry goods." - -"Why, it must be so, I suppose," said the knight, "if you have any -place capable of concealing me." - -"Oh, dear life, yes!" cried William Hans; "a place that would conceal -a dozen. I had it made on purpose after that evil May-day, when the -wild rabblement of London rose, and nearly murdered all the strangers -they could find. I thought what had happened once might happen again; -and so I had in some of my own country people, and caused it to be -made very securely." - -The matter was now soon arranged. It was agreed that the knight and -Longpole should lie concealed at the merchant's till the ship was -ready to sail, and that then Master Skippenhausen was to provide them -a safe passage to some town in Flanders; which being finally settled -between all parties, it only remained to fix the price of their -conveyance with the Dutchman. "I am an honest man," said he, on the -subject being mentioned, "and will not rob you. If you were in no -hurry to go, and could go quietly, I would charge you ten marks a ton; -but as you are in distress, I will only charge you fifteen." - -"Faith!" burst forth Longpole, "you are very liberal! Why, do you -charge us _more_, not _less_, because we are in distress?" - -"Certainly," answered the Dutchman, with imperturbable tranquillity; -"nine men out of ten would charge you five times as much when they -found you wanted to go very bad, now I only charge you one-half more." - -"I believe you are right," said Sir Osborne. "However, I do not object -to your price; but tell me, what do you mean by fifteen marks a ton? -Do you intend to weigh us?" - -"To be sure," answered the Dutchman; "why not? All my freight is -weighed, and why not you, too? No, no. I'll have nothing on board that -is not weighed: it's all put in the book." - -"Well," said the knight, with a smile, "it does not much matter. Can -you take my horses too by weight?" - -"Certainly," replied the other, "I can take anything; but I am -responsible for nothing. If your horses kick themselves to death in -the hold, that is not my fault." - -"I will take care of that," said the knight. "Here, Longpole, help me -to put off my harness: I cannot sit in it all night." - -While the custrel was thus employed in aiding his lord to disarm, -the door opened, and in bustled a servant-maid of about two or -three-and-thirty, whose rosy cheeks had acquired a deeper tinge by the -soft wooing of a kitchen fire, and whose sharp eyes shot forth those -brilliant rays generally supposed to be more animated by the wrathful -spirit of cookery and of ardent coals than by any softer power or -flame. Immediately that she beheld two strangers, forth burst upon the -head of William Hans the impending storm. She abused him for telling -her that there would only be himself and the captain; she vowed that -she had not cooked half salmon enough for four; she declared that she -had only put down plates and bread for two; and she ended by -protesting that she never in her life had seen anybody so stupid as he -himself, William Hans. - -To the mind of Sir Osborne, the lady somewhat forgot the respect due -to her master; but, however, whether it was from one of those strange, -mysterious ascendancies which cooks and housekeepers occasionally -acquire over middle-aged single gentlemen, or whether it was from a -natural meekness of disposition in the worthy Fleming, he bore it with -most exemplary patience; and when want of breath for a moment pulled -the check-string of the lady's tongue, he informed her that the two -strangers had come unexpectedly. Thereupon, muttering to herself -something very like "Why the devil did they come at all!" she set down -on the table a dish of hot boiled salmon; and, after flouncing out of -the room, returned with the air of the most injured person in the -world, bringing in a platter-full of dried peas, likewise boiled. - -These various ingredients (the salmon was salted) William Hans -immediately seized upon, and emptied them into the great bowl we have -already mentioned. Then casting off his gown, and tucking up the -sleeves of his coat, he mashed them all together; adding various -slices of some well-preserved pippins, a wooden spoon's capacity of -fine oil, and three of vinegar. Fancy such a mess to eat at eleven -o'clock at night, and then go to bed and dream! Boiled salmon and -peas! apples and oil! and vinegar to crown it! - -However, Sir Osborne resisted the tempting viands, and contented -himself with some of the plain bread, although both the merchant and -the captain pressed him several times to partake; assuring him, while -the oil and vinegar ran out at the corners of their mouths, that it -was "very coot; very coot indeed; excellent!" And so much did they -seem to enjoy it, that the unhappy Longpole was tempted for his sins -to taste the egregious compound, and begged a small quantity at the -hands of good Master Hans. The bountiful merchant shovelled a -waggon-load of it upon his plate, and the yeoman, fancying himself -bound in common politeness to eat it, contrived to swallow three whole -mouthfuls with a meekness and patience that in the succeeding reign -would have classed him with the martyrs; but at the fourth his -humanity rebelled, and thrusting the plate from him with a vehemence -that nearly overturned all the rest, "No!" cried he. "No, by----! -there is no standing that!" - -The merchant and his countryman chuckled amazingly at poor Longpole's -want of taste, and even the knight, albeit in no very laughter-loving -mood, could not help smiling at his custrel's discomfiture. But as all -things must come to an end, the salt salmon and peas were at length -concluded, and some marmalades and confections substituted in their -place, which proved much more suitable to the taste of such of the -company as were uninitiated in the mysteries of Flemish cookery. - -With the sweatmeats came the wines, which were all of peculiar rarity -and excellence; for in this particular, at least, William Hans was a -man of no small taste, which he kept indeed in continual practice. Not -that we would imply that he drank too much or too often, but still the -god of the gilded horns had been gently fingering his nose, and with a -light and skilful pencil had decorated all the adjacent parts with a -minute and delicate tracery of interwoven rosy lines. - -As the wine diffused itself over his stomach, it seemed to buoy up his -heart to his lips. Prudence, too, slackened her reins, and on went his -tongue, galloping as a beggar's horse is reported to do, on a way that -shall be nameless. Many were the things he said which he should not -have said, and many were the things he told which would have been -better left untold. Amongst others, he acknowledged himself a -Lutheran, which in that age, if it tended to find out bliss in the -other world, was very likely to bring down damnation in this. He -averred that he looked upon the Bishop of Rome, as he called the pope, -in the light of that Babylonish old lady whose more particular -qualification is not fit for ears polite; and he confessed that when -Dr. Fitz-James, the Bishop of London, had bought up all the -translations of the Bible he could find, and burnt them all at Paul's -Cross, he had furnished the furious Romanist with a whole cargo of -incomplete copies. "So that," continued he, "the bishop damned his own -soul the more completely by burning God's Word, and paid the freight -and binding of a new and complete set into the bargain." And he -chuckled and grinned with mercantile glee at his successful -speculation, and with puritanic triumph over the persecutors of his -sect. - -Sir Osborne soon began to be weary of the scene, and begged to know -where he should find his chamber, upon which Master Hans rose to -conduct him, with perfect steadiness of limb, the wine having affected -nothing but his tongue. Lighting a lamp, he preceded the knight with -great reverence; and while Longpole followed with the armour, he led -the way up a little narrow stair to a small room, the walls of which, -though not covered with arras, were hung with painted canvass, after a -common fashion of the day, representing the whole history of Jonah and -the whale; wherein the fish was decidedly cod, and the sea undoubtedly -butter and parsley, notwithstanding anything that the scientific may -say to such an assemblage. The ship was evidently one that would have -sunk in any sea except that she was in: she could not have sailed -across Chancery Lane in a wet day without foundering; and, as if to -render her heavier, the artist had stowed her to the head with -Dutchmen, rendering her, like the _dinde à la Sainte Alliance_ (viz. a -turkey stuffed with woodcocks), one heavy thing crammed full of -another. - -The whole of the room, however, was cleanliness itself: the little bed -that stood in the corner with its fine linen sheets, the small deal -table, even the very sand upon the floor, all were as white as snow. -"I am afraid, my coot lord," said the merchant, who never lost his -respect for his guest, "that your lordship will be poorly lodged; but -these three chambers along in front are what I keep always ready, in -case of any of my captains arriving unexpectedly, and it is all clean -and proper, I can assure you. I will now go and bring you a cushion -for your head, and what the French call the _coupe de bonne nuit_, and -will myself call your lordship to-morrow, before any one is up, that -you may take your hiding-place without being seen." - -The knight was somewhat surprised to find his host's recollection so -clear, notwithstanding his potations; but he knew not what much habit -in that kind will do, and still doubted whether his memory would be -active enough to remind him that he was to call him when the next -morning should really come. - -However, he did Master Hans injustice; for without fail, at the hour -of five, he presented himself at the knight's door; and soon after -rousing Longpole, he conducted them both down to the warehouses, -through whose deep obscurity they groped their way, amidst tuns, and -bags, and piles, and bales, with no other light than such straggling -rays as found their way through the chinks and crevices of the boards -which covered the windows for the night. - -At length an enormous butt presented itself, which appeared to be -empty; for without any great effort the old merchant contrived to move -it from its place. Behind this appeared a pile of untanned hides, -which he set himself to put on one side as fast as possible, though -for what purpose Sir Osborne did not well understand, as he beheld -nothing behind them but the rough planks which formed the wall of the -warehouse. As the pile diminished, a circumstance occurred which made -all the parties hurry their movements, and despatch the hides as fast -as possible. This was nothing else than a loud and reiterated knocking -at the outer door, which at first induced Master Hans to raise his -head and listen; but then, without saying a word, he set himself to -work again harder than ever, and with the assistance of the knight and -Longpole, soon cleared away all obstruction, and left the fair face of -the boarded wall before them. - -Kneeling down, the merchant now thrust his fingers under the planks, -where the apparently rude workmanship of the builder had left a chink -between them and the ground, then applied all his strength to a -vigorous heave, and in a moment three of the planks at once slid up, -being made to play in a groove, like the door of a lion's den, and -discovered a small chamber beyond, lighted by a glazed aperture -towards the sky. - -"In, in, my coot lord!" cried the merchant; "don't you hear how they -are knocking at the door? They will soon rouse my maid Julian, though -she sleeps like a marmot. What they want I don't know." - -Sir Osborne and Longpole were not tardy in taking possession of their -hiding-place; and having themselves pulled down the sliding door by -means of the cross-bars, which in the inside united the three planks -together, they fastened it with a little bolt, whereby any one within -could render his retreat as firm, and, to all appearance, as -immoveable as the rest of the wall. They then heard the careful -William Hans replace the hides, roll back the butt, and pace away; -after which nothing met their ear but the unceasing knocking at the -outer door, which seemed every minute to assume a fiercer character, -and which was perfectly audible in their place of refuge. - -The merchant appeared to treat the matter very carelessly, and not to -make any reply till it suited his convenience; for during some minutes -he let the knockers knock on. At length, however, that particular -sound ceased, and from a sort of rush and clatter of several tongues, -the knight concluded that the door had been at length opened. At the -same time the voice of the Fleming made itself heard, in well-assumed -tones of passion, abusing the intruders for waking him so early in the -morning, bringing scandal upon his house, and taking away his -character. - -"Seize the old villain!" cried another voice; "we have certain -information that they are here. Search every hole and corner; they -must have arrived last night." - -Such, and various other broken sentences, pronounced by the loud -tongue of some man in office, reached the ears of Sir Osborne, -convincing him, notwithstanding Henry's assurance that till noon of -that day he should remain unpursued, that Wolsey, taking advantage of -the king's absence at Richmond, had lost no time in issuing the -warrant for his arrest. - -Sitting down on a pile of books, which was the only thing that the -little chamber contained, he listened with some degree of anxiety to -the various noises of the search. Now it was a direction from the -chief of the party to look here or to look there; now the various -cries of the searchers when they either thought they had discovered -something suspicious or were disappointed in some expectation; now the -rolling of the butts, the overturning of the bales, the casting down -of the skins and leathers; now the party was far off, and now so near -that the knight could hear every movement of the man who examined the -hides before the door of his hiding-place. At one time, in the -eagerness of his search, the fellow even struck his elbow against the -boarding, and might probably have discovered that it was hollow -underneath, had not the tingling pain of his arm engaged all his -attention, passing off in a fit of dancing and stamping, mingled with -various ungodly execrations. - -At length, however, the pursuers seemed entirely foiled; and -after having passed more than two hours, some in examining the -dwelling-house and some the warehouse, after having tumbled over every -article of poor William Hans's goods, their loud cries and insolent -swaggering dwindled away to low murmurs of disappointment; and growing -fainter and fainter as they proceeded to the door, the sounds at -length ceased entirely, and left the place in complete silence. Not -long after, the workmen arrived and began their ordinary occupations -for the day; and Sir Osborne and Longpole thanked their happy stars, -both for having escaped the present danger, and for their enemy's -search being now probably turned in some other direction. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVII. - - _Norfolk_.--What, are you chafed? - Ask God for temperance; that's the appliance only - Which your disease requires.--Shakspere. - - -As the day passed on, Sir Osborne grew more and more impatient under -his confinement. He felt a sort of degradation in being thus pent up, -like a wild beast in a cage; and though with invincible patience he -had lain a thousand times more still in many an ambuscade, he felt an -almost irresistible desire to unbolt the door, and assure himself that -he was really at large, by going forth and exercising his limbs in the -free air. But then came the remembrance that such a proceeding would -almost infallibly transfer him to a still stricter prison, where, -instead of being voluntary and but for one day, his imprisonment would -be forced and long-continued. The thought, too, of Constance de Grey, -and the hope of winning her yet, gave great powers of endurance; and -he contented himself with every now and then marching up and down the -little chamber, which, taken transversely, just afforded him space for -three steps and a-half, and at other times with speaking in a whisper -to Longpole, who, having brought the armour down with him, sat in one -corner, polishing off any little dim spots that the damp of the night -air might have left upon it. - -"This is very tiresome," said the knight. - -"Very tiresome, indeed, my lord!" replied Longpole. "I've been -fancying myself a blackbird in a wicker cage for the last hour. May I -whistle?" - -"No, no," cried the knight. "Give me the casque; I will polish that by -way of doing something. Don't you think, Longpole, if underneath the -volant-piece a stout sort of avantaille were carried down, about an -inch broad and two inches long, of hard steel, it would prevent the -visor from being borne in, as I have often seen, by the blow of a -solid lance?" - -"Yes," answered Longpole; "but it would prevent your lordship from -blowing your nose. Oh! I do hate improvement, my lord. Depend upon it, -'tis the worst thing in the world. Men improve, and improve, and -improve, till they leave nothing that's original on the earth. I would -wager your lordship a hundred marks, that, by two or three hundred -years hence, people will have so improved their armour that there will -be none at all." - -"Zounds, Bill!" cried a voice in the warehouse, "don't you hear some -folks talking?" - -"It's some one in the street," answered another voice. "Yet it sounded -vastly near, too." - -This, however, was quite sufficient warning for the knight to be -silent; and taking up one of the books upon which he had been sitting, -he found that it was an English version of the Bible, with copies of -which it appears that Master William Hans was in the habit of -supplying the English protestants. Our mother Eve's bad old habit of -prying into forbidden sources of knowledge affects us all more or -less; and as the Bible was at that time prohibited in England, except -to the clergy, Sir Osborne very naturally opened it and began reading. -What effect its perusal had upon his mind matters little: suffice it -that he read on, and found sufficient matter of interest therein to -occupy him fully. Hour after hour fled, and day waned slowly; but -having once laid his hand upon that book, the knight no longer felt -the tardy current of the time, and night fell before the day which he -anticipated as so tedious seemed to have half passed away. - -A long while elapsed, after the darkness had interrupted Sir Osborne -in his study, before the warehouse was closed for the night; which, -however, was no sooner accomplished than good Master Hans, accompanied -by his friend Skippenhausen, came to deliver them from their -confinement. - -"He! he! he!" cried the merchant, as they came forth. "Did you hear -what a noise they made, my coot lord, when they came searching this -morning? They did not find them, though, for they were all in beside -you." - -"What do you mean?" demanded the knight. "Who were in beside us? -Nobody came here." - -"I mean the Bibles; I mean the Word of God," cried the merchant; "the -bread of life, that those villains came seeking this morning, which, -if they had got, they would have burnt most sacrilegiously, as an -offering to the harlot of their idolatry." - -"Then I was wrong in supposing that they searched for me?" said the -knight, with a smile at his own mistake. - -"Oh, no; not for you at all!" replied the merchant. "It was the Bibles -that Skippenhausen brought over from Holland, for the poor English -protestants, who are here denied to eat of the bread or drink of the -water of salvation. But now, my lord, if you will condescend to be -weighed, you will be ready to sail at four in the morning; for your -horses and horse-armour are all weighed and aboard, and the cargo will -be complete when your lordship and your gentleman are shipped." - -Finding that Master Skippenhausen was bent upon ascertaining his -weight, Sir Osborne consented to get into the merchant's large scales; -and being as it were lotted with Longpole, his horse-bags, and his -armour, he made a very respectable entry in the captain's books. After -this, Master Hans led him into his counting-house, and displayed his -books before him; but as the items of his account might be somewhat -tedious, it may be as well merely to say, that the young knight found -he had expended, in the short time he had remained in Henry's -luxurious court, more than two thousand five hundred marks; so that of -the two thousand seven hundred which he had possessed in the hands of -the Fleming, and the thousand which he had won at the Duke of -Buckingham's, but one thousand two hundred and a trifle remained. - -Sir Osborne was surprised; but the accurate merchant left no point in -doubt, and the young knight began to think that it was lucky he had -been driven from the court before all his funds were completely -expended. He found, however, to his satisfaction, that a great variety -of arms and warlike implements, which he had gathered together while -in Flanders, and had left in the warehouses of the merchant since he -had been in England, had been shipped on board Skippenhausen's vessel, -whose acknowledgment of having received them William Hans now put into -his hand; and having paid him the sum due, and received an -acquittance, he led him once more upstairs into the scene of the last -night's revel. - -We shall pass over this second evening at the merchant's house without -entering into any details thereof, only remarking that it passed more -pleasantly than the former one, there being at the supper-table some -dishes which an Englishman could eat, and which his stomach might -probably digest. At an early hour Sir Osborne cast himself upon his -bed, and slept, though every now and then the thoughts of his -approaching voyage made him start up and wonder what was the hour; and -then, as Skippenhausen did not appear, he would lie down and sleep -again, each half-hour of this disturbed slumber seeming like a whole -long night. - -At length, however, when he just began to enjoy a more tranquil rest, -he was awakened by the seaman; and dressing himself as quickly as -possible, he followed to William Hans's parlour, where the worthy -merchant waited to drink a parting cup with his guests and wish them a -prosperous voyage. - -As the easiest means of carrying their harness, Sir Osborne and -Longpole had both armed themselves; and as soon as they had received -the Fleming's benediction in a cup of sack, they donned their casques -and followed the captain towards the vessel. - -It was a dull and drizzly morning, and many was the dark foul street, -and many the narrow tortuous lane, through which they had to pass. -Wapping, all dismal and wretched as it appears even now-a-days to the -unfortunate voyager, who, called from his warm bed in a wet London -morning, is rolled along through its long, hopeless windings, and -amidst its tall, spiritless houses, towards the ship destined to bear -him to some other land; and which, with a perversion of intellect only -to be met with in ships, stage-coaches, and other woodenheaded things, -is always sure to set out at an hour when all rational creatures are -sleeping in their beds; Wapping, I say, as it stands at present, in -its darkness and its filth, is gay and lightsome to the paths by which -worshipful Master Skippenhausen conducted Sir Osborne and his follower -towards his vessel. Sloppy, silent, and deserted, the streets boasted -no living creature besides themselves, unless, indeed, it was some -poor mechanic, who, with his shoulders up to his ear's, and his hands -clasped together to keep them warm, picked his way through the dirt -towards his early toil. The heavens frowned upon them, and the air -that surrounded them was one of those chill, wet, thick, dispiriting -atmospheres which no other city than London can boast in the month of -May. - -There is a feeling of melancholy attached to quitting anything to -which we have, even for a time, habituated our hopes and wishes, or -even our thoughts: however dull, however uninteresting, a place may be -in itself, if therein we have familiar associations and customary -feelings, we must ever feel a degree of pain in leaving it. I am -convinced there is a sort of glutinous quality in the mind of man, -which sticks it to everything it rests upon; or is it attraction of -cohesion? However, the knight had a thousand sufficient reasons for -feeling melancholy and depressed, as he quitted the capital of his -native land. He left behind him hopes, and expectations, and -affection, and love; almost all those feelings which, like the various -colours mingled in a sunbeam, unite to form the light of human -existence, and without which it is dull, dark, and heavy, like heaven -without the sun. And yet, perhaps, he would have felt the parting less -had the morning looked more brightly on him; had there been one gleam -of light to give a fair augury for willing hope to seize. But, no; it -was all black and gloomy, and the very sky seemed to reflect the -feelings of his own bosom. Thus, as he walked along after the captain, -there was a stern, heavy determination in his footfall, unlike either -the light step of expectation or the calm march of contentment. What -he felt was not precisely despair: it was the bitterness of much -disappointment; and he strode quickly onward, as if at once to conquer -and to fly from his own sensations. - -At length a narrow lane brought them to the side of the river, where -waited a boat to convey them to the Dutchman's ship, which lay out -some way from the bank. Beside the stairs stood a man apparently on -the watch, but he seemed quite familiar with Master Skippenhausen, who -gave him a nod as he passed, and pointing to his companions said, -"This is the gentleman and his servant." - -"Very well," said the man; "go on!" and the whole party, taking their -places in the boat without further question, were speedily pulled -round to the vessel by the two stout Dutchmen who awaited them. As -soon as they were on board, the captain led the knight down into the -cabin, which he found in a state of glorious confusion, but which -Skippenhausen assured him would be the safest place for him, till they -had got some way down the river; for that they might have visiters on -board, whom he could not prevent from seeing all that were upon the -deck, though he would take care that they should not come below. - -"Ay, Master Skippenhausen," cried Longpole; "for God's sake fetter all -spies and informers with a silver ring, and let us up on deck again as -soon as possible, for I am tired of being hid about in holes and -corners, like a crooked silver groat in the box of a careful maid; and -as for my lord, he looks more weary of it than even I am." - -The master promised faithfully, that as soon as the vessel had passed -Blackwall he would give them notice, and then proceeded to the deck, -where, almost immediately after, all the roaring and screaming made -itself heard which seems absolutely necessary to get a ship under way. -In truth, it was a concert as delectable as any that ever greeted a -poor voyager on his outset: the yelling of the seamen, the roaring of -the master and his subordinates, the creaking and whistling of the -masts and cordage, together with volleys of clumsy Dutch oaths, all -reached the ears of the knight, as he sat below in the close, foul -cabin, and, joined to his own painful feelings, made him almost fancy -himself in the Dutch part of Hades. Still the swinging of the vessel -told that, though not as an effect, yet at least as an accompaniment -to all this din, the ship was already on her voyage; and after a few -minutes, a more regular and easy motion began to take place, as she -glided down what is now called the Pool. - -However, much raving, and swearing, and cursing, to no purpose, still -went on, whenever the vessel passed in the proximity of another; and, -as there were several dropping down at the same time, manifold were -the opportunities which presented themselves for the captain and the -pilot to exercise their execrative faculties. But at length the -disturbance began to cease, and the ship held her even course down the -river, while the sun, now fully risen, dispelled the clouds that had -hung over the early morning, and the day looked more favourably upon -their passage. - -Sir Osborne gazed out of the little window in the stern, noticing the -various villages that they passed on their way down, till the palace -at Greenwich, and the park sweeping up behind, met his eye, together -with many a little object associated with hopes, and feelings, and -happiness gone by, recalling most painfully all that expectation had -promised and disappointment had done away. It was too much to look -upon steadily; and turning from the sight, he folded his arms on the -table, and burying his eyes on them, remained in that position till -the master descending told him that they were now free from all -danger. - -On this information, the knight gladly mounted the ladder, and paced -up and down the deck, enjoying the free air, while Longpole jested -with Master Skippenhausen, teasing him the more, perhaps, because he -saw that the seaman had put on that sort of surly, domineering air -which the master of a vessel often assumes the moment his foot touches -the deck, however gay and mild he may be on shore. Nevertheless, as we -are now rapidly approaching that part of this book wherein the events -become more thronged and pressing, we must take the liberty of leaving -out all the long conversation which Vonderbrugius reports as having -taken place between Skippenhausen and Longpole, as well as a very -minute and particular account of a sail down the river Thames, -wherewith the learned professor embellishes his history, and which, -though doubtless very interesting to the Dutch burgomasters and their -wives, of a century and a half ago, would not greatly edify the -British public of the present day, when every cook-maid steps once -a-year into the steam-packet, and is paddled down to Margate, with -less trouble than it took an Englishman of the reign of Harry the -Eighth to go from Charing cross to Lombard Street. - -The wind was in their favour, and the tide running strongly down, so -that passing, one by one, Woolwich, Purfleet, Erith, Gravesend, and -sundry other places, in a few hours they approached near the ocean -limits of the English land; while the river, growing mightier and -mightier as it rolled on, seemed to rush towards the sea with a sort -of daring equality, rather a rival than a tributary, till, meeting its -giant sovereign, it gave vent to its pride in a few frothy waves; and -then, yielding to his sway, poured all its treasures in his bosom. - -Before they had reached the mouth of the river, they beheld a vessel -which had preceded them suddenly take in sail and lie-to under the lee -of the Essex shore; the reason of which was made very evident the -moment after, by the vane at the mast-head wheeling round, and the -wind coming in heavy squalls right upon their beam. The Dutchman's -ship was not one at all calculated to sail near the wind; and paying -little consideration to the necessity of Sir Osborne's case, he -followed the example of the vessel before him, and gave orders for -taking in sail and lying-to, declaring that the gale would not last. -The knight remonstrated, but he might as well have talked to the wind -itself. Skippenhausen was quite inflexible, not even taking the pains -to answer a word, and, contenting himself with muttering a few -sentences in high Dutch, interspersed with various objurgatory -addresses to the sailors. - -Whether the worthy Hollander's conduct on this occasion was right, -proper, and seaman-like, we must leave to some better qualified -tribunal than our own weak noddle to determine, professing to be most -profoundly ignorant on nautical affairs; but so the matter stood, that -the knight was obliged to swing one whole night in an uncomfortable -hammock in an uncomfortable ship, in the mouth of the river Thames, -with a bitter fancy resting on his mind, that this waste of time was -quite unnecessary, and that with a little courage and a little skill -on the part of the master, he might before the next morning have been -landed at Dunkirk, to which city he was to be safely carried, -according to his agreement with the Dutchman. - -By daybreak the next morning the wind was rather more favourable, and -at all events by no means violent, so that the vessel was soon once -more under way. Still, however, they made but little progress; and -even the ship that was before them, though a faster sailer and one -that could keep nearer the wind, made little more way than themselves. -While in this situation, trying by a long tack to mend their course, -with about the distance of half-a-mile between them and the other -vessel, they perceived a ship-of-war apparently run out from the Essex -coast some way to windward, and bear down upon them with all sail set. - -"Who have we here, I wonder?" said the knight, addressing -Skippenhausen, who had been watching the approaching vessel -attentively for some minutes. - -"'Tis an English man-of-war," replied the master, "Coot now, don't you -see the red cross on her flag? By my life, she is making a signal to -us! It must be you she is wanting, my lord; for on my life I have -nothing contraband but you aboard. I will not understand her signal, -though; and as the breeze is coming up, I will run for it. Go you down -in the cabin and hide yourself." - -"I will go down," replied the knight. "But hide myself I will not; I -have had too much of it already." - -Skippenhausen, who, as we before hinted, had by the long habit of -smuggling in a small way acquired a taste for the concealed and -mysterious, tried in vain to persuade the knight to hide himself under -a pile of bedding. On this subject Sir Osborne was as deaf as the -other had been the night before, in regard to proceeding on their -voyage; and all the concession that the master could obtain was that -the two Englishmen would go below and wait the event, while he tried, -by altering his course and running before the wind, to weary the -pursuers, if they were not very hearty in the cause. - -"Well, Longpole," said Sir Osborne, "I suppose that we must look upon -ourselves as caught at last." - -"Would your worship like us to stand to our arms?" demanded the -yeoman. "We could make this cabin good a long while in case of -necessity." - -"By no means," replied the knight. "I will on no account resist the -king's will. Besides, it would be spilling good blood to little -purpose; for we must yield at last." - -"As your lordship pleases," answered the custrel; "but knowing how -fond you are of a good downright blow of estoc at a fair gentleman's -head, I thought you might like to take advantage of the present -occasion, which may be your last for some time." - -"Perhaps it may be a mistake still," answered the knight, "and pass -away like the search for the Bibles when we were concealed in the -warehouse. However, we shall soon see: at all events, till it comes I -shall take no heed about it;" and casting himself into a seat, with a -bitter smile, as if wearied out with Fortune's caprices, and resolved -to struggle no longer for her favour, he gazed forth from the little -stern window upon the wide expanse of water that rolled away towards -the horizon. The aperture of this window, not being more than six -inches either in height or width, and cut through the thick timbers of -the Dutch vessel for considerably more than a foot in depth, was in -fact not much better than a telescope without a glass, so that the -knight's view was not a little circumscribed in respect to all the -nearer objects, and he was only able to see, as the ship pitched, the -glassy green waves, mingled with white foam, rushing tumultuously from -under her stern as she now scudded before the wind, leaving a long, -glistening, frothy track behind, to mark where she had made her path -through the midst of the broad sea. As he looked farther out, however, -the prospect widened; and at the extreme verge, where the sea and the -sky, almost one in unity of hue, showed still a faint line of light to -mark their boundary, he could perceive, rising up as it were from the -bosom of the deep, the light tracery of masts and rigging belonging to -far distant vessels, whose hulls were still concealed by the convexity -of the waters. Nearer, but yet within the range that the narrowness of -the window allowed his sight, appeared the vessel that had dropped -down the river just before them, and the English ship-of-war, which, -crowding all sail before the wind, seemed in full chase, not of their -companion, but of themselves; for the other, in obedience to the -signal, had hauled her wind and lay-to. - -Sir Osborne now watched to ascertain whether the man-of-war gained -upon them, but an instant's observation put an end to all doubt. She -evidently came nearer and nearer, and soon approached so close as -scarcely to be within range of his view, being lost and seen -alternately at every motion of the ship. At length, as the vessel -pitched, she disappeared for a moment, then came in sight again; a -quick flash glanced along her bow, and the moment after, when she was -no longer visible to his eye, the sullen report of a cannon came upon -the wind. - -By a sudden change in the motion of the vessel, together with various -cries upon the deck, the knight now concluded that the Dutchman had at -length obeyed this peremptory signal and lay-to, which was in fact the -case; for passing over to the window on the other side, he again got a -view of the English ship, which sailed majestically up, and then, when -within a few hundred yards, put out and manned a boat, which rowed off -towards them. Sir Osborne had not long an opportunity of observing the -boat in her approach, as she soon passed out of the small space which -he could see; but in a few minutes after, the voice of some one, -raised to its very highest pitch, made itself heard from a distance, -hardly near enough for the knight to distinguish the words, though he -every now and then caught enough to perceive that the whole consisted -of a volley of curses discharged at Master Skippenhausen for not -having obeyed the signal. - -The Dutchman replied, in a tone of angry surliness, that he had not -seen their signal; and in a minute or two more, a harsh grating rush -against the vessel told that the boat was alongside. - -"I will teach you, you Dutch son of a dog-fish, not to lie-to when one -of the king's ships makes the signal," cried a loud voice by the side. -"Have you any passengers on board?" - -"Yes, five or six," answered the Dutchman. - -"Stop! I will come on board," cried the voice, and then proceeded, as -if while climbing the ship's side, "have yon one Sir Osborne Maurice -with you?" - -"No!" answered Skippenhausen, stoutly. - -"Well, we will soon see that," cried the other; "for I have orders to -attach him for high treason. Come, bustle! disperse, my boys! You, -Wilfred, go forward; I will down here and see who is in the cabin; and -if I find him, Master Dutchman, I will slit your ears." - - - - -CHAPTER XXVIII. - - My conscience will serve me to run from this Jew. - _Merchant of Venice_. - - -We will now return to Lady Constance de Grey, whose fate must no -longer be left in uncertainty; and taking up the thread of our -narrative at the moment Sir Osborne quitted her, on the eventful -evening which destroyed all his fond expectations, we will, in our -homely way, record the events that followed. - -It may be remembered, that at the very instant the knight parted from -good Dr. Wilbraham at the door of the young lady's apartment in the -palace at Richmond, a letter was put into the clergyman's hands, to be -delivered to the heiress of De Grey, for such was the style of the -address. No time was lost by Dr. Wilbraham in giving the letter into -his lady's hands; and on being opened, it proved to be one of those -anonymous epistles which are seldom even worth the trouble of -deciphering, being prompted always by some motive which dares not avow -itself. - -However, as Lady Constance was very little in the habit of receiving -letters from any one, and certainly none to which the writer dare not -put his name, mere curiosity, if nothing else, would have prompted her -to read it through; the more especially as it was written in a fine -and clerkly hand, and in a style and manner to be acquired alone by -high and courtly education. Although the letter is still extant, we -shall not copy it, having already given one specimen of the -compositions of that day, and not at all wishing to depreciate the -times of our hero and heroine in the estimation of our more cultivated -readers. Let it be considered as sufficient, then, that we merely say, -the letter professed to be a warning from a friend, and informed the -young lady that the most rigorous measures were about to be adopted -towards her, in case of her still refusing to comply with Wolsey's -command in respect to her marriage with Lord Darby. The writer then -hinted that perpetual seclusion in a convent, together with the -forfeiture of all her estates, would be the consequence, if she could -not contrive to fly immediately; but that, if she could, her person at -least would be at liberty, and that a friend would watch over her -property; and, as a conclusion, he advised her to leave Richmond by -water, as the means which would leave the least trace of her course. - -So singularly did this letter anticipate not only her own fears, but -also her own plans, that it instantly acquired, in the eyes of Lady -Constance, an authenticity which it did not otherwise possess; and -placing it in the hands of Dr. Wilbraham, she asked his opinion upon -its contents. - -"Pshaw!" cried the clergyman when he had read it; "pshaw! lady, it is -all nonsense! The very reverend lord cardinal will never try to make -you marry against your will. Do not frighten yourself about it, my -dear lady; depend on it, 'tis all nonsense. Let me see it again." But -after he had read it over once more, Dr. Wilbraham's opinion seemed in -some degree to change. He considered the letter, and reconsidered it, -with very thoughtful eyes, and then declared it was strange that any -one should write it unless it were true; and yet he would not believe -that either. "Pray, lady, have you any idea who wrote it?" demanded -he. - -"I can imagine but one person," said Lady Constance, "who could -possess the knowledge and would take the pains. Margaret, leave us," -she continued, turning to the waiting-woman. "I have heard, my dear -Dr. Wilbraham," she proceeded, as soon as they were alone, "that you -were in former times acquainted with an old knight called Sir Cesar. I -met him yesterday when I was out in the park." Lady Constance paused, -and a slight blush came into her cheek, as she remembered that the -good clergyman knew nothing of the affection which subsisted between -herself and Darnley; and feeling a strong repugnance to say that he -was with her at the moment, she hesitated, not knowing how to proceed. - -Dr. Wilbraham relieved her, however, by exclaiming, the instant she -stopped, "Oh, yes, lady; in truth I know him well. He was the dearest -and the best friend of my Lord Fitzbernard; and though unhappily given -to strange and damnable pursuits--God forgive him!--I must say he was -a friend to all the human race, and a man to be trusted and esteemed. -But think you this letter came from him?" - -"He is the only one," replied Constance, "on whom my mind could for a -moment fix as having written it." - -"It is very likely," answered the clergyman: "it is very likely; and -if it comes from him, you may believe every word that it contains. His -knowledge, lady, is strange, is very strange, and is more than good, -but it is sure. He is one of those restless spirits that must ever be -busy; and, human knowledge not being sufficient for his eager mind, he -has sought more than he should seek, and found more than is for the -peace of his soul." - -"But if he make a good use of his knowledge," said Constance, "surely -it cannot be very wicked, my dear sir." - -"It is presumptuous, lady," replied the clergyman; "it is most -presumptuous to seek what God has concealed from our poor nature." - -"But if this letter be from him," said the lady, "and the bad tidings -that it brings be true, what ought I to do? You, whom my dear father -left with me, asking you never to quit me---you must be my adviser, -and tell me what to do in this emergency; for sure I am that you will -never advise me to marry a man whom I do not love, and who does not -even love me." - -"No, no, heaven forbid! especially when you would rather marry -Osborne," said the good clergyman with the utmost simplicity, looking -upon it quite as a matter of course, which required no particular -delicacy of handling: "and a much better thing too, lady, in every -respect," he continued, seeing that he had called up a blush in -Constance's cheek, and fancying that it arose from a fear of his -disapproving her choice. "If you will tell the lord cardinal all the -circumstances, depend upon it he will not press you to do anything you -dislike. Let him have the whole history, my dear lady; tell him that -you do not love Lord Darby, and that he loves another; and then show -him how dearly Darnley loves you, and how you love him in return; and -then----" - -"Oh, hush, hush! my dear Dr. Wilbraham!" cried the lady, with the -blood glowing through her fair clear skin, over neck, and face, and -forehead. "Impossible, indeed; quite impossible! You forget." - -"Oh! yes, yes, I did forget," replied the chaplain. "Osborne does not -wish his name to be known; I did forget. Very true! That is -unfortunate. But cannot you just insinuate that you do love some one -else, but do not like to mention his name?" - -Lady Constance now endeavoured to make the simple clergyman -understand, that under any circumstances she would be obliged to limit -her reply to the cardinal to a plain refusal to wed Lord Darby; and -though he could not enter into any feelings of reluctance on her part -to avow her regard for Darnley, yet he fully comprehended that she was -bound to hold undivulged the confidence of others. However, he did not -cease to lament that this was the case, fully convinced in his own -mind, that if she had been able to inform Wolsey of everything, the -prelate, whom he judged after his own heart, would have unhesitatingly -accorded his sanction to all her wishes, whereas, at present, her -refusal might be attributed to obstinacy, being unsupported by any -reasons; and thus, indeed, he observed, Sir Cesar's prediction might -be fulfilled, and she obliged to fly to screen herself from the -consequences. Dr. Wilbraham having admitted that there might be a -necessity for flight, the mind of Constance was infinitely quieted, -that being a point on which she had long, long wished to ascertain his -opinion, yet had timidly held back, believing him to be unacquainted -with the most powerful motive that actuated her. Nothing now remained -but to learn whether he would so far sanction her proceedings as to -accompany her; and she was considering the best means of proposing it -to him, when she received a message to inform her that the cardinal -waited her in the little tapestried hall. - -The moment which was to decide her fate she plainly perceived to be -now arrived; but, with all the gentle sweetness of her character, a -fund of dauntless resolution had descended to her from a long line of -warlike ancestors, which failed not to come to her aid in moments of -danger and extremity; and though she had long dreaded the interview to -which she was now called, she prepared to undergo it with courage and -firmness. In obedience to the cardinal's command, then, she descended -to the hall, accompanied by two of her women, who, though neither -likely to suffer anything themselves, nor informed of their mistress's -situation, yet felt much more alarm at the thoughts of approaching the -imperious Wolsey than even she herself did, burthened as her mind was -with the certainty of offending a man the limit of whose power it was -not easy to define. - -At the door of the hall stood two of the cardinal's ushers, by whom -she was introduced into the chamber to which Wolsey had retired after -leaving the king, and where, seated in a chair of state, he waited her -approach with many an ensign of his pomp and power about. As she -entered, he fixed his eye upon her, scarcely rising from his seat, but -still slightly bending his head in token of salutation. The high blood -of De Grey, however, though flowing in a woman's veins, and one of the -gentlest of her sex, was not made to humble itself before the upstart -prelate; and moving forward unbidden, Lady Constance calmly seated -herself in a chair opposite to that of the cardinal, while her women -placed themselves behind her; and thus, in silence, she waited for him -to speak. - -"Lady," said Wolsey, when she was seated, "at the time I saw you last, -I proposed to you a marriage, which in point of rank, of fortune, and -of every other accessory circumstance, is one which may well be -counted amongst the best of the land, and for which I expected to have -your thanks. Instead thereof, however, I received, at the moment of my -departure for York, a letter wherein, with a mild obstinacy and an -humble pride, you did reject what was worthy of your best gratitude. A -month has now waned since then, and I trust that calm reflection has -restored you to your sense of what is right; which being the case, all -that is past shall be pardoned and forgot." - -"Your proposal, my lord cardinal," replied Lady Constance, "was -doubtless intended for my happiness, and therein you have my most -sincere gratitude; but yet I see not how I can have merited either -reproof or pardon, in a matter which, alone concerning myself, no one -can judge of but myself." - -"You speak amiss, lady," said Wolsey, haughtily; "ay, and very boldly -do you speak. Am not I your guardian by the English law? and are you -not my ward? Say, lady, say!" - -"I am your ward, my lord," replied Lady Constance, her spirit rising -under his oppression, "but not your slave; you are my guardian, but -not my master." - -"You are nice in your refinements, lady," said the cardinal; "but if I -am your guardian, I am to judge what is good for you, till such time -as the law permits you to judge for yourself." - -"That time is within one month, my lord," answered Constance; "and -even were it longer, I never yet did hear that a guardian could force -a ward to wed against her will, though I at once acknowledge his right -to forbid her marriage where he may judge against it." - -"Nay!" exclaimed Wolsey, "this is somewhat too much. This bold spirit, -lady, becomes you not, and must be abated. Learn, that though I in -gentleness rule you but as a ward, and for your own good control your -stubborn will, the king, your sovereign, may act with a stronger hand, -and, heedless of your idle fancies, compel you to obey." - -"Then to the king, my sovereign, I appeal," said Constance, "sure that -his justice and his clemency will yield me that protection which, God -help me! I much need." - -"Your appeal is in vain, proud girl!" cried the cardinal, rising -angrily, while the fiery spirit flashed forth from his dark eye. "I -stand here armed in this case with the king's power, and commissioned -to speak his will; and 'tis in his name that I command you, on -Thursday next, at God's altar, to give your hand to your noble cousin, -Lord Darby; ay, and gratefully to give it, without which you may fall -to beggary and want; for know, that all those broad lands which now so -swell your pride are claimed by Sir Payan Wileton, in right of male -descent, and may pass away like a shadow from your feeble hand, -leaving you nought but your vanity for dowry." - -"Then let them pass," said Constance, firmly; "for I would sooner a -thousand times be landless, friendless, hopeless, than wed a man I do -not love." - -"And end your days in a nunnery, you should have added to the -catalogue of woes you call upon your head," said the cardinal, -sternly; "for, as I live, such shall be your fate. Choose either to -give your vows to your cousin or to heaven, lady; for no other choice -shall be left you. Till Thursday next I give you to decide; and while -you ponder, York Place shall be your abode. Lady, no more!" he added, -seeing her about to speak; "I have not time to argue against your fine -wit. To-night, if I reach Westminster in time, I will send down your -litter; if not, to-morrow, by eight of the clock; and be you prepared. -I have done." - -Constance would not trust her voice with any reply; for the very -efforts she had made to conceal her agitation had but served to render -it more overpowering, and it was now ready to burst forth in tears. -Repressing them, however, she rose, and bending her head to the -cardinal, returned to her own apartments. Here Dr. Wilbraham awaited -her in no small anxiety, to know the event of her conference with -Wolsey, which, as it had been so short, he judged must be favourable. -Lady Constance soon undeceived him, however; and shocked and indignant -at the cardinal's haughty and tyrannical conduct, he at once agreed -with the lady that she had no resource but flight. - -"It is very strange! very strange, indeed!" cried the good man. "I -have often heard that the lord cardinal is haughty and cruel, and -indeed men lay to his charge that he never does anything but for his -own interests; but I would never believe it before. I thought that God -would never have placed so much power in the hands of so bad a man; -but His ways are inscrutable, and His name be praised! Now, my dear -lady, what is to be done? Where are we to go? Had not I better go and -tell Osborne, in order that he may know all about it?" - -"On no account," replied Constance; "however painful it may be, my -good friend--and painful indeed it is, I acknowledge"--and while she -spoke, the long-repressed tears burst forth, and rolled rapidly over -her face; "I must go without even bidding him adieu. I would not for -the world involve him at this time in a business which might bring -about his ruin. He shall be innocent even of the knowledge of my -flight, so that Wolsey shall have no plea against him. When his fate -is fixed and the storm is blown away, I will let him know where I am; -for I owe him that at least. Even for you, my good Dr. Wilbraham, I -fear," she continued. "If you fly with me, may it not bring down upon -your head some ecclesiastical censure? If so, for heaven's sake, let -me go with Margaret alone." - -"Why, it may, indeed," answered the chaplain thoughtfully. "I had -forgot that. It may indeed. What can be done?" - -"Then you shall stay," replied Lady Constance, with some degree of -mournfulness of accent at the thought of the friendless loneliness -with which she was going to cast herself upon the wide, inhospitable -world. "Then you shall stay indeed." - -"What! and leave you to wander about alone, I know not whither?" cried -the young clergyman. "No, my child, no! Did all the dangers in the -world hang over my head, where you go, there will I go too. If I -cannot protect you much--which, God help me! is not in my power--at -least I can console you under your sorrows, and support you during -your pilgrimage, by pointing continually to that Being who is the -protector of the widow and the orphan, the friend of the friendless -and the desolate. Lady, I will go with you. All the dangers in the -world shall not scare me from your side." - -A new energy seemed to have sprung up in the bosom of the clergyman; -and by his advice and assistance Lady Constance's plans and -arrangements for her flight were very soon completed. - -It was agreed that herself, Dr. Wilbraham, and Mistress Margaret, the -waiting-woman, should immediately take boat, and proceed by water to -the little village of Tothill, from whence a walk of five minutes -would bring them to the house of the physician Dr. Butts, who, as the -old chaplain observed, was, though his nephew, a man of an active and -piercing mind, and would probably find some means to facilitate their -escape to France. By landing some little way from his house, they -hoped to prevent their route from being traced afterwards, and thus to -evade pursuit, as to be overtaken and brought back would involve far -more danger than even to remain where they were and dare the worst. - -All this being determined between Lady Constance and the clergyman, -Mistress Margaret was called in, and informed of as much of the plan -as was necessary to enable her to make up her mind whether she would -accompany her young lady or not. Without a moment's hesitation, she -decided upon going, and having received her orders, proceeded to -arrange for their journey such articles of apparel as were absolutely -necessary, together with all her lady's money and jewels. She also was -deputed to inform the other servants that Lady Constance thought it -best to follow the lord cardinal to York Place immediately, instead of -waiting for the litter which he had promised to send, and that she -only permitted herself and Dr. Wilbraham to accompany her. - -Everything being ready, a man was sought to carry the two large bags -to which their luggage was restricted; and Constance prepared to put -in execution the very important step on which she had determined. Her -heart sank, it is true, and her spirit almost failed, as Dr. Wilbraham -took her by the hand to lead her to the boat; but remembering to what -she would expose herself if she staid, she recalled her courage and -proceeded on her way. - -In the ante-chamber, however, she had a painful scene to go through; -for her women, not deceived by Mistress Margaret's tale, clung round -their lady for what they deemed might be a last farewell. All of them, -born upon her father's lands, had grown up as it were with her; and -for some good quality, called from amongst the other peasantry to the -honour of serving the heiress of De Grey, had become attached to her -by early habit, as well as by the affection which her gentle manners -and sweet disposition were certain to produce in all those by whom she -was surrounded. Many a bitter tear was shed by the poor girls as they -saw their lady about to leave them: and Constance herself, unable to -refrain from weeping, thereby not only encouraged their grief, but -confirmed their fears. Angry with herself for giving way to her -feelings when she felt the absolute necessity of governing them -strictly, Constance gently disengaged herself from her maids, and -promising to let them hear of her soon, proceeded to the water-side, -where they easily procured a boat to convey them down the river. - -The irrevocable step was now taken, and Constance and the chaplain -both sat in silence, contemplating the vague future, and striving, -amidst all the dim, uncertain shapes that it presented, to ascertain, -even as far as probability went, what might be their fate. But the -dark, impenetrable curtain, drawn ever between to-day and to-morrow, -still barred their view, leaving only room for hope and fear to range -within the wide circle of unceasing doubt. - -Long before arriving at Tothill, the sun had gone down; and the cold -wind, blowing from the river, chilled Lady Constance as she sat in the -open boat without any other covering than a long veil added to her -ordinary apparel. Notwithstanding this, she judged it best to bid -their two rowers continue their course as far as Westminster, fearing -that the little knowledge of the localities possessed either by Dr. -Wilbraham or herself might cause them to lose their way if they -pursued their original intention of landing at Tothill, and hoping -that the darkness, which was now coming thick upon them, would at -least conceal their path from the boat to the house of Dr. Butts. To -ensure this, as soon as they had landed. Mistress Margaret took one of -the bags, and the good clergyman the other, and having satisfied the -boatmen for their labour, the whole party began to thread the narrow, -tortuous lanes and streets constituting the good town of Westminster. -After various turnings and windings, however, they discovered that -they were not on the right track, and were obliged to ask their way of -an old locksmith, who was just shutting up his shop. The direction -they received from the worthy artificer was somewhat confused, and -contained so many _rights_ and _lefts_, that by the time they had -taken two more turnings, each person of the three had got a different -reading of the matter, and could in no way agree as to their farther -proceeding. - -"He said we were to go on, in this street, till we came to a lantern, -I am sure," said Dr. Wilbraham. - -"No, no, sir," cried Mistress Margaret; "it was the next street after -we had turned to the left. Did he not say, Take the first street to -the right, and then the first again to the right, and then the second -to the left, and then go on till we came to a lantern?" - -Dr. Wilbraham denied the position, and the matter was only terminated -by Constance proposing that they should proceed to the second turning -at least. "Then, if we see a light in the street to the left," she -continued, "we may reasonably suppose that that is the turning he -meant, unless before that we find a lantern here too, and then we can -but ask again. But make haste, my dear Dr. Wilbraham, for there is a -man behind who seems as if he were watching us!" - -This last observation quickened all their motions, and proceeding as -fast as possible, they found that Mistress Margaret was in the right; -for immediately in the centre of the second turning to the left -appeared a lantern, shedding its dim, small light down the long -perspective of the street; which, be it remarked, was highly favoured -in having such an appendage, few and scanty being the lights that, in -that age, illuminated the streets of London after dark, and those, as -in the present instance, being the boon of private individuals. -Pursuing their way, then, towards this brilliant luminary, with many a -look behind to ascertain whether they were followed, which did not -appear to be the case, they found another street, diverging to the -right, which shared in the beneficent rays of the lantern, and which -also conducted into a known latitude, namely, a sort of little square, -that was instantly recognised by the chaplain as being in the -immediate proximity of his nephew's dwelling. - -The house of Dr. Butts now soon presented itself; and entering the -little court before it, the clergyman was just about to knock against -a door which fronted them, when some one, entering the court from the -street, laid hold of his arm, saying, "Stop, stop, if you please! you -must come with me to my lord cardinal." - - - - -CHAPTER XXIX. - - Come with words as medicinal as true, - Honest as either.--Shakspere. - - -Now, there are many people who would here leave their reader in -suspense, and, darting off to some other part of the tale, would not -give the most remote hint of Lady Constance's fate, till they had -drawled through two or three long chapters about a frog and a roasted -apple, or any other thing, if possible still more irrelevant. But far -be such disingenuous dealing from me, whose sole aim, intent, and -object, is to give my reader pleasure; and by now and then detailing -some little accident or adventure, to keep him just enough awake to -prevent the volume falling out of his hand into the fire; to win -sometimes a smile, and sometimes a sigh, without aspiring either to -laughter or tears; tickling his soul, as it were, with the point of a -feather, so as neither to rouse nor to lull; and to leave him in such -a state, that when he lays down the book he knows not whether he has -been reading or dreaming. - -Such are the luxurious aspirations of Vonderbrugius, who is recorded -to have himself written more than one volume in his sleep, and to have -even carried them to the printer in a state of somnambulency. After -this, without more ado, he proceeds to relate, that the worthy Dr. -Wilbraham, finding somebody take him by the arm, turned round in a -state of vexation and worry, if I may use the word, which overcame the -natural gentleness of his disposition, and made him demand, rather -sharply, what the stranger wanted with him. - -"Why, doctor," replied the man, "you must come instantly to my lord -cardinal, who has been struck with the pestilent air in returning from -Richmond, and desires to consult with you on the means of preventing -its bad effects." - -"Pshaw!" cried the good chaplain, pettishly; "I'm not Dr. Butts! How -could you frighten me so? We come to see the doctor ourselves." - -"Stand out of the way, then, if you are not him," cried the man, -changing his tone, and rudely pushing between the clergyman and Lady -Constance. "The cardinal must be served first, before such as you, at -least;" and knocking loudly against the door, he soon brought forth a -page, who informed him that the physician was at the house of old Sir -Guy Willoughby, farther down in the same street. - -On this news, the messenger immediately set off again, leaving Dr. -Wilbraham to discuss what matters he liked with the page, now that his -own insolent haste was satisfied. The servants instantly recognised -their master's uncle, and permitted him, with his fair companions, to -enter and take possession of his book-room, while awaiting his return; -and the rosy maid, whom Sir Osborne had found scrubbing crucibles, now -bustled about with good-humoured activity to make the lady -comfortable. - -Long seemed the minutes, however, to the mind of poor Constance till -the physician's return. Her path was now entirely amidst -uncertainties, and at each step she knew not whether it would lead her -to safety or destruction. Such a proceeding as that in which she was -engaged does not strike one, when calmly related, as full of half the -anxiety and alarm that really accompanied it. Let it be remembered, -that not only her fortune, but her liberty for life, and the whole -happiness of her existence, were involved; and it may be then -conceived with what trembling fear she awaited each incident that -might tend to forward her escape or to betray her flight. - -Though it seemed to her an age, Dr. Butts was not really long in -returning; but no language can depict the astonishment of his -countenance when he beheld Lady Constance with his uncle. "'Odslife!" -cried he, "what is this? Lady, are you ill, or well, or wise? Uncle, -are you mad, or drunk, or foolish?" - -The good clergyman informed him that he was in none of the -predicaments to which he alluded, and then proceeded to relate the -circumstances and motives which had induced them to resolve upon -leaving the court of England and flying to France, to claim the -protection of the French king, who was, in fact, the lady's sovereign -as far as regarded her maternal estates. - -"It's a bad business!" cried Dr. Butts, who still stood in the middle -of the floor, rubbing his chin, and not yet recovered from his -surprise; "it's a bad business! I always thought it would be a bad -business. Nay, nay, lady, do not weep," continued the kind-hearted -mediciner, seeing the tears that began to roll silently over -Constance's cheek; "it is not so bad as that. Wolsey will doubtless -claim you at the hands of the French king; but Francis is not a man to -give you up. However, take my advice: retire quietly to one of your -châteaux, and live like a nun till such time as this great friendship -between the two courts is past. It will not last long," he added, with -a sententious shake of the head: "it will not last long. But, -nevertheless, you keep yourself in France, as secretly as may be, -while it does last." - -"But how to get to France is the question," said Dr. Wilbraham: "we -shall do well enough when we are there, I doubt not. It is how to get -to France that we must think of." - -"Oh! we will manage that," replied Dr. Butts; "we will manage that: -though, indeed, these are not things that I like to meddle with; but, -nevertheless, I suppose I must in this case. Nay, nay, my dear lady, -do not grieve. 'Slife! you a soldier's daughter, and afraid! Nay, -cheer up, cheer up! It shall all go right, I warrant." - -The doctor seated himself, and observing that Constance looked pale -and cold, he insisted on her swallowing a Venice glass of mulled sack -and going to bed. As to the sack, he said, he would ensure it for the -best in Europe; and in regard to the beds in his house, he could only -say, that he had once entertained the four most famous alchymists of -the world, and they were not men to sleep on hard beds. "Taste the -sack, lady; taste the sack;" he continued. "Believe me, it is the best -medicine in the pharmacy, and certainly the only one I ever take -myself. Then while you go and court your pillow, I will, devise some -scheme with this good uncle of mine to help you over to the -Frenchman's shore." - -The physician's rosy maid was now called, and conducted Lady Constance -and Mistress Margaret to a handsome bedchamber, where we shall leave -them for the present; and without prying, into Dr. Butts's household -furniture, return to the consultation that was going on below. - -"Well, uncle," said the physician, as soon as Lady Constance had left -them, "you have shown your wisdom truly, in running away with an -heiress for another man. On my life, you have beaten the man who was -hanged for his friend, saying that he would do as much for him another -time! Why, do you know, you can never show your face in England -again?" - -"My good nephew," replied Dr. Wilbraham quietly, "for all your fine -words, if you had been in my situation you would have done just as I -have done. I know you, Charles." - -"Not I, i'faith," cried Dr. Butts; "I would not have budged a foot." - -"What! when you saw her cast upon the world, friendless and helpless," -cried the old man, "with nobody to advise her, with nobody to aid her, -with nobody to console her? So sweet a girl, too! such an angel in -heart, in mind, in disposition; all desolate and alone in this wide -rough world! Fie, Charles, fie! you would have gone with her." - -"Perhaps I might; perhaps I might," replied the physician: "however, -let us now think of the best means of serving her. What can be done?" - -As usual in such cases, fifty plans were propounded, which, on -examination, were found to be unfeasible. "I have it!" cried Dr. -Butts, at last, after discarding an infinite variety. "There was a -nun's litter came up yesterday to the inn hard by; it will hold three, -and you shall set off to-morrow by daybreak as nuns." - -"But how?" cried Dr. Wilbraham, with horror and astonishment depicted -in his face. "You don't mean me to go as a nun?" - -"Faith, but I do!" replied the physician; "it would be fully as bad -for you to be discovered as for Lady Constance. Now, there is no dress -in the world that I know of but a nun's that will cover your face and -hide your beard. Oh! you shall be a nun, by all means. I will get the -three dresses this very night from a frippery in Pool Street; I will -knock them up, and you shall be well shaved to-morrow morning, and -will make as fine an old Sister Monica as the best of them." - -Dr. Wilbraham still held out stoutly, declaring that he would not so -disguise himself and disgrace his cloth on any account or -consideration; nor was it till the physician showed him plainly, that -by this means alone Lady Constance's safety could be ensured, that he -would at all hear of the travesty thus proposed. - -"Where, then, do you intend us to go?" asked Dr. Wilbraham, almost -crying with vexation at the bare idea of being so metamorphosed. "I -cannot, and I will not, remain long in such a dress." - -"Why, you must go down to Sandwich," answered the physician. "There is -a religious house there, under a sub-prioress, about a mile out of the -town, looking out over the sea. I know the dame, and a little money -will do much with her. Nay, look not shocked, good uncle. I mean not -to say that she is wicked, and would endanger her soul's repose for -mammon; but she is one of those that look leniently on small faults, -and would not choke at such an innocent sin as helping you out of the -cardinal's power. The time is lucky, too, for the cold wind last night -has given his haughty lord cardinalship a flow of humours to the head, -and he is as frightened about himself as a hen before a dray horse; so -that, perhaps, he may not think of sending to Richmond so soon as he -proposed. - -"But, Charles," said Dr. Wilbraham, whose abhorrence of the nun's -dress was not to be vanquished, and who would have been right glad to -escape the infliction on any excuse, "will not your servants, who have -seen us come in one dress, think it very strange when they see us go -away in another? and may they not betray us?" - -"Pshaw!" cried Dr. Butts; "they see a thousand odder things every day -in a physician's house. Do you think I let my servants babble? No, no! -They know well that they must have neither eyes, ears, nor -understanding for anything that passes within these doors. If I were -to find that they even did so much as to recollect a person they had -once seen with me, they should troop. But stay; go you to bed and -rest; I will away for these dresses, and bespeak the litter for -to-morrow at five. At Sandwich you are sure to find a bark for -Boulogne." - -The next morning Dr. Wilbraham was awakened before it was light by the -physician entering his room with a candle in his hand, and followed by -a barber, who, taking the good priest by the nose, shaved him most -expeditiously before he was out of bed, having been informed by Dr. -Butts that the person under his hands was a poor insane patient, who -would not submit to any very tedious tonsorial operation. - -When this was done, much to the surprise of the chaplain, who was in -truth scarcely awake, the barber was sent away, and the physician -produced the long black dress of a Benedictine nun, into which, after -much entreaty, he persuaded Dr. Wilbraham to get; not, however, -without the rest of his clothes, for no argument would induce him to -put on the woman's dress without the man's under it. First, then, he -was clothed with his ordinary black vest and silk hose, above which -came a full and seemly cassock; and then, as a superstructure, was -placed at the top of all the long black robes of the nun, which -swelled his bulk out to no inconsiderable size. This, however, was not -a disadvantage; for being tall and thin, he had great need of some -supposititious contour to make his height seem less enormous when -conjoined with his female habiliments. Upon the whole, with the rope -tied round his middle, and the coif and veil, he made a very -respectable nun; though there was in the whole figure a certain -long-backed rigidity of carriage, and straggling wideness of step, -that smacked infinitely of the masculine gender. - -When all was completed, the physician led his transformed uncle down -to a little hall, to which Lady Constance and Mistress Margaret had -already found their way, habited in similar garments to those which -Dr. Butts had furnished for the chaplain. - -In point of beauty Constance had never, perhaps, looked better than -now, when her small, exquisite features, and clear, delicate -complexion, slightly shaded by the nun's cap, had acquired an -additional degree of softness, which harmonised well with the pensive, -melancholy expression that circumstances had communicated to her -countenance. However, she was, perhaps, even more sad and agitated -than the night before, when haste had in some degree superseded -thought. She had now passed a nearly sleepless night, during the long -hours of which a thousand fears and anxieties had visited her pillow; -and on rising, the necessity of quitting her customary dress and -assuming a disguise impressed more strongly than ever upon her mind -the dangers of her situation. - -The only person that seemed fully in her element was Mistress -Margaret, who, though, with the exception of a little selfishness, a -most excellent being, could not be expected to have fulfilled for -several years the high functions of lady's-maid without having -acquired some of the spirit of the office. God knows! in Lady -Constance's service she had possessed small opportunity of exercising -in any way her talents for even the little _intrigue d'ante-chambre_; -and though, in the case of Sir Osborne, she had done her best to show -her tact by retiring _à propos_, the present was the first occasion on -which she could enjoy a real, bustling, energetic adventure; and, to -do her justice, she enacted the nun to the life. With a vastly -consequential air she hurried about, till the rustling of her black -serge and the rattling of her wooden cross and rosary were quite -edifying; and finding herself, by dress at least, on an equality with -her mistress, she took the bridle off her tongue and let it run its -own course, which it did not fail to do with great vigour and -activity. - -On the entrance of Dr. Wilbraham, with his face clad in rueful -solemnity, and his long strides at every step spreading out the -petticoats with which his legs were environed, like the parachute of a -balloon when it begins to descend, Mistress Margaret laughed outright; -and even Lady Constance, while reproving her for her ill-placed -gaiety, could hardly forbear a smile. - -"My dear Dr. Wilbraham," said Constance, seeing the chagrin that sat -upon his countenance, "for how much, how very much have I to thank -you! And believe me, I feel deeply all the regard you must have for -me, to induce you to assume a disguise that must be so disagreeable to -you." - -"Well," said Dr. Butts, "you are a sweet creature, and to my mind it -would not be difficult to make a man do anything to serve you. -However, sit you down, lady: here is something to break your fast; and -as it must serve for dinner and supper too, I will have you eat, -whether you are hungry or not; for there must be as little stopping on -the road as possible, and no chattering, Mistress Margaret; mind you -that." - -Mistress Margaret vowed that she was silence itself; and the meal -which the good doctor's foresight had taken care to provide for them -being ended, he led them forth by a different door from that which had -given them entrance, not choosing to trust even the servants, of whose -discretion he had boasted the night before. Day had now dawned, and in -the court-yard of the inn they found a large litter, or sort of long -box swung between two horses, one before and the other behind, and -accompanied by a driver on horseback, who, smacking his whip, seemed -tired of waiting for them. - -"Come, get in, get in!" cried he, "I have been waiting half-an-hour. -There's room enough for you, sure!" he proceeded, seeing some little -difficulty occur in placing the travellers; "why, I brought four just -like you up from Gloucester in it, three days ago. Here, come over to -this side, Mother Longshanks." This address to Dr. Wilbraham had again -very near overset Mistress Margaret's gravity; but at length, all -being placed, in spite of the chaplain's long legs, which were rather -difficult to pack, the travellers took leave of the physician, and -commenced their journey to the sea-coast. - -All passed on tranquilly enough during the forenoon; and at a little -watering-house, where they stopped on the road, they were enabled -quietly to rehearse their parts, as Sister Wilbraham, Sister Margaret, -and Sister Grey. The good clergyman declared that his part should be -to keep down his veil and hold his tongue, and Mistress Margaret -willingly undertook to be the talker for the whole party, while -Constance, not yet at all assured of safety, listened for every sound -with a beating heart, and trembled at every suspicious look that she -beheld, or fancied that she beheld, in the people around her. - -As soon as the horses were sufficiently refreshed, they again began -their journey, and had proceeded some way when the galloping of a -horse made itself heard behind them, and through the opening of the -curtains they could perceive a sergeant-at-arms, with full cognizance, -and accompanied by two followers, pass by the side of their vehicle. -In a moment after he stopped on overtaking their driver, who was a -little in advance, and seemed to question him in a hasty tone. "Three -nuns!" cried he, at length. "I must see that." - -Constance, almost fainting, drew back in the corner of the litter. Dr. -Wilbraham shrunk himself up to the smallest space possible; and, in -fact, Mistress Margaret was the only one who preserved her presence of -mind. "If it were the lord cardinal himself," whispered she to her -lady, "he would never know you, my lady, in that dress." - -In the mean time, the sergeant-at-arms rode up, and drew back the -curtain of the litter. "Your pardon, ladies," said he, giving a look -round, which seemed quite satisfactory; "I ask your pardon; but as I -am sent in pursuit of some runaways, I was obliged to look in." - -Here the matter would have terminated, had not Mistress Margaret, -desirous of showing off a total want of fear, replied, "Quite welcome, -fair sir, quite welcome. We are travelling the same road." The officer -replied; and this brought on a long allegory on the part of Mistress -Margaret, who told him that they were nuns of Richborough, who had -been to London for medical advice for poor sister Mary, there, in the -corner (pointing to Dr. Wilbraham), who was troubled with the falling -sickness. The sergeant-at-arms recommended woodlice drowned in vinegar -as a sovereign cure, which the pretended nun informed him they had -tried; and though it must be owned that the abigail played her part -admirably well, yet, nevertheless, she contrived to keep her lady and -the chaplain in mortal fear for half-an-hour longer than was -necessary. - -At length, however, the officer, taking his leave, rode away, and then -descended upon the head of Mistress Margaret the whole weight of good -Dr. Wilbraham's indignation. Not for many years had he preached such -an eloquent sermon upon the duty of adhering strictly to the truth -as on the present occasion; and he pointed out clearly to the -waiting-woman that she had told at least two-and-thirty lies more than -the circumstances required. Mistress Margaret, however, was obstinate -in her error, and would not see the distinction, declaring angrily -that she would either tell no lies at all, and let it be known who -they were, or she would tell as many as she thought proper. - -"Margaret," said Lady Constance, in a calm, reproachful tone, that had -more effect than a more violent reproof, "you forget yourself." The -abigail was silent; but nevertheless she determined, in her own mind, -to give the good doctor more truth than he might like, on the very -first occasion; and such an opportunity was not long in occurring. - -With the usual hankering which drivers and postilions always have for -bad inns, the master of the litter did not fail to stop for the night -at one of the smallest, meanest, and most uncomfortable little -alehouses on the road; and on getting out of the vehicle, the three -nuns were all shown into one room, containing two beds, one large and -one small one. It may easily be supposed such an arrangement did not -very well suit the circumstances of the case; and Constance looked at -Dr. Wilbraham, and Dr. Wilbraham at Constance, in some embarrassment. -On inquiring whether they could not have another room, they were -informed that there was indeed such a thing in the house, but that it -was always reserved for guests of quality. The hostess was surprised -at nuns giving themselves such airs: the room they had would do very -well for three people; and, in short, that they should have no other. - -During all this time Mistress Margaret remained obstinately silent; -but at length, seeing the distress of her mistress, she brought up her -forces to the charge, and turned the tide of battle. Attacking the -hostess full tilt, she declared that there should be another room -found directly, informing her that the young lady was not a simple -nun, but noble and rich, and just named prioress of the Lord knows -where; that Sister Mary, _i.e_. Dr. Wilbraham, was badly troubled with -a night-cough, which would keep the prioress awake all night; and in -short, that Sister Mary must and should have a room to herself, for -which, however, they would willingly pay. - -This latter hint overcame the hostess's objections, and the matter -being thus settled, they were allowed to repose in peace for the -night. Fatigue, anxiety, and want of sleep, had now completely -exhausted Constance; and weariness, acting the part of peace, closed -her eyes in happy forgetfulness till the next morning, when they again -set out for Sandwich. - -Without any new adventure they arrived at that town; and after passing -through it, quickly perceived the convent rising on a slight elevation -to the left. As soon as this was in sight, so that he could not miss -his way, Dr. Wilbraham got out of the litter, for the purpose of -pulling off his nun's dress under some hedge, in order that, by -following a little later than themselves, he might appear at the gate -of the nunnery in his true character, without the change being -remarked by the driver of the litter, to whom he said on descending -that he would follow on foot. - -After this, Constance and Mistress Margaret proceeded alone, and in a -few minutes reached the convent, where, presenting Dr. Butts's letter -to the prioress, they were received with all kindness and attention, -and found themselves comparatively free from danger. Dr. Wilbraham was -not long in arriving, restored to his proper costume; and being -admitted to the parlour, entered into immediate consultation with the -superior and Constance, as to the best means of concluding their -flight as happily as it had commenced. - - - - -CHAPTER XXX. - - So catchers - And snatchers - Do toil both night and day, - Not needie, - But greedie, - Still prolling for their prey. - - -However a poor novelist may like to pursue the even tenor of his way -in peace and quietness, it is quite impossible for him to do so if he -take a true story for the basis of his tale. Circumstance is always -jumping about; and if he would follow nature, he must join in the game -of leap-frog too. Here is the palace of Fortune, with its glitter, and -its splendour, and its show; and there the cottage of Want, with its -care, and its foulness, and its misery. In one house, new-born Life is -coming into the world, all joyous; in the next, stern Death leads man -away to eternity; weeping Sorrow and laughing Joy sit mocking each -other at every step; and smiles and tears are still running after each -other on the high road, though little formed to bear company together. -Then, since the world is full of oppositions and of jumps, he that -copies it must sit upon his hind legs and play the kangaroo also. - -I found it necessary to put forth this excuse before proceeding with -Vonderbrugius, who, without offering any reason for so doing, suddenly -flies back to scenes that we have not long quitted, and brings the -reader once more to London, where he shall be detained as short a time -as possible, on the word of a scribe. - -All those who have read the history of that little, powerful nook of -island-earth called Great Britain, must very well know that the -imperious minister of Henry the Eighth was not one to receive -contradiction with patient resignation: what then was his rage on -hearing that Lady Constance de Grey was not to be found at Richmond! -True to what he threatened, Wolsey had not failed, immediately on -arriving in London, to send a horse-litter down to Richmond for his -fair ward, notwithstanding the lateness of the hour and the cold he -had himself experienced on the water; and towards eleven the same -night his messengers returned, informing him that the lady was not to -be found in the palace; adding, also, that a man belonging to the gate -had been employed to carry some luggage for her down to a two-oared -boat, which had received her at the stairs, and rowed off towards -Westminster. - -This was the sum of all the news they had obtained, but it was -sufficient to guide Wolsey on the search which he instantly prepared -to institute for the fugitive. Before going to rest, he took every -precaution for preventing her leaving the kingdom; ordered messengers -to set out early the next morning for every port where she was likely -to embark; and commanded an officer to post to Richmond that very -night, and, stationing himself at the palace-stairs, to await the -arrival of the men who rowed the boat which had conveyed her away, -giving him at the same time an order for their arrest. - -In regard to the couriers to the various ports, we shall leave them to -their fate, not embarrassing ourselves with a search half over the -realm, but shall pursue the movements of the other messenger, from -whose operations very important results were obtained. - -Though heartily wishing the cardinal and Lady Constance well scourged, -the one as the proximate, the other as the remote cause of his -night-ride, the officer got into his saddle, and accompanied by two -followers, set out for Richmond, where they arrived towards two -o'clock in the morning. - -Men of a curious and philosophic mind have remarked, that there is -always a pot-house near a waterman's stairs; and the same fact was -observable in the present instance. Nearly opposite to the landing on -the left-hand side stood the hospitable mansion of a beer-retailer, -who dealt out the British nectar to all those who had the means of -paying for it; and in his window, even at the hour of two o'clock, was -shining a lamp, whereat the officer marvelled, as the neighbourhood of -the palace enjoined order and sobriety amongst the multitude. Riding -up, however, he dismounted; and pushing open the door, perceived that -the tap-room was occupied by a single individual of the waterman -species, whose sleepy head, nodding backwards and forwards, often -approached so near the lamp upon the table as to threaten his red nose -with a conflagration. Without any regard for the rites of Morpheus, -the officer shook the sleeper heartily by the shoulder, whereupon he -started up, crying-- - -"Well, I'm ready; how long you've been! I've been a-waiting this -hour." - -"Waiting for whom?" demanded the officer; "not for me, I'm sure, or -with my will you'd waited long enough." - -"Lord bless us, sir! I beg your worship's pardon!" said the man, -rubbing his eyes; "I thought you were the two yeomen that hired my -boat to take the young lady to Lunnun. Curious folks they were not to -let me row my own boat! They promised to be back by one, and so Master -Tapster lets me sit up here for 'em. I thought you were them two -indeed." - -"No. I'm a single man, and never was two in my life," answered the -officer. "But about these two yeomen? At one o'clock you say they were -to come? Pray, how came you to let them your boat?" - -"Lord! because they asked me, sure," replied the waterman; "that's -how." - -"But how do you know they will ever bring it back again?" demanded the -officer. - -"Because they left me ten marks as a pledge," answered the other. "No, -no; I wasn't to be outwitted. I saw they wanted the boat very bad, so -I let them have it for a mark by the day; but I made them leave me ten -others; so, if the boat be lost or hurt, I've got double its worth in -my own pocket." - -"And what did they say they were going to do with it?" demanded the -officer. - -"Oh! I didn't ask," said the waterman; "but walking about I saw them -lie there at the stairs for near an hour, till presently comes down a -young lady, and an old priest, and a waiting-woman, as I judged, and -in they get, and away rows the boat toward Lunnun. They were lusty -rowers, I warrant you, and good at the trade. But your worship seems -mighty curious about them." - -"Ay, and so curious," answered the officer, "that they shall both come -with me to London if they come hither to-night; and you, too, Master -Waterman; so hold yourself ready. Ho, Thomas! come in and stay with -this worthy. See that he does not budge. You, Will, put up the horses, -and then come down to me at the stairs." - -The excellent tipstaff now, after cutting short the remonstrance of -the boatman, proceeded to the water-side, and crossing his arms, -waited, with his eyes fixed upon the bright river, as it flowed on, -rippling like waves of silver in the moonshine. In a few minutes he -was joined by his follower, and before long a black spot appeared -moving up the midst of the stream, while the plashing of distant oars -began to make itself heard. As the boat came nearer, two men were -plainly to be seen rowing it towards the landing-place, one of whom, -raising his head when they were within a few yards' distance, -exclaimed-- - -"Is that you, Master Perkins?" - -"Ay, ay!" answered the officer, imitating, as well as he could, the -gruff halloo of a waterman, and walking about with his hands in his -breeches pockets, as if to keep himself warm. - -Without more ado, the boat pulled to the shore, and one of the men -jumped out, whereupon the officer instantly caught him by the collar, -exclaiming-- - -"In the king's name I charge you go with me!" - -"Pull off! pull off!" cried the man to his companion; "by the Lord, he -has grabbed me! Pull off, boy!" - -The other rower without scruple pushed from the shore before the -tipstaff's man could secure the bow of the boat, and seeing his -companion caught beyond the power of extrication, he snatched up the -other oar, and pulled away down the river as hard as he could. - -"And now, what the devil do you want with me'" cried the man, -sturdily, turning to the officer. "Come, off with your hands! Don't be -fingering my collar so hard, or I'll crack your nutshell for you." And -at the same time he struggled to shake off the other's grasp; but the -officer, who seemed accustomed to deal with persons that did not -particularly relish his ministry, very soon settled the question with -his prisoner, by striking him a blow over the head with a staff he -carried, in such sort as to level him with the ground. It is wonderful -how soothing to the prisoner's feelings this mild treatment seemed to -be; for without any further effort he suffered himself to be led away -to the alehouse, from whence he was safely removed the next morning to -Westminster, the original owner of the boat being carried along with -him as a witness. And here let me beg all constables, Bow Street -officers, scarlet runners, street-keepers, constables of the night, -and watchmen, who may read this excellent and instructive history, to -take example by the prudence of this officer, who, having acquired all -the information he could from other sources, wisely abstained from -asking his prisoner any questions whatsoever, leaving his examination -to be taken by competent persons. - -Carrying his game directly to York House, the worthy and exemplary -tipstaff, whose name I should not fail to record, had not -Vonderbrugius unfeelingly omitted it; this prince of tipstaves, I say, -placed his charge in a place of security, and, on the cardinal's -return from Westminster Hall, informed him of all that he had done to -fulfil the mission with which he had honoured him. The cardinal -praised the tipstaff's zeal, and beginning to suspect that there was -some mystery in the business, more than the mere course which -Constance had taken, he ordered the prisoner and the evidence to be -brought instantly before him; and proceeded himself to investigate the -matter, and to see whether his fingers would be neat enough to pick -the needle out of the bottle of hay: a delicate operation, for which -there is but one method, which may be called the Alexandrine: namely, -burn the hay, and you are sure to get the needle. - -Something similar was the proceeding which the cardinal proposed to -adopt; for no sooner was the prisoner brought before him, rather pale -with fright, and somewhat nervous with his night's entertainment, than -he pronounced a most eloquent oration upon the necessity of meeting -death with firmness, warning the unhappy man, at the same time, that -he had nothing to hope in this world, and bidding him to prepare for -the next. Through the whole, however, he suffered to appear, implied, -though not expressed, the possibility that a free confession of all -the culprit knew concerning Lady Constance de Grey and her evasion -might take the sting out of his offence, and disencumber his windpipe -of the pressing familiarity with which it was threatened by a hempen -cord. - -In those times rights were but little defined, and the extent of the -great civil and political powers hardly ascertained even to the minds -of the cultivated and reflecting, much less to people in the rank of -the person who now stood before the prelate, surrounded by all those -impressive insignia which then, indeed, implied vast though borrowed -power. Without going into the metaphysics of the business, it will be -sufficient for my purpose to say, that the poor fellow was desperately -frightened, especially as he had upon his conscience more than one -hearty crime, which he well knew might at any time prove a sufficient -excuse for sending him part of the way to heaven, whether he ever made -the whole journey out or not. Therefore, having no great interest in -concealing anything he knew, and every interest in the world in -telling it, he fell down upon his knees, declaring that he would -reveal all, if the cardinal would make a solemn promise that he should -have the king's free pardon and the church's for every sin, crime, and -misdemeanour he had committed up to that day. - -It cost him nothing but a bit of parchment and a little yellow wax, -and so the cardinal promised; whereupon the culprit, still upon his -knees, began as follows:-- - -"My master, Sir Payan Wileton----" - -"Sir Payan Wileton is your master, then?" cried Wolsey "So, so! Go -on." - -"My master, Sir Payan Wileton, my gracious lord," continued the man, -"after he had been with your grace yesterday morning, returned home -full speed to his house by the water's edge, near Tothill, and -suddenly dispatched one of our yeomen down to Richmond with a poor -foolish priest, saving your grace's presence, who had been with him -some days. After that, he wrote a note, and giving it to me, bade me -take with me Black John, and gallop down to the court like mad. -Whenever we got there, I was to speak with Hatchel Sivard, whom he had -set to spy all that passed at the palace, and who would help me to -hire a boat for the day. After that was done, I was to seek the Lady -de Grey, and give her the note; and then, leaving our horses at the -baiting-house, I and my fellow were to wait in the boat till the lady -came, and to row her whithersoever she directed; but, above all, to -seem like common watermen, and to take whatever payment she gave us. -And if by chance she didn't come, we were to give up the boat and -return." - -As may be supposed, Wolsey was not a little surprised at the intrigue -which this opened to his view. "So!" said he. "So! Hatchel Sivard, the -page of the queen's ante-chamber, is a pensioned spy of Sir Payan -Wileton. Good! very good! Of course you carried the lady to her -relation's house, ha?" - -"Not so, may it please your lordship's grace," replied the man. "At -first, she made as if she would have stopped at Tothill, but then she -bade us row on to Westminster, where she landed." - -"But you saw whither she went?" cried Wolsey, his brow darkening. -"Mind, your life depends upon your speaking truth! Let me but see a -shade of falsehood, and you are lost!" - -"As I hope for mercy, my lord, I tell you the whole truth," replied -the servant. "When she was landed, I got out and followed; but, after -turning through several streets, I saw that they marked me watching, -so I was obliged to run down a narrow lane, hoping to catch them by -going round; but they had taken some other way, and I found them not -again." - -Wolsey let his hand drop heavily upon the table, disappointed in his -expectations. "You say _them_, fellow! Whom do you mean?" he demanded. -"Who was with her?" - -"Her waiting-woman, your grace," answered the man, "and an old priest, -who Sivard says is her chaplain." - -"Ah!" said Wolsey thoughtfully; "Dr. Wilbraham! This is very strange! -A staid good man, obedient to my will, coinciding in the expediency of -the marriage I proposed. There must be some deeper plot here of this -Sir Payan Wileton. The poor girl must be deceived, and perhaps not so -much obstinate as misled. I see it; I see it all. The wily traitor -seeks her estates, and would fain both stop her marriage and bring her -within my displeasure. A politic scheme, upon my honour! but it shall -not succeed. Secretary, bid an usher speed to Sir Payan Wileton, and, -greeting him sweetly, request his presence for a moment here." - -It was the latter part of the above speech only that met the ears of -those around, the rest being muttered to himself in a low and almost -inaudible tone. "Pray, pray your lordship's grace!" cried the man, -clasping his hands in terror as soon as he heard Wolsey's command; "do -not let Sir Payan have me. I shall not be alive this time two days, if -you do. Indeed I shan't. Your grace does not know him. There is -nothing stops him in his will; and I shall be found dead in my bed, or -drowned in a pond, or tumbled out of window, or something like; and -then Sir Payan will pretend to make an investigation, and have the -crowner, and it will be found all accident. If it is the same to your -lordship's grace, I would rather be hanged at once, and know what I'm -about, than be given up to Sir Payan, to die no one can tell how." - -"Fear not, fool!" said Wolsey; "but tell the whole truth, and you -shall be safe; ay, and rewarded. Conceal anything, and you shall be -hanged. Take him away, secretary, and examine him carefully. Make him -give an exact account of everything he has seen in the house of Sir -Payan Wileton, and after putting it in writing, swear him to it; and -then, hark you"--and he whispered something to the secretary--adding, -"let him be there well used." - -The man was now removed from the cardinal's presence; and waiting till -the messenger returned from Sir Payan's, Wolsey remained in deep -thought, revolving in his keen and scrutinising mind all the parts of -the shrewd plot he had just heard developed, and thinking over the -best means of punishing Sir Payan Wileton in such a manner as to make -his fall most bitter. While thus engaged, one of his secretaries -entered, and bowing low stood silent, as if waiting for permission to -speak. - -"What is it?" said Wolsey; "is it matter of consequence?" The -secretary bowed low again, and replied, "It is the herald's opinion, -my lord, upon the succession of the old Lord Orham of Barneton, the -miser, who left the two chests of gold, as well----" - -"I know, I know!" said Wolsey. "How do they give it? I trust not to -that base churl, William Orham, who struck my officer one day." - -"Oh, no! your grace," replied the secretary; "there are two nearer -than he is. But they say the succession is quite clear. Charles Lord -Orham, the great-grandfather of the last, had three sons, from one of -whom descends William Orham; but the eldest son, succeeding, had two -sons and a daughter, all of whom married, and had issue; the eldest -son, Thomas Lord Orham, him succeeded, who had only issue the last -lord. The daughter had five sons, and the second son, Hugh Orham, had -one only daughter, who married Arthur Bulmer, Earl of Wilmington, who -died, leaving issue one only daughter, Mistress Katrine Bulmer, by -courtesy the Lady Katrine Bulmer, whom your grace may remember the -queen took very young, when it was found that Lord Wilmington's -estates went in male descent. She is the undoubted heiress." - -"Ha!" said Wolsey, "that changes much. Well, well! go see that it be -clearly made out. Now, what says Sir Payan Wileton?" he continued, -turning to the messenger, who had just returned. - -"The house is empty, so please your grace," replied the usher, "all -but one old porter, who says that Sir Payan and his train set out for -Chilham yesterday morning, after visiting your reverend lordship. He -affirms, moreover, that the knight never got off his horse, but only -gave orders that the priest should be sent down to Richmond with all -speed, and then rode away himself for Kent." - -"So!" said the cardinal, his lip curling into a scornful sneer, "he -finds his miscreant is caught, and thinks to deceive me with a tale -that would not cloud the eyesight of an old woman. But let him stay; -he shall lull himself into a fool's paradise, and then find himself -fallen to nothing. That will do." The usher fell back, and for a -moment Wolsey, as was often his wont, continued muttering to himself, -"The Lady Katrine: she was Darby's fool passion. If it lasts he shall -have her: 'tis better than the other. Besides, the other girl is away, -and he must have gold to bear out his charges at this meeting at -Ardres; so shall it be. Well, well! Send in whoever waits without," he -added, speaking in a louder voice, and then applied himself to other -business. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXI. - - Three sides are sure inbarred with craggs and hills, - The rest is easy, scarce to rise espy'd; - But mighty bulwarks fence the plainer part: - So art helps nature, nature strengtheneth art.--Fairfax. - - Sir knight, if knight thou be, - Abandon this forestalled place as erst, - For fear of farther harm.--Fairy Queen. - - -It may well be supposed, that under the circumstances in which we last -left Sir Osborne, his feelings could not be of the most tranquil or -gratifying nature, when, after having heard all that passed upon deck, -he distinguished the steps of the officer sent to arrest him coming -down the ladder. Longpole, for his part, looked very much as if he -would have liked to display cold iron upon the occasion; but the -knight made him a sign to forbear, and in a moment after, a gentleman -splendidly dressed, as one high in military command, entered the -cabin, followed by two or three armed attendants. - -"Well, sir," said the knight, not very well distinguishing the -stranger's features by the light in which he stood, "I suppose----" -But he had not time to finish his sentence, for the officer grasped -him heartily by the hand, exclaiming, "Now heaven bless us! Lord -Darnley, my dear fellow in arms! how goes it with you these two -years?" - -"Excellent well, good Sir Henry Talbot," replied the knight, frankly -shaking the hand of his old companion. "But say, does your business -lie with me?" - -"No, no, good faith!" replied Sir Henry; "I came upon a very different -errand. Since I was with Sir Thomas Peechy and yourself in Flanders, -by my good Lord Surrey's favour I have obtained the command of one of -the king's great ships, and as I lay last night off the mouth of the -river, a pursuivant came down from London, with orders to stop every -vessel that I saw, and search for a traitor who is endeavouring to -make his escape to the Continent." - -The knight's cheek burned, and for a moment he hesitated whether to -avow himself at once, and repel the opprobrious epithet thus attached -to the name he had assumed, and under which, he felt full sure, he had -never merited aught but honour. A moment's thought, however, showed -him the madness of such a proceeding, and he replied, "I believe you -will find no greater traitor here, Sir Henry, than myself." - -The officer smiled. "If that be the case," replied he, "I may as well -row back to the ship. Perhaps he may be in the other vessel that -lies-to there, about a mile to windward. But come, Darnley, leave this -filthy Dutch tub, come with me aboard, and after we have searched the -other, I will land you in any port to which you are going, if it be -between Middlebourg and Boulogne." - -Although the knight did not feel himself bound, even by the most -chivalrous principles of honour, to betray his own secret to Sir Henry -Talbot, yet he did not consider himself at liberty to take advantage -of his offer, and thus make one of the king's own ships the means of -conveying him away from pursuit. He therefore replied, that as he was -going to Dunkirk in some haste, and the Dutchman was steering straight -thither, he thought it would be best to proceed without changing his -ship, though he felt extremely obliged by the offer. - -The officer received his excuses in good part, and bidding him -farewell with many hearty wishes for his future prosperity, he mounted -again to the deck, called his men together, abused the Dutchman -vigorously for a few minutes, and getting into the boat, rowed away -for his own vessel. - -It is hardly necessary here to inform the reader, that the distinction -which at present exists between the naval and military services has -not been known above a hundred and fifty years; and that, -consequently, the fact of Sir Henry Talbot's having distinguished -himself on land, so far from being a disqualification, was one of the -highest recommendations to him in the sea service! Vonderbrugius takes -no notice of the circumstance, as probably the same practice existed -in his time, although the latest instance that I can call to mind is -that of General Monk, who, after having lived on land all his life, -grew amphibious at the age of fifty. - -However that may be, deceiving himself as we have seen, Sir Henry -Talbot left the young knight to meditate over the conduct of Wolsey, -who would indeed have committed an egregious piece of folly in sending -to arrest him by the name of Sir Osborne Maurice alone, if he had -known him to be Lord Darnley, as Sir Osborne thought. Attributing it, -however, to one of those accidental omissions which often disconcert -the best-arranged proceedings, the knight was congratulating himself -on his good fortune, when Master Skippenhausen descended to offer his -felicitations also, exclaiming, "My Cot! where did you hide yourself? -Under that pile of hammocks, I'll warrant." - -"No, you man of salt herrings! No, you cousin-german to a tub of -butter!" exclaimed Longpole, whose indignation at the captain for -having by his delay of the night before put them in such jeopardy now -broke forth irresistibly. "No, you dyke-begotten son of a swamp and a -canal! If it had not been for you we should never have run any risk, -and don't flatter yourself that either you or your dirty hammocks -either had any hand in saving us." - -"How did I make you run any risk, pray?" exclaimed the master. "You -would have made me and my ship run a risk if you had been found in it; -but I made you run none." - -"Stockfish, you lie!" cried the custrel. "Did you not lie in the mouth -of the river all last night, when, if the blood in your veins had been -anything but muddy Dutch puddle, of the heaviest quality, you would -have had us over to Dunkirk by this time? Deny it if you dare, -Dutchman, and I will prove it upon your body, till I leave you no more -shape than one of your own cheeses." - -The Dutchman bore the insolence of Longpole with all that calm -magnanimity for which his nation is famed (says Vonderbrugius). -However, Sir Osborne desired his attendant to be silent, and merely -begging Master Skippenhausen to carry them to their destination as -soon as possible, the matter ended. - -It was night before they arrived at Dunkirk; and, without troubling -the reader with all the details of their disembarkation, we shall -merely beg him to look into the little hall of the Flemish inn, and -see the knight and Longpole seated at the same table, according to the -custom of the day, which we have before alluded to, while the host, -standing behind the chair of Sir Osborne, answers the various -questions which from time to time are addressed to him; and that -black-eyed, smooth-faced, dingy serving-boy, who one might swear was a -true sun of Hans Holbein, filches away the half-finished tankard of -raspis from Longpole's elbow, and supplies its place with an empty -one. - -"And is Sir Albert of Koënigstein gone to Ratisbon too?" demanded Sir -Osborne, pursuing the inquiries which he was engaged in making -concerning his old comrades, amongst whom a sad dispersion had taken -place during his absence. - -"Indeed I cannot tell, sir knight," replied the landlord; "but very -likely he is with the Count of Shoenvelt, at Cassel." - -"What does Shoenvelt at Cassel?" asked the knight thoughtfully. - -"He is collecting adventurers, they say, sir, under a commission from -the emperor," replied the host. "Some think, to go against the Moors; -but most people judge, to protect the frontier against Robert de la -Mark." - -"But Koënigstein would not serve under him," said Sir Osborne, -meditating over what he heard. "He is a better captain a thousand -times, and a nobler spirit." - -"Well, sir," answered the landlord, "I tell you only what I heard. -Somebody told me so, I am sure. Perhaps they command together. Boy, -give his worship another tankard; don't you see that is out?" - -"Odds fish!" cried Longpole; "what! all gone? Your measures, mine -host, are not like that certain knight's purse that was no sooner -empty than full again. It seems to me they are no sooner full than -empty." - -"At Cassel did you say he is?" demanded Sir Osborne. - -"Not exactly at Cassel, sir knight," replied the host, glad to pass -away from the subject of the tankard; "but you know Mount St. Hubert, -about a league from Cassel. Your worship will find him there." - -Sir Osborne made no reply; and, after a while, the host and his legion -cleared the table of its encumbrances, and left the knight and his -follower to pursue their own thoughts undisturbed. We can hardly -wonder that, though now free from all danger of pursuit, the heart of -the young knight was sad, and that his brow was clouded with many -melancholy imaginings. It may be said, indeed, that he was not now -worse in situation than when he was formerly in Flanders, at which -time he had been happy and cheerful; but he was far worse, inasmuch as -he had since entertained hopes and expectations which were now broken -and passed away; inasmuch as he had known scenes, and tasted joys, -that he had now lost, and which might never be his again. Every -enjoyment of the human heart is like a tree planted deeply in the -soil, which, when rooted out, leaves not the earth as it was before, -but tears it up and scatters it abroad, and makes a yearning void, -difficult to be filled again. - -However, there was one thing which he had gained: an object in life. -Formerly his natural disposition, the chivalrous spirit of the age, -the ardour of high health, and the strong impulsive bias given by -early associations, had impelled him onward on the only path of renown -then open to a daring spirit. But now he had a still more inspiring -motive, a more individual incitement, to press forward to the goal of -fame. Constance de Grey was ever present to his thoughts, furnished -the spring of all his actions, and directed his every endeavour. -Renown in arms was his already; but fortune, station, he felt he must -gain at the sword's point, and he only sought a good cause wherein to -draw it. - -The report that Albert of Koënigstein, his old friend and companion in -arms, had joined the adventurers which the Count of Shoenvelt was -collecting at Cassel, led him to imagine that the cause in which they -would be engaged was one that he could himself embrace with honour, -although Shoenvelt's name had not been hitherto very famous for the -better qualities of chivalry. He doubted not, also, from the high -station which he himself had filled in the armies of Burgundy, he -should easily obtain that rank and command which he was entitled to -expect amongst the troops thus assembled. - -The history of the various bands of adventurers of that day offers us -some of the most curious and interesting particulars of a curious and -interesting age. These companies, totally distinct from the regular -armies of the time (if regular armies they might be called), were -generally levied by some enterprising feudal lord; and commencing, -most frequently, amongst his own vassals, afterwards swelled out into -very formidable bodies by a junction with other bands, and by the -continual accession of brave and veteran soldiers, cast upon the world -by the sovereigns they had served, when peace rendered their swords no -longer necessary. Of course, the numbers in these companies varied -very much according to circumstances, as well as their regulations and -deportment. Sometimes they consisted of thousands, sometimes of simple -tens. Sometimes, with the strictest discipline and the most -unshrinking valour, they entered into the service of kings, and -decided the fate of empires; sometimes they were little better than -roving bands of robbers, that lived by rapine and hardly acknowledged -law. Most frequently, however, in the age of which we treat, they -volunteered their support to the armies of their own sovereign or his -own allies, and often proved more active than the body they came to -aid. - -However, if Theseus had played at pitch-and-toss with Ariadne's clue, -he would never have slain the Minotaur; and, therefore, we must go on -with the thread of our own story, notwithstanding a strong inclination -to pause and sport with the subject of the adventurers. Nevertheless, -thus much we will say: if our readers wish a treat, let them read the -delightful old Mémoires of Fleuranges--"_L'Aventurier_," as he calls -himself--which for simplicity, and, if I may use the term, bonhommie -of style, for curious incident and romantic adventure, is far superior -to any romance that ever was written. Many curious particulars, also, -concerning the appearance and conduct of the adventurers, may be found -in the letters of Clement Marot to Marguerite de Valois. - -But to proceed. The next morning, by day-break, Sir Osborne and his -companion were once more on horseback, and on their way to Mount -Cassel, the knight having determined to learn, in the first place, the -views of Shoenvelt, and to examine the real state of his troops, -before he offered himself as a companion in the adventure. In case he -found their object such as he could not himself seek, his mind was -hardly made up whether to offer his services to the emperor, or to -Francis King of France. His old habits, indeed, tended to make him -prefer the imperial army; but, from all he had heard of the new chief -of the German confederacy, there was a sort of cold-blooded, -calculating policy in his every action, that little accorded with the -warm and chivalrous feelings of the young knight; while, at the same -time, there was in the whole conduct of Francis a noble, candid -generosity of heart: a wild, enthusiastic spirit of daring and -adventure, that wonderfully attracted Sir Osborne towards him. - -Journeying on with a quick pace, Mount Cassel soon rose to the -traveller's sight, starting out of the vast plains in which it stands, -like some high spirit towering above the flat multitude. - -Sweeping round its base, the knight turned his horse towards a lesser -hill, at about two miles' distance, the top of which was in that day -crowned by the castle of Shoenvelt. From the plain below, as the eye -wandered up the side of the mountain, amidst the wood and broom that -covered the rock in large masses, might be seen peeping forth wall, -and bastion, and outwork, while higher up, in zigzag lines upon the -clear background of the sky, appeared the towers and battlements of -the castle, with the tall donjon rising above them all, and the banner -of Shoenvelt, bearing sable a saltier gules, floating in the sunshine. - -A broad, fair road offered itself for the travellers' horses, winding -along a narrow rocky ridge, which was the only part that, slowly -descending, joined the hill gradually to the plain. All the rest was -steep and precipitous, and too well guarded by nature to be liable to -attack; while overhanging this sole approach might be seen on every -side many a frowning defence, well prepared against any hostile -footstep. Gradually, as the road wound upwards, it grew narrower and -more narrow, confined between two high banks, commanded by the towers -of the castle, while the road itself was completely raked by the guns -of the barbican. - -Sir Osborne remarked it all with a soldier's eye, looking on it as a -mechanist does on some fine piece of art, and observing the purpose of -every different part. Pressing on, however, he soon arrived at the -gate, and demanded if Sir Albert of Koënigstein was in the castle. - -Though it was a time of peace, no gate was opened, and the sole -response of the soldier to whom he spoke was, "Who are you?" uttered -through the grille of the barbican. The knight gave his name, and the -man retired without making any further answer. - -"This looks like precaution, Longpole," said the knight. "Methinks -they would run no great danger in letting two men pass the gate, -though they may be armed at all points." - -"I suppose the custom of this castle is like the custom of a -rat-hole," replied Longpole, "to let but one in at a time. But I hope -you won't stay here, my lord. I have an invincible hatred at being -built up. As much of the camp and fair field as you like, but Lord -deliver me from stone and mortar! Besides, this place smacks -marvellously of a den of free companions. Look at that fellow with the -pike on his shoulder; neither his morion nor his corslet has known -sand and the rubbing-stick since his great ancestor was drowned with -Pharaoh; and 'twas then his harness got so rusty, depend on it." - -"In a Red Sea, I am afraid," said Sir Osborne. "But here comes the -janitor." - -As he spoke, the guardian of the gate approached with a bunch of keys, -and soon gave the knight the means of entrance. Sir Osborne, however, -still held his bridle in, and demanded once more if Sir Albert of -Koënigstein was in the castle. - -"I cannot tell you, sir," replied the soldier. "I know not the titles -of all the knights here. All I can say is, that I gave your name and -errand to my lord, who sits at table in the great hall, and that he -greets you heartily and invites you in." - -At this moment a group of gentlemen appeared, coming through the gate -of the inner ballium, and Sir Osborne, not doubting that they had been -sent by the count to conduct him to the hall, saw that he could not -now avoid entering, whether the officer he sought was there or not. -Riding through the gate, then, he dismounted, and giving his horse to -Longpole, met the party he had seen advancing, the principal of whom, -with much reverence and courtesy, prayed the Sire de Darnley, on the -part of Count Shoenvelt, to enter and quaff a cup of wine with him. -Sir Osborne expressed his willingness to do so in the same strain, and -then repeated his inquiry for his friend. - -"We are unhappy in not having his company," replied the gentleman; -"but I believe the count expects him here in a few days." - -He was a young man who spoke, and there was a sort of flush came over -his cheek, as he announced the probable coming of Koënigstein, which -induced Sir Osborne to imagine that his report was not very correct; -and fixing his eye upon him, he merely said, "Does he?" with a slight -degree of emphasis. - -"Yes, sir, he does," said the youth, colouring still more highly. "Do -you mean to say he does not?" - -"Not in the least," said Sir Osborne, "as you may see by my seeking -him here; and I am sure that so gallant a squire as yourself would -never swerve from truth." - -The young man bent down his eyes, and began playing with his -sword-knot, while Sir Osborne, now perfectly convinced that the whole -tale was a falsehood, followed on in silence, prepared to act -according to this opinion. In a few minutes they passed through the -portal of the keep, and entered at once into the great hall, up the -midst of which was placed a long table, surrounded by the chief of -Shoenvelt's adventurers, with various pages and varlets, serving the -meats and pouring out the wine. Round upon the walls hung the arms of -the various guests, cumbering every hook or peg that could be found; -and where these had been scanty, they were cast upon the ground behind -the owners' seats, together with saddles and bards, and other horse -caparisons; while in the corner leaned several scores of lances, -mingled amongst which were one or two knightly pennons, and many a -sheaf of arrows, jostled by the upstart weapons destined in the end to -banish them from the stage, such as hackbuts, hand-guns, and other -newly-invented fire-arms. - -At the farther end of the table, digging deeply with his dagger in a -chine of wild-boar pork, which had been just placed before him, sat -the Count of Shoenvelt himself, tall, strong-limbed, and grisly, with -a long, drooping, hooked nose, depressed at the point, as if some one -had set his thumb on it, at the same time squeezing it down, and -rather twisting it on one side. This feature was flanked, if one may -use the term, by a pair of small, keen, hawk's eyes, which expressed -more active cunning than vigorous thought; while a couple of immense -ears, sticking out on each side of his head, and worn into various -irregular callosities by the pressure of his helmet, gave a singular -and brute-like appearance to his whole visage, not easy to be -described. He was dressed in a hacqueton, or close jacket of buff -leather, laced with gold, on which might be seen, especially towards -the arms, sundry daubs and stains, to the number of which he had just -added another, by dashing all the gravy over his sleeve, in his -furious hacking of the large and stubborn piece of meat before him. -This accident had called into his face not the most angelic -expression, and as he sat he would have made a good picture of an -inferior sort of devil; the whole effect being heightened by a strong -ray of light passing through a purple pane of the stained glass -window, and falling with a ghastly lustre upon his dark, ferocious -countenance. - -The moment, however, that he perceived Sir Osborne, his brow was -smoothed, and rising from his seat, he advanced towards him with great -expression of joy. "My dear Lord of Darnley!" cried he, taking him in -his arms and pressing him to his bosom with a hug that the knight -would willingly have dispensed with; "welcome! a thousand times -welcome to St. Hubert's Castle! Whether you come to stay with us as a -companion, or whether you are but a passing guest, your visit is an -honour and a delight to all within these walls. Knights and -gentlemen," continued he, "pledge me all a cup to the health of the -Sire de Darnley." - -To the party by whom he was surrounded, such a proposal was what -nobody felt at all inclined to reject, and consequently there was -instantly a loud rattling of cups and tankards, and no one complained -that his bowl was too full. All pledged Lord Darnley, and he could not -refuse to do them justice in a cup of wine. After which, taking the -seat that Shoenvelt assigned him by his side, the knight gazed over -the various grim and war-worn faces which were gathered round the -table, some of which he knew merely by sight, and some who, having -exchanged a word or two with him in the various reciprocations of -military service, now looked as if they claimed some mark of -recognition. Sir Osborne was not the man to reject such appeal, and he -gave the expected bow to each, though amongst them all he saw no one -who had greatly distinguished himself for those high feelings and -generous virtues that ever marked the true knight. - -Many were the questions that were asked him; many the conjectures that -were propounded to him for confirmation, respecting the designs of -France and England, and of Germany; and it was some time before he -could cut them short, by informing his interrogators that he had been -for the last three months in his own country, so deeply occupied by -his private affairs that he had given no attention to the passing -politics of the day. The whole party seemed greatly disappointed, -entertaining apparently a much more violent thirst for news than even -that which is commonly to be met with in all small communities, cut -off from general information, and unoccupied by greater or better -subjects of contemplation. - -As soon as the meal, which was drawing towards its end when Sir -Osborne entered, was completely concluded, Shoenvelt rose, and begged -to entertain him for a few minutes in private; which being agreed to, -he led him forth into a small space enclosed with walls, wherein the -provident chatelain had contrived to lay up, against the hour of need, -a very sufficient store of cabbages, turnips, carrots, and other -_canaille_ of the vegetable kingdom, which might be very serviceable -in case of siege. Here, walking up and down a long path that bordered -the beds, with Sir Osborne on his right, and a knight named Wilsten -(whom he had invited to the conference) on his left, Shoenvelt -addressed Lord Darnley somewhat to the following effect; generally, -while he did so, fixing his eyes upon vacancy, as a man does who -recites awkwardly a set speech, but still from time to time giving a -quick sharp glance towards the knight's countenance, to see the -impression he produced:-- - -"Valiant and worthy knight--ahem! ahem!" said Shoenvelt. "Every one, -whether in Germany or France, England or Spain, or even here in our -poor duchy of Burgundy--ahem! ahem! Every one, I say, has heard of -your valorous feats and courageous deeds of arms; wherefore it cannot -be matter of astonishment to you, that wherever there is a captain -who, having gathered together a few hardy troops--ahem! ahem! is -desirous of signalizing himself in the service of his -country--ahem!--wherever there is such a one, I say, you cannot be -surprised that he wishes to gain you to his aid." Here Shoenvelt gave -a glance at Wilsten, to see if he approved his proem; after which he -again proceeded:--"Now you must know, worthy knight, that I have -here in my poor castle, which is a strong one, as you may -perceive--ahem!--no less than five hundred as good spearmen as ever -crossed a horse, which I have gathered together for no mean purpose. A -purpose," he continued, mysteriously, "which, if effected, will not -only enrich all persons who contribute their aid thereto, but will -gain them the eternal thanks of our good and noble emperor--ahem! -ahem! I could say more--ahem!" - -"Tonder, man! tell him all," cried Wilsten, who had served with Sir -Osborne, and had the reputation of being a brave and gallant knight, -though somewhat addicted to plunder; "or let me tell him, for your -bedevilled 'hems' take more time than it would to storm a fort. This -is the case, sir knight. A great meeting is to take place between the -King of France and the King of England at the border, and all the -nobility of France are in motion through Picardy and the frontier -provinces, covered with more gold than they ever had in their lives -before. Even Francis himself, like a mad fool, is running from -castle to castle, along the frontier, sometimes with not more than -half-a-dozen followers. Now, then, fancy what a rich picking may be -had amidst these gay French gallants; and if Francis himself were to -fall into our hands, we might command half a kingdom for his ransom." - -"But I thought that the two countries were at peace," said the knight, -with a coldness of manner sufficiently marked, as he thought, to -prevent any further communication of the kind. - -Wilsten, however, was not to be stopped, and replied, "Ay, a sort of -peace; a peace that is no peace on the frontiers. Don't let that -frighten you: we can prove that they were the first aggressors. Why, -did not they, less than ten days ago, attack the garrison of St. -Omers, and kill three men in trying to force the gate? Have they not -ravaged half Hainault? But, however, as I said, be not startled at -that. Shoenvelt saw the emperor about two months ago, who gave him to -understand that we could not do him a better service than either to -take Francis alive or give him a stroke with a lance. And fear not -that our plans are well laid: we have already two hundred men -scattered over the frontier; every forest, every village, has its ten -or twelve, ready to join at a moment's notice, when we sound to the -standard: two hundred more follow to-night, and Shoenvelt and I -to-morrow, in small parties, so as not to be suspected. Already we -have taken a rich burgher of Beauvais, with velvets and cloths of gold -worth a hundred thousand florins. But that is nothing: the king is our -great object, and him we shall have, unless some cursed accident -prevents it; for we do not hunt him by report only: we have our -gaze-hound upon him, who never loses sight. What think you of that, -sir knight? Count William of Firstenberg, Shoenvelt's cousin, who is -constantly with Francis, ay, and well-beloved of him, is our sworn -companion, and gives us notice of all his doings. What think you of -that, sir knight--ha?" - -"I think him a most infernal villain!" cried Sir Osborne, his -indignation breaking forth in spite of his better judgment. "By -heaven! before I would colleague with such a traitor, I'd have my hand -struck off." - -"Ha!" cried Shoenvelt, who had marked the knight's coldness all along, -and now burst into fury. "A traitor! Sir knight, you lie! Ho! shut the -gates there! By heaven! he will betray us, Wilsten! Call Marquard's -guard; down with him to a dungeon!" and laying his hand upon his -sword, he prepared to stop the knight, who now strode rapidly towards -the gate. "Nay, nay," cried Wilsten, holding his companion's arm. -"Remember, Shoenvelt, 'tis your own hold. He must not be hurt here; -nay, by my faith he shall not. We will find a more fitting place: -hold, I say!" - -While Shoenvelt, still furious, strove to free himself from Wilsten, -Sir Osborne passed the gate of the garden, and entered the space of -the outer ballium, where Longpole had pertinaciously remained with the -two horses, as close to the barbican, the gate of which had been left -open when they entered, as possible, seeming to have had a sort of -presentiment that it might be necessary to secure possession of the -bridge. - -The moment the knight appeared without any conductors, the shrewd -custrel conceived at once that something had gone wrong, sprang upon -his own horse, gave a glance round the court to see that his retreat -could not be cut off, and perceiving that almost all the soldiers were -near the inner wall, he led forward his lord's charger to meet him. - -Sir Osborne had his foot in the stirrup when Shoenvelt, now broken -away from Wilsten, rushed forth from the garden, vociferating to his -men to shut the gate and to raise the drawbridge; but in a moment the -knight was in the saddle; and spurring on, with one buffet of his hand -in passing, he felled a soldier who had started forward to drop the -portcullis, and darted over the bridge. - -"On to the other gate, Longpole!" cried he. "Quick! Make sure of it;" -and turning his own horse, he faced Shoenvelt, who now seeing him gone -beyond his power, stood foaming under the arch. "Count of Shoenvelt!" -cried he, drawing off his glove, "thou art a liar, a traitor, and a -villain, which, when you will, I will prove upon your body. There lies -my gage!" and casting down his gauntlet, he galloped after Longpole, -who stood with his sword drawn in a small outer gate, which had been -thrown forward even beyond the barbican. - -"Up! archers, up!" cried Shoenvelt, storming with passion; "up, lazy -villains! A hundred crowns to him who sends me an arrow through his -heart. Draw! draw, slaves! Draw, I say!" - -In a moment an arrow stuck in Sir Osborne's surcoat, and another -lighted on his casquet; but, luckily, as we have seen, the more easily -to carry his harness or armour, he rode completely armed, and the -missiles from the castle fell in vain. - -However, lest his horse should suffer, which, not being sufficiently -covered by its bard to insure it from a chance arrow, might have been -disabled at the very moment he needed it most, the knight spurred on -as fast as possible, and having joined Longpole, descended the narrow -way by which they had mounted. - -Still for some way the arrows continued to fall about them, though -with less assured aim and exhausted force; so that the only danger -that remained might be apprehended either from the guns of the castle -being fired upon them, or from Shoenvelt sending out a body of -spearmen in their pursuit. Neither of these, however, took place, the -inhabitants of the country round, and the commander of Cassel, being -too jealous and suspicious of Shoenvelt already for him to do anything -which might more particularly attract their attention; and to this -cause, and this cause only, was Sir Osborne indebted for his unpursued -escape. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXII. - - How blest am I by such a man led, - Under whose wise and careful guardship - I now despise fatigue and hardship! - - -As soon as they were out of reach of immediate annoyance, the knight -reined in his horse, and turned to see if Shoenvelt showed any -symptoms of an inclination to follow. But all was now quiet: the gates -were shut, the drawbridge was raised, and not even an archer to be -seen upon the walls. Sir Osborne's eye, however, ran over tower, and -bartizan, and wall, and battlement, with so keen and searching a -glance, that if any watched him in his progress, it must have been -from the darkest loophole in the castle, to escape the notice of his -eye. - -Satisfied at length with his scrutiny, he again pursued his journey -down the steep descent into the vast plain of Flanders, and turned his -horse towards Mount Cassel, giving Longpole an account, as he went, of -the honourable plans and purposes of the good Count of Shoenvelt. - -"'Odslife! my lord," said Longpole, "let us go into that part of the -world too. If we could but get a good stout fellow or two to our back, -we might disconcert them." - -"I fear they are too many for us," replied the knight, "though it -seems that Shoenvelt, avaricious of all he can get, and afraid that -aught should slip through his hands, has divided his men into tens and -twelves, so that a few spears well led might do a great deal of harm -amongst them. At all events, Longpole, we will buy a couple of lances -at Cassel; for we may yet chance to meet with some of Shoenvelt's -followers on our road." - -Conversing of their future proceedings, they now mounted the steep -ascent of Mount Cassel, and approached the gate of the town, the iron -grate of which, to their surprise, was slowly pushed back in their -faces as they rode up. "Ho! soldier, why do you shut the gate?" cried -Sir Osborne; "don't you see we are coming in?" - -"No, you are not," replied the other, who was a stiff old Hainaulter, -looking as rigid and intractable as the iron jack that covered his -shoulders; "none of Shoenvelt's plunderers come in here." - -"But we are neither friends nor plunderers of Shoenvelt's," said the -knight: "we are his enemies, and have just made our escape from St. -Hubert's." - -"Ah! a fine tale! a fine tale!" replied the soldier, through the -barred gate, which he continued slowly and imperturbably to fasten -against them. "We saw you come down the hill, but you don't step in -here to-night; so you had better ride away, before the captain sends -down to make you. We all know that you can lie as well as rob." - -"By my life! if I were in, I'd split your morion for you," said the -knight, enraged at the cool _nonchalance_ of the Hainaulter. - -"Doubtless," replied he, in the same sort of indifferent snuffling -tone; "doubtless: you look like it, and that's one reason why I shall -keep you out." - -Sir Osborne wasted no more words on the immoveable old pikeman, but, -angrily turning his horse, began to descend the hill. A little way -down the steep, there was even then, as now, a small hamlet serving as -a sort of suburb to the town above; and towards this the knight took -his way, pausing to gaze, every now and then, on the vast, -interminable plain that lay stretched at his feet, spread over which -he could see a thousand cities and villages, all filled with their own -little interests and feelings, wherein he had no part nor sympathy, -and a thousand roads leading away to them, in every direction, without -any one to guide his choice, or to tell him on which he might expect -prosperity or disaster. - -"To Aire," said he, after he had thought for some time. "We will go to -Aire. I hear that the Count de Ligny, whom I fought at Isson, is -there, and the Chevalier Bayard, and many other gallant knights and -gentlemen, who, perhaps, may welcome me amongst them. Is not that the -smoke of a forge, Longpole? Perhaps we may find an armourer. Let us -see." - -As the knight had imagined, so it proved, and on their demanding two -strong lances, the armourer soon brought them forward a bundle of -stiff ash staves, bidding them choose. After some examination to -ascertain the soundness of the wood, their choice was made; and the -Fleming proceeded to adjust to the smaller end of each two -handsbreadths of pointed iron, which being fastened and clenched, the -knight and his follower paid the charge, and taking possession of -their new weapons rode away, directing their course towards -Hazebrouck, in their way to Aire. - -Their progress now became necessarily slow; for though both horses -were powerful in limb and joint, and trained to carry great burdens -and endure much fatigue, yet the weight of a heavy iron bard, together -with that of a tall strong man armed at all points, was such that in a -long journey it of course made itself felt. Evidently perceiving by -the languor of his motions that the charger which bore him was -becoming greatly wearied, Sir Osborne ceased to urge him, and proposed -to stop for the evening at the very first village that could boast of -an inn. Nevertheless, it was some time before they met with such a -one, most of the hamlets on the road being too poor and insignificant -to require or possess anything of the kind. At length, however, a -small, neat house, with a verdant holly-bush over the door, invited -their steps, and entering, Sir Osborne was saluted heartily by the -civil host, who, with brandished knife and snowy bib, was busily -engaged in cooking various savoury messes for any guest that -Providence might send him. Some specimens of his handiwork were placed -before the knight and Longpole, as soon as their horses had been taken -care of; and an excellent bottle of old wine, together with some -fatigue, induced them to linger a little at the table. - -The lattice, which was open, looked out across the road to the little -village green, where was to be seen many a schoolboy playing in the -fine May evening, and mocking, in his childish sports, the sadder -doings of the grown-up children of the day. Here, horsed upon their -fellows' backs, were two that acted the part of knights, tilting at -each other with broomsticks; and there, marshalled in fair order by a -youthful captain, marched a body of young lansquenets, advancing and -retreating, wheeling and charging, with no small precision. Sir -Osborne watched them for a while, in somewhat of a moralizing mood, -till his musing was disturbed by the trotting of a horse past the -window, and in a moment after he heard the good-humoured voice of the -host addressing the person who arrived. - -"Ah! Master Frederick," he said, "what! back again so soon! I told you -you would soon be tired of soldiering." - -"Nay, nay, Regnault," answered a voice that Sir Osborne thought he had -heard before, "I am not tired of soldiering, and never shall be; but I -am tired of consorting with a horde of plunderers, for such are -Shoenvelt and all his followers. But while I lead my horse to the -stable, get me something to eat, good Regnault; for I do not want to -go back to the hall till I have dented my sword at least." - -"What! are you going to it again?" cried the host; "stay at home, -Master Frederick! stay at home! Take care of the house your father has -left you. If you are not so rich as the baron, you have enough, and -that is better than riches, if one knew it." - -"My father was a soldier," answered the young man, "and distinguished -himself; and so will I, before I sit down in peace." - -Here the conversation ceased; and the host, entering the room in which -sat the knight and his follower, began to lay out one of the small -tables with which it was furnished. "That is as good a youth," said -he, addressing Sir Osborne, while he proceeded with his preparations; -"that is as good a youth as ever breathed, if he had not taken this -fit of soldiering. His father was a younger brother of old Count -Altaman, and after many years' service came to our village, and bought -a piece of ground, where he built a house: your worship may see it -from here, over the side of the hill, with the wood behind it. He has -been dead now a year, and his wife near three; and so Master Frederick -there must needs go soldiering. They say it is all love for the -baron's daughter. But here he comes." - -As he spoke, the young man entered the room, presenting to Sir -Osborne, as he had expected, the face of the youth who had been sent -by Shoenvelt to welcome him on his arrival at the castle. An ingenuous -blush overspread the young Hainaulter's countenance when he saw Sir -Osborne, and taking his seat at the table prepared for him, he turned -away his head and began his meal in silence. - -"Had you not better take off your corslet, Master Frederick?" demanded -the host. - -"No, no, Regnault," replied the youth; "I do not know that I shall -stay here all night. Never mind! give me some wine, and leave me." - -Thus repulsed, the innkeeper withdrew, and Sir Osborne continued to -watch the young soldier, who, whether it was a feeling of shame at -meeting the knight, and degradation at having been made, even in a -degree, a party to Shoenvelt's attempt to deceive him, or whether it -was bitterness of spirit at returning to his native place -unsuccessful, seemed to have his heart quite full; and it appeared to -be with pain that he ate the food which was placed before him. - -Sir Osborne could feel for disappointed hopes, and after regarding him -for a moment or two in silence, he crossed the room and laid his hand -upon his shoulder. - -The young man turned round with a flushed cheek, hardly knowing -whether from anger at the familiarity to vent the feelings of his -heart, or to take it in good part, and strive to win the esteem of a -man whom he had been taught to admire. - -But there was a frankness in the knight's manner, and a noble kindness -of intent in his look, that soon removed all doubt. "So, young -gentleman," said he, "you have left Count Shoenvelt's company. I -thought you were not made to stay long amongst them; but say, was it -with his will?" - -"I staid not to ask, my lord," replied the young man. "I was bound to -Shoenvelt in no way, and the moment the gates were opened after you -were gone, I rode out and came away." - -Sir Osborne shook his head. "When a soldier engages with a commander," -said he, "his own will and pleasure must not be the terms of his -service. But of all things, he ought not to quit his leader's banner -without giving notice that he intends to do so." - -"But, thank God," cried the young Hainaulter, "I had not yet taken -service with Shoenvelt. He wanted to swear me to it, as he does the -rest; but I would not do so till I saw more of him and of his plans; -and so I told him." - -"That makes the matter very different," replied the knight with a -smile. "I am heartily glad to hear it, for I dare pronounce him a -traitorous ruffian, and no true knight. But one more question, young -sir, if I urge not your patience. How came you to seek Shoenvelt at -first, who never bore a high renown but as a marauder?" - -The youth hesitated. "It matters not, sir knight," replied he, after a -moment's pause, "to you or to any one, what reasons I might have to -seek renown as speedily as possible, and why the long, tedious road to -knighthood and to fame, first as page, and then as squire, and then as -man-at-arms, was such as I could not bear; but so it was: and as -Shoenvelt gave out that he had high commissions from the emperor, and -was to do great deeds, I hoped that with him I might find speedy means -of signalizing myself. After being two days in the castle, I -discovered that his whole design was plunder, which was not the way to -fame; and this morning he made me deliver you a message, which I knew -to be a falsehood, which was not the road to honour: so I determined -to leave him; and as the spearmen are always dropping out of the -castle by five or six at a time, to go down to the frontier, I soon -found the means of getting away." - -"Yours is an error, my good youth," said Sir Osborne, "which I am -afraid we are all wont to entertain in the first heat of our early -days; but we soon find that the road to fame is hard and difficult of -access, and that it requires time, and perseverance, and labour, and -strength, even to make a small progress therein. Those who, with a gay -imagination, fancy they have made themselves wings to fly up to the -top, soon, like the Cretan of old, sear their pinions in the sun, and -drop into the sea of oblivion. However, are you willing to follow a -poor knight, who, though he cannot promise either fame or riches, will -lead you, at least, in the path of honour?" - -The enthusiastic youth caught the knight's hand, and kissed it with -inexpressible delight. "What! follow you?" cried he; "follow the Lord -Darnley, the Knight of Burgundy, whose single arm maintained the -bridge at Bovines against the bravest of the Duke of Alençon's horse! -Ay, that I will, follow him through the world. Do you hear that, -Regnault?" he cried to the innkeeper, who now entered; "do you hear -that? Instead of the base Shoenvelt, I am going to follow the noble -Lord of Darnley, who was armed a knight by the emperor himself." - -The honest innkeeper congratulated Master Frederick heartily upon the -exchange; for the knight was now in that part of the country where his -name, if not his person, was well known; and in that age, the fame of -gallant actions and of noble bearing spread rapidly through all ranks, -and gained the meed of applause from men whom we might suppose little -capable of appreciating it. - -All preliminaries were speedily arranged, and the next morning Sir -Osborne set out by dawn for the small town of Hazebrouck, which lay at -about two leagues' distance, where he took care to furnish his new -follower with a lance, and several pieces of defensive armour that -were wanting to his equipment; and then, to ascertain what reliance -might be placed on his support in case of emergency, he excited him to -practise various military exercises with himself, as they rode along -towards Aire. To his no small surprise and pleasure, he found that the -young Hainaulter, though somewhat rash and hasty, was far more skilful -in the use of his weapons and the management of his horse than he -could have conceived; and with such an addition to his party, he no -longer scrupled to cast himself in the way of some of Shoenvelt's -bodies of marauders, to keep his hand in, as Longpole quaintly -expressed it, when he heard his lord's determination. - -"Come, Frederick," said the knight, "I will not go on to Aire, as I -had determined; but, in order to gratify your wish for renown, we will -lie about on the frontier, like true errant knights of old, at any -village or other place where we may find shelter; and if we meet with -Shoenvelt, or any of his, mind you do honour to your arms. We shall -always have the odds of eight or nine against us." - -"No, no, sir knight!" cried the young soldier; "do not believe that. -It is one of his falsehoods; there are not above ten in any of the -bands, and most of them are five or six. I know where most of them -lie." - -"Hush, hush!" cried Sir Osborne, raising his finger; "you must tell me -nothing; so that, if you should chance to break a lance with him, your -hand may not tremble at thinking you have betrayed his counsel. Nay, -do not blush, Frederick. A man who aspires to chivalry must guide -himself by stricter rules than other men. It was for this I spoke. -Here is the fair river Lys, if I remember right." - -"It is so, sir knight," replied the other; "there is a bridge about a -mile lower down." - -"What! for a brook like this?" cried Sir Osborne, spurring his horse -in. "Oh, no; we will swim it. Follow!" - -The young Hainaulter's horse did not like the plunge, and shied away -from the brink. "Spur him in, spur him in!" cried Longpole. "If our -lord reaches the other bank first, he will never forgive us. He swims -like an otter himself, and fancies that his squires ought to be -water-rats by birthright." - -"Down with the left rein!" cried the knight, turning as his horse -swam, and seeing the situation of his young follower. "Give him the -spur, bring him to a demivolte, and he must in." - -As the knight said, at the second movement of the demivolte, the -horse's feet were brought to the very brink of the river, and a slight -touch of the mullet made him plunge over; so that, though somewhat -embarrassed with his lance in the water, Frederick soon reached the -other bank in safety. - -One of the beautiful Flemish meadows, which still in many parts skirt -the banks of the Lys, presented itself on the other side; and beyond -that, a forest that has long since known the rude touch of the heavy -axe, which, like some fell enchanter's wand, has made so many of the -loveliest woods in Europe disappear, without leaving a trace behind. -The one we speak of was then in its full glory, sweeping along with a -rich undulating outline by the side of the soft green plain that -bordered the river, sometimes advancing close to the very brink, as if -the giant trees of which it was composed sought to contemplate their -grandeur in the watery mirror, sometimes falling far away, and leaving -a wide open space between itself and the stream, covered with thick -short grass, and strewed with the thousand flowers wherewith Nature's -liberal hand has fondly decorated her favourite spring. Every here and -there, too, the wood itself would break away, discovering a long glade -penetrating into the deepest recesses of its bosom, filled with the -rich, mellow forest light, that, streaming between every aperture, -chequered the green, mossy path below, and showed a long perspective -of vivid light and shade as far as the eye could reach. - -It was up one of these that Sir Osborne took his way, willing to try -the mettle of his new follower, and to initiate him into the trade of -war, by a few of its first hardships and dangers, doubting not that -Shoenvelt had taken advantage of that forest, situated as it was -between Lillers and Aire, to post at least one party of his men -therein. From what the youth had let drop, as well as from what he had -himself observed, the knight was led to believe that the adventurer -had greatly magnified the number of his forces; and he also concluded -that, to avoid suspicion, he had divided his men into very small -troops, except on such points as he expected the King of France -himself to pass; and even there, Sir Osborne did not doubt that thirty -men would be the extent of any one body, Francis's habit of riding -almost unattended, with the fearless confidence natural to his -character, being but too well known on the frontier. - -To meet with Shoenvelt himself, and if possible to disappoint his -schemes of plunder, was now the knight's castle in the air; and though -the numbers of his own party were so scanty, he felt the sort of -confident assurance in his own courage, his own strength, and his own -skill, which is ever worth a host in moments of danger. Longpole, he -was also sure, would be no inefficient aid; and though the young -Hainaulter might not be their equal in experience or skill, Sir -Osborne did not fear that, in time of need, his enthusiastic courage -and desire to distinguish himself would make him more than a match for -one of Shoenvelt's company. - -Under these circumstances, the knight would never have hesitated to -attack a body of double, or perhaps treble, his own number; and yet he -resolved to proceed cautiously, endeavouring in the first place to -inform himself of the situation of Shoenvelt's various bands, and to -ascertain which that marauder was likely to join himself. - -Wilsten having let drop that he and the count, as the two leaders of -their whole force, were to set out the next morning, Sir Osborne saw -that no time was to be lost in reconnoitring the ground, in order to -ascertain the real strength of the adventurers. He resolved, -therefore, to take every means to learn their numbers; and if he found -the amount more formidable than he imagined, to risk nothing with so -few, but to provide for the king's safety, by giving notice to the -garrison of Aire that the monarch was menaced by danger; and then to -aid with his own hand in ridding the frontier of such dangerous -visitors, though he felt a great degree of reluctance to share with -any one an enterprise full of honourable danger. It was likewise -necessary to ascertain where Francis I. was; for Shoenvelt might have -been deceived, or the king might have already quitted the frontier, or -he might be accompanied by a sufficient escort to place his person in -security; or, in short, a thousand circumstances might have happened, -which would render the enterprise of the adventurers abortive, and his -own interference unnecessary, if not impertinent. - -Revolving all these considerations in his mind, sometimes proceeding -in silence, sometimes calling upon his companions for their opinion, -Sir Osborne took his way up one of the deep glades of the forest, -still keeping a watchful ear to every sound that stirred in the wood, -so that not a note of the thrush or the blackbird, nor the screaming -of a jay, nor the rustle of a rabbit, escaped him; and yet nothing met -his ear which might denote that there were other beings hid beneath -those green boughs besides themselves and the savage tenants of the -place: the stag, the wild boar, and the wolf. - -The deep ruts, formed by heavy wood-carts in the soft, mossy carpet of -the glade, told that the route they were pursuing was one which most -probably communicated with some village, or some other road of greater -thoroughfare; and after following it for about a mile, they perceived -that, now joined to another exactly similar to itself, it wound away -to the left, leaving nothing but a small bridle-way before them, which -Sir Osborne judged must lead to some spot where the wood had been -cleared. - -As their horses were now rather fatigued, and the full sun shining -upon the forest rendered its airless paths very oppressive, the knight -chose the little path before him, hoping it would lead to a more open -space where they might repose for a while, and at the same time keep a -watch upon the roads they had just quitted. His expectations were not -deceitful; for after having proceeded about two hundred yards, they -came to a little grassy mound in the wood, which in former times might -have monumented the field of some Gallic or Roman victory, piled up -above the bones of the mighty dead. Even now, though the forest had -grown round and girt it in on every side, the trees themselves seemed -to hold it in reverence, leaving it, and even some space round it, -free from their grasping roots; except, indeed, where a group of idle -hawthorns had gathered impudently on its very summit, flaunting their -light blossoms to the sun, and spreading their perfume on the wind. - -It was the very spot suited to Sir Osborne's purpose; and, -dismounting, the three travellers leaned their lances against the -trees, and letting their horses pick a meal from the forest grass, -prepared to repose themselves under the shadow of the thorns. Previous -to casting himself down upon the bank, however, the knight took care -to examine the wood around them; and seeing a sort of yellow light -shining between the trees beyond, he pursued his way along what seemed -a continuation of the little path which had brought them thither. -Proceeding in a slanting direction, apparently to avoid the bolls of -some enormous beeches, it did not lead on for above ten or twelve -yards, and then opened out upon a high road cut through the very -wildest part of the forest, at a spot where an old stone cross and -fountain of clear water commemorated the philanthropy of some one long -dead, and offered the best of Nature's gifts to the lip of the weary -traveller. Sir Osborne profited by the occasion, and communicated his -discovery to his companions, who took advantage of it to satisfy their -thirst also. They then lay down in the shade of the hawthorns on the -mound; and, after some brief conversation, the heat of the day so -overpowered the young Hainaulter that he fell asleep. Such an example -was never lost upon Longpole, who soon resigned himself to the drowsy -god; and Sir Osborne was left the only watcher of the party. - -Whether from his greater bodily powers, on which fatigue made but -slight impression, or from deeper feelings and thoughts that would not -rest, sleep came not near his eyelids; and, lying at his ease in the -fragrant air, a thousand busy memories came thronging through his -brain, recalling love, and hope, and joy, and teaching to believe that -all might yet be his. - -While thus indulging waking visions, he thought he heard a distant -horn, and listening, the same sound was again borne upon the wind from -some part of the forest. It was, however, no warlike note, but -evidently proceeded from the horn of some huntsman, who, as Sir -Osborne concluded from the time of the year, was chasing the wolf, to -whom no season gives repose. - -Falling back into the position from which he had risen to listen, Sir -Osborne had again given himself up to thought, when he was once more -roused by the sound of voices and the trampling of horses' feet on the -road hard by. Rising silently, without disturbing his companions, he -glided part of the way down the path leading to the fountain, and -paused amidst some oaks and shrubs, through the leaves of which he -could observe what passed on the highway, without being seen himself. - -Nearly opposite to the cross already mentioned appeared two horsemen, -one of whom allowed his beast to drink where the water, gurgling over -the basin of the fountain, formed a little streamlet across the road, -while the other held in his rein about a pace behind, as if waiting -with some degree of respect for his companion. As soon as the horse -raised its head, the first cavalier turned round, and presented to Sir -Osborne's view a fine and princely countenance, whose every feature, -whose every glance, bespoke a generous and noble spirit. - -In complexion the stranger was of a deep tanned brown, with his eyes, -his hair, and his mustachio nearly black; his brow was broad and -clear; his eyes were large and full, though shaded by the dark -eyelashes that overhung them; his nose was straight, and perhaps -somewhat too long; while his mouth was small, and would have been -almost too delicate, had it not been for a certain marked curl of the -upper lip, which gave it an expression, not of haughtiness nor of -sternness, but of grave, condescending dignity. His dress was a rich -hunting suit, which might well become a nobleman of the day, -consisting of a green pourpoint laced with gold and slashed on the -breast, long white hose half covered by his boots, and a short green -cloak not descending to his horse's back. His hat was of velvet, with -the broad brim slightly turned up round it, and cut in various places -so as somewhat to resemble a moral crown, while from the front, thrown -over to the back, fell a splendid plume of ostrich feathers which -almost reached his shoulder. His only arms appeared to be a dagger in -his girdle, and a long heavy sword, which hung from his shoulder in a -baldrick of cloth of gold. The other stranger was habited nearly like -the first, very little difference existing either in the fashion or -the richness of their apparel. Both also were tall and vigorous men, -and both were in the prime of their days; but the countenance of the -second was very different from that of his companion. In complexion he -was fair, with small blue eyes and rather sandy hair; nor would he -have been otherwise than handsome, had it not been for a certain -narrowness of brow and wideness of mouth, which gave a gaunt and eager -expression to his face, totally opposed to the grand and open -countenance of the other. - -As we have said, when his horse had done drinking, the first traveller -turned towards the spot where Sir Osborne stood, and seemed to listen -for a moment. At length he said, "Hear you the hunt now, Count -William?" - -"No, your highness," replied the other; "it has swept away towards -Aire." - -"Then, sir," rejoined the first, "we are alone!" and drawing his sword -from the scabbard, he laid it level before his companion's eyes, -continuing abruptly, "what think you of that blade? is it not a good -one?" At the same time he fixed his eye upon him with a firm, -remarking glance, as if he would have read into his very soul. The -other turned as pale as death, and faltered something about its being -a most excellent weapon. - -"Then," continued the first, "I will ask you, sir count, should it not -be a bold man, who, knowing the goodness of this sword, and the -strength of this arm, and the stoutness of this heart, would yet -attempt anything against my life? However, Count William of -Firstenberg, let me tell you, that should there be such a man in this -kingdom, and should he find himself alone with me in a wild forest -like this, and fail to make the attempt he meditated, I should look -upon him as coward as well as traitor, and fool as well as villain." -And his dark eye flashed as if it would have struck him to the ground. - -Count William[16] faltered, trembled, and attempted to reply, but his -speech failed him; and, striking his hand against his forehead, he -shook his bridle-rein, dug his spurs into his horse's sides, and -darted down the road like lightning. - -"Slave!" cried the other, as he marked him go; "cowardly slave!" and, -turning his horse, without further comment he rode slowly on the other -way. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIII. - - The battle fares like to the morning's war, - When dying clouds contend with growing light.--Shakspere. - - Thine is th' adventure, thine the victory; - Well has thy fortune turned the die for thee.--Dryden. - - -Sir Osborne immediately turned into the forest, and, rousing his -companions, called them to horse; but, however, though confessedly the -hero of our story, we must leave him for a little time and follow the -traveller we have just left upon the road. - -For a considerable way he rode on musing, and if one might judge from -his countenance, his meditations were somewhat bitter; such as might -become the bosom of a king on finding the treachery of the world, the -hollowness of friendship, the impossibility of securing affection, or -any other of the cold lessons which the world will sometimes teach the -children of prosperity. At length he paused, and, looking to the -declining sun, saw the necessity of hastening his progress; whereupon, -setting spurs to his horse, he galloped along the road without much -heeding in what direction it led him, till, coming to one of those -openings called _carrefours_ by the French, where a great many roads -met, he stopped to consider his farther route. In the midst, it is -true, stood a tall post, which doubtless in days of yore pointed out -to the inquisitive eye the exact destination to which each of the -several paths tended; but old Time, who will be fingering everything -that is nice and good, from the loveliest feature of living beauty to -the grandest monument of ancient art, had not spared even so -contemptible a thing as the finger-post, but, like a great mischievous -baby, had scratched out the letters with his pocketknife, leaving no -trace of their purport visible. - -The traveller rode round it in vain, then paused and listened, as if -to catch the sound of the distant hunt; but all was now silent. As a -last resource, he raised his hunting-horn to his lips, and blew a long -and repeated call; but all was hushed and still: even babbling Echo, -in pure despite, answered not a word. He blew again, and had the same -success. There was an ominous sort of quietness in the air, which, -joined with the sultriness of the evening, the expecting taciturnity -of the birds, and some dark heavy clouds that were beginning to roll -in lurid masses over the trees, gave notice of an approaching storm. - -Some road he must choose, and, calculating as nearly as he could by -the position of the sun, he made his election, and spurred along it -with all speed. A dropping sound amongst the green leaves, however, -soon showed that the storm was begun, and once having commenced, it -was not slow in following up its first attack: the rain came down in -torrents, so as to render the whole scene misty, and the lightning, -followed by its instant peal of thunder, flickered on every side with -flash after flash, dazzling the traveller's sight, and scaring his -horse by gleaming across his path, while the inky clouds overhead -almost deprived them of other light. In vain he every now and then -sought some place of shelter, where the trees seemed thickest; the -verdant canopy of the leaves, though impervious to the summer sun, and -a good defence against a passing shower, were incapable of resisting a -storm like that, and wherever he turned the rain poured through in -torrents, and wet him to the skin. Galloping on, then, in despair of -finding any sufficient covering, he proceeded for nearly half-an-hour -along the forest road, before it opened into the country; and where it -did so, instead of finding any nice village to give him rest, and -shelter, and food, and fire, the horseman could distinguish nothing -but a wide, bare expanse of country, looking dismal and desolate in -the midst of the gray deluge that was falling from the sky. About -seven or eight miles farther on, he could, indeed, see faintly through -the rain the spire of some little church, giving the only sign of -human habitation; except where, to the left, in the midst of the heath -that there bordered the forest, he perceived the miserable little hut -of a charcoal-burner, with a multitude of black hillocks before the -door, and a large shed for piling up what was already prepared. - -To this, then, as the nearest place of shelter, the stranger took his -way, very different in appearance from what he had been in the -morning; his rich dress soaked and soiled, his velvet hat out of all -shape or form, his high plume draggled and thin, with all the feather -adhering closely to the pen; and, in short, though still bearing the -inalienable look of gentleman, yet in as complete disarray of apparel -as the very worst wetting can produce. Without ceremony he rode up to -the door, sprang off his horse, and entered the cabin, wherein -appeared a good woman of about forty, busily piling up with fresh fuel -a fire of dry boughs, over which hung a large pot of soup for the -evening meal. The traveller's tale was soon told, and the dame readily -promised him shelter and food, in the name of her husband, who was -absent, carrying charcoal to the distant village; and seeing that the -storm was likely to last all night, he tied his horse under the shed, -placed himself by the side of the fire, aided the good woman to raise -it into a blaze, and frankly prepared to make himself as comfortable -as circumstances would permit. Well pleased with his easy good-humour, -the good dame soon grew familiar, gave him a spoon to skim the pot, -while she fetched more wood, and bade him make himself at home. In a -short time the husband himself returned, as dripping as the traveller -had been, and willingly confirmed all that his wife had promised. Only -casting himself, without ceremony, into the chair where the stranger -had been sitting--and which, by-the-way, was the only chair in the -place, all the rest of the seats being joint-stools--he addressed him -familiarly, saying, "I take this place by the fire, my good gentleman, -because it is the place where I always sit, and this chair, because it -is mine; and you know the old proverb-- - - "By right and by reason, whatever betide, - A man should be master by his own fireside."[17] - -"Faith, you are in the right," cried the traveller, laughing; "so I -will content myself with this settle. But let us have something for -supper; for, on the word of a--knight, my ride has taught me hunger." - -"Give us the soup, dame," cried the charcoal-burner. "Well I wot, sir -traveller, that you might be treated like a prince, here on the edge -of the wood, did not those vile forest laws prevent a poor man from -spearing a boar as well as a rich one. In truth, the king is to blame -to let such laws last." - -"Faith, and that is true," cried the traveller; "and heartily to -blame, too, if his laws stand between me and a good supper. Now would -I give a link of this gold chain for a good steak of wild boar pork -upon those clear ashes." - -The cottager looked at his wife, and the cottager's wife looked at her -husband, very like two people undecided what to do. "Fie, now!" cried -the stranger; "fie, good dame! I will wager a gold piece against a cup -of cold water, that if I look in that coffer, I shall find wherewithal -to mend our supper." - -"Hal ha! ha!" roared the charcoal-burner; "thou hast hit it. Faith, -thou hast hit it! There it is, my buck, sure enough! Bring it forth, -dame, and give us some steaks. But, mind," he continued, laying his -finger on his lip, with a significant wink; "mind, mum's the word! -never fare well and cry roast beef." - -"Oh! I'm as close as a mouse," replied the stranger in the same -strain; "never fear me: many a stout stag have I overthrown in the -king's forests, without asking with your leave or by your leave of any -man." - -"Ha! ha! ha!" cried the cottager; "thou'rt a brave one! Come, let us -be merry while the thunder rolls without. It will strike the king's -palace sooner than my cottage, though we are eating wild boar -therein." - -In such sort of wit passed the evening till nightfall; and the storm -still continuing in its full glory, the traveller was fain to content -himself with such lodging as the cottage afforded for the night. -Though his dress bespoke a rank far higher than their own, neither the -cottager nor his wife seemed at all awe-struck or abashed, but quietly -examined the gold lacing of his clothes, declared it was very fine, -and seemed to look upon him more as a child does upon a gilded toy -than in any other light. When night was come, the good dame strewed -out one corner of the hut with a little straw, piled it high with dry -leaves, and the stranger, rolling up his cloak for a pillow, laid it -under his head, stretched himself on the rude bed thus prepared, and -soon fell into a profound sleep. - -Taking advantage of his nap, we will now return to Sir Osborne, who -with all speed roused his companions from their slumbers, and bade -them mount and follow. With military alacrity, Longpole was on his -horse in a moment, and ready to set out; but for his part, the young -Hainaulter yawned and stretched, and, somewhat bewildered, looked as -if he would fain have asked whither the knight was going to lead him. -A word, however, from Longpole hurried his motions, and both were soon -upon the track of Sir Osborne, who was already some way on the little -bridle-path by which they had arrived at the grassy mound where they -had been sleeping. When he reached the road they had formerly left, he -paused, and waited their coming up. - -"Now, Longpole," cried he, "give me your judgment: does this road lead -to any crossing or not? Quick! for we must not waste a moment." - -"Most certainly it does, my lord," replied the shield-bearer: "most -probably to the spot where they all meet in the heart of the wood." - -"Perhaps he may tell us with more certainty," said the knight; and -changing his language to French, for the ear of the young Hainaulter, -he asked the same question. - -"Oh, yes, certainly," replied Frederick: "it leads to the great -carrefour; I have hunted here a hundred times." - -"Then, are we on French ground or Flemish?" demanded the knight. - -"The French claim it," replied the youth; "but we used to hunt here in -their despite." - -"Quick, then! let us on!" cried Sir Osborne; "and keep all your eyes -on the road before, to see if any one crosses it." - -"He has something in his head, I'll warrant," said Longpole to their -new companion, as they galloped after Sir Osborne. "Oh! our lord knows -the trade of war, and will snuff you out an enemy, without ever seeing -him, better than a beagle dog with bandy legs and a yellow spot over -his eyes." - -"Halt!" cried the knight, suddenly reining in his horse as they came -within sight of the carrefour we have already mentioned. "Longpole, -keep close under that tree! Frederick, here by my side; back him into -the wood, my good youth; that will do. Let every one keep his eyes -upon the crossing, and when you see a horseman pass, mark which road -he takes. How dark the sky is growing! Hark! is not that a horse's -feet?" - -They had not remained many minutes when the cavalier we have spoken of -appeared at the carrefour, examined in vain the finger-post, sounded -his horn once or twice, as we have described, and then again took his -way to the left. - -"Whither does that road lead?" demanded the knight, addressing the -young Hainaulter. - -"It opens out on the great heath between the forest and Lillers, my -lord," answered Frederick. - -"Is there any village, or castle, or house near?" asked Sir Osborne -quickly. - -"None, none!" replied Frederick; "it is as bare as my hand: perhaps a -charbonier's cottage or so," he added, correcting himself. - -"Let us on, then," replied the knight. "We are going to have a storm, -but we must not mind that;" and putting his horse into a quick pace, -he led his followers upon the track of the traveller, taking care -never to lose sight of him entirely, and yet contriving to conceal -himself, whenever any turn of the road might have exposed him to the -view of the person he pursued. The rain poured upon his head, the -lightning flashed upon his path; but still the knight followed on -without a moment's pause, till he had seen the traveller take refuge -in the cottage of the charcoal-burner. Then, and not until then, he -paused, spurred his horse through some thick bushes on the edge of the -wood, and obtained as much shelter as the high beeches of the forest -could afford; nor did he pause at the first or the thickest trees he -came to, but took particular pains to select a spot where, though -concealed by a high screen of underwood, they could yet distinguish -clearly the door of the hut through the various breaks in the -branches. Here, having dismounted with his followers, he stationed -Frederick at a small opening, to watch the cottage, while he and -Longpole carefully provided for the security and refreshment of their -horses, as far as circumstances would admit, although the long -forest-grass was the only food that could be procured for them, and -the storm still continued pouring through the very thickest parts of -the wood. To obviate this, the knight and his shield-bearer plied the -underwood behind them with their swords, and soon obtained a -sufficient supply of leafy branches to interweave with the lower -boughs of the trees overhead, and thus to secure themselves against -the rain. - -While thus employed, Frederick gave notice, as he had been commanded, -that some one approached the cottage, which proved to be the -charbonier himself, returning with his mule; and after his arrival, -their watch remained undisturbed by the coming of any visitor till -nightfall. - -As soon as it was dark, Sir Osborne allotted to his followers and to -himself the portion of the night that each was to watch, taking for -his own period the first four hours; after which Longpole's turn -succeeded; and lastly, towards morning, came the young Hainaulter's. - -With his eye fixed upon the light in the cottage, and his ear eager -for every sound, Sir Osborne passed the time till the flame gradually -died away, and, flashing more and more faintly, at last sank entirely. -However, the dark outline of the hut was still to be seen, and the ear -had now more power; for the storm had gradually passed away, and the -only sounds that it had left were the thunder rolling faintly round -the far limits of the horizon, and the dropping of the water from the -leaves and branches of the forest. Towards midnight, Sir Osborne -roused Longpole, and recommending him to watch carefully, he threw -himself down by the young Hainaulter and was soon asleep. - -Somewhat tired with the fatigues of the day, the knight slept soundly, -and did not wake till Frederick, who had replaced Longpole on the -watch, shook him by the arm; and starting up, he found that it was -day. - -"Hist, hist! my lord," cried the youth; "here are Shoenvelt and his -party." - -Sir Osborne looked through the branches in the direction the young man -pointed, and clearly distinguished a party of seven spearmen, slowly -moving along the side of the forest, at about five hundred yards' -distance from the spot where they lay. "It is Shoenvelt's height and -form," said the knight, measuring the leader with his eye, "and that -looks like Wilsten by his side; but how are you sure?" - -"Because I know the arms of both," replied Frederick, "See! they are -going to hide in the wood, close by the high road from Lillers to -Aire." - -As he spoke, the body of horsemen stopped, and one after another -disappeared in the wood, convincing Sir Osborne that the young -Hainaulter was right. - -"Then, nerve your arm and grasp your lance, Frederick," said the -knight with a smile; "for if you do well, even this very day you may -win your golden spurs. Wake Longpole there; we must be all prepared." - -The youth's eyes gleamed with delight, and snatching up his casque, he -shook Longpole roughly, and ran to tighten his horse's girths, while -Sir Osborne explained to the yeoman that they were upon the eve of an -encounter. - -'"Odslife!" cried Longpole, "I'm glad to hear it, my lord. I find it -vastly cold sleeping in a steel jacket, and shall be glad of a few -back-strokes to warm me. You say there are seven of them. It's an -awkward number to divide; but you will take three, my lord; I will do -my best for two and a-half, and then there will be one and a-half for -Master Frederick here. We could not leave the poor youth less, in -honesty; for I dare say he is as ready for such a breakfast as we -are." - -The bustle of preparation now succeeded for a moment or two; and when -all was ready, and the whole party once more on horseback, the knight -led the way to a gap, from whence he could issue out upon the plain -without running the risk of entangling his horse in the underwood. -Here stationing himself behind the bushes to the left, he gave orders -to Longpole and Frederick not to stir an inch, whatever they saw, till -he set the example; and then grasping his lance, he sat like marble, -with his eyes fixed upon the cottage. - -In about a quarter of an hour the door of the hut opened, and the -cottager, running to the shed, brought up the traveller's horse. By -this time, he seemed to have discovered that his guest was of higher -rank than he imagined; for when the stranger came forth, he cast -himself upon his knees, holding the bridle, and remained in that -situation till the other had sprung into the saddle. - -Dropping some pieces of gold into his host's hand, the traveller now -shook his rein; and, putting his horse into an easy pace, took his way -over the plain, at about three hundred yards' distance from the -forest, proceeding quietly along, totally unconscious of danger. A -moment, however, put an end to his security; for he had not passed -above a hundred yards beyond the spot where the knight was concealed, -when a galloping of horse was heard, and Shoenvelt's party, with -levelled lances and horses in charge, rushed forth from the wood upon -him. - -In an instant Sir Osborne's vizor was down, his spear was in the rest, -and his horse in full gallop. "Darnley! Darnley!" shouted he, with a -voice that made the welkin ring. "Darnley to the rescue! Traitor of -Shoenvelt, turn to your death!" - -"Darnley! Darnley!" shouted Longpole, following his lord. "St. George -for Darnley! down with the traitors!" - -The shout was not lost upon either Shoenvelt or the traveller. The one -instantly turned, with several of his men, to attack the knight; the -other, seeing unexpected aid at hand, fell back towards Darnley, and -with admirable skill and courage defended himself, with nothing but -his sword, against the lances of the marauders, who--their object -being more to take him living than to kill him--lost the advantage -which they would have otherwise had by his want of armour. - -Like a wild beast, raging with hate and fury, Shoenvelt charged -towards the knight, his lance quivering in his hand with the angry -force of his grasp. On, on bore Sir Osborne at full speed towards him, -his bridle in his left hand, his shield upon his breast, his lance -firmly fixed in the rest, and levelled in such a manner as to avoid -its breaking. In a moment they met. Shoenvelt's spear struck Sir -Osborne's shield, and, aimed firmly and well, partially traversed the -iron; but the knight, throwing back his left arm with vast force, -snapped the head of the lance in twain. In the mean while, his own -spear, charged at the marauder's throat with unerring exactness, -passed clean through the gorget-piece and the upper rim of the -corslet, and came bloody out at the back. You might have heard the -iron plates and bones cranch as the lance rent its way through. Down -went Shoenvelt, horse and man, borne over by the force of the knight's -course. - -"Darnley! Darnley!" shouted Sir Osborne, casting from him the spear, -which he could not disengage from the marauder's neck, and drawing his -sword. "Darnley! Darnley to the rescue! Now, Wilsten! now!" and -turning, galloped up to where the traveller, with Longpole and -Frederick by his side, firmly maintained his ground against the -adventurers. - -Wilsten's lance had been shivered by Longpole; and now, with his sword -drawn, on the other side of the _mêlée_, he was aiming a desperate -blow at the unarmed head of the traveller, who defended himself from a -spearman in front; but at that moment the knight charged the -adventurer through the midst, overturning all that came in his way, -and shouting loud his battle-cry, to call his adversary's attention, -and divert him from the fatal blow which he was about to strike. The -plan succeeded. Wilsten heard the sound; and seeing Shoenvelt dead -upon the plain, turned furiously on Darnley. Urging their horses -between all the others, they met in the midst, and thus seemed to -separate the rest of the combatants, who, for a moment or two, looked -on inactive; while the swords of the two champions played about each -other's heads, and sought out the weaker parts of their harness. Both -were strong, and active, and skilful; and though Sir Osborne was -decidedly superior, it was long before the combat appeared to turn in -his favour. At length, by a quick movement of his horse, the knight -brought himself close to the adventurer's side, and gaining a fair -blow, plunged the point of his sword through his corslet into his -bosom. - -At that moment, the combat having been renewed by the rest, one of the -marauders struck the knight from behind so violently on the head, that -it shook him in the saddle, and breaking the fastenings of his helmet, -the casque came off and rolled upon the plain. But the blow was too -late to save Wilsten, who now lay dead under his horse's feet; and Sir -Osborne well repaid it by a single back-stroke at this new opponent's -thigh. - -By this time only two of the marauders remained on horseback, so well -had Longpole, the traveller, and Frederick, done their devoir; and -these two were not long in putting spurs to their steeds and flying -with all speed, leaving the knight and his companions masters of the -field. Looking round, however, Sir Osborne missed the gallant young -Hainaulter, while he saw his horse flying masterless over the plain. - -"Where is Frederick?" cried the knight, springing to the ground. "By -my knighthood! if he be dead, we have bought our victory dear!" - -"Not dead, monseigneur, but hurt," said a faint voice near; and -turning, he beheld the poor youth fallen to the earth, and leaning on -one arm, while with the other he was striving to take off his casque, -from the bars of which the blood dripped out fast upon the greensward. -Darnley hastened to his aid; and having disencumbered him of his -helmet, discovered a bad wound in his throat, which, however, did not -appear to him to be mortal; and Longpole, with the stranger, having -dismounted and come to his aid, they contrived to stanch the bleeding, -which was draining away his life. - -When this was done, the noble traveller turned towards Darnley. - -"Sir knight," said he, with the calm, dignified tone of one seldom -used to address an equal, "how you came here, or why, I cannot tell; -but it seems as if heaven had sent you on purpose to save my life. -However that may be, I will say of you, that never did a more famous -knight wield sword; and, therefore, as the best soldiers in Europe may -be proud of such a companion, let me beg you to take this collar, till -I can thank you better;" and he cast over the knight's neck the golden -chain of the order of St. Michael, with which he was decorated. - -"As for you, good squire," he continued, addressing Longpole, "you are -worthy of your lord; therefore kneel down." - -"Faith, your worship," answered the yeoman, "I never knelt to any man -in my life, and never will to any but a king, while I'm in this -world!" - -"Fie, fie! Heartley!" cried Sir Osborne; "bend your knee. It is the -king, man! Do you not understand? It is King Francis!" - -"Oh! that changes the case," cried Longpole; "I crave your highness's -pardon. I did not know your grace;" and he bent his knee to the king. - -Francis drew his sword, and laid it on the yeoman's shoulder; then -striking him three light blows, he said, "In the name of God, our -Lady, and St. Denis, I dub thee knight. _Avance, bon chevalier!_ Noble -or not noble, from this moment I make you such." - -Longpole rose, and the king turned to the young Hainaulter, who, -sitting near, and supporting himself by his sword, had looked on with -longing eyes. "No one of my gallant defenders must be forgotten," said -Francis. "Knighthood, my good youth, will hardly pay your wound." - -"Oh, yes, yes!" cried Frederick, eagerly; "indeed it will, your -highness, more than repay it." - -"Then be it so," replied the king, knighting him. "However, remember, -fair knights, that Francis of France stints not here his gratitude, or -you may think him niggard of his thanks. We will have you all go with -us, and we will find better means to repay your timely aid. I know -not, sir," he continued, turning to Sir Osborne, and resuming the more -familiar first person singular, "whether I heard your battle-cry -aright, and whether I now see the famous Lord Darnley, the knight of -Burgundy, who, in wars now happily ended, often turned the tide of -battle in favour of the emperor." Sir Osborne bowed his head. "Then, -sir," continued Francis, "I will say, that never did monarch receive -so much injury or so much benefit from the hand of one noble -adversary." - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIV. - - We talk, in ladies' chambers, love and news.--Cowley. - - -All was bustle and preparation at the court of England; for the two -most magnificent monarchs of the world were about to contend with each -other, not with the strife of arms, nor by a competition of great -deeds, but in pomp, in pageant, and in show; in empty glitter and -unfruitful display. However that may be, the palace and all its -precincts became the elysium of tailors, embroiderers, and -sempstresses. There might be seen many a shadowy form gliding about -from apartment to apartment, with smiling looks and extended shears, -or armed with ell-wands more potent than Mercury's road, driving many -a poor soul to perdition, and transforming his goodly acres into -velvet suits with tags of cloth of gold. - -The courts of the king's palace of Bridewell rang from morning till -night with the neighing of steeds, the clanking of harness, and the -sound of the trumpet; and the shops and warehouses of London were -nearly emptied of gold, jewels, and brocade. Men and women were all -wild to outdo their French equals in splendour and display; and, in -short, the mad dog of extravagance seemed to have bitten all the -world. - -In a small room in the palace, not far from the immediate apartments -of the queen, sat a very lovely girl, whom the reader has not spoken -to for a long time: no other than Lady Katrine Bulmer, who, with a -more pensive air than was usual with her, sat deep in the mysteries of -bibs and tuckers, chaperons and fraisies, mantuas and hanging sleeves, -which last had, for the moment, regained their ascendancy in the -public taste, and were now ornamented with more extraordinary -trimmings than ever. - -By her side sat her two women, Geraldine and Bridget, whose fingers -were going with the rapidity of lightning, quickened into excessive -haste by the approaching removal of the court to Calais, which was to -take place in the short space of one week, while their mistress's -dresses were not half-finished, and their own not begun. - -What it was that occupied Lady Katrine's thoughts, and made her gay -face look grave, is nothing to any one. Perhaps it might be, that she -had not as many dresses as Lady Winifred Stanton; perhaps she had seen -a jewel that she could not afford to buy; perhaps Higglemeasure, the -merchant, had brought her a brocade that the queen would not let her -wear; perhaps she was vexed at not having seen Lord Darby for eight -days, the last time having been on the same morning that Sir Osborne -Maurice had been driven from the court. Perhaps she was angry with -herself for having parted from him with an affectation of indifference -which she did not feel. - -Well aware that, now Wolsey had returned, the pleasure of seeing her -lover almost daily must cease; and that stiff and formal interviews, -in presence of the whole court, or a few brief sentences at a mask or -pageant, were all they could hope to attain; Lady Katrine did indeed -repent that she had suffered her own caprices to mingle any bitter in -the few happy hours that Fate had sent her. - -Though she had some vanity, too, she had not enough to prevent her -seeing and regretting that she had been in fault; and she made those -resolutions of amendment which a light spirit often forms every hour, -and breaks before the next: and thus sewing and thinking, and thinking -and sewing, and stitching in excellent determinations with every seam -as she went along, she revolved in her own mind all the various events -that had lately happened at the court. - -It may well be supposed, that the sudden disappearance of Sir Osborne -Maurice, at the same time as that of Lady Constance de Grey, had given -rise to many strange rumours, none of which, of course, did Lady -Katrine believe; and, to do her justice, although perhaps she was not -at all sorry that Constance had judged it right to put an end to any -further proceedings regarding her marriage with Lord Darby, by -removing herself from the court, yet Lady Katrine suffered no one to -hint a doubt in her presence regarding her friend's conduct. But that -which was much more in Constance's favour was the good word of the -queen herself, who at once silenced scandal by saying, that she would -take upon herself to assert, that Lady Constance de Grey had never -dreamed of flying from the court with Sir Osborne Maurice. It was very -natural, she observed, that a young heiress of rank, and wealth, and -proud family, should take refuge anywhere, rather than contract a -marriage to which she had always expressed her repugnance; and without -meaning offence to the lord cardinal, she could not think but that -Constance was right. - -Notwithstanding this, many were the tales that were circulated by the -liemongers of the court; and it hurt the really generous heart of Lady -Katrine to hear them. Meditating, then, over all these circumstances, -nearly in the same desultory way in which they are here written down, -she took little notice when one of the servants of the palace called -her maid Geraldine out of the room. After a short while, Geraldine -came back and called out Bridget, and still Lady Katrine continued to -work on. After a moment or two she ceased, and leaning her head on her -hand, gave herself up to still deeper thought, when suddenly the door -opened and Lord Darby presented himself. - -Too much taken by surprise to give herself any airs, Lady Katrine -looked up with a smile of unaffected delight, and Darby, reading his -welcome in her eyes, advanced, and casting his arm round her, -imprinted a warm kiss on the full arching lips that smiled too -temptingly for human philosophy to resist. Luckily did it happen that -he did so within the first minute; for, had he waited later, Lady -Katrine might not so easily have pardoned his boldness. However, her -only remark was, "Well, Darby, you seem to think it so much a matter -of course, that I suppose I too must let it pass as such. But don't -look so happy, man, lest I should take it into my head to make you -look otherwise before you go." - -"Nay, nay, Katrine," said Lord Darby; "not so, when I come solely for -the purpose of asking you to make me happy." - -The earl spoke seriously, tenderly, and there was so much hope, and -affection, and feeling in his glance, that Lady Katrine felt there -must be some meaning in his words. "If you love me, Darby," cried she, -"tell me what you mean; and make haste, for my maids will be back, and -you know you must not stay here." - -"Yes, I may, Katrine," replied he; "no one but you can now send me -away. In a word, dear girl, to put an end to suspense, I have the -king's and the cardinal's consent to ask your hand, and the queen's to -seek you here. Will you refuse me?" - -Lady Katrine looked at him for a moment, to be sure, quite sure, that -what she heard was true; then dropping her head upon his shoulder, she -burst into a violent flood of tears. So sudden, so delightful was the -change in all her feelings, that she was surprised out of all her -reserve, all her coquetry, and could only murmur, "Refuse you? no!" -But starting up, at length she cried, "I have a great mind that I -will, too. Don't think that I love you. No, I hate you most bitterly -for making me cry: you did it on purpose, beyond doubt, and I won't -forgive you easily. So, to begin your punishment, go away and leave me -directly." - -"Nay, Katrine, I must disobey," replied the earl, "for I have other -news to tell you: your relation, Lord Orham, is dead." - -"My relation?" cried Lady Katrine, whose tears were ever dried as soon -as shed. "Oh, yes! I remember: he was my great-grandfather's -seventieth cousin by the mother's side. One was descended from Shem, -and the other from Japheth, in the time of the flood, or before, for -aught I know. Well, what of my antediluvian relative? Oh! he is dead, -you say? May he rest with Noah!" - -"But you must take mourning for him," said Lord Darby, laughing; -"indeed you must." - -"Certainly," replied Lady Katrine: "a coif and a widow's hood. But I -won't be teased, Darby: I will tease everybody, and nobody shall tease -me. As to going into mourning for the old miser just now, when all my -finery is ready made, to show myself at Guisnes and captivate all -hearts, and make you fight fifty single combats--I won't do it. There, -go and ask my singing-bird to moult in the month of May, or anything -else of the same kind; but don't ask me to leave one single row of -lace off my sleeve for the miser. I disown him." - -"Hush! hush! hush!" cried the earl; "take care he does not come back -and disown you, for otherwise you are his heiress." - -"I!" exclaimed Lady Katrine; "am I his heiress? Now, Mistress Fortune, -I am your very humble servant! Bless us! how much more important a -person Katrine Bulmer will be, with all the heavy coffers of her late -dear cousin, than when she was poor Katrine Bulmer, the queen's woman! -Darby, I give you notice: I shall not marry you. I could wed a duke -now, doubtless: who shall it be? All the dukes have wives, I do -believe. However, there is many a peer richer than you are, and though -you do not count cousinship with kings, gold is my passion now; so I -will sell myself to him who has the most." - -Though she spoke in jest, still Lord Darby was mortified; for what he -could have borne and laughed at in the poor and fortuneless girl who -had captivated his heart, his spirit was too proud to endure where a -mercenary motive could be for a moment attributed to him. "Nay, -Katrine," said he, "if the fortune that is now yours give you any wish -for change, your promises are to me null: I render them back to you -from this moment." - -"Why, they _were made_ under very different circumstances, you must -allow, Lord Darby," replied she, assuming a most malicious air of -gravity, and delighted at having found, for the first time in her -life, the means of putting her lover out of humour. - -"They were, Lady Katrine," answered the earl, much more deeply hurt -than she imagined, "and therefore they are at an end. I have nothing -further to do then but to take my leave." - -"Good-bye, my lord; good-bye!" cried she. "Heaven bless and prosper -you!" and with the utmost tranquillity she watched him approach the -door. "Now, shall I let him go or not?" said she. "Oh woman! woman! -you are a great fool! Darby! Darby!" she added in a soft voice, "come -back to your Katrine." - -Lord Darby turned back and caught her in his arms. "Dear teasing -girl!" cried he; "why, why will you strive to wring a heart that loves -you?" - -"Nay, Darby, if things were rightly stated, it is I who have cause to -be offended rather than you," answered the lady. "What right had you, -sir, to think that the heart of Katrine Bulmer was so base, so mean, -as to be changed by the possession of a few paltry counters? Own that -you have done me wrong this instant, or I will never forgive you. Down -upon your knee! a kneeling confession, or you are condemned beyond -hope of grace." - -Lord Darby was fain to obey his gay lady's behest, and bending his -knee, he freely confessed himself guilty of all the crimes she thought -proper to charge him withal; in the midst of which, however, he was -interrupted by the entrance of an attendant sent by the queen to call -Lady Katrine to her presence. - -The lady laughed and blushed at being found with Lord Darby at her -feet; and the earl, not particularly well pleased at the interruption, -turned to the usher, saying, with the sort of _nonchalant_ air which -he often assumed, "Well, sir, before you go, tell the lady when it was -you last found me on my knees to any of the fair dames of the court." - -"Never, my lord, so please you, that I know of," answered the man, -somewhat surprised. - -"Well, then," rejoined Darby, "next time knock at the door, for fear -you should. In which case, you might chance to be thrown down stairs -by the collar." - -"Hush, hush, Darby!" cried Lady Katrine; "I must go to her highness. -Doubtless we shall not meet again for a long while; so fare you well!" -and tripping away after the usher, without other adieu, she left her -lover to console himself in her absence as best he might. - -On entering the queen's apartment, she found her royal mistress alone -with the king, and, according to the etiquette of that day, was -drawing back instantly, when Katherine called her forward. "Come -hither, my wild namesake," said the queen; "his grace the king wishes -to speak with you. Come near, and answer him all his questions." - -Lady Katrine advanced, and kneeling on a velvet cushion at Henry's -feet, prepared to reply to whatever he might ask, with as much -propriety as she could command; although the glad news of the morning -had raised her spirits to a pitch of uncontrollable joyousness, which -even the presence of the imperious monarch himself could hardly keep -within bounds. - -"Well, my merry mistress," said the king, seeing in her laughing eyes -the ebullition of her heart's gladness; "it seems that you do not pine -yourself to death for the loss of Sir Osborne Maurice?" - -"I deeply regret, your grace," said Lady Katrine, turning grave for a -moment, "most deeply, that Sir Osborne Maurice should have incurred -your royal displeasure; for he seemed to me as perfect a knight and as -noble a gentleman as I ever saw. But in no other respect do I regret -his absence." - -"Well, we have tried to supply his place with one you may like -better," said Henry. "Have you seen the Earl of Darby--ha? What think -you of the exchange, pretty one?" - -"I thank your grace's bounty," said the gay girl. "I have seen his -lordship, and looked at him well; and though he be neither so handsome -as Narcissus nor so wise as Solon, he may do well enough for such a -giddy thing as I am. Saving your grace's presence, one does not look -for perfection in a husband: one might as well hope to find a pippin -without a spot." - -"Thou art a malapert chit, Kate," said the queen, laughing; "sure I -am, if your royal lord was not right gentle in his nature, he would be -angry with your wild chattering." - -"Nay, let her run on," said the king; "a tongue like hers has no -guile. If you are contented, sweetheart," he added, addressing Lady -Katrine, "that is enough." - -"Oh, yes! quite contented, your grace," answered she. "I have not had -a new plaything for so long, that a husband is quite a treat. I -suppose he must be sent to the _manège_ first, like the jennet your -highness gave me, to learn his paces." - -"If he were as untamed as you are, mistress," answered the king, "he -might need it. But to another subject, fair one. You were with Sir -Osborne Maurice and his party when he encountered the rioters near -Rochester. Some sad treasons are but too surely proved against that -luckless young man; yet I would fain believe that his misconduct went -not to the extent which was at first reported, especially as the -accusation was made by that most ruffianly traitor, Sir Payan Wileton, -whom the keen eye of my zealous Wolsey has discovered to be stained -with many crimes too black for words to paint. Now, amongst other -things, it was urged that this Sir Osborne was in league with those -Rochester mutineers, the greatest proof of which was their letting him -quietly pass with so small a party, when they boldly attacked the -company of Lord Thomas Howard, with ten times the force." - -Lady Katrine could hardly wait till the king had ceased. "This shows," -cried she at length, "how the keenest wisdom and the noblest heart may -be abused by a crafty tale. Sir Osborne knew nothing of the rioters, -my lord: he took every way to avoid them, because I, unluckily, having -neither father nor brother to protect me, encumbered him by my -presence; otherwise, without doubt, he would have delivered the poor -priest they had with them by his lance, and not by fair words. Never -believe a word of it, your grace. His shield-bearer, indeed, while the -knight drew up his men to defend us to the best of his power, -recognised the leader of the tumultuaries as an old fellow-soldier, -and craved leave of his lord to go and demand a free passage for us, -by which means we escaped. Oh! my lord, as you are famous for your -clemency and justice, examine well the whole tale of that Sir Payan -Wileton, and it will be found false and villanous, as are all the rest -of his actions." - -"You are eloquent, lady fair," said the king with a smile; "we will -tell Darby to look to it. But as to Sir Payan Wileton, his baseness is -now known to us; and as we progress down to Dover, we will send a -sergeant-at-arms to bring him with us to Calais, where we will, with -our council, hear and judge the whole. Then, if he be the man we think -him, not only shall he restore to the old Lord Fitzbernard the -lordship of Chilham and the stewardship of Dover, but shall stoop his -head to the axe without grace or pardon, as I live. But say, know you -aught of Lady Constance de Grey, in whose secrets you are supposed to -have had a share? Laugh not, pretty one; for by my life it shall go -hard with you if you tell not the truth." - -"Oh, please your grace, don't have my head cut off!" cried Lady -Katrine, seeing, notwithstanding the king's threat, that he was in one -of his happier moods. "I never told a lie in my life, except one day -when I said I did not love your highness, and that was when you put -off the pageant of the _Castle Dolorous_ till after pentecost, and I -wanted it directly. But on my word, as I hope to be married in a year, -and a widow in God's good time, I know no more of where Constance de -Grey is, or whither she went, or when, or how, than the child unborn." - -"Did she never speak to you thereof, my saucy mistress?" demanded -Henry. "You consorted with her much: 'twere strange if she did not let -something fall concerning her purposes, and she a woman, too." - -"I wish I had a secret," said Lady Katrine, half-apart, half-aloud, -"just to show how a woman can keep counsel, if it were but in spite. -Good, your grace," she continued, "you do not think that Constance -would trust her private thoughts to such a light-headed thing as I am. -But, to set your highness's mind at ease, I vow and protest, by the -love and duty I bear to you and my royal mistress; by my conscience, -which is tender; and by my honour, which is strong; that I know -nothing of Lady Constance de Grey, and that even in my very best -imaginings I cannot divine whither she is gone." - -"Your highness may believe her," said the queen; "wild as she is, she -would not stain her lips with the touch of falsehood, I am sure. Get -ye gone, Kate, and hasten your sempstresses, for we shall set out a -day before it was intended; and mind you plume up your brightest -feathers, for we must outdo the Frenchwomen." - -"Oh, good, your grace! I shall never be ready in time," replied the -young lady. "Besides, they tell me I must put on mourning for my -fiftieth cousin by the side of Adam, old Lord Orham the miser. If I -do, it shall be gold crape trimmed with cobwebs, I declare; and so I -humbly take my leave of both your graces." - -Thus saying, she rose from the cushion, dropped a low curtsey to the -king and queen, and tripped away to her own apartments. - -Common bustle and ordinary preparation may be easily imagined. All -can, without difficulty, figure to themselves the turmoil preparatory -to a ball where there are six daughters to marry, with much blood and -very little money: the lady-mother scolding the housekeeper in her -room, and the housekeeper scolding all the servants in hers; a -reasonable number of upholsterers, decorators, floor-chalkers, -confectioners, milliners; much talking to very little purpose; -scheming, drilling, and dressing; agitation on the part of the young -ladies, and calculation on the part of their mamma. And at the end of -a few weeks the matter is done and over. But no mind, however vast may -be its powers of conceiving a bustle, can imagine anything like the -court of Westminster for the three days prior to the king's departure -for Canterbury. - -So continual were the demands upon every kind of artisan, that the -impossibility of executing them threw several into despair. One -tailor, who is reported to have undertaken to furnish fifty -embroidered suits in three days, on beholding the mountain of gold and -velvet that cumbered his shop-board, saw, like Brutus, the -impossibility of victory, and, with Roman fortitude, fell on his own -shears. Three armourers are said to have been completely melted with -the heat of their furnaces; and an unfortunate goldsmith swallowed -molten silver to escape the persecutions of the day. - -The road from London to Canterbury was covered during one whole week -with carts and waggons, mules, horses, and soldiers; and so great was -the confusion, that marshals were at length stationed to keep the -whole in order, which of course increased the said confusion a hundred -fold. So many were the ships passing between Dover and Calais, that -the historians affirm they jostled each other on the sea, like a herd -of great black porkers; and it is known as a fact, that the number of -persons collected in the good town of Calais was more than it could -lodge; so that not only the city itself, but all the villages round -about, were full to the overflowing. - -At length the king set out, accompanied by an immense train, and left -London comparatively a desert; while, as he went from station to -station, he seemed like a shepherd driving all the better classes of -the country before him, and leaving not a single straggler behind. His -farther progress, however, was stayed for a time at Canterbury, by the -news that the emperor Charles, his wife's nephew, was on the sea -before Dover, furnished with the excuse of relationship for visiting -the English king, though in reality conducted thither solely by the -wish to break the good understanding of the English and French -monarchs; or rather to ensure that no treaty contrary to his interest -should be negotiated at the approaching meeting. - -With that we have nothing to do; and it is a maxim which a historian -should always follow, never to mind anybody's business but his own. We -shall therefore only say, that the king and Wolsey, occupied with the -reception of the emperor, and his entertainment during the short time -he stayed, forgot entirely Sir Payan Wileton till they reached Dover, -when some one happening to call it a _chilly morning_, put Chilham -Castle in Wolsey's head (for on such little pivots turn all the wheels -of the world); and immediately a sergeant-at-arms, with a body of -horse-archers, was sent to arrest the worthy knight and bring him to -Calais, for which port the king and the whole court embarked -immediately; and, with a fair wind and fine sky, arrived in safety -towards the evening. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXV. - - With clouds and storms - Around thee thrown, tempest on tempest roll'd.--Thomson. - - -Passing over all the consultations that took place between the -prioress of Richborough, Dr. Wilbraham, and Lady Constance de Grey, -regarding the means of crossing the sea to France with greater -security, although manifold were the important considerations therein -discussed, we shall merely arrive at the conclusion to which they came -at length, and which was ultimately determined by the voice of the -prioress. This was, that for several days Lady Constance and Mistress -Margaret should remain at the convent as nuns, paying a very -respectable sum for their board and lodging, while Dr. Wilbraham was -to take up his abode at a cottage hard by. By this means, the superior -said, they would avoid any search which the cardinal might have -instituted to discover them in the vessels of passage between France -and England, and at the end of a week they would easily find some -foreign ship which would carry them over to Boulogne. Such a one she -undertook to procure, by means of a fisherman who supplied the -convent, and who, as she boasted, knew every ship that sailed through -the Channel, from the biggest man-of-war to the meanest carvel. - -We shall now leave in silence also the time which Lady Constance -passed in the convent. Vonderbrugius, who, as the sagacious reader has -doubtless observed, had a most extraordinary partiality for detailing -little particulars, and incidents that are of no manner of -consequence, here occupies sixteen pages with a correct and minute -account of every individual day, telling how many masses the nuns -sang, how often they fasted in the week, and how often they ate meat; -and, not content with relating all that concerned Lady Constance, he -indulges in some very illiberal insinuations in regard to the -prioress, more than hinting that she loved her bottle and had a pet -confessor. - -Maintaining, however, our grave silence upon this subject, as not only -irrelevant but ungentlemanlike, we shall merely say, that the days -passed tranquilly enough with Lady Constance, although, like the timid -creatures of the forest, whom the continual tyranny of the strong over -the inoffensive has taught to start even at a sound, she would tremble -at every little circumstance which for a moment interrupted the dull -calm of the convent's solitude. - -A week passed in this manner, and yet the prioress declared her old -fisherman had heard of no vessel that could forward Constance on her -journey, though the young lady became uneasy at the delay, and pressed -her much to make all necessary inquiries. At length, happening one -morning to express her uneasiness to Mistress Margaret, the shrewd -waiting-woman, who, with an instinctive sagacity inherent in -chambermaids, knew a thousand times more of the world than either her -mistress or Dr. Wilbraham, at once solved the mystery by saying-- - -"Lord love you, lady! there will never be a single ship in the Channel -that you will hear of, so long as you pay a gold mark a-day to the -prioress while we stay." - -"I would rather give her a hundred marks to let me go," replied -Constance, "than a single mark to keep me. But what is to be done, -Margaret?" - -"Oh, if you will let me but promise fifty marks, lady," replied the -maid, "I will warrant that we are in France in three days." - -Lady Constance willingly gave her all manner of leave and license; and -accordingly, that very night Mistress Margaret told the chamberer, -under the most solemn vows of secresy, that her lady intended to give -the prioress, as a gift to the convent, fifty golden marks on the day -that she took ship. "But," said the abigail, "it costs the poor lady -so much, what with paying the chaplain's keep at the cottage, and my -wage-money, which you know I must have, that her purse is running low, -and I fear me she will not be able to do as much for the house as she -intends. But mind, you promised to tell no one." - -"As I hope for salvation, it shall never pass my lips!" replied the -chamberer; and away she ran to the refectory, where she bound the -refectory-woman by a most tremendous vow not to reveal the tidings she -was about to communicate. The refectory-woman vowed with a great deal -of facility; and the moment the chamberer was gone she carried in a -jelly to the prioress, where, with a low curtsey and an important -whisper, she communicated to the superior the important news. -Thereupon the prioress was instantly smitten with a violent degree of -anxiety about Lady Constance's escape, and sending down to the -fisherman, she commanded him instantly to find a ship going to France. -To which the fisherman replied, that he knew of no ship going exactly -to France, but that there was one lying off the sands, which would -doubtless take the lady over for a few broad pieces. - -Thus were the preliminaries for Constance's escape brought about in a -very short space of time; and, the fisherman having arranged with the -captain that he was to take the lady, the chaplain, and waiting-maid -to Boulogne for ten George nobles, early the next morning Lady -Constance took leave of the prioress, made her the stipulated present, -and, accompanied by the good Dr. Wilbraham and her woman, followed the -fisherman to the sands, where his boat waited to convey them to a -vessel that lay about a mile from the shore. - -The sea was calm and tranquil, but to Constance, who had little of a -heroine in her nature, it seemed very rough; and every time the boat -rose over a wave, she fancied that it must inevitably pitch under the -one that followed. However, their passage to the ship was soon over; -and as she looked at the high, black sides of the vessel, the lady -found a greater degree of security in its aspect, imagining it better -calculated to battle with the wild waves than the flimsy little bark -that had borne her thither. - -The ship, the fisherman had informed her, was a foreign merchantman; -and as she came alongside, a thousand strange tongues, gabbling all -manner of languages, met her ear. It was a floating tower of Babel. In -the midst of the confusion and bustle which occurred in getting -herself and her companions upon the deck, she saw that one of the -sailors attempted to spring from the ship into the boat, but was -restrained by those about him, who unceremoniously beat him back with -marline-spikes and ropes' ends; and for the time she beheld no more of -him, though she thought she heard some one uttering invectives and -complaints in the English language. - -For the first few moments after she was on deck, what with the -giddiness occasioned by her passage in the boat, and the agitation of -getting on board, she could remark nothing that was passing around -her; but the moment she had sufficiently recovered to regard the -objects by which she was surrounded, a new cause of apprehension -presented itself; for close by her side, evidently as commander of the -vessel, stood no less distinguished a person than the Portingal -captain, of whom honourable mention is made in the first portion of -this sage history, and whose proboscis was not easily to be forgot. - -It was too late now, however, to recede; and her only resource was to -draw down her nun's veil, hoping thus to escape being recognised. For -some time she had reason to believe that the disguise she had assumed -would be effectual with the Portingal, who, as we may remember, had -seen her but once; for, occupied in giving orders for weighing anchor -and making sail, he took no notice whatever of his fair passenger, and -seemed totally to have forgotten her person. But this was not the -case: his attention had been first awakened to Lady Constance herself -by the sight of Dr. Wilbraham, whose face he instantly remembered; and -a slight glance convinced him that the young nun was the bright lady -he had seen in Sir Payan's halls. - -Though there were few of the pleasant little passions which make a man -a devil that the worthy Portingal did not possess to repletion, it -sometimes happened that one battled against the other and foiled it in -its efforts; but being withal somewhat of a philosopher, after a -certain fashion, it was a part of his internal policy, on which he -prided himself, to find means of gratifying each of the contending -propensities when it was possible, and, when it was not possible, to -satisfy the strongest with as little offence to the others as might -be. In the present instance he had several important points to -consider. Though he felt strongly inclined to carry Lady Constance -with him on a voyage which he was about to make to the East Indies, -yet there might be danger in the business, if the young lady had -really taken the veil: not only danger in case of his vessel being -searched by any cruiser he might encounter, but even danger from his -own lawless crew, who, though tolerably free from prejudices, still -retained a certain superstitious respect for the church of Rome, and -for the things it had rendered sacred, which the worthy captain had -never been able to do away with. This consideration would have -deterred him from any evil attempt upon the fair girl, whom he -otherwise seemed to hold completely in his power, had it not been for -the additional incentive of the two large leathern bags which had been -committed into his charge at the same time with the young lady, and -which, by the relation of their size to their weight, he conceived -must contain a prize of some value. Determined by this, he gave orders -for making all sail down the Channel, and the ship being fairly under -way, he could no longer resist the temptation which the opportunity -presented of courting the good graces of his fair passenger. -Approaching, then, with an air of what he conceived mingled dignity -and sweetness, his head swinging backwards and forwards on the end of -his long neck, and his infinite nose protruded like a pointer's when -he falls upon the game--"Ah, ah! my very pretty gal," cried he, "you -see you be obliged to have recourse to me at last." - -"My good friend," said Dr. Wilbraham, struggling with the demon of -sea-sickness, which had grasped him by the stomach and was almost -squeezing his soul out, "you had better let the lady alone, for she is -so sick that she cannot attend to you, though, doubtless, you mean to -be civil in your way." - -"You go to the debil, master chaplain," replied the captain, "and -preach to him's imps! I say, my very pretty mistress, suppose you were -to pull up this dirty black veil, and show your charming face;" and he -drew aside the young lady's veil in spite of her efforts to hold it -down. - -At the helm, not far from where the young lady sat, stood a sturdy -seaman, who, by his clear blue eye, fresh, weather-beaten countenance, -and bluff, unshrinking look, one might easily have marked out as an -English sailor. Leaning on the tiller by which he was steering the -vessel on her course, he had marked his worthy captain's conduct with -a sort of contemplative frown; but when, stooping down, the -Portingallo tore away Lady Constance's veil, and amused himself by -staring in her face, the honest sailor stretched out his foot, and -touched him on a protuberant part of his person which presented itself -behind. The captain, turning sharply round, eyed him like a demon, but -the Englishman stood his glance with a look of steady, _nonchalant_ -resolution, that it was not easy to put down. - -"I say, Portingallo," said he, "do you want me to heave you -overboard?" - -"You heave me overboard, you mutinous thief!" cried the captain; "I'll -have you strung up to the yard-arm, you vaggleboned! I will." - -"You'll drown a little first, by the nose of the tinker of Ashford!" -replied the other; "but hark you, Portingallo: let the young lady nun -alone; or, as I said before, by the nose of the tinker of Ashford, -I'll heave you overboard; and then I'll make the crew a 'ration, and -tell them what a good service I've done 'em; and I'll lay down the -matter in three heads: first, as you were a rascal; second, as you -were a villain; and third, as you were a blackguard: then I will show -how, first, you did wrong to a passenger; second, how you did wrong to -a lady; and third, how you did wrong to a nun: for the first you -deserve to be flogged; for the second you deserve to be kicked; and -for the third you are devilish likely to be hanged, with time and -God's blessing." - -For a moment or two the Portingallo was somewhat confounded by the -eloquence of the Englishman, who was in fact no other than Timothy -Bradford, the chief of the Rochester rioters. Recovering himself -speedily, however, he retaliated pretty warmly, yet did not dare to -come to extremities with his rebellious steersman, as Bradford, having -taken refuge in his vessel, with four or five of his principal -associates, commanded too strong a party on board to permit very -strict discipline. It was a general rule of the amiable captain never -to receive two men that, to his knowledge, had ever seen one another -before; but several severe losses in his crew had, in the present -instance, driven him into an error, which he now felt bitterly, not -being half so much master of his own wickedness as he used to be -before. Nevertheless, he did not fail to express his opinion of the -helmsman's high qualities in no very measured terms, threatening a -great deal more than he dared perform, of which both parties were well -aware. - -"Come, come, Portingallo!" cried the helmsman; "you know very well -what is right as well as another, and I say you sha'n't molest the -lady. Another thing, master: you treat that poor lubberly Jekin like a -brute, and I'll not see it done, so look to it. But I'll tell you -what, captain: let us mind what we are about. These dark clouds that -are gathering there to leeward, and coming up against the wind, mean -something. Better take in sail." - -The effect of this conversation was to free Constance from the -persecution of the captain; and turning her eyes in the direction to -which the sailor pointed, she saw, rolling up in the very face of the -wind, some heavy, leaden clouds, tipped with a lurid reddish hue -wherever they were touched by the sun. Above their heads, and to -windward, the sky was clear and bright, obscured by nothing but an -occasional light cloud that flitted quickly over the heaven, drawing -after it a soft shadow, that passed like an arrow over the gay waves, -which all around were dancing joyously in the sunshine. - -By this time the English coast was becoming fainter and more faint; -the long line of cliffs and headlands massing together, covered with -an airy and indistinct light, while the shores of France seemed -growing out of the waters, with heavy piles of clouds towering above -them, and seeming to advance, with menacing mien, towards the rocks of -England. Still, though the eye might mark them rolling one over -another, in vast, dense volumes, looking fit receptacles for the -thunder and the storm, the clouds seemed to make but little progress, -contending with the opposing wind; while mass after mass, accumulating -from beyond, appeared to bring up new force to the dark front of the -tempest. - -Still the ship sped on, and, the wind being full in her favour, made -great way through the water, so that it was likely they would reach -Boulogne before the storm began; and the captain, now obliged to -abandon any evil purpose he might have conceived towards Lady -Constance, steered towards the shore of France to get rid of her as -soon as possible. From time to time every eye on board was turned -towards the lowering brow of heaven, and then always dropped to the -French coast, to ascertain how near was the tempest and how far the -haven; and Constance, not sufficiently sick to be heedless of danger, -ceased not to watch the approaching clouds and the growing shore with -alternate hope and fear. Gradually the hills towards Boulogne, the -cliffs, and the sands, with dark lines of tower, and wall, and -citadel, and steeple, began to grow more and more distinct; and the -Portingal was making a tack to run into the harbour, when the vane at -the mast-head began to quiver, and in a moment after turned suddenly -round. Cries and confusion of every sort succeeded; one of the sails -was completely rent to pieces; and the ship received such a sudden -shock that Constance was cast from her seat upon the deck, and poor -Dr. Wilbraham rolled over, and almost pitched out at the other side. -Soon, however, the yards were braced round, the vessel was put upon -another tack, and from a few words that passed between the captain and -the steersman, Constance gathered, that as they could not get into -Boulogne, they were about to run for Whitesand Haven as the nearest -port. - -"Go down below, lady; go down below and tell your beads," cried the -steersman, as he saw Constance sitting and holding herself up by the -binnacle. "Here, Jekey, help her down." - -"Lord 'a mercy! we shall all be drowned; I am sure we shall!" cried -our old friend Jekin Groby, coming forward, transformed into the -likeness of a bastard sailor, his new profession sitting upon him with -inconceivable awkwardness, and the Kentish clothier shining forth in -every movement of his inexpert limbs. "Lord 'a mercy upon us! we shall -all be drowned as sure as possible! Mistress nun, let me help you down -below. It's more comfortable to be drowned downstairs, they say. -There's a flash of lightning, I declare! Mercy upon us! we shall all -go to the bottom. This is the worst storm I've seen since that -Portingallo vagabond kidnapped me, by the help of the devil and Sir -Payan Wileton. Let me help you down below, mistress nun. Lord bless -you! it's no trouble; I'm going down myself." - -Constance, however, preferred staying upon deck, where she could watch -the progress of their fate, to remaining below in a state of -uncertainty; and consequently resisted the honest persuasions of good -Jekin Groby, who, finding her immoveable, slipped quietly below -unobserved, and hid himself in an empty hammock, courageously making -up his mind to be drowned, if he could but be drowned, asleep. - -In the mean time the storm began to grow more vehement, the wind -coming in quick violent gusts, and the clouds spreading far and wide -over the face of the sky, with a threatening blackness of hue, and -heavy slowness of flight, that menaced their instant descent. As yet -no second flash of lightning had succeeded the first, and no drop of -rain had fallen; and though the ship laboured violently with the -waves, excited into tumult by the sudden change of wind, still, -running on, she seemed in a fair way of reaching Whitesand in safety. -Presently, another bright flash blazed through the sky, and seemed to -rend it from the horizon to the zenith, while instant upon the red -path of its fiery messenger roared forth the voice of the thunder, as -if it would annihilate the globe. Another now succeeded, and another, -till the ear and the eye were almost deafened by the din and blinded -by the light; while slow, large drops came dripping from the heavens, -like tears wrung by agony from a giant's eyes. Then came a still and -death-like pause; the thunder ceased, the wind hushed, and the only -sounds that met the ear were the rushing of the waves by the ship's -side, and the pattering of each big raindrop as it fell on the deck; -while a small sea-bird kept wheeling round the vessel, and screaming, -as with a sort of fiendish joy, to see it labouring with the angry -billows. Soon again, however, did the storm begin with redoubled fury, -and the lightnings flashed more vividly than ever, covering all the -sky with broad blue sheets of light, while still in the midst of the -whole blaze appeared a narrow zigzag line of fire, so bright that it -made the rest look pale. - -Still Constance kept upon the deck, and drawing her hood over her -head, strove to fix herself, amidst the pitching of the vessel, by -clinging to the binnacle, which in ships of that day was often -supported by a couple of oblique bars. Seeing, in a momentary -cessation of the storm, the eye of the steersman fix upon her with a -look of somewhat like pity, she ventured to ask if they were in much -danger. - -"Danger! bless you, no, lady," cried the man; "only a little thunder -and lightning; no danger in life. But you had better go below; there's -no danger." - -As he spoke, another bright flash caused Constance to close her eyes; -but a tremendous crash, which made itself audible even through the -roar of the thunder, as well as a heavy roll of the vessel, gave her -notice that the lightning had struck somewhere; and looking up, to her -horror she beheld the mainmast shivered almost to atoms by the -lightning, and rolled over the ship's side, to which it was still -attached by a mass of blazing cordage. - -"Cut! cut! cut!" vociferated the steersman, amidst the unavailing -shouts and bustling inactivity of the crew; "cut, you Portingallo -vagabonds! You'll have the ship on fire. The idiots are staring as if -they never saw such a thing before. Here, captain, take the helm. -D---- you to h--! take the helm!" And springing forward, with an -energy to which the danger of the moment seemed to lend additional -impulse, he scattered the frightened Portuguese and impassive -Dutchmen, who were uncluing ropes and disentangling knots; and, -catching up a hatchet, soon cut sheer through the thicker rigging; and -with a roll the blazing remnants of the mast pitched into the sea, -leaving nothing on fire behind but some scattered cordage, which the -Englishman and his companions gradually extinguished. - -In the mean while the mast, still flaming in the water, swung round -the ship; and the Portingallo, whose presence of mind did not seem of -the very first quality, brought the vessel's head as near the wind as -possible, to let it drift astern, and thus, by this lubberly action, -bore right upon the shore, carried on imperceptibly by a strong -current. - -At that moment the Englishman raised himself, and looking out ahead, -vociferated, "A reef! a reef! Breakers ahead! Down with the helm! -where the devil are you going? Down with the helm, I say!" and rushing -forward, he seized the tiller, but too late. Scarcely had he touched -it with his hand, when with a tremendous shock the ship struck on the -reef, making her very seams open and her masts stagger. "Ho! down in -the hold! down in the hold! heave all the ballast aft!" cried -Bradford; "lay those cannon here; bring her head to wind, let it take -her aback if it will. She may swing off yet." - -But just then an immense swelling wave heaved the ship up like a cork, -and dashed her down again upon the hidden rocks without hope or -resource. Every one caught at what was next him for support; for the -jar was so great that it was hardly possible for even the sailors to -keep upon their feet. But the next minute the ship became more steady, -and a harsh grating sound succeeded, as if the hard angles of the rock -were tearing the bottom of the ship to pieces. Every one now occupied -himself in a different way. Bradford sat quietly down by the tiller, -which he abandoned to its own guidance, while the Portingal ran -whispering among his countrymen, who as speedily and silently as -possible got the boat to the ship's side. In the mean while, Dr. -Wilbraham crept over to Lady Constance, who, turning her meek eyes to -heaven, seemed to await her fate with patient resignation. - -"I need not ask you, my dear child," said the good man, "if you be -prepared to go. Have you anything to say to me before we part? soon I -hope, to meet again where no storms come." - -"But little," answered Constance; and according to the rite of her -church, she whispered all the little faults that memory could supply, -accusing herself of many things as sins which few but herself would -have held as even errors. When he had heard the lady's confession, the -clergyman turned to look for the waiting-woman, to join her with her -mistress in the consolations of religion; but Mistress Margaret, who -greatly preferred the present to the future, was no longer there; and -looking forward, they saw that the Portuguese and Dutch had got out -the boats, and were pouring in fast; but that which most astonished -them was to find that the selfish waiting-woman had by some means got -the very first place in the long-boat, from which the captain was -striving to exclude two of the Englishmen, pushing off from the ship -with the boathook. The lesser boat, however, was still near, and Dr. -Wilbraham looked at Constance with an inquiring glance; but Bradford, -who had never stirred from his position, interposed, saying, "Don't -go, lady! don't go; stick to the ship; she can't sink, for the tide is -near flood, and we are now aground, and it may be a while before she -goes to pieces. Those boats can never live through that surf. So don't -go, lady! Take my advice, and I'll manage to save you yet, if I can -save myself." - -Even as he spoke, the two Englishmen made a desperate jump to leap -into the lesser boat, which was pulling away after the other. One man -fell too short, and sank instantly; the other got hold of the gunwale, -and strove to clamber in; but the boat was already too full, and a sea -striking it at the moment, his weight put it out of trim; it shipped a -heavy sea, settled for a moment, and sank before their eyes. - -It was a dreadful sight; and yet so deep, so exciting was the -interest, that even after she had seen the whole ten persons sink, and -some rise again, only to be overwhelmed by another wave, Constance -could not take her eyes off the other boat, although she expected -every moment to see it share the fate of its companion. Still, -however, it rowed on. The thunder had ceased, the wind was calmer, and -the waves seemed less agitated. There was hope that it might reach the -shore. At that moment it was hidden for an instant below a wave, rose -again, entered the surf, disappeared amidst the foam and spray. -Constance looked to see it rise again, but it never was seen more; and -in a few minutes she could distinguish a dark figure scramble out from -the sea upon the shore, rise, fall again, lie for a moment as if -exhausted, and then, once more gaining his feet, run with all speed -out of the way of the coming waves. - -"Oh dear! oh dear!" cried a dolorous voice from below; "we shall all -be drowned for a sure certainty: the water's a-coming in like mad!" -and in a moment after, the head, and then the body, of honest Jekin -Groby protruded itself from the hold, with strong signs and tokens in -his large thick eyelids of having just awoke from a profound sleep. -"Lord 'a mercy!" continued he, seeing the nearly empty deck. "Where -are all the folks? Oh, Master Bradford, Master Bradford! we are in a -bad way! The water has just awoke me out of my sleep. What's the -meaning of that thumping? Lord 'a mercy! where's the Portingal?" - -"Drowned!" answered Bradford, calmly, "and every one of his crew, -except Hinchin, the strong swimmer, who has got to land." - -"Lord 'a mercy! only think!" cried Jekin. "Must I be drowned too? -Hadn't I better jump over? I can swim a little too. Shall I jump over, -Master Bradford? Pray tell me--there's a good creature!" - -"No, no; stay where you are," replied Bradford. "Help me to lash this -young lady to a spar. When the tide turns, which it will at four -o'clock, that surf will go down, and the ship will keep together till -then. Most likely Hinchin will send a boat before that to take us all -off. If not, we can but trust to the water at last. However, let us -all be ready." - -Bradford now brought forth from the hold some rough planks, to one of -which he lashed Lady Constance, who yielded herself to his guidance, -only praying that he would do the same good turn to the clergyman, -which he promised willingly. He then tied a small piece of wood -across, to support her head, and fastened one of the heavy leathern -bags to her feet, to raise her face above the water; after which, as -she was totally unable to move, he placed her in as easy a position as -he could, and speaking a few frank words of comfort and assurance, he -left her, to perform the same office in favour of Dr. Wilbraham. - -In the mean time Jekin Groby had not forgotten himself; but, willing -to put his faith rather in the buoyancy of deal boards than in -his own powers of natation, had contrived to find a stout sort of -packing-case, or wooden box, from which he knocked out both the top -and bottom, and passing his feet through the rest, he raised it up -till it reached his arm-pits, where he tied it securely; and thus -equipped in his wooden girdle, as he called it, he did not fear to -trust himself to the waves. - -All being now prepared, an hour or more of anxious expectation -succeeded. Little was said by any one, and the tempest had ceased; but -the grinding sound of the ship fretting upon the rock still continued, -and a sad creaking and groaning of the two masts that remained seemed -to announce their speedy fall. The wind had greatly subsided, but the -air was heated and close; while the clouds overhead, still agitated by -the past storm, every now and then came down in thick small rain. -Towards four o'clock the tide turned; and, as Bradford had -prognosticated, the surf upon the shore gradually subsided, and the -sea became more smooth, though agitated by a heavy swell, foaming into -breakers along the whole line of reef on which the ship had struck. -After looking out long, in the vain hope of seeing some boat coming to -their assistance, Bradford approached Lady Constance, and addressing -her, as indeed he had done throughout, with far more gentleness and -consideration than might have been expected from a man of his rough -and turbulent character, "Lady," said he, "there seems to be no chance -of a boat; the sea is now nearly smooth; I can't warrant that the ship -will hold together all night, and we may have the storm back again. If -you like to go now, I will get you safe to land, I am sure. I can't -answer for it if you stay." - -"I will do as you think right," said Lady Constance, with an -involuntary shudder at the thought of trusting herself to the mercy of -the waves. "I will do as you think right; but pray take care of Dr. -Wilbraham." - -"No, no!" said the good chaplain; "make the lady all your care. I -shall do well enough." - -"Here, good fellow!" said Constance, taking a diamond of price from -her finger; "perhaps you may reach the shore without either of us: -however, whether you do or not, take this jewel as some recompense for -your good service." - -The man took the ring, muttering that, if he reached the shore, she -should reach it too; and then, after giving some directions to Dr. -Wilbraham in regard to rowing himself on towards the land with his -arms, which were free, he carried Lady Constance to the side of the -vessel, which had now heeled almost to the water's edge. Returning for -Dr. Wilbraham, with the assistance of Jekin he brought him also to the -side; and then it became the question who should be the first to trust -himself to the waves. Constance trembled violently, but said not a -word, while Jekin Groby, holding back, exclaimed, "Lord 'a mercy! I -don't like it--at all like!" - -It was upon him, however, that Bradford fixed, crying, "Come, jump -over, Jeky; there's no use of making mouths at it. I want you to help -the clerk to steer. Come, jump over!" and he laid his hand upon his -shoulder. - -"Well, well; I will, Master Bradford," cried Jekin, "don't ye touch -me, and I will. Oh dear! oh dear! it's mighty disagreeable. Well, -well, I will!" and bending his hams, he made as if he would have taken -a vigorous leap; but his courage failed him, and he only made a sort -of hop of a few inches on the deck, without approaching any nearer to -the water. Out of patience, Bradford caught him by the shoulder, and -pushed him at once head-foremost into the water, from which he rose in -a moment, all panting, buoyed up by the wooden case under his arms. - -"Here, Jekey," cried Bradford, "take the doctor's feet, as your arms -are free;" and with the assistance of the worthy clothier, who bore no -malice, he let down Dr. Wilbraham into the water, and returned to the -lady. - -As pale as death, Constance shut her eyes and held her breath, while -the rough sailor took her in his arms, and let her glide slowly into -the water, which in a moment after she felt dashing round her -uncontrolled. Opening her eyes, and panting for breath, she stretched -out her arms, almost deprived of consciousness; but at that moment -Bradford jumped at once into the sea, and seizing the board to which -she was tied, put it in its right position; so that, though many a -domineering wave would rise above its fellows, and dash its salt foam -over her head, her mouth was generally elevated above the water -sufficiently to allow her full room to breathe. - -The distance of the ship from the land was about a quarter of a mile; -but between it and the shore lay a variety of broken rocks, raising -their rough heads above the waves that dashed furiously amongst them, -making a thousand struggling whirlpools and eddies round their sharp -angles, as the retiring sea withdrew its unwilling waters from the -strand. Constance, however, did not see all this; for, her face being -turned towards the sky, nothing met her sight but the changeable face -of heaven, with the clouds hurrying over it, or the green billows on -either side, threatening every moment to overwhelm her. Often, often -did her heart sink, and hard was it for the spirit of a timid girl, -even supported by her firm trust in God's mercy, to keep the spark of -hope alive within her bosom, while looking on the perils that -surrounded her, and fancying a thousand that she did not behold. - -Still the stout seaman swam beside her, piloting the little raft he -had made for her towards the shore, through all the difficulties of -the navigation, which were not few or small; for the struggle between -the retiring tide and the impetus given by the wind rendered almost -every passage between the rocks a miniature Scylla and Charybdis. - -At length, however, choosing a moment when the waves flowed fully in -between two large rough stones, whose heads protruded almost -perpendicularly, he grasped the plank to which Constance was tied with -his left hand, and striking a few vigorous strokes with his right, -soon placed her within the rocky screen with which the coast was -fenced, and within whose boundary the water was comparatively calm. -The first object that presented itself to his sight, within this -haven, was the long-boat, keel upwards; while, tossed by the waves -upon one of the large flat stones that the ebbing tide had left half -bare, appeared the corpse of the Portingal captain, his feet and body -on the rock, and his head drooping back, half covered by the water. In -a minute after, the sailor's feet could touch the ground; and gladly -availing himself of the power to walk upon _terra firma_, he waded on, -drawing after him the plank on which Constance lay till, reaching the -dry land, he pulled her to the shore, cut the cord that tied her, and -placed her on her feet. - -Constance's first impulse was to throw herself on her knees, and to -thank God for his great mercy; her next to express her gratitude to -the honest sailor, who, weary and out of breath with his exertion, sat -on a rock hard by; but bewildered with all that had passed, she could -scarcely find words to speak, feeling herself in a world that seemed -hardly her own, so near had she been to the brink of another. After a -few confused sentences, she looked suddenly round, exclaiming, "Oh, -where is Dr. Wilbraham?" - -The sailor started up, and getting on the rock, looked out beyond, -where, about two hundred yards off, he perceived honest Jekin Groby -making his way towards the shore in one direction, while the plank to -which the amiable clergyman was attached was seen approaching the -rocks in another, at a point where the waters were boiling with -tenfold violence. - -Constance's eye had already caught his long black habiliments, mingled -with the white foam of the waves; and seeing that every fresh billow -threatened to dash him to pieces against the stones, she clasped her -hands in agony, and looked imploringly towards the sailor. - -"He will have his brains dashed out, sure enough," said the man, -watching him. "Zounds! he must be mad to try that. Stay here, lady; I -will see what can be done;" and rushing into the water, he waded as -far as he could towards Dr. Wilbraham, and then once more began -swimming. - -Constance watched him with agonizing expectation; but before he -reached the point, an angry wave swept round the good old man, and -raising him high upon its top, dashed him violently against the rock. -Constance shuddered, and clasping her hands over her eyes, strove to -shut out the dreadful sight. In a few minutes she heard the voice of -the sailor shouting to Jekin Groby, who had reached the shore, "Here, -lend a hand!" and looking up, she saw him drawing the clergyman to -land in the same manner that he had extricated herself. - -Jekin Groby waded in to help him, and Constance flew to the spot which -he approached; but the sight that presented itself made her blood run -cold. Dr. Wilbraham was living indeed, but so dreadfully torn and -bruised by beating against the rocks, that all hope seemed vain, and -those who had best loved him might have regretted that he had not met -with a speedier and more easy death. - -Opening his exhausted eyes, he yet looked gladly upon the sweet girl -that he had reared, like a young flower, from her early days to her -full beauty, and who now hung tenderly over him. "Thank God, my dear -child," said he, "that you are safe. That is the first thing: for me, -I am badly hurt, very badly hurt; but perhaps I may yet live: I could -wish it to see you happy; but if not, God's will be done!" - -Constance wept bitterly, and good Jekin Groby, infected with her -sorrow, blubbered like a great baby. - -"There, leave off snivelling, you great fool!" cried Bradford, wiping -something like a tear from his own rough cheek, "and help me to carry -the good gentleman to some cottage." Thus saying, with the assistance -of Jekin he raised the old man, and, followed by Constance, bore him -on in search of an asylum. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVI. - - Thou seest me much distempered in my mind--Dryden. - - -Sir Payan Wileton had gone through life with fearless daring; -calculating, but never hesitating; keen-sighted of danger, but never -timid. From youth he had divested himself of the three great fears -which generally affect mankind: the fear of the world's opinion, the -fear of his own conscience, and the fear of death; and, thus endued -with much bad courage, he had attempted and succeeded in many things -which would have frightened a timid man, and failed with an irresolute -one. And yet, as we have seen, by one of those strange contradictions -of which human nature is full, Sir Payan, though an unbeliever in the -bright truths of religion, was credulous to many of the darkest -superstitions of the age in which he lived. - -On such a mind, anything that smacked of supernatural presentiment was -likely to take the firmest hold; and, on the morning after Lady -Constance had, by his means and by his instigation, effected her -flight from Richmond, he rose early from a troubled sleep, -overshadowed by a deep despondency, which had never till then hung -upon him. Before he was yet dressed, the news was brought him that one -of his men had returned with the boat, and that the other had been -arrested in the king's name. He felt his good fortune had passed away; -an internal voice seemed to tell him that it was at an end; but yet he -omitted no measures of security, quitting the capital without loss of -time, and leaving such instructions with the porter as he deemed most -likely to blind the eyes of Wolsey; hoping that the servant, whose -life was in his power, would not betray him, yet prepared, if he did, -boldly to repel the charge, and by producing evidence to invalidate -the other's testimony, to cast the accusation back upon his head. - -But still, from that moment Sir Payan was an altered being; and though -many days passed by without anything occurring to disturb his repose; -though the king's progress towards Dover, without any notice having -been taken of his participation in Lady Constance's escape, led him to -believe that fear had kept the servant faithful; yet still Sir Payan -remained in a state of gloom and lassitude, that raised many a marvel -amongst those around him. - -Wandering through the woods that surrounded his mansion, he passed -hours and hours in deep, inactive, bitter meditation; finding no -consolation in his own heart, no hope in the future, and no repose in -the past; and, why he knew not, despairing where he had never -despaired, trembling where he had never known fear. - -Often he questioned himself upon the strange depression of his mind; -and the more he did so, the more he became convinced that it was a -supernatural warning of approaching fate. Many were the resolutions -that he made to shake it off, to struggle still, to seek the court, -and urge his claim on the estates of Constance de Grey, as he would -have done in former days; but in vain: a leaden power lay heavy upon -his heart, and crushed all its usual energies; and the only effort he -could make was to send out servants in every direction to seek Sir -Cesar the astrologer, weakly hoping to brace up his relaxed confidence -by some predictions of success. But the old man was not easily to be -found. No one knew his abode, and, ever strange and erratic in his -motions, he seemed now agitated by some extraordinary impulse, so that -even when they had once found his track, the servants of Sir Payan had -often to trace him to ten or twelve houses in the course of a day. -Sometimes it was in the manor of the peer, sometimes in the cottage of -the peasant, that they heard of him; but in none did he seem to -sojourn for above an hour, hurrying on wildly to the dwelling of some -other amongst the many that he knew in all classes. - -At length they overtook him on the road near Sandgate, and delivered -Sir Payan's message; whereupon, without any reply, he turned his horse -and rode towards Chilham, where he arrived in the evening. Springing -to the ground without any appearance of fatigue, the old man sought -Sir Payan in the park, to which the servants said he had retired; and, -winding through the various long alleys, found him at length walking -backwards and forwards, with his arms crossed on his bosom and his -eyes fixed upon the ground. The evening sunshine was streaming -brightly upon the spot, pouring a mellow misty light through the -western trees, on the tall dark figure of Sir Payan, who, bending down -his head, paced along with gloomy slowness, like some bad spirit -oppressed and tormented by the smile of heaven. - -It was a strange sight to see his meeting with Sir Cesar; both were -pale and haggard; for some cause, only known to himself, had worn the -keen features of the astrologer till the bones and cartilages seemed -starting through the skin; and Sir Payan's ashy cheek had lately -acquired a still more deadly hue than it usually wore. Both, too, -looked wild and fearful; the keen black eyes of the old man showing -with a terrific brightness in his thin and livid face, and the stern -features of Sir Payan appearing full of a sort of ferocious light, -which his attendants had remarked, ever since he had been overthrown -in the tilt by the lance of Sir Osborne. Meeting thus, in the full -yellow sunshine, while Sir Cesar fixed his usual intense and -scrutinising glance upon the countenance of the other, and Sir Payan -strove to receive him with a smile that but mocked the lips it shone -upon, they looked like two beings of another world, met for the first -time in upper air, to commune of things long past. - -"Well, unhappy man," said Sir Cesar at length, "what seekest thou with -me?" - -"That I am unhappy," replied Sir Payan, knitting his brow, as he saw -that little consolation was to be expected from the astrologer, "I do -not deny; and it is to know why I am unhappy that I have asked you to -come hither." - -"You are unhappy," answered Sir Cesar, "because you have plundered the -widow and the orphan, because you have wronged the friendless and the -weak, because you have betrayed the confident and the generous. You -are unhappy because there is not one in the wide world that loves you, -and because you even despise, and hate, and reprobate yourself." - -"Old man! old man!" cried Sir Payan, half unsheathing his dagger, -"beware, beware! Those men only," he added, pushing back the weapon -into its sheath, "ought to be unhappy that are unsuccessful; the rest -is all a bugbear set up by the weak to frighten away the strong. But I -have been successful, am successful. Why then am I unhappy?" - -"Because your success is at an end," replied the astrologer: "because -you tremble to your fall; because your days are numbered, and late -remorse is gnawing your heart in spite of your vain boasting. Nay, lay -not your hand on the hilt of your dagger! Over me, murderer, you have -no power! That dagger took the life of one that had never wronged you. -Remember the rout at Taunton; remember the youth murdered the night -after he surrendered!" Sir Payan trembled like an aspen leaf while the -old man spoke. "Yes, murderer!" continued Sir Cesar; "though you -thought the deed hid in the bowels of the earth, I know it all. That -hand slew all that was dearest to me on earth!--the child that unhappy -fortune forced me to leave upon this cursed shore; and long, long ago -should his fate have been avenged in your blood, had not I seen, had -not I known, that heaven willed it otherwise. I have waited patiently -for the hour that is now come; I have broken your bread, and I have -drunk of your wine; but while I did so, I have seen you gathering -curses on your head, and accumulating sins to sink you to perdition, -and that has taught me to endure. I would not have saved you one hour -of crime, I would not have robbed my revenge of one single sin--no, -not for an empire! But I have watched you go on, gloriously, -triumphantly, in evil and in wickedness, till heaven can bear no more; -till you have eaten up your future; and soon, with all your crimes -upon your head, hated, despised, condemned by all mankind, your black -soul shall be parted from your body, and my eyes shall see you die." - -Sir Payan had listened with varied emotions as the old man spoke. -Surprise, remorse, and fear had been the first; but gradually the more -tempestuous feelings of his nature hurried away the rest, and, rage -gaining mastery of all, he drew his poniard and sprang upon Sir Cesar. -But in the very act, as his arm was raised to strike, he was caught by -two powerful men, who threw him back upon the ground and disarmed him; -one of them exclaiming, "Ho, ho! we have just come in time. Sir Payan -Wileton, you are attached in the king's name. Lo, here is the warrant -for your apprehension. You must come with us, sir, to Calais." - -One would attempt in vain to describe the rage that convulsed the form -of Sir Payan Wileton, more especially when he beheld Sir Cesar smile -upon him with a look of triumphant satisfaction. - -"Seize him!" exclaimed he, with furious violence, pointing to the -astrologer; "seize him, if you love your king and your country! He is -a marked and obnoxious traitor. I impeach him, and you do not your -duty if you let him escape; or are you his confederates, and come up -to prevent my punishing him for the treasons he has just -acknowledged?" - -"Sir Payan Wileton," replied the sergeant-at-arms, "this passion is -all in vain. I am sent here with a warrant from the king's privy -council to attach you for high treason; but I have no authority to -arrest any one else." - -"But I am a magistrate," cried the baffled knight; "let him not -escape, I enjoin you, till I have had time to commit him. He is a -traitor, I say, and if you seize him not, you art the king's enemies." - -"Attached for high treason, sir, you are no longer a magistrate," -replied the sergeant. "At all events, I do not hold myself justified -in apprehending anybody against whom I have no warrant, more -especially when I found you raising your hand illegally against the -very person's life whom you now accuse. I can take no heed of the -matter: you must come." - -"He shall be satisfied," said Sir Cesar. "Venomless serpent! I will -follow thee now till thy last hour. But think not that thou canst hurt -me, for thy power has gone from thee; and though wicked as a demon, -thou art weak as a child. I know that we are doomed to pass the same -gate, but not to journey on the same road. Lead on, sergeant; I will -go on with you; and then, if this bad man have aught to urge against -me, let him do it." - -"Go if you will, sir," replied the officer; "but remember, you act -according to your own pleasure; I make no arrest in your case: you are -free to come with us or to stay, as you think fit." - -Sir Payan was now led back to the house, which was in possession of -the king's archers; and as he passed through his own hall, with a -burning heart, the hasty glance that he cast around amongst his -servants showed him at once, that though there were none to pity or -befriend, there were many full ready to betray. Then rushed upon his -mind the accusations that they might pile upon his head, now that they -saw him sinking below the stream. The certainty of death; the dread of -something after death; doubts of his own scepticism; the innate, -all-powerful conviction of a future state--a state growing dreadfully -perceptible to his eye as he approached the brink of that yawning gulf -which his own acts had peopled with strange fears; all that he had -scoffed at, all that he had despised, now assumed a new and fearful -character: even the world's opinion, the world's contemned opinion, -came across his thought: that there was not one heart on all the earth -would mourn his end, that hatred and abhorrence would go with him to -the grave, and that his memory would only live with infamy in the -records of crime and punishment. Burying his face in his hands, he sat -in deep, despairing, agonising silence while his horse was being -prepared, and while the officer put his seal upon the various doors -which he thought it necessary to secure. - -A few hours brought the whole party to Dover, and the next day saw -their arrival at Calais; but by that time the court had removed to -Guisnes; and the sergeant, having no orders to bring his prisoner -farther, sent forward a messenger to announce his arrival and demand -instructions. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVII. - - Once more the fleeting soul came back - T' inspire the mortal frame, - And in the body took a doubtful stand, - Hovering like expiring flame, - That mounts and falls by turns.--Dryden. - - -The painful situation of Lady Constance de Grey had not lost any -portion of its sorrow, or gained any ray of hope, on the first of -June, three days after we last left her, at which period we again take -up her story. She was then sitting in a small, poor cottage between -Whitesand Bay and Boulogne, watching the slumber of the excellent old -man whose regard for her had brought upon his head so much pain and -danger. Ever since he had been removed to the hut where they now were, -he had lingered in great agony, except at those times when a state of -stupor fell upon him, under which he would remain for many hours, and -only wake from it again to acute pain. He had, however, that morning -fulfilled the last duties of his religion, with the assistance of a -good monk of Boulogne, who now sat with Lady Constance, watching the -sweet sleep into which he had fallen for the first time since their -shipwreck. - -Across the little window, to keep out the light, Constance had drawn -one of her own dresses, which had been saved by the sailor Bradford -having tied the leathern case that contained them to the plank which -had brought herself to shore; but still through the casement, -notwithstanding this sort of extemporaneous curtain, the soft breath -of the early morning flowed in; and the murmuring voice of the -treacherous ocean was heard softly from afar, filling up every pause -in the singing of the birds and the busy hum of all the light children -of the summer. - -The calmness of the old man's slumber gave Constance hope; and with a -sweet smile she sat beside him, listening to the mingled voice of -creation, and joining mentally in the song of praise that all things -seemed raising towards the great Creator. Indeed, if ever mortal being -might be supposed to resemble those pure spirits who, freed from all -touch of clay, adore the Almighty in his works, she then looked like -an angel, in form, in feature, and in expression, while, robed all in -white, and watching the sick bed of her ancient friend, she looked -upon his tranquil slumber with that bland smile of hope and gratitude. - -In the mean while the old monk sat on the other side of his bed, -regarding him with more anxiety; for long experience in visiting those -who hung upon the brink of another world tad taught him, that sleep -like that into which the clergyman had fallen as often precedes death -as recovery. It had continued thus till towards mid-day, the cottage -being left in solitude and silence; for the sailor Bradford had gone -to seek remedies from a simpler at Boulogne, and Jekin Groby had -stolen away for a visit to Calais, while the people to whom the -cottage belonged were absent upon their daily occupations. At length, -however, a slight sort of convulsive motion passed over the features -of the old man, and, opening his eyes, he said in a faint, low voice, -"Constance, my dear child, where are you? My eyes are dim." - -"I am here, my dear sir," replied Constance. "You have been sleeping -very sweetly. I hope you feel better." - -"It is over, Constance!" replied Dr. Wilbraham, calmly, but feebly. "I -am dying, my child. Let me see the sunshine." Constance withdrew the -curtain, and the fresh air blowing on the sick man's face seemed to -give him more strength. "It is bright," cried he; "it is very bright. -I feel the sweet summer air, and I hear the glad singing of the birds; -but I go fast, dear daughter, where there are things brighter and -sweeter; for surely, surely, God, who has clothed this world with such -splendour, has reserved far greater for the world to come." - -The tears streamed down Constance's cheeks, for there was in the old -man's face a look of death not to be mistaken; that look, the -inevitable precursor of dissolution to man, when it seems as if the -avenging angel had come between him and the sun of being, and cast his -dark shadow over him for ever. - -"Weep not, Constance," said the old man, with faint and broken -efforts; "for no storms will reach me in my Redeemer's bosom. In his -mercy is my hope, in his salvation is my reliance. Soon, soon shall I -be in the place of peace, where joy reigneth eternally. Could I have a -fear, my dear child, it would be for you, left alone in a wide and -desolate world, with none to protect you. But, no; I have no fear: God -is your protector; and never, never, my child, doubt his goodness, nor -think that he does not as surely watch over the universe as he that -created it at first. Everything is beneath his eye, from the smallest -grain of sand to the great globe itself; and his will governs all, and -guides all, though we see neither the beginning nor the end. -Constance, I am departing," he continued, more faintly: "God's -blessing be upon you, my child! and, oh! if He in his wisdom ever -permits the spirit of the dead to watch over those they loved when -living, I will be with you and Darnley when this frail body is dust." - -His lips began gradually to lose their power of utterance, and his -head fell back upon the pillow. The monk saw that the good man's end -was approaching fast, and placing the crucifix in his dying hand, he -poured the words of consolation in his ear; but Dr. Wilbraham slightly -motioned with his hand, to signify that he was quite prepared, and -fixing his eyes upon the cross, murmured to himself, "I come, O Lord, -I come! Be thou merciful unto me, O King of mercy! Deliver speedily -from the power of death, O Lord of life!" - -The sounds gradually ceased, but yet his lips continued to move; his -lips lost their motion, but his eyes were fixed, full of hope, upon -the cross; a film came over them; it passed away, and the light beamed -up again--shone brightly for a moment--waned--vanished--and all was -death. The eyes were still fixed upon the cross, but that bright -thing, life, was there no more. To look at them, no one could say what -was gone between that minute and the one before; and yet it was -evident that they were now but dust: the light was extinguished, the -wine was poured out, and it was but the broken lamp, the empty urn, -that remained to go down into the tomb. - -Constance closed his eyes, and weeping bitterly, knelt down with the -old monk, and joined in the prayer that he addressed to heaven. She -then rose, and seated herself by all that remained of her dead friend, -feeling alone in all the world, solitary, friendless, desolate; and -straining her sweet eyes upon the cold, unresponsive countenance of -the dead, she seemed bitterly to drink to the dregs the cup of -hopelessness which that sight offered. - -No one spoke. The monk himself was silent, seeming to think that the -prayer he had offered to the Deity was the only fitting language for -the presence of the dead; when a sound was heard without, and the -door, gently opening, admitted the form of Jekin Groby. The good -clothier thought the old man still slept, as when he had left the -cottage, and advanced on tiptoe for fear of waking him; but the lifted -hand of the monk, the streaming eyes of Constance, and the cold, rigid -stiffness of the face before him, warned him of what had happened; and -pausing suddenly, he clasped his hands with a look of unaffected -sorrow. "Good God!" cried he, "he is dead! Alas the day!" Constance's -tears streamed afresh. "Lady," said the worthy man, in a kindly tone, -"take comfort! He is gone to a better place than we have here, poor -hapless souls! And surely, if all were as well fitted for that place -as he was, we should have little cause to fear our death, and our -gossips little cause to weep. Take comfort, sweet lady! take comfort! -Our God is too good for us to murmur when he cuts our measure short." - -There was something in the homely consolation of the honest Englishman -that touched Constance to the heart, and yet she could not refrain -from weeping even more than before. - -"Nay, nay, dear lady," continued Jekin, affected almost to tears -himself; "you must come away from here. I cannot bear to see you weep -so; and though I am but a poor clothier, and little fitted to put -myself in his place that is gone, I will never leave you till I see -you safe. Indeed I won't! Come, lady, into the other cottage hard by, -and we will send some one to watch here in your place. Lord, Lord! to -think how soon a fellow-creature is gone! Sure I thought to find him -better when I came back. Come, lady, come!" - -"Perhaps I had better," replied Constance, drying her tears. "My cares -for him are useless; yet, though I murmur not at God's will, I must -e'en weep, for I have lost as good a friend, and the world has lost as -good a man, as ever it possessed. But I will go; for it is in vain to -stay here and encourage unavailing grief." She then addressed a few -sentences to the monk in French, thanking him for his charitable -offices towards her dead friend, and begging him to remain there till -she could send some one to watch the body; adding, that if he would -come after that to the adjoining cottage, she would beg him to convey -to his convent a small gift on her part. - -The monk bowed his head, and promised to obey; and Constance, giving -one last look to the inanimate form of the excellent being she had -just lost, followed Jekin Groby to the cottage hard by, where, begging -to be left alone, she once more burst into tears, and let both her -sorrow and despondency have way, feeling that sort of oppression at -her heart which can be relieved but by weeping. - -It is needless to follow farther such sad scenes; to tell the blunt -grief of Bradford, when he returned and found that his errand had been -in vain; or to describe the funeral of good Dr. Wilbraham, which took -place the next day (for so custom required) in the little cemetery of -Whitesand Bay. - -Immediately this was over, Lady Constance prepared to set out for -Boulogne, hoping to find a refuge in the heart of France till she had -time to consider and execute some plan for her future conduct. We have -twice said, that the sailor, in tying her to the plank on which she -had floated from the shipwrecked vessel, had fastened to the end of -the board nearest her feet one of her own leathern cases, for the -purpose of keeping her head raised above the water; and in this, as it -luckily happened, were all the jewels and the money which she had -brought with her from London. - -It would doubtless have rendered her situation much more critical and -interesting if she had been deprived of all such resources; but as the -fact was so, it is necessary to state it. No difficulty, therefore, -seemed likely to present itself in her journey to her own estates, -except that which might arise in procuring a litter to convey her on -her way, or in meeting with some female attendant willing to accompany -her. The latter of these was soon done away with; for the daughter of -the cottagers where she had lodged, a gay, good-humoured Picarde, -gladly undertook the post of waiting-woman to the sweet lady, whose -gentleness had won them all; and Bradford, who, from a soldier, a -sailor, a shipwright, and a Rochester rioter, had now become a squire -of dames, was despatched to Boulogne to see if he could buy or hire a -litter and horses. - -In the midst of all these proceedings, poor Jekin Groby was sadly -agitated by many contending feelings. In his first fit of sympathy -with Constance on the death of Dr. Wilbraham, he had, as we have seen, -promised to accompany her to the end of her journey, whithersoever it -might be; but the thoughts of dear little England, and his own -fireside, and his bales of cloth, and his bags of angels, called him -vehemently across the Channel, while curiosity, with a certain touch -of mercantile calculation, pulled him strongly towards the court at -Calais. Notwithstanding, he resolved, above all things, to act -handsomely, as he said, towards the lady; and accordingly he -accompanied Bradford to Boulogne, to ascertain if he could by any way -get off trudging after her the Lord knew where, as he expressed it, -though he vowed he was very willing to go if he could be of any -service. - -After the sailor and his companion had been absent about six hours, -Constance began to be impatient, and proceeded to the door of the -cottage to see if she could perceive them coming. Gazing for a few -minutes on the road to Boulogne, she beheld, rising above the brow of -the hill before her, a knight's pennon, and presently half-a-dozen -spears appeared bristling up behind it. Judging that it was some -accidental party proceeding towards Whitesand Bay, Constance retired -into the cottage, and was not a little surprised when she heard the -horses halt before the door. In a moment after, a gallant cavalier, in -peaceful guise, armed only with his sword and dagger, entered the hut, -and, doffing his plumed mortier to the lady, with a low inclination of -the head, he advanced towards her, saying in French, "Have I the -honour of speaking to the noble Lady de Grey, Countess of Boissy and -the Val de Marne?" - -"The same, sir knight," replied the lady. "To what, may I ask, do I -owe the honour of your presence?" - -"His highness Francis King of France, now in the city of Boulogne," -replied the knight, "hearing that a lady, and his vassal, though born -an English subject, had been shipwrecked on this shore, has chosen me -for the pleasing task of inviting, in his name, the Countess de Boissy -to repair to his royal court, not as a sovereign commanding the homage -of his vassal, but as a gracious and a noble friend, offering service -and good-will. His highness's sister, also, the Princess Marguerite of -Alençon, has sent her own litter for your convenience, with such -escort as may suit your quality." - -Constance could only express her thanks. Had she possessed the power -of choice, she would of course have preferred a thousand times to have -retired to the Val de Marne, without her coming being known to the -French king or his court, till such time, at least, as the meeting -between him and the King of England had taken place. However, as it -was known, she could not refuse to obey, and she signified her -readiness to accompany the French knight, begging him merely to wait -till the return of a person she had sent to Boulogne for a litter. - -"He will not return, lady," replied the chevalier. "It was through his -search for a litter at Boulogne, where none are to be had, all being -bought for the court's progress to Ardres, that his highness became -acquainted with your arrival within his kingdom." - -The knight was proceeding to inform her of the circumstances which had -occurred, when the quick sound of horses' feet was heard without, -joined to the clanging of arms, the jingling of spurs and trappings, -and various rough cries in the English tongue. - -"Have her! but I will have her, by the Lord!" cried a voice near the -door; and in a moment after, a knight, armed at all points, strode -into the cottage. "How now! how now!" cried he; "what is all this? Ah, -Monsieur de Bussy," he continued, changing his language to broken, -abominable French, "what are you doing with this lady?" - -"I come, Sir John Hardacre," answered the Frenchman, "to invite her to -the court of Francis of France, whose vassal the lady is." - -"And I come," replied the Englishman, "to claim her for Henry King of -England, whose born subject she is, and ward of the crown; and so I -will have her, and carry her to Guisnes, as I am commanded." - -"That depends upon circumstances, sir," answered the Frenchman, -offended at the tone of the other. "You are governor of Calais, but -you do not command here. You are off the English pale, sir; and I say -that unless the lady goes with you willingly and by preference, you -shall not take her." - -"I shall not!" exclaimed the Englishman. "Who the devil shall stop -me?" - -"That will I," answered the French knight; "and I tell you so to your -beard." - -The Englishman laid his hand upon his sword, and the Frenchman was not -slack to follow his example; but Constance interposed. "Hold, hold, -gentlemen!" cried she; "I am not worthy of such contention. Monsieur -de Bussy, favour me by offering every expression of my humble duty to -his highness your noble king; and show him that I intended instantly -to have obeyed his commands, and followed you to his court, but that I -am compelled, against my will, to do otherwise. Sir John Hardacre, I -am ready to accompany you." - -"If such be your will, fair lady," replied the French knight, "I have -nothing but to execute your charge. However, I must repeat, that -without your full consent you shall not be taken from French ground, -or I am no true knight." - -An angry replication trembled on the lip of the English captain, but -Constance stopped its utterance by once more declaring her willingness -to go; and the French officer, bowing low, thrust back his sword into -the sheath, and left the cottage, somewhat out of humour with the -event of his expedition. - -When he and his followers had ridden away, Sir John Hardacre called up -a lady's horse, which one of his men-at-arms led by the bridle; and -after permitting Constance to make some change of her apparel, and to -pay the good folks of the cottage for her entertainment, he placed her -in the saddle, and holding the bridle himself, led her away at a quick -pace towards Guisnes. He was a rough old soldier, somewhat hardened by -long military service; but the beauty and gentleness of his fair -prisoner (for such indeed may we consider poor Constance to have been) -somewhat softened his acerbity; and after riding on for near an hour -in silence, during which he revolved at least twenty ways of -addressing the lady, without pleasing himself with any, he began by a -somewhat bungling excuse, both for his errand and his manner of -executing it. - -"I suppose, sir," replied Constance, coldly, "that you have done your -duty. Whether you have done it harshly or not is for you to consider." - -This quite put a stop to all the knight's intentions of conversation, -and did not particularly soothe his humour; so that for many miles -along the road he failed not every moment to turn round his head, and -vent his spleen upon his men in various high-seasoned curses, for -faults which they might or might not have committed, as the case -happened; the knight's powers of objurgation not only extending to the -cursing itself, but also to supplying the cause. - -It was nearly seven o'clock when they began to approach the little -town of Guisnes, but at that season of the year the full light of day -was still shining upon all the objects round about; and Constance -might perceive, as they rode up, all the bustle, and crowding, and -idle activity caused by the arrival of the court. - -Her heart sank when she saw it, and thought of all she might there -have to endure. Under any other circumstances, however, it would have -been a gay and a pleasing sight; so full of life and activity, glitter -and show, was everything that met the eye. - -To the southward of the town of Guisnes, upon the large open green -that extended on the outside of the walls, were to be seen a vast -number of tents, of all kinds and colours, with a multitude of busy -human beings employed in raising fresh pavilions on every open space, -or in decorating those already spread with streamers, pennons, and -banners, of all the bright hues under the sun. Long lines of horses -and mules loaded with armour or baggage, and ornamented with gay -ribbons, to put them in harmony with the scene, were winding about, -all over the plain, some proceeding towards the town, some seeking the -tents of their several lords; while, mingled amongst them, appeared -various bands of soldiers, on horseback and on foot, with the rays of -the declining sun glancing upon the heads of their bills and lances, -and, together with the white cassock and broad red cross, marking them -out from all the other objects. Here and there, too, might be seen a -party of knights and gentlemen cantering over the plain, and enjoying -the bustle of the scene, or standing in separate groups, issuing their -orders for the erection and garnishing of their tents; while couriers, -and pursuivants, and heralds, in all their gay dresses, mingled with -mule-drivers, lacqueys, and peasants, armourers, pages, and -tent-stretchers, made up the living part of the landscape. - -Behind lay the town of Guisnes, with the forest at its back; and a -good deal nearer, the castle, with its protecting guns pointed over -the plain; but the most striking object, and that which instantly -caught the eye, was a building raised immediately in front of the -citadel, on which all that art could devise, or riches could procure, -had been lavished, to render it a palace fit for the luxurious king -who was about to make it his temporary residence. - -From the distance at which they were when it first struck her sight, -Constance could only perceive that it was a vast and splendid edifice, -apparently square, and seeming to offer a façade of about four hundred -feet on every side, while the sun, reflected from the gilding with -which it was covered, and the immense quantity of glass that it -contained, rendered it like some great ornament of gold enriched with -brilliants. - -Although her heart was sad, and nothing that she saw tended to -dispel its gloom, she could not refrain from gazing round with a -half-curious, half-anxious glance upon all the gay objects that -surrounded her; almost fearing to be recognised by some one who had -known her at the court, now that she was led along as a kind of -prisoner; a single woman amidst a band of rude soldiers. Sir John -Hardacre, however, spurred on towards the bridge, which was nearly -impassable from the number of beasts of burden and their drivers by -which it was covered; and standing on but little ceremony with his -fellow-lieges, he dashed through the midst of them all, cursing one, -and striking another, and overturning a third, much to Constance's -horror and dismay. Having reached the other side, and created by his -haste as much confusion and discomfort as he could in his passage, the -surly captain slackened his pace, muttering something about dignity, -and turned his rein towards the temporary palace of the king. -Proceeding slowly amidst a multitude, many of whom had seen her -before, and whose notice she was very willing to escape, Constance's -only resource was to fix her eyes upon the palace, and to busy herself -in the contemplation of its splendour. - -Raised upon a high platform, it was not only visible from every part -of the plain, but itself commanded a view of the whole gay scene -below, with its tents and its multitudes, standing as a sort of -nucleus to all the magnificence around. - -Before the gate to which Sir John Hardacre took his way, and which was -itself a massy arch, flanked by two towers raised upon the platform, -there stood two objects not unworthy of remark, as exemplifying the -tastes of the day: the one was a magnificent fountain, richly wrought -with arches and arabesques, painted in fine gold and blue, supporting -a figure of Bacchus crowned with vine leaves, over whose head appeared -inscribed, in letters of gold, "_Faites bonne chère qui voudra_." No -unmeaning invitation, for the fountain below ceased not to pour forth -three streams of various coloured wines, supplied by reservoirs in the -interior of the palace. On the other side of the gate were seen four -golden lions supporting a pillar of bronze, round the shaft of which -twined up various gilt wreaths, interlaced together; while on the -summit stood a statue of Venus's "purblind son and heir," pointing his -arrows at those who approached the gate. - -Nevertheless, it was not on the charmed cup of the one, or the bended -bow of the other chicken deity, that the battlemented arch above -mentioned relied for defence; for in the several windows were placed -gigantic figures of men in armour, apparently in the act of hurling -down enormous rocks upon the head of whatever venturous stranger -should attempt to pass the prescribed bound. At the same time appeared -round about various goodly paintings of the demigods of story: the -Herculeses, the Theseuses, the Alexanders, fabulous and historical; -while, showing strangely enough in such company, many a fat porter and -yeoman of the lodge loitered about in rich liveries, as familiar with -the gods and goddesses as if they had been born upon Olympus and -swaddled in Tempé. - -At the flight of steps which led to this gate Sir John Hardacre -dismounted, and lifting Lady Constance from her horse, passed on into -the inner court of the palace, which would indeed have been not only -splendid, but elegant, had it not been for a few instances of the same -refined taste which we have just noticed. The four inner faces of the -building were perfectly regular, consisting of two stories, the lower -one of which was almost entirely of glass, formed into plain and bow -windows alternately, each separated from the other by a slight column -of gold, and surrounded by a multitude of arabesques and garlands. -Exactly opposite to the gate appeared a vestibule, thrown a little -forward from the building, and surmounted by four large bow windows, -supported on trimmers, the corbels of which represented a thousand -strange gilt faces, looking out from a screen of olive branches, cast -in lead and painted green; while various tall statues in silver armour -were ranged on each side, as guards to the entrance. - -It was towards this sort of hall that Sir John Hardacre led poor -Constance de Grey, to whose heart all the gaiety and splendour of the -scene seemed but to communicate a more chilling sensation of -friendless loneliness; while the very gaze and whispering of the royal -servants, who had all known of her flight, and now witnessed her -return, made the quick blood mount into her beautiful cheek, as she -was hurried along by the brutal soldier, without any regard to her -feelings or compassion for her fears. - -"You must wait here, Mistress Constance," said he, having led her into -the vestibule, which was full of yeomen and grooms, "while I go and -tell the right reverend father the lord cardinal that I have brought -you." - -"Here!" exclaimed Constance, casting her eyes around; "surely you do -not mean me to wait here amongst the servants?" - -"Why, where would you go?" demanded he, roughly: "I've no other place -to put you. Wait here, wait here, and mind you don't run away again." - -Constance could support no more, and covering her face with her hands, -she burst into a violent flood of tears. At that moment a voice that -she knew struck her ear. "This to my cousin, sir!" exclaimed Lord -Darby, who had heard what passed as he descended a flight of stairs -which led away to the left; "this to my cousin, Sir John Hardacre! You -would do better to jump off the donjon of Rochester Castle than to -leave her here with lacqueys and footboys." - -"And why should I not?" demanded the soldier, his eyes flashing fire. -"Mind your own affairs, my Lord Darby, and let me mind mine." - -"You are an unfeeling old villain, sir!" answered the earl, passing -him and taking Constance by the hand. "Yes, sir! stare your fill! I -say you are an unfeeling villain, and neither knight nor gentleman." - -The soldier laid his hand upon his sword and drew it half out of its -sheath. "Knock him down! knock him down!" cried a dozen voices. "The -precincts of the court! out with him! Have his hand off!" Sir John -Hardacre thrust his weapon back into the sheath, gazing, however, -grimly around, as if he would fain have used it upon some one. - -"Your brutal violence, sir," said Lord Darby, "will bring upon you, if -you heed not, a worse punishment than I can inflict; yet you will not -find me, in a proper place, unwilling to give you a lesson on what is -due to a lady. Come, Constance, I will lead you to her highness, where -you will meet, I am sure, a kind reception. You, sir, do your errand -to my lord cardinal, who shall be informed by me of your noble and -knightly treatment of the Lady de Grey." - -Thus saying, he led Constance through a long corridor to an -ante-chamber, wherein stood two of the queen's pages. Here Lord Darby -paused, and sent one of the attendants to request an audience, taking -the opportunity of the time they waited to soothe the mind of his fair -cousin by informing her of all that had passed in her absence, and -assuring her that the queen had ever been her warmest defender. - -All the news that he gave her, yof course, took a heavy weight from -Constance's mind; and drying her eyes, she congratulated him gladly on -his approaching marriage, and would fain, very fain, have asked if he -could give her any such consolatory information in regard to Darnley; -but the earl had never once mentioned his name, and she knew not how -to begin the subject herself. While considering, and hesitating -whether to ask boldly or not, the queen's page returned and ushered -them to her presence. Constance was still much agitated, and even the -kind and dignified sweetness, the motherly tenderness, with which -Katherine received her--a tenderness which she had not known for so -long--overcame her, and she wept as much as if she had been most -unhappy. - -The queen understood it all, and sending Lord Darby away, she soon won -Constance to her usual placid mood; and then, questioning her of all -the dangers and sorrows she had undergone, she gave her the best of -all balms, sympathy; trembling at her account of the shipwreck, and -melted even to tears by the death of the good clergyman. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVIII. - - Men might say - Till this time pomp was single, but now married - To one above itself.--Shakspere. - - -Many were the anxious eyes turned towards the sky on the morning of -the seventh of June, the day appointed for the meeting of the two -kings of France and England; for some inauspicious clouds had ushered -in the dawn, and several of those persons who take a delight in -prognosticating evil, whenever they can find occasion; who enjoy -mingling the sour with whatever is sweet in life--in short, the -lemon-squeezers of society--had taken care to affirm that they had -felt several drops of rain, and to prophesy that it would pour before -night. To put their vaticinations out of joint, however, the jolly -summer sun came like a cleanly housemaid, towards eight o'clock, and -with his broom of rays swept all the dirty clouds from the floor of -heaven. By this time the bustle of preparation had begun at the town -of Guisnes. All was in activity amongst the tents, and many a lord and -gentleman was already on his horse arraying his men in order of battle -under the walls of the castle, from the gates of which presently -issued forth the archer-guard of the king of England, and took the -front of the array. Not long after, Lord Essex, the earl marshal, -appeared on the plain, and riding along the line of foot, gave the -strictest orders to the various officers for maintaining regularity -and tranquillity through the day; well knowing that the excited -hilarity of such occasions often creates more serious evils than do -infinitely worse feelings. Another cause, however, seemed likely to -have interrupted the general good-humour; for, in the midst of his -injunctions to maintain order and propriety of demeanour towards their -French allies, an officer was seen spurring at full speed from the -side of Ardres, and as he rode up, it was very evident by his -countenance that the good captain, Richard Gibson, was not the best -pleased man in the world. All eyes were turned upon him, and a dead -silence ensued amidst the archers, while the earl demanded, "Why! how -now, Gibson? what is the matter?" - -"So please you, my lord," replied the officer, "the four pennons of -white and green, which, by your command, I set up on the edge of the -hill, above the valley of Andern, have been vilely thrown down by the -French lord châtelaine, who says, that as the French have none on the -other hill, he wills not that we have any either." - -A loud murmuring made itself heard at this news amongst the footmen; -and one of the young gallants, riding near the earl, put spurs to his -horse, as if to ride away to the scene of the dispute. - -"Silence!" cried the earl, over whose cheek also an angry flush had -passed at the first, but who speedily recovered his temper. "Brian, -come back! come back, I say, sir! let not a man stir!" - -"What! must we stand tamely and be insulted by the French?" cried the -youth, unwillingly reining in his horse. - -"They do not insult us, sir," replied Lord Essex, wisely determined -not to let any trifling punctilio disturb the harmony of the meeting, -yet knowing how difficult it was to rule John Bull from his surly -humour. "They do not insult us. The pennons were set up for their -convenience, to show them the place of meeting, which is within the -English pale. If they choose to be such fools as to risk missing the -way, and go a mile round, why, let them; we shall but laugh at them -when they come." - -The matter thus turned off, he whispered a few words to Gibson, and -sending him back to the vale of Andern, proceeded, with the aid of -heralds and other officers at arms, to arrange all the ceremonies of -the march. However, various were the reports that spread amongst the -people concerning the intentions of the French, some declaring openly -that they believed they intended to surround the field with a great -force, and take the king of England prisoner. Others shook the wise -head, and implied much more than they ventured to say; and many a poor -rogue, amongst those who "talk of court news as if they were God's -spies," pretended that they had been with the French power and heard -all about it; so that they would tell you the very cunning of the -thing, and its fashion, and when it was to be. - -While rumour was thus exercising her hundred tongues, and, as usual, -lying with them all, the warning-gun was fired from the castle of -Guisnes, giving notice that the King of England was ready to set out, -and all hurried to place themselves in order. In a few minutes the -distant roar of another large piece of artillery was heard from -Ardres, answering the first; and for the five minutes before the -procession was formed, like the five minutes of tuning before a -concert, all was noise, clamour, and confusion. The sounding of the -trumpets to horse, the shouts of the various leaders, the loud cries -of the marshals and heralds, and the roaring of the artillery from the -castle, as the king put his foot in the stirrup, all combined to make -one general outcry, rarely equalled. - -Gradually the tumult subsided; gradually also the confused assemblage -assumed a regular form. Flags, and pennons, and banderols, embroidered -banners and scutcheons, silver pillars, and crosses, and crooks, -ranged themselves in long line, and the bright procession, an -interminable stream of living gold, began to wind across the plain. -First came about five hundred of the gayest and wealthiest gentlemen -of England, below the rank of baron; squires, knights, and bannerets, -rivalling each other in the richness of their apparel and the beauty -of their horses; while the pennons of the knights fluttered above -their heads, marking the place of the English chivalry. Next appeared -the proud barons of the realm, each with his banner borne before him, -and followed by a custrel with the shield of his arms. To these again -succeeded the bishops, not in the simple robes of the Protestant -clergy, but in the more gorgeous habits of the church of Rome; while -close upon their steps rode the higher nobility, surrounding the -immediate person of the king, and offering the most splendid mass of -gold and jewels that the summer sun ever shone upon. - -Slowly the procession moved forward, to allow the line of those on -foot to keep an equal pace. Nor did this band offer a less gay and -pleasing sight than the cavalcade; for here might be seen the athletic -forms of the sturdy English yeomanry, clothed in the various splendid -liveries of their several lords, with the family cognizance -embroidered on the bosom or the arm, and the banners and banderols of -their particular houses carried in the front of each company. Here -also was to be seen the picked guard of the King of England, -magnificently dressed for the occasion, with the royal banner carried -in their centre by the deputy standard-hearer, and the banner of their -company by their own ancient. In the rear of all, marshalled by -officers appointed for the purpose, came the band of those whose rank -did not entitle them to take place in the cavalcade, but who had -sufficient interest at court to be admitted to the meeting. Though of -an inferior class, this company was not the least splendid in the -field; for here were all the wealthy tradesmen of the court, habited -in many a rich garment, furnished by the extravagance of those that -rode before; and many a gold chain hung round their necks, that not -long ago had lain in the purse of some prodigal customer. - -Thus marched on the procession at a walking pace, with steeds -neighing, with trumpets sounding, banners and plumes fluttering in the -wind, and gold and jewels sparkling in the sunshine; while loud -acclaim, and the waving of hats, and hands, and handkerchiefs, from -those that stayed behind, ushered it forth from the plain of Guisnes. - -They had ridden on some way, when a horseman spurred up to the spot -where the king rode, and doffing his high plumed hat, bent to his -saddle-bow, saying, "My king and my sovereign, I have just been with -the French party, and I hold myself bound, as your liege, to inform -you that they are at least twice as numerous as we are. Your grace -will act as in your wisdom you judge fit; but as a faithful and loving -subject I could not let such knowledge sleep in my bosom." - -An instant halt took place through the whole cavalcade, and the king -for a moment consulted with Wolsey, who rode on his left hand; but -Lord Shrewsbury, the lord steward, interposed, assuring the king that -he had been amongst the French nobles the night before, and that -amongst them the same reports prevailed concerning the English. -"Therefore, sir," continued he, "if I were worthy to advise, your -grace would march forward without hesitation; for sure I am that the -French mean no treachery." - -"We shall follow your advice, lord steward," replied the king; "let us -march on." - -"On before! On before!" cried the heralds at the word. The trumpets -again sounded, and the procession, moving forward, very soon reached -the brow of the hill that looks into the vale of Andern. A gentle -slope, of not more than three hundred yards, led from the highest part -of each of the opposite hills into the centre of the valley, in the -midst of which was pitched the most magnificent tent that ever a -luxurious imagination devised. The canopy, the walls, the hangings, -were all of cloth of gold; the posts, the cones, the cords, the -tassels, the furniture, were all of the same rare metal. Wherever the -eye turned, nothing but that shining ore met its view, so that it -required no very brilliant fancy to name it at once, the _Field of the -Cloth of Gold_. - -On reaching the verge of the descent, the cavalcade spread out, lining -the side of the hill for some way down, and facing the line of the -valley. Each cavalier placed himself unhesitatingly in the spot -assigned him by the officers at arms, while the body of foot was drawn -up in array to the left by the captains of the king's guard, so that -not the least confusion or tumult took place; and the whole multitude, -in perfect order, presented a long and glittering front to the -opposite hill, before any of the French party appeared, except a few -straggling horsemen sent to keep the ground. - -As soon as the whole line was formed, and when, by the approaching -sound of the French trumpets, it was ascertained that the Court of -France was not far distant, Henry himself drew out from the ranks, -ready to descend to the meeting; and never did a more splendid or more -princely monarch present himself before so noble a host. Tall, -stately, athletic, with a countenance full of imperial dignity, and -mounted on a horse that seemed proudly conscious of the royalty of its -rider, Henry rode forward to a small hillock, about twenty yards in -advance of his subjects; and halting upon the very edge of the hill, -with his attendants grouped behind him, and a clear background of -sunny light throwing nil figure out from all the other objects, he -offered a subject on which Wouvermans might well have exercised his -pencil. Over his wide chest and shoulders he wore a loose vest of -cloth of silver, damasked and ribbed with gold. This was plaited, and -bound tightly towards the waist, while it was held down from the neck -by the golden collars of many a princely order, and the broad baldrick -studded with jewels, to which was suspended his sword. His jewelled -hat was also of the same cloth; and in the only representation of this -famous meeting that I have met with, which can be relied upon, having -been executed at the time, he appears with a vast plume of feathers, -rising from the left side of his hat, and falling over to his saddle -behind. Nor was the horse less splendidly attired than the rider. Its -housings, its trappers, its headstall, and its reins, were all -curiously wrought and embossed with bullion, while a thousand fanciful -ornaments of gold filigree-work hung about it in every direction. - -Behind the king appeared Sir Henry Guilford, master of the horse, -leading a spare charger for the monarch; not indeed with any -likelihood of the king's using it, but more as a piece of state -ornament than anything else, in the same manner as the sword of state -was borne by the Marquis of Dorset. A little behind appeared nine -youths of noble family, as the king's henchmen, mounted on beautiful -horses trapped with golden scales, and sprinkled throughout their -housings with loose bunches of spangles, which, twinkling in the -sunshine, gave an inconceivable lightness and brilliancy to their -whole appearance. - -Shortly after this glittering group had taken its station in front of -the English line, the first parties of the French nobility began to -appear on the opposite hill, and spreading out upon its side, offered -a corresponding mass of splendour to that formed by the array of -England. Very soon the whole of Francis's court had deployed; and -after a pause of a few minutes, during which the two hosts seemed to -consider each other with no small admiration, and in profound silence, -the trumpets from the French side sounded, and the constable Duke of -Bourbon, bearing a naked sword upright, began to descend the hill. -Immediately behind him followed the French monarch superbly arrayed, -and mounted on a magnificent Barbary horse, covered from head to foot -with gold. Instantly on beholding this, the English trumpets replied, -and the Marquis of Dorset, unsheathing the sword of state, moved -slowly forward before the king. Henry, having the lord cardinal on his -left, and followed by his immediate suite, now descended the hill, and -arrived in the valley exactly at the same moment as Francis. The two -sword-bearers who preceded them fell back each to the right of his own -sovereign; and the monarchs, spurring forward their highly-managed -horses, met in the midst and embraced each other on horseback. -Difficult and strange as such a man[oe]uvre may seem, it was performed -with ease and grace, both the kings being counted amongst the most -skilful horsemen in Europe; and in truth, as the old historian -expresses it, it must have been a marvellous sweet and goodly sight to -see those two princes, in the flower of their age, in the height of -their strength, and in the dignity of their manly beauty, commanding -two great nations, that had been so long rivals and enemies, instead -of leading hostile armies to desolate and destroy, meet in that -peaceful valley, and embrace like brothers in the sight of the choice -nobility of either land. - -Two grooms and two pages, who had followed on foot, now ran to hold -the stirrup and the rein, each of his own monarch; and springing to -the ground, the kings embraced again; after which, clasped arm in arm, -they passed the barrier, and entered the golden tent, wherein two -thrones were raised beneath one canopy. - -"Henry of England, my dear brother," said the King of France, as soon -as they were seated, "thus far have I travelled to see you and do you -pleasure; willing to hold you to my heart with brotherly love, and to -show you that I am your friend: and surely I believe that you esteem -me as I am. The realms that I command, and the powers that I possess, -are not small; but if they may ever be of aid to my brother, of -England, I shall esteem them greater than before." - -"The greatness of your realms, sir, and the extent of your power," -replied Henry, "weigh as nothing in my eyes, compared with your high -and princely qualities; and it is to interchange regard with you, and -renew in person our promises of love, that I have here passed the seas -and come to the very verge of my dominions." - -With such greetings commenced the interview of the two kings, who soon -called to them the cardinal, and seating him beside them, with much -honour, they commanded him to read the articles which he had drawn up -for the arrangement and ordering of their future interviews. Wolsey -complied; and all that he proposed seemed well to please both the -monarchs, till he proceeded to stipulate, that when the King of -England should go over to the town of Ardres, to revel with the queen -and ladies of France, the King of France should at the same time -repair to the town of Guisnes, there to be entertained by the Queen of -England. At this Francis mused: "Nay, nay, my good lord cardinal," -said he, "faith, I fear not to trust myself with my brother of England -at his good castle of Guisnes, without holding him as a hostage in my -court for my safe return; and, marry, I am sure he would put equal -confidence in me, though I stayed not in his city till he was on his -journey back." - -"This clause is not inserted, most noble sovereign," replied Wolsey, -"from any doubt or suspicion that one gracious king has of the other; -for surely all trust and amicable confidence exist between ye: but it -is for the satisfaction of the minds of your liege subjects, who, not -understanding the true nature of princely friendship, might be filled -with black apprehensions, were they to see their monarch confide -himself, without warrant of safety, in the power of another nation." - -"Well, well, my good lord," replied Francis, "let it be; time will -show us." And from that moment he seemed to pay little attention to -all the precautionary measures by which the cautious Wolsey proposed -to secure the future meetings of the two kings from the least danger -to either party. The generous mind of the French monarch revolted at -the suspicious policy of the cardinal; and agreeing to anything that -the other thought proper, he mentally revolved his own plans for -shaming the English monarch and his minister out of their cold and -injurious doubts. - -The arrangement of these articles was the only displeasing -circumstance that cast a shadow upon the meeting: all the rest passed -in gaiety and joy. A sumptuous banquet was soon placed before them, -and various of the nobles of England and France were called to mingle -in the royal conversation while the monarchs were at table. - -In the meanwhile the two courts and their retainers remained arranged -on the opposing sides of the hill; the Englishmen, with their -characteristic rigidity, standing each man in his place as immoveable -as a statue, while the livelier Frenchmen, impatient of doing nothing, -soon quitted their ranks, and, falling into broken masses, amused -themselves as best they might; many of them crossing the valley, and -with national facility beginning to make acquaintance with their new -allies, nothing repulsed by the blunt reception they met with. Not -that the English were inhospitable; for having, as usual, taken good -care that no provision should be wanting against the calls of hunger -or thirst, they communicated willingly to their neighbours of the -comforts they had brought with them, sending over many a flagon of -wine and hypocras, much to the consolation of the French, who had -taken no such wise precautions against the two great internal enemies. - -In about an hour, the hangings of the tent were drawn back, and the -two kings re-appeared; ready to separate for the day. The grooms led -up the horses; and Francis and Henry, embracing with many professions -of amity, mounted and turned their steps each to his several dwelling. - -The English procession marched back in the same order as it came, and -arrived without interruption at the green plain of Guisnes, where -Henry, ordering the band of footmen to halt, rode along before them, -making them a gay and familiar speech, and bidding them be merry if -they loved their king. Shouts and acclamations answered the monarch's -speech, and the nobles, joining in his intent, showered their largesse -upon their retainers as they followed along the line. The last band -that Henry came to was that of the privileged tradesmen of the court, -most of whom he recognised, possessing, in a high degree, that truly -royal quality of never forgetting any one he had once known. To each -he had some frank, bluff sentence to address; while they, with heads -uncapped and bending low, enjoyed with proud hearts the honour of -being spoken to by the king, and thought how they could tell it to all -their neighbours and gossips when they got to England. As he rode on, -Henry perceived in the second rank a face that he remembered, which, -being attached to a very pliable neck, kept bending down with manifold -reverences, not unlike the nodding of a mandarin cast in china-ware. - -"Ha! my good clothier, Jekin Groby!" cried the king; "come forth, man! -What! come forth, I say!" - -Jekin Groby rushed forward from behind, knocking on one side the royal -honey merchant, and fairly throwing down the household fishmonger who -stood before him; then, casting himself on his knees by the side of -the king's horse, he clasped the palms of his hands together, and -turned up his eyes piteously to the monarch's countenance, exclaiming, -"Justice! justice! your grace's worship, if your royal stomach be full -of justice, as folks say, give me justice." - -"Justice!" cried Henry, laughing at the sad and deplorable face poor -Jekin thought necessary to assume for the purpose of moving his -compassion. "Justice on whom, man--ha? Faith, if any man have done -thee wrong, he shall repent it, as I am a king; though, good Jekin, I -sent for thee a month ago to furnish cloth for all the household, and -thou wert not to be found." - -"Lord 'a mercy!" cried Jekin, "and I've missed the job! but it ought -all to be put in the bill. Pray, your grace's worship, put it in the -bill against that vile Sir Payan Wileton, who kidnapped me on your own -royal highway, robbed me of my bagfull of angels, and sent me to sea, -where I was so sick, your grace; you can't think how sick! And then -they beat me with ropes' ends, and made me go up aloft, and damned me -for a land-lubber, and a great deal more: all on account of that Sir -Payan Wileton!" - -"Ha!" cried the king; "Sir Payan Wileton again! I had forgot him. -However, good Jekin, I cannot hear you now; come to my chamber -to-morrow before I rise--ha, man! then I will hear and do you justice, -if it be on the highest man in the land. There is my signet: the page -will let you in. At six o'clock, man, fail not!" - -"I told you so!" cried Jekin, starting upon his feet, and looking -round him with delight as the king rode away; "I told you he would -make that black thief give me back my angels. I knew his noble heart; -Lord 'a mercy! 'tis a gracious prince, surely." - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIX. - - Let some o' the guard be ready. - _Cran_.--For me? - Must I go like a traitor then?--Shakspere. - - -And where was Osborne Darnley all this while? - -Wait a little, dearly-beloved, and you shall hear more. It was not yet -five o'clock in the morning, and a sweet morning it was; the sun had -just risen, and, spreading all over the eastern sky, there was that, -soft, lustrous tint of early light that surely ought to be called -hope-colour, it promises so many bright moments for the coming day. It -was not yet five o'clock in the morning when the western sally-port of -the castle of Ardres was opened by a little page not higher than my -thumb, as the old story-book goes, who looked cautiously about, first -to the right and then to the left, to see if any one was abroad and -stirring; but the only person who had risen was the matutinal sun, so -that the page could see nothing but the blue sky, and the green -fields, and the grey stone walls of the castle, whose great age, like -the antiquity of a beggar's coat, had plastered them all over with -patches of green and yellow lichens. Having looked to his heart's -content, he next listened; but no sound could he hear save the light -singing of the lark and the loud snoring of the sentinel on the -neighbouring bastion, who, with head propped on his halberd, kept -anything but silent watch, while the vigilant sun, looking over the -wall, spied out all the weaknesses of the place; and now, having -listened as well as looked, the boy withdrew once more within the -walls. He left, however, the door open, and in a few minutes two -horsemen rode forth, each wrapped up in a large Spanish cloak, with a -chaperon, at Fleurange calls it, or, in other words, an immense hood, -which covered the whole head and disguised the person completely. - -As soon as they were fairly out, the page who had accompanied them so -far returned and closed the sally-port, and the two travellers -cantered lightly over the green to a little wood that lay before the -castle. When they were fully concealed by the trees, among which they -wound along, following the sinuosities of a little sandy road, wherein -two, but only two, might ride abreast, they both, as by common -consent, threw back their hoods, and, letting their cloaks fall upon -their horses' cruppers, discovered the two powerful forms of the good -knight Osborne Lord Darnley, and Francis the First King of France. - -"Well, my friend and my deliverer," said the king, as they rode on, -"'twill go hard but I will restore you to your king's favour; and even -should he remain inexorable, which I will not believe, you must make -France your country. We will try to win your fair Constance for you -from that suspicious cardinal, of which fear not, for I know a certain -way to gain him to anything; and then I see no cause why, in so fair a -land as France, and favoured by her king, you may not be as happy as -in that little seabound spot called England." - -Before proceeding farther, however, it may be necessary to say a few -words concerning the events which had occurred since the knight's -courage and skill had saved the king's life from Shoenvelt and his -adventurers. One may well imagine what anxiety had reigned amongst the -monarch's followers in the forest near Lillers, when they found that -Francis, after having separated from their party, did not rejoin them -on the track appointed for the hunt. Such occurrences, however, having -several times happened before, and the king having always returned in -safety, they concluded that he and Count William of Firstenberg must -have taken the other road to Aire, and that they would find him there -on their arrival. When they did reach that town, their inquiries -immediately discovered that the king was missing. - -The news spread rapidly to the whole court, and soon reached the ears -of his mother the Duchess of Angoulême, who became almost frantic on -hearing it, giving him up for lost from that moment, as she had good -reasons to believe that Count William entertained designs against his -life. Her active spirit it was that first discovered the treachery of -the Burgundian, which she had instantly communicated to the king; but -the generous mind of Francis refused all credit to the news, and he -continued his confidence towards Firstenberg without the slightest -alteration, till at length more certain proofs of his designs were -obtained, which induced the monarch to act with that fearless -magnanimity which we have seen him display towards his treacherous -favourite in the forest of Lillers. - -Immediately that the king's absence was known, bands of horsemen were -sent out in various directions to obtain news of him, but in vain. -Convinced, by the account of the hunters, that he had quitted the -wood, and that if he were therein they could not find him by night, -they searched in every other place than that in which they were likely -to be successful; so that, the whole night that Francis spent sleeping -tranquilly in the charbonier's cottage, his guards were out towards -Pernès, Fruges, and St. Pol, searching for him without success. When -morning came, however, fresh parties were sent off to examine every -part of the forest, and it was one of these that came up to the spot -not long after the defeat of Shoenvelt and his companions. - -The joy occasioned by the king's safe return was not a little -heightened by the danger he had undergone; and every one to whom his -life was precious contended who should do most honour to his gallant -deliverer. Francis himself knew not what recompense to offer Sir -Osborne for the signal service he had rendered him; and, with the -delicacy of a truly generous mind, he exacted from him a particular -account of his whole life, that he might adapt the gift or honour he -wished to confer exactly to the situation of the knight. Darnley -understood the motive of the noble-hearted monarch, and told him all -without reserve; and Francis, now furnished with the best means of -showing his gratitude, resolved not to lose the opportunity. - -Thus, for the few days that preceded the meeting between Guisnes and -Ardres, the king highly distinguished the knight, made him many -magnificent presents, called a chapter of the order of St. Michael, -and had him installed in form; but knowing the jealous nature of his -own nobles, he offered him no employment in his service; and even when -the constable de Bourbon, who knew and appreciated Darnley's military -talents, proposed to the king to give him a company of men-at-arms, as -a reward for the great service he had rendered to the whole nation, -Francis negatived it at once, saying openly that the Lord Darnley was -but a visiter at the court of France. - -Having premised thus much, we will now take up the travellers again at -the moment of their entering into the wood near Ardres, through which -they passed, conversing over the various circumstances of Sir -Osborne's situation. - -"It is strange!" said Francis, as the knight repeated the manner of -his dismissal from the English court; "I do not comprehend it. It is -impossible that your going there under a feigned name, to win King -Henry's favour, should be construed as a crime and made matter of such -strong accusation against you." After musing for a moment, he -proceeded: "Do not think I would imply, good knight, that you could be -really guilty of any higher offence against your king; but be you sure -something has been laid to your charge more than you imagine." - -"On my honour as a knight," replied Darnley, "I have accused myself to -your highness of the worst crimes upon my conscience, as if your grace -were my confessor; though I will own that it appears to me also most -strange and inexplicable. I have heard, indeed, that the lord cardinal -never suffers any one to be too near the king's regard; and that if he -sees any especial favour shown, he is sure to find some accusation -against his object; but I can hardly believe that so great a man would -debase himself to be a false accuser." - -"I know not! I know not!" answered Francis, quickly: "there is no one -so jealous as a favourite; and what will not jealousy do? My diadem -against a Spanish crown,"[18] he continued laughingly, referring to -his contention with the Emperor Charles, "Henry of England knows you -under no other name than that of Sir Osborne Maurice. However, I will -be polite, and know the whole before I speak. Do you put your honour -in my hands? and will you abide by what I shall undertake for you?" - -"Most willingly, your highness," replied the knight: "whatever you say -for me, that will I maintain, on horseback or on foot, with sword or -lance, as long as my life do hold." - -Thus conversing they rode on, following the windings of the woody lane -in which they were, till the forest, skirting on to the north-west of -Ardres, opened out upon the plain of Guisnes. As soon as the castle -and town were in sight, the French monarch put his horse into a quick -pace, saying with a smile to Sir Osborne, "Your prudent Wolsey and my -good brother Henry will be much surprised to see me in their castle -alone, after all their grave precautions. By heaven! did kingly -dignity imply suspicion of all the world like theirs, I would throw -away my crown and feed my mother's sheep." - -The night after the first meeting of the kings, Henry had retired to -sleep in the fortress, rather than in his palace without the walls; -part of which, comprising his private apartments, had been found -insecure, from the hurry in which it had been built. Of this -circumstance the King of France had been informed by some of his -court, who had passed their evening at Guisnes, and it was therefore -to the castle that he turned his rein. - -Passing amidst the tents, in most of which Somnus still held -undisturbed dominion, Francis and Sir Osborne galloped up to the -drawbridge, on which an early party of the guard were sunning -themselves in the morning light; some looking idly over into the moat, -some gazing with half-closed eyes towards the sky; some playing at an -antique and classical game with mutton-bones, while their captain -stood by the portcullis, rubbing his hands and enjoying the sweetness -of the morning. - -No sooner did Francis perceive them, than, drawing his sword, he -galloped in amongst them, crying, "_Rendez vous, messieurs! rendez -vous! La place est à moi!_" - -At first, the archers scattered back confused, and some had their -hands on their short swords; but several, who had seen the king the -day before, almost instantly recognised him, and the cry became -general of "The King of France! the King of France!" In the mean time, -Francis rode up to the captain, and, putting his sword's point to the -officer's throat, "Yield!" cried he, "rescue or no rescue, or you are -a dead man!" - -"I yield, I yield, my lord!" cried the captain, entering into the -king's humour, and bending his knee. "Rescue or no rescue, I yield -myself your grace's prisoner." - -"A castle soon taken!" cried Francis, turning to Sir Osborne. "Now," -added he to the officer, "since the place is mine, lead me to the -chamber of my good brother the King of England." - -"His grace is at present asleep," replied the captain, hesitating. "If -your highness will repose yourself in the great hall, he shall be -informed instantly of your presence." - -"No, no," cried the king; "show me his chamber. Nothing will serve me -but that I will sound his _réveillez_ myself. Come, Darnley!" and -springing from his horse he followed the officer, who, now forced to -obey, led him into the castle, and up the grand staircase towards the -king's bed-chamber. - -All was silence as they went. Henry and the whole court had revelled -late the night before, so that few even of the serving-men had thought -fit to quit their truckle-beds so early in the morning. A single page, -however, was to be seen as they entered a long corridor, which took up -one whole side of the large square tower in the centre of the castle. -He was standing before a door at the farther extremity, and to him the -captain pointed. "The king's ante-room, your highness, is where you -see that page," said he; "and let me beg your gracious forgiveness if -I leave you here, for indeed I dare conduct you no farther." - -"Go, go!" cried the king, good-humouredly. "I will find it now myself. -You, Darnley, stay here. I doubt not soon to send for you with good -news." - -With his sword still drawn in his hand, the king now advanced to the -page, who, seeing a stranger come forward with so menacing an air, -might have entertained some fears, had he not beheld the captain of -the guard conduct him thither; not at all knowing the person of -Francis, however, as he had not been present at the meeting of the -kings, he closed the door of the ante-room, which had before been open -behind him, and placing himself in the way, prepared to oppose the -entrance of any one. - -"Which is the chamber of my brother the King of England?" demanded -Francis, as he came up; but the page, not understanding a word of -French, only shook his head, keeping his back, at the same time, -firmly against the door, thinking that it was some wild French lord, -who knew not what was due to royalty. - -"It is the King of France," said Sir Osborne, advancing, as he beheld -the page's embarrassment. "Let him pass. It is the King of France." - -The page stared and hesitated; but Francis, taking him by the -shoulder, twisted him round as he had been a child, and, opening the -door, passed in. The page immediately closed it again, putting himself -before the knight, whose face he now remembered. "I must not let your -worship in," said he, thinking Sir Osborne wished to follow the -monarch. "The King of France, of course, I dared not stop, but it is -as much as my life is worth to suffer any one else to pass." - -"I seek not to enter, good Master Snell," said the knight. "Unless his -grace sends for me, I shall not intrude myself on his royal presence." -This said, with busy thoughts he began to walk up and down the -gallery; and the page, presently after, retiring into the -ante-chamber, left him for the time to his own contemplations. - -Much subject had the knight for thought, though it was of that nature -that profiteth not; for little signified it, as it seemed, how much -soever he took counsel with himself: his fate was in the hands of -others, and beyond his power to influence or determine. - -He could not help musing, however, over all the turns which his -fortune had taken within the brief space of the last three months; and -strangely mingled were his sensations, on finding himself, at the end -of the review, standing there, once more within the precincts of the -court of England, from which he had been driven hardly fifteen days -before. A thousand collateral ideas also presented themselves to his -mind, suggesting a thousand doubts and fears for those he loved best. -What had become of Constance de Grey? he asked himself; and though -never had her image for one moment left his mind in his wanderings, -though it had been his companion in the journey, his solace in his -waking hours, his dream by night, and his object in every thought and -hope, still there was something in being amongst those objects, and -near those beings, amidst whom he had been accustomed to see her, that -rendered his anxiety about her more impatient; and he would have given -no small sum for the presence of one of the newsmongers of the court: -those empty idle beings always to be found near the presence of -princes, who, like scavengers' carts, make themselves the common -receptacles for all the drift of the palace, and, hurrying on from one -to another, at once receive and spatter forth the rakings of all -kennels as they go along. - -Time, ever long to those who wait, seemed doubly long to Sir Osborne, -to whom so much was in suspense; and so little bustle and activity did -there seem in the castle, that he began to fancy its denizens must -have had their eyes touched with Hermes' wand to make them sleep so -soundly. He walked up and down the corridor, he gazed out of the -window into the court-yard, he listened for every opening door. But it -was all in vain; no one came. Could Francis have forgotten him? he -asked himself, at last; and then he thought how quickly from the light -memories of the great pass away the sorrows or the welfare of their -fellow-creatures; how hardly they can remember, and how happily they -can forget. But no, he would not believe it. If ever man was renowned -for that best and rarest quality of a great man, a heedful remembrance -of those who served him, a thoughtful care of those he esteemed, it -was Francis of France; and Darnley would not believe that in his case -he had forgotten. - -Still no one came. Though the various noises and the bustle he began -to hear in distant parts of the building announced that the world was -more awake than when he arrived, yet the corridor in which he was -seemed more deserted than ever. - -At first it was nearly vacant, a few listless soldiers being its only -occupants; but soon there was opened on the other side a door which -communicated with a sort of barrack, situated near the chapel in the -inner ballium, and from this proceeded a troop of soldiers and -officers at arms, with one or two persons mingled amongst them that -Sir Osborne imagined to be prisoners. The height at which he was -placed above them prevented his perceiving whether this was certainly -the case, or seeing their faces; for all that he could discern was the -foreshortened figures of the soldiers and sergeants-at-arms, -distinguished from the others by their official habiliments; and -passing along, surrounded by the rest, some persons in darker attire, -round whom the guard appeared to keep with vigilant care. An instant -brought them to the archway just beneath the spot where he stood, and -they were then lost to his sight. - -The castle clock struck seven; but so slowly did the hammer fall upon -the bell, he thought it would never have done. He now heard a sound of -much speaking not far off, and thought that surely it was Francis -taking leave of the King of England; but suddenly it ceased, and all -was again silence. Taking patience to his aid, he recommenced his -perambulations; and for another quarter of an hour walked up and down -the corridor, hearing still, as he passed the door of the anteroom, a -low and indistinct murmuring, which might be either the page speaking -in a subdued tone to some person therein, or some other voices -conversing much more loudly in the chamber beyond. The knight's -feelings were wound up to the highest pitch of impatience, when -suddenly a deep groan, and then a heavy fall, met his ear. He paused, -listened, and could plainly distinguish a door within open, and -various voices speaking quick and high, some in French, some in -English; but among them was to be heard distinctly the tongue of Henry -and that of Francis, though what they said was not sufficiently -audible to be comprehended. His curiosity, as may be conceived, was -not a little excited; but, satisfied of the safety of the two kings, -and fearful of being suspected of eaves-dropping if any one came -forth, he once more crossed his arms upon his breast, and began pacing -backwards and forwards as before. - -A few minutes more elapsed in silence; but at length, when he was at -the farther extremity of the corridor, he heard the door of the -ante-chamber open, and, turning round, perceived a sergeant-at-arms, -followed by four halberdiers, come forth from within and advance -towards him. Sir Osborne turned and met them, when the guard drew up -across the passage, and the officer stepped forward. "Sir Osborne -Darnley!" said he, "commonly called Lord Darnley, I arrest you for -high treason, in the name of Henry the Eighth, King of England and -France and Lord of Ireland, and charge you to surrender to his -warrant." - -The astonishment of Sir Osborne may more easily be conceived than -described. The first appearance of the halberdiers had struck him as -strange, and their drawing up across his path might have been some -warning, but still he was not at all prepared. - -Trusting to the protection of the French king, who had virtually -rendered himself responsible for his safety, he had never dreamed of -danger; and for a moment or two he stood in silent surprise, till the -sergeant demanded, "Do you surrender, my lord?" - -"Of course, of course!" replied the knight, "though I will own that -this has fallen upon me unexpectedly. Pr'ythee, good sergeant, if thou -knowest, tell me how this has come about, for to me it is -inexplicable." - -"In truth, my lord, I Know nothing," replied the officer, "though I -believe that the whole arose from something that happened this morning -in his grace's bed-chamber. I was sent for by the back staircase, and -received orders to attach you here. It is an unpleasant duty, my lord, -but one which we are too often called to perform: I can, therefore, -but beg your forgiveness, and say that you must come with me." - -Sir Osborne followed in silence, meditating more than ever over his -strange fate. His hopes had again been buoyed up, again to be cast -down in a more cruel manner than before. There was not now a shade of -doubt left: whatever he was accused of was aimed at him under his real -name; and it was evident, from the unremitted persecution which he -suffered, that Wolsey, or whosoever it was that thus pursued him, was -resolved on accomplishing his destruction by all or any means. - -That Wolsey was the originator of the whole he could not doubt; and -the virulence of his jealousy was too well known to hope that justice -or clemency would be shown where his enmity had been incurred. -"However," thought the knight, "at last I can but die: I have fronted -death a hundred times in the battle-field, and I will not shrink from -him now." But to die as a traitor was bitter, he who had never been -aught but loyal and true; yet still his conscious innocence, he -thought, would rob the block and axe of their worst horror; the proud -knowledge that he had acted well in every relationship of life: to his -king, to his country, to those he loved. Then came the thought of -Constance de Grey, in all her summer beauty, and all her gentle -loveliness, and all her sweet smiles: was he never to see them again? -To be cut off from all those kind sympathies he had felt, to go down -into the cold dark grave where they could reach him never more--it was -too much. - -While these thoughts were busy in his bosom, the sergeant-at-arms led -him down the great staircase, and across the hall on the ground-floor -of the castle; then, opening a door to the right, he entered into a -long narrow passage, but scantily lighted, that terminated in another -spiral staircase, down which one of the soldiers, who had procured a -lamp in the hall, proceeded first to light them. Sir Osborne followed -in silence, though his heart somewhat burned at the idea of being -committed to a dungeon. Arrived at the bottom of the steps, several -doors presented themselves; and, seeing the sergeant examining a large -bunch of keys, with whose various marks he did not seem very well -acquainted, the knight could not refrain from demanding, if it were by -the king's command that he was about to give him such a lodging. - -"No, my lord," replied the sergeant, "the king did not direct me to -place you in a dungeon; but I must secure your lordship's person till -such time as the horses are ready to convey you to Calais, and every -other place in the castle but that where I am going to put you is -full. - -"Well, sir," replied the knight, "only beware of what treatment you do -show me, lest you may be sorry for it hereafter." - -"Indeed, my lord," answered the man, with a good-humoured smile, -rarely met with on the faces of his brethren, "I should be very sorry -to make your lordship any way uncomfortable; and, if you will give me -your word of honour, as a knight, neither to escape nor to make any -attempt to escape while you are there, I will lock you up in the -chapel of the new palace, which is empty enough, God knows, and for -half-an-hour you will be as well there as anywhere else better than in -a dungeon certainly." - -The knight readily gave his promise, and the sergeant, after examining -the keys again, without better success than before, began to try them, -one after another, upon a small iron door in the wall, saying that -they could get out that way to the chapel. One of them at length -fitted the lock, and two enormous bolts and an iron bar being removed, -the door was swung back, giving egress from the body of the fortress -into a long lightsome passage, where the full sun shone through a long -row of windows on each side; while the gilded pillars and the -enamelled ornaments round the windows, the rich arras hangings between -them, and the fine carpets spread over the floor, formed a strange and -magical contrast with the place they had just quitted, with its rough, -damp stone walls, its dark and gloomy passages, and the massy rudeness -of all its features. - -"This is the passage made for his grace, between the palace and the -castle," said the sergeant-at-arms. "Let us haste on, my lord, for -fear he should chance to come along it." - -Proceeding onwards, catching every now and then a glance at the gay -scene of tents without, as they passed the different windows, the -officer conducted his prisoner to the end of the passage, where they -found a door on either hand; and, opening that to the left, he ushered -the knight into the beautiful little building that had been -constructed as a temporary chapel for the court, while inhabiting the -palace before Guisnes. - -"I know, my lord," said the officer, "that I may trust to your -knightly word and promise not to make any attempt to escape; for I -must not even leave a guard at the door, lest his grace the king -should pass, and find that I have put you here, which might move his -anger. I therefore leave you for a while, reposing full confidence in -your honour, and will take care to have the horses prepared, and be -back again before the hour of mass." Thus saying, he ascertained that -the other door was fastened, and left Sir Osborne in the chapel, -taking heed, notwithstanding his professions of reliance, to turn the -key upon him as he went out. - -It matters little whether it be a palace or a dungeon wherein he -passes the few last hours of life, to the prisoner condemned to die, -unless he possesses one of those happy spirits that can, by the aid of -external objects, abstract their thoughts from all that is painful in -their fate. If he do, indeed, the things around may give him some -relief. So, however, could not Darnley; and in point of any mental -ease, he might just as well have been in the lowest dungeon of the -castle as in the splendid oratory where he now was. Yet feeling how -fruitless was the contemplation of his situation, how little but pain -he could derive from thought, and how unnerving to all his energies -was the memory of Constance de Grey, under the unhappy circumstances -of the present, he strove not to think; and gazed around him to divert -his mind from his wayward fortunes, by occupying it with the -glittering things around. - -Indeed, as far as splendour went, that chapel might have vied with -anything that ever was devised. In length it was about fifty feet; -and, though built of wood, its architecture was in that style which we -are accustomed to call Gothic. Nothing, however, of the mere walls -appeared, for from the roof to the ground it was hung with cloth of -gold, over which fell various festoons of silk, breaking the straight -lines of the hangings. To the right and left, Sir Osborne remarked two -magnificent closets, appropriated, as he supposed, to the use of the -king and queen, where the same costly stuff that lined the rest of the -building was further enriched by a thick embroidery of precious -stones; each also had its particular altar, loaded, besides the pix, -the crucifix, and the candlesticks, with twelve large images of gold, -and a crowd of other ornaments. - -Sir Osborne advanced, and fixed his eyes upon all the splendid things -that were there called in to give pomp and majesty to the worship of -the Most High; but he felt more strongly than ever, at that moment, -how it was all in vain; and that the small, calm tabernacle of the -heart is that wherein man may offer up the fittest prayer to his -Maker. - -Kneeling, however, on the step of the altar, he addressed his -petitions to heaven. He would not pray to be delivered from danger, -for that he thought cowardly; but he prayed that God would establish -his innocence and his honour; that God would protect and bless those -that he loved; and, if it were the Almighty's will he should fall -before his enemies, that God would be a support to his father and a -shield to Constance de Grey. Then rising from his knee, Darnley found -that his heart was lightened, and that he could look upon his future -fate with far more calmness than before. - -At that moment the sound of trumpets and clarions met his ear from a -distance: gradually it swelled nearer and more near, with gay and -martial tones, and approached close to where he was, while shouts and -acclamations, and loud and laughing voices, mingled with the music, -strangely at discord with all that was passing in his heart. Presently -it grew fainter, and then ceased, though still he thought he could -hear the roar of the distant multitude, and now and then a shout; but -in a few minutes these also ceased, and, crossing his arms upon his -breast, he waited till the sergeant-at-arms should come to convey him -to Calais, to prison, perhaps ultimately to death. - -In a few minutes some distant steps were heard; they came nearer, -nearer still; the key was turned in the lock, and the door opened. - - - - -CHAPTER XL. - - With shame and sorrow filled: - Shame for his folly; sorrow out of time - For plotting an unprofitable crime.--Dryden. - - -We must once more take our readers back, if it be but for the space of -a couple of hours, and introduce them into the bedchamber of a king: a -place, we believe, as yet sacred from the sacrilegious foot of any -novelist. - -In the castle of Guisnes, then, and in the sleeping-room of Henry the -Eighth, King of England, stood, exactly opposite the window, a large -square bed, covered with a rich coverlet of arras, which, hanging down -on each side, swept the floor with its golden fringe. High overhead, -attached to the wall, was a broad and curiously-wrought canopy, -whereon the laborious needle of some British Penelope had traced, with -threads of gold, the rare and curious history of that famous knight, -Alexander the Great, who was there represented with lance in rest, -dressed in a suit of Almaine rivet armour, overthrowing King Darius; -who, for his part, being in a mighty fright, was whacking on his -clumsy elephant with his sceptre, while the son of Philip, with more -effect, appeared pricking him up under the ribs with the point of his -spear. - -In one corner of the chamber, ranged in fair and goodly order, were to -be seen several golden lavers and ewers, together with fine diapers -and other implements for washing; while hard by was an open closet -filled with linen and plate of various kinds, with several Venice -glasses, a mirror, and a bottle of scented waters. In addition to -these pieces of furniture appeared four wooden settles of carved oak, -which, with two large rich chairs of ivory and gold, made up, at that -day, the furniture of a king's bed-chamber. - -The square lattice window was half-open, letting in the sweet breath -of the summer morning upon Henry himself, who, with his head -half-covered with a black velvet nightcap, embroidered with gold, -still lay in bed, supporting himself on his elbow, and listening to a -long detail of grievances poured forth from the rotund mouth of honest -Jekin Groby, who, by the king's command, encumbered with his weighty -bulk one of the ivory chairs by the royal bedside. - -Somewhat proud of having had a lord for the companion of his perils, -the worthy clothier enlarged mightily upon the seizure of himself and -Lord Darnley by Sir Payan Wileton, seasoning his discourse pretty -thickly with "_My lord did_," and "_My lord said_," but omitting -altogether to mention him by the name of Sir Osborne, thinking it -would be a degradation to his high companionship so to do; though, had -he done so but once, it would have saved many of the misfortunes that -afterwards befel. - -Henry heard him calmly, till he related the threats which Sir Payan -held out to his prisoner, in that interview of which Jekin had been an -unperceived witness; then starting up, "Mother of God!" cried the -king, "what has become of the young gallant? Where is he? ha, man? -Now, heaven defend us! the base traitor has not murdered him! ha?" - -"Lord 'a mercy! you've kicked all the clothes off your grace's -worship," cried Jekin: "let me kiver you up! you'll catch a malplexy, -you will!" - -"God's life! answer me, man!" cried Henry. "What has become of the -young lord, Osborne Darnley?--ha?" - -"Bless your grace! that's just what I cannot tell you," replied Jekin; -"for I never saw him after we got out." - -"Send for the traitor! have him brought instantly!" exclaimed the -king. "See who knocks! Let no one in! Who dares knock so loud at my -chamber-door?" - -Proceeding round the king's bed, Jekin opened the door, against which -some one had been thumping with very little ceremony; but in a moment -the valiant clothier started back, exclaiming, "Lord 'a mercy! it's a -great man with a drawn sword!" - -"A drawn sword!" cried Henry, starting up, and snatching his own -weapon, which lay beside him. But at that moment Francis ran in, and, -holding his blade over the king, commanded him to surrender. - -"I yield! I yield!" exclaimed Henry, delighted with the jest. "Now, by -my life, my good brother of France, thou has shown me the best turn -ever prince showed another. I yield me your prisoner; and, as sign of -my faith, I beg you to accept this jewel." So saying, he took from his -pillow, where it had been laid the night before, a rich bracelet of -emeralds, and clasped it on the French king's arm. - -"I receive it willingly," answered Francis; "but for my love and -amity, and also as my prisoner, you must wear this chain;" and, -unclasping a jewelled collar from his neck, he laid it down beside the -English monarch. - -Many were the civilities and reciprocations of friendly speeches that -now ensued; and Henry, about to rise, would fain have called an -attendant to assist him, but Francis took the office on himself. -"Come, I will be your valet for this morning," said he; "no one but I -shall give you your shirt; for I have come over alone to beg some -boons of you." - -"They are granted from this moment," replied Henry. "But do you say -you came alone? Do you mean unattended?" - -"With but one faithful friend," answered the French king; "one who not -a week ago saved my life by the valour of his arm. 'Tis the best -knight that ever charged a lance, and the noblest heart: he is your -subject, too." - -"Mine!" cried Henry, with some surprise. "How is he called? What is -his name? Say, France, and we will love him for his service to you." - -"First, hear how he did serve me," replied Francis; and, while the -English monarch threaded the intricate mazes of the toilet, he -narrated the whole of his adventure with Shoenvelt, which not a little -interested Henry, the knight-errantry of whose disposition took fire -at the vivid recital of the French king, and almost made him fancy -himself on the spot. - -"A gallant knight!" cried he at length, as the King of France detailed -the exploits of Sir Osborne; "a most gallant knight, on my life! But -say, my brother, what is his name? 'Slife, man! let us hear it. I long -to know him." - -"His name," replied Francis, with an indifferent tone, but at the same -time fixing his eyes on Henry's face, to see what effect his answer -would produce; "his name is Sir Osborne Maurice." - -A cloud came over the countenance of the English king. "Ha!" said he, -thoughtfully, jealous perhaps in some degree that the splendid -chivalrous qualities of the young knight should be transferred to the -court of France. "It is like him. It is very like him. For courage and -for feats of arms, I, who have seen many good knights, have rarely -seen his equal. Pity it is that he should be a traitor." - -"Nay, nay, my good brother of England," answered Francis; "I will -avouch him no traitor, but of unimpeachable loyalty. All I regret is, -that his love for your noble person, and for the court of England, -should make him wish to quit me. But to the point. My first boon -regards him. He seeks not to return to your royal favour with honour -stained and faith doubtful, but he claims your gracious permission to -defy his enemies, and to prove their falsehood with his arm. If they -be men, let them meet him in fair field; if they be women or -churchmen, lame, or in any way incompetent according to the law of -arms, let them have a champion, the best in France or England. To -regain your favour and to prove his innocence, he will defy them be -they who they may; and here at your feet I lay down his gage of -battle, so confident in his faith and worth, that I myself will be his -godfather in the fight. He waits here in the corridor to know your -royal pleasure." - -Henry thought for a moment. He was not at all willing that the court -of Francis, already renowned for its chivalry, should possess still -another knight of so much prowess and skill as he could not but admit -in Sir Osborne. Yet the accusations that had been laid against him, -and which nobody who considers them--the letter of the Duke of -Buckingham, and the evidence of Wilson the bailiff--can deny were -plausible, still rankled in the king's mind, notwithstanding the -partial explanation which Lady Katrine Bulmer had afforded respecting -the knight's influence with the Rochester rioters. Remembering, -however, that the whole or greater part of the information which -Wolsey had laid before him had been obtained, either directly or -indirectly, from Sir Payan Wileton, he at length replied, "By my -faith, I know not what to say: it is not wise to take the sword from -the hand of the law, and trust to private valour to maintain public -justice, more than we can avoid. But you, my royal brother, shall in -the present case decide. The accusations against this Sir Osborne -Maurice are many and heavy, but principally resting on the testimonies -produced by a certain wealthy and powerful knight, one Sir Payan -Wileton, who, though in other respects most assuredly a base and -disloyal villain, can have no enmity against Sir Osborne, and no -interest in seeking his ruin. Last night, by my order, this Sir Payan -was brought hither from Calais, on the accusations of that good fool -(pointing to Jekin Groby). You comprehend enough of our hard English -tongue to hear him examined yourself, and thus you shall judge. If you -find that there is cause to suspect Sir Payan and his witnesses, -though it be but in having given the slightest colour of falsehood to -their testimony, let Sir Osborne's arm decide his quarrel against the -other knight; but if their evidence be clear and indubitable, you -shall yield him to be judged by the English law. What say you? Is it -not just?" - -The King of France at once agreed to the proposal, and Henry turned to -Jekin, who had stood by, listening with his mouth open, wonderfully -edified at hearing the two kings converse, though he understood not a -word of the language in which they spoke. "Fly to the page, man!" -cried the king; "tell him to bid those who have Sir Payan Wileton in -custody bring him hither instantly by the back-staircase; but first -send to the reverend lord cardinal, requiring his counsel in the -king's chamber. Haste! dally not, I say; I would have them here -directly." - -Jekin hurried to obey; and after he had delivered the order, returned -to the king's chamber, where Henry, while he completed the adjustment -of his apparel, related to Francis the nature of the accusation -against Sir Osborne, and the proofs that had been adduced of it. The -King of France, however, with a mind less susceptible of suspicion, -would not believe a word of it, maintaining that the witnesses were -suborned and that the letter was a forgery; and contended it would -most certainly appear that Sir Payan had some deep interest in the -ruin of the knight. - -The sound of many steps in the ante-chamber soon announced that some -one had arrived. "Quick!" cried Henry to Jekin Groby; "get behind the -arras, good Jekin. After we have despatched this first business, I -would ask the traitor some questions before he sees thee. Ensconce -thee, man! ensconce thee quick!" - -At the king's command, poor Jekin lifted up the corner of the arras by -the side of the bed, and hid himself behind; but though a considerable -space existed between the hangings and the wall, the worthy clothier -having, as we have hinted, several very protuberant contours in his -person, his figure was somewhat discernible still, swelling out the -stomach of King Solomon and the hip of the Queen of Sheba, who were -represented in the tapestry as if one was crooked and the other had -the dropsy. - -Scarcely was he concealed when the page threw open the door, and -Cardinal Wolsey entered in haste, somewhat surprised at being called -to the king's chamber at so early an hour; but the sight of the French -king sufficiently explained the summons, and he advanced, bending low -with a proud affectation of humility. - -"God bless and shield your graces both!" said he. "I feared some evil -by this early call; but now that I find the occasion was one of joy, I -do not regret the haste that apprehension gave me." - -"Still we have business, my good Wolsey," replied Henry, "and of some -moment. My brother of France here espouses much the cause of the Sir -Osborne Maurice who lately sojourned at the court, and won the -good-will of all, both by his feats of arms and his high-born and -noble demeanour; who, on the accusations given against him to you, -lord cardinal, by Sir Payan Wileton, was banished from the court; nay, -judged worthy of attachment for treason." - -The king, in addressing Wolsey, instead of speaking in French, which -had been the language used between him and Francis, had returned to -his native tongue; and good Jekin Groby, hearing what passed -concerning Sir Osborne Maurice, was seized with an intolerable desire -to have his say too. - -"Lord 'a mercy!" cried he, popping his head from behind the tapestry, -"your grace's worship don't know----" - -"Silence!" cried Henry, in a voice that made poor Jekin shrink into -nothing: "said I not to stay there--ha?" - -The worthy clothier drew back his head behind the arras, like a -frightened tortoise retracting its noddle within the shelter of its -shell; and Henry proceeded to explain to Wolsey, in French, what had -passed between himself and Francis. - -The cardinal was, at that moment, striving hard for the King of -France's favour; nor was his resentment towards Sir Payan at all -abated, though the arrangements of the first meeting between the kings -had hitherto delayed its effects. Thus all at first seemed favourable -to Sir Osborne, and the minister himself began to soften the evidence -against him, when Sir Payan, escorted by a party of archers and a -sergeant-at-arms, was conducted into the king's chamber. The guard -drew up across the door of the anteroom; and the knight, with a pale -but determined countenance, and a firm heavy step, advanced into the -centre of the room, and made his obeisance to the kings. Henry, now -dressed, drew forward one of the ivory chairs for Francis, and the -sergeant hastened to place the other by its side for the British -monarch; when, both being seated, with Wolsey by their side, the whole -group would have formed as strange but powerful a picture as ever -employed the pencil of an artist. The two magnificent monarchs in the -pride of their youth and greatness, somewhat shadowed by the eastern -wall of the room; the grand and dignified form of the cardinal, with -his countenance full of thought and mind; the stern, determined aspect -of Sir Payan, his whole figure possessing that sort of rigidity -indicative of a violent and continued mental effort, with the full -light streaming harshly through the open casement upon his pale -cheek and haggard eye, and passing on to the king's bed, and the -dressing-robe he had cast off upon it, showing the strange scene in -which Henry's impetuosity had caused such a conclave to be held: these -objects formed the foreground; while the sergeant-at-arms standing -behind the prisoner, and the guard drawn up across the doorway, -completed the picture; till, gliding in between the arches, the -strange figure of Sir Cesar the astrologer, with his cheeks sunken and -livid, and his eye lighted up by a kind of wild maniacal fire, entered -the room, and, taking a place close on the right hand of Henry, added -a new and curious feature to the already extraordinary scene. - -"Sir Payan Wileton," said Henry, "many and grievous are the crimes -laid to your charge, and of which your own conscience must accuse you -as loudly as the living voices of your fellow-subjects; at least, so -by the evidence brought forward against you, it appears to us at this -moment. Most of these charges we shall leave to be investigated by the -common course of law; but there are some points touching which, as -they involve our own personal conduct and direction, we shall question -you ourself: to which questions we charge you, on your allegiance, to -answer truly and without concealment." - -"To your grace's questions," replied Sir Payan, boldly, "I will answer -for your pleasure, though I recognise here no established court of -law; but first, I will say that the crimes charged against me ought to -be heavier than I, in my innocence believe them, to justify the rigour -with which I have been treated." - -An ominous frown gathered on the king's brow. "Ha!" cried he, -forgetting the calm dignity with which he had at first addressed the -knight. "No established court of law! Thou sayest well: we have not -the power to question thee! Ha! who then is the king? Who is the head -of all magistrates? Who holds in his hand the power of all the law? By -our crown! we have a mind to assemble such a court of law as within -this half-hour shall have thy head struck off upon the green!" - -Sir Payan was silent, and Wolsey replied to the latter part of what he -had said with somewhat more calmness than Henry had done to the -former. "You have been treated, sir," said he, "with not more rigour -than you merited; nor with more than is justified by the usual current -of the law. It is on affidavit before me, as chancellor of this -kingdom, that you both instigated and aided the Lady Constance de -Grey, a ward of court, to fly from the protection and government of -the law; and, therefore, attachment issued against your person, and -you stand committed for contempt. You had better, sir, sue for grace -and pardon than aggravate your offence by such unbecoming demeanour." - -"Thou hast said well and wisely, my good Wolsey," joined in the king, -whose heat had somewhat subsided. "Standing thus reproved, Sir Payan -Wileton, answer touching the charges you have brought against one Sir -Osborne Maurice; and if you speak truly, to our satisfaction, you -shall have favour and lenity at our hands. Say, sir, do you still hold -to that accusation?" - -"All I have to reply to your grace," answered the knight, resolved, -even if he fell himself, to work out his hatred against Sir Osborne, -with that vindictive rancour that the injurer always feels towards the -injured; "all that I have to reply is, that what I said was true; and -that if I had stated all that I suspected, as well as what I knew, I -should have made his treason look much blacker than it does even now." - -"Do you understand, France?" demanded Henry, turning to Francis: -"shall I translate his answers, to show you his true meaning?" - -The King of France, however, signified that he comprehended perfectly; -and Sir Payan, after a moment's thought, proceeded. - -"I should suppose your grace could have no doubt left upon that -traitor's guilt; for the charge against him rests, not on my -testimony, but upon the witness of various indifferent persons, and -upon papers in the handwriting of his friends and abettors." - -"Villain!" muttered Sir Cesar, between his teeth; "hypocritical, -snake-like villain!" Both the king and Sir Payan heard him; but Henry -merely raised his hand, as if commanding silence, while the eyes of -the traitorous knight flashed a momentary fire, as they met the glance -of the old man, and he proceeded. "I had no interest, your grace, in -disclosing the plot I did; though, had I done wisely, I would have -held my peace, for it will make many my enemies, even many more than I -dreamed of then. I have since discovered that I then only knew one -half of those that are implicated. I know them all now," he continued, -fixing his eye on Sir Cesar; "but as I find what reward follows -honesty, I shall bury the whole within my own breast." - -"On these points, sir, we will leave our law to deal with you," -replied Henry: "there are punishments for those that conceal treason; -and, by my halidame, no favour shall you find in us, unless you make a -free and full confession! Then our grace may touch you, but not else. -But to the present question, my bold sir. Did you ever see Sir Osborne -Maurice before the day that he was arrested by your order, on the -charge of having excited the Cornishmen to revolt? And, before God, we -enjoin you--say, are you excited against him by feelings of interest, -hatred, or revenge?" - -"On my life," replied Sir Payan, boldly, "I never saw him but on that -one day; and as I hope for salvation in heaven"--and here he made a -hypocritical grimace of piety--"I have no one reason, but pure -honesty, to accuse him of these crimes." - -A low groan burst from behind the tapestry at this reply, and Henry -gave an angry glance towards the worthy clothier's place of -concealment; but Francis, calling back his attention, begged him to -ask the knight in English whether he had ever known Sir Osborne -Maurice by any other name, or in any other character. - -Sir Cesar's eyes sparkled, and Sir Payan's cheek turned pale, as Henry -put the question; but he boldly replied, "Never, so help me heaven! I -never saw him, or heard of him, or knew him, by any other name than -Osborne Maurice." - -"Oh, you villanous great liar! Oh, you hypocritical thief!" shouted -Jekin Groby, darting out from behind the tapestry, unable to contain -himself any longer. "I don't care, I don't care a groat for any one; -but I won't hear you tell his grace's worship such a string of lies, -all as fat and as well tacked together as Christmas sausages. Lord 'a -mercy! I'll tell your graces, both of you, how it was; for you don't -know, that's clear. This here Sir Osborne Maurice, that you are asking -about, is neither more nor less than that Lord Darnley that I was -telling your grace of this morning. Lord! now, didn't I hear him tell -that sweet young lady, Mistress Constance de Grey, all about it; how -he could not bear to live any longer abroad in these foreign parts, -and how he had come back under the name of Sir Osborne Maurice, all -for to get your grace's love as an adventurous knight? And then didn't -that Sir Payan--yes, you great thief! you did, for I heard you--didn't -he come and crow over him, and say that now he had got him in his -power? And then didn't he offer to let him go if he would sign some -papers? And then, when he would not, didn't he swear a great oath that -he would murther him, saying, 'he would make his tenure good by the -extinction of the race of Darnley?' You did, you great rogue! you know -you did! And, Lord 'a mercy! to think of your going about to tell his -grace such lies! your own king, too, who should never hear anything -but the truth! God forgive you, for you're a great sinner, and the -devils will never keep company with you when you go to purgatory, but -will kick you out into the other place, which is worse still, folks -say. And now, I humbly beg your grace's pardon, and will go back -again, if you like, behind the hangings; but I couldn't abear to hear -him cheat you like that." - -The sudden appearance of Jekin Groby, and the light he cast upon the -subject, threw the whole party into momentary confusion. Sir Payan's -resolution abandoned him; his knees shook, and his very lips grew -pale. Sir Cesar gazed upon him with triumphant eyes, exclaiming, "Die, -die! what hast thou left but to die?" At the same time Wolsey -questioned Jekin Groby, who told the same straightforward tale; and -Henry explained the whole to Francis, whose comprehension of the -English tongue did not quite comprise the jargon of the worthy -clothier. - -Sir Payan Wileton, however, resolved to make one last despairing -effort both to save himself and to ruin his enemies; for the -diabolical spirit of revenge was as deeply implanted in his bosom as -that of self-preservation. He thought then for a moment, glanced -rapidly over his situation, and cast himself on his knee before the -king. "Great and noble monarch!" said he, in a slow, impressive voice, -"I own my fault--I acknowledge my crime; but it is not such as you -think it. Hear me but out, and you yourself shall judge whether you -will grant me mercy or show me rigour. I confess, then, that I had -entered as deeply as others into the treasonable plot I have betrayed -against your throne and life; nay, more--that I would never have -divulged it, had I not found that the Lord Darnley had, under the name -of Sir Osborne Maurice, become the Duke of Buckingham's chief agent, -and was to be rewarded by the restitution of Chilham Castle, for which -some vague indemnity was proposed to me hereafter. On bearing it, I -dissembled my resentment; and pretending to enter more heartily than -ever into the scheme, I found that the ambitious duke reckoned as his -chief hope, in case of war, on the skill and chivalry of this Lord -Darnley, who promised by his hand to seat him on the throne. I -learned, moreover, the names of all the conspirators, amongst whom -that old man is one;" and he pointed to Sir Cesar, who gazed upon him -with a smile of contempt and scorn, whose intensity had something of -sublime. "Thirsting for revenge," proceeded Sir Payan, "and with my -heart full of rage, I commanded four of my servants to stop the -private courier of the duke, when I knew he was charged with letters -concerning this Sir Osborne Maurice, and thus I obtained those papers -I placed in the hands of my lord cardinal----" - -"But how shall we know they are not forgeries?" cried Henry. "Your -honour, sir, is so gone, and your testimony so suspicious, that we may -well suppose those letters cunning imitations of the good duke's hand. -We have heard of such things--ay, marry have we." - -"Herein, happily, your grace can satisfy yourself and prove my truth," -replied Sir Payan; "send for the servants whose names I will give, -examine them, put them to the torture if 'you will; and if you wring -not from them that, on the twenty-ninth of March, they stopped, by my -command, the courier of the Duke of Buckingham, and took from him his -bag of letters, condemn me to the stake. But mark me, King of England! -I kneel before you pleading for life; grant it to me, with but my own -hereditary property, and Buckingham, with all the many traitors that -are now aiming at your life and striving for your crown, shall fall -into your hand, and you shall have full evidence against them. I will -instantly disclose all their names, and give you proof against their -chief, that to-morrow you can reward his treason with the axe, nor -fear to be called unjust. But if you refuse me your royal promise, -sacredly given here before your brother king--to yield me life, and -liberty, and lands, as soon as I have fulfilled my word--I will go to -my death in silence, like the wolf, and never will you be able to -prove anything against them; for that letter is nothing without my -testimony to point it aright." - -"You are bold!" said Henry; "you are very bold! but our subjects' good -and the peace of our country may weigh with us. What think you, -Wolsey?" And for a moment or two he consulted in a low tone with the -cardinal and the King of France. "I believe, my liege," said Wolsey, -whose hatred towards Buckingham was of the blindest virulence; "I -believe that your grace will never be able to prove his treasons on -the duke without this man's help. Perhaps you had better promise." - -Francis bit his lip and was silent; but Henry, turning to Sir Payan, -replied, "The tranquillity of our realm and the happiness of our -people overcome our hatred of your crimes; and therefore we promise, -that if by your evidence treason worthy of death be proved upon Edward -Duke of Buckingham, you shall be free in life, in person, and in -lands." - -"Never!" cried the voice of Sir Cesar, mounting into a tone of -thunder; "never!" And springing forward, he caught Sir Payan by the -throat, grappled with him but for an instant, with a maniacal vigour, -and drawing the small dagger he always carried, plunged it into the -heart of the knight, with such force that one might have heard the -blow of the hilt against his ribs. The whole was done in a moment, -before any one was aware; and the red blood and the dark spirit -rushing forth together, with a loud groan the traitor fell prone upon -the ground; while Sir Cesar, without a moment's pause, turned the -dagger against his own bosom, and drove it in up to the very haft. - -Wolsey drew back in horror and affright. Francis and Henry started up, -laying their hands upon their swords; Jekin Groby crept behind the -arras; and the guards rushed in to seize the slayer; but Sir Cesar -waved them back with the proud and dignified air of one who feels that -earthly power has over him no further sway. "What fear ye?" said he, -turning to the kings, and still holding the poniard tight against his -bosom, as if to restrain the spirit from breathing forth through the -wound. "There is no offence in the dead or in the dying. Hear me, King -of England! and hear the truth, which thou wouldst never have heard -from that false caitiff. Yet I have little time; the last moments of -existence speed with fast wings towards another shore: give me a seat, -for I am faint." - -They instantly placed for him one of the settles; and after gazing -around for a moment with that sort of painful vacancy of eye that -speaks how the brain reels, he made an effort, and went on, though -less coherently. "All he has said is false. I am on the brink of -another world, and I say it is false as the hell to which he is gone. -Osborne Darnley, the good, the noble, and the true--the son of my best -and oldest friend--knew of no plot, heard of no treason. He was in -England but two days when he fell into that traitor's hands. He never -saw Buckingham but once. The Osborne Maurice named in the duke's -letter is not he; one far less worthy." - -"Who then is he?" cried the king impatiently. "Give me to know him, if -you would have me believe. Never did I hear of such a name but in -years long past, an abettor of Perkyn Warbeck. Who then is this Sir -Osborne Maurice--ha? Mother of God! name him!" - -"I--I--I--King of England!" cried the old man. "I, who, had he been -guided by me, would have taught Richard King of England, whom you -style Perkyn Warbeck, to wrench the sceptre from the hand of your -usurping father; I, whose child was murdered by that dead traitor, in -cold blood, after the rout at Taunton; I--I it was who predicted to -Edward Bohun that his head should be highest in the realm of England: -I it is who predict it still!" As he spoke the last words, the old man -suddenly drew forth the blade of the dagger from his breast, upon -which a full stream of blood instantly gushed forth and deluged the -ground. Still struggling with the departing spirit, he started -on his feet--put his hand to his brow. "I come! I come!" cried -he--reeled--shuddered--and fell dead beside his enemy. - - - - -CHAPTER XLI. - - They all, as glad as birds of joyous prime, - Thence led her forth, about her dancing round.--Spenser. - - -The bustle, the confusion, the clamour, the questions, and the -explanations that ensued, we shall leave the reader to imagine, -satisfied that his vivid fancy will do far more justice to such a -scene than our worn-out pen. When the bodies of Sir Payan Wileton and -his companion in death had been removed from the chamber of the king, -and some sand strewed upon the ground to cover the gory memories that -such deeds had left behind, order and tranquillity began to regain -their dominion. - -"By my faith! a bloody morning's entertainment have we had," said -Francis. "But you are happy, my good brother of England, in having -traitors that will thus despatch each other, and cheat the headsman of -his due. However, from what I have gathered, Osborne Darnley, the -Knight of Burgundy, can no longer seem a traitor in the eyes of any -one." - -"No, truly, my gracious lord," replied Wolsey, willing to pleasure the -King of France. "He stands freed from all spot or blemish, and well -deserves the kingly love of either noble monarch." - -"'Slife! my good lord cardinal," cried Henry, "speak for yourself -alone! Now, I say, on my soul, he is still a most deep and egregious -traitor; not only, like that Sir Payan Wileton, in having planned his -treason, but in having executed it." - -"Nay, how so?" cried Francis, startled at this new charge. "In what is -he a traitor now?" - -"In having aided Francis King of France," replied Henry, smiling, "to -storm our castle of Guisnes, and take his liege lord and sovereign -prisoner." - -"Oh! if that be the case," cried Francis, "I give him up to your royal -indignation; but still we have a boon to ask, which our gracious -brother will not refuse." - -"Name it! name it!" exclaimed Henry. "By St. Mary! it shall go to pay -our ransom, whatever it be." - -"You have in your court," replied Francis, "one Lady Constance de -Grey, who, though your born subject, is no less vassal to the crown of -France; owing homage for the counties of Boissy and the Val de Marne, -assured to your late subject the Lord de Grey by Charles the Eighth -when he gave him in marriage Constance Countess of Boissy, as a reward -for services rendered in Italy----" - -"We see your object, oh most Christian king!" cried Henry, laughing. -"We see your object! What a messenger of Cupid are you! Well, have -your wish. We give her to your highness so to dispose of as you may -think fit; but at the same time claim Lord Osborne Darnley at your -hands, to punish according to his demerits. What say you? ha!" - -"Agreed, agreed!" replied the King of France. "He waits me, as I said, -even now, in the corridor without, and doubtless thinks I sue for him -in vain. Those guards must have passed him in the corridor." - -"No, no; they came the other way," said Henry. "Ho! without there! -Sergeant-at-arms, take four stout halberdiers, and, going into the -west corridor, attach me for high treason the Lord Osborne Darnley, -whom you will there find waiting. Hist! hear me, man! Use him with all -gentleness (we do but jest with him), and make some fair excuse to -shut him up in one of the chambers of the new palace, the nearer to -the great hall the better. Away! make speed! and above all return -quick, and let me know where you have put him; but take heed, and let -him not see that we mock him: haste! My good lord cardinal," he -continued, turning to Wolsey, "though it be an unmeet task for one of -your grave dignity to bear a message to a lady, yet on this day of -joy, when our good brother France comes here to greet us in brotherly -love, even wise men shall forget their seriousness and be as gay as -boys. Hie then, good Wolsey, to our lady queen. Tell her to call all -the fair flowers of England round about her in our great hall, to -welcome Francis of France, and that I will be there immediately upon -your steps." - -The cardinal bowed low, and instantly obeyed; and Henry proceeded -in whispering consultation with Francis till the return of the -sergeant-at-arms; then turning to the worthy clothier, who, when he -found all the killing and slaying was over, had come out from behind -the arras to enjoy the air of royalty, "Come, good Jekin," cried -Henry, "now a task for thee. Hark, man!" and he whispered something to -honest Groby, who instantly replied, "Lord 'a mercy! yes, your grace! -I know Wilson Goldsmith well; I'll go to him directly; no trouble in -life. Lord! I guess how it's going to be. Well, I'm vastly glad, I do -declare. Lord 'a mercy! I hope your grace's worship will let me be -there!" - -"Ay, man, ay!" cried the king; "make speed and come with him. Ho, -Snell! give me a gown of tissue; bid the guard be ready: we will cross -the green to the palace. Let the marshals be called to clear the way." - -In a very few minutes all was prepared; and as the two kings were -descending the grand staircase of the castle, news was brought that a -band of French nobles, anxious for the safety of their king, had come -over from Ardres at all speed to seek him. Francis sent his commands -that they should dismount in the court; and on issuing out of the -castle, the monarch found a splendid party of the English and French -nobility mingled together, waiting to give them the good morrow. - -"Ha, Alençon! what fear you, man?" cried the King of France. "We are -all safe. Sir Richard Heartley, look not for Lord Darnley; he is in -security: follow, and you will see him presently." - -"Gentlemen all, you are most welcome," said Henry; "follow us, all -that love us, to our poor palace here without, and we will make you -better cheer, where ladies' words shall replace this summer air, and -their sweet looks the sunshine. Sound 'On before!'" - -The trumpets sounded, and, the ushers and marshals clearing the way -for the two kings, they passed out of the castle gate, and traversed -the green on foot, amidst the shouts and acclamations of the crowd -that the arrival of the French nobles, together with various rumours -of something extraordinary having happened, had collected in the -neighbourhood of the royal lodging. - -Arm-in-arm with Francis, Henry, delighting with ostentatious -magnificence to show himself to the people, passed round to the front -of the palace; and entering the court which we have already described, -he proceeded at once to the great hall, called the Hall of the Cloth -of Silver, to which, on the announcement of his intentions by Wolsey, -the queen had hastily summoned all the elect of the court. On the -entrance of the kings, with all the train of noblemen who had followed -them, a temporary confusion ensued, while Francis was presented to the -Queen of England, and Henry whispered to her a few brief hints of what -had taken place. - -"Room, room, lords and ladies!" cried he at length; "let us have -space." - -"There would not be space enough for him in the world, if he had his -will," whispered Lady Katrine Bulmer to Constance de Grey, who stood -by her side, unwillingly appearing in such a meeting. "On my life, -Constance, his eye is fixed upon us! Now, what would I give to be -king, if it were but to outstare him!" - -"The Lady Constance de Grey!" said Henry, in a loud tone: "we would -speak with the Lady de Grey." - -"Nay, speak gently," said the queen. "Good my lord, you will frighten -her. Constance, come hither to the queen, your friend!" - -With a pale cheek and a beating heart, Constance advanced to the side -of the queen, and bending her eyes upon the ground, awaited in -silence, not daring to look around. - -"Fear not, fair one!" said Henry; "we are not angry, but only sorry to -lose you. Here is our noble brother, Francis of France, claims you as -his vassal at our hands." Constance looked up, and saw the King of -France's eye bent on her with a smile that gave her courage. "Now, -notwithstanding the great love we bear him," continued Henry, "we -might have resisted his demand, inasmuch as you are our born subject, -had you not shown some slight perverseness against our repeated -commands. We therefore must and will resign you into his hands, unless -you instantly agree to receive such lord to be your husband as we -shall judge fitting for your rank and station." - -"Oh, no, no, my lord!" cried Constance, clasping her hands, and -forgetting, in her fear of fresh persecution, the crowd by which she -was surrounded. "Force me not, I beseech your grace, to wed against my -will." - -"You see," said Henry, turning to the King of France; "you see the -lady is headstrong! Take her, my good brother; I give her up to you. -There, sweetheart, is your lord and sovereign; see if you can obey him -better." - -Francis took the fair girl by the hand, and bending down his head, -said in a kindly tone, "Lady, fear not. Lift up your eyes, and tell me -if there is one in all this circle you would make your choice." - -"No, indeed, my lord," faltered forth Constance, without looking -round; "all I ask is to be left in peace." - -"If you have ever seen any one to whom you could give your heart, tell -me," said Francis. Constance was silent. "Then I am to judge that you -have not," continued the king; "so I will choose for you." - -Constance raised her eyes with a supplicating look; but Francis's face -was turned towards Henry, who, with a laughing glance, had taken the -queen by the hand, and was leading her towards one of the doors. - -"Come, we must follow," cried Francis. "Lord cardinal, we shall need -your company." - -Constance gazed round with doubt and apprehension; but Francis led her -forward immediately after the King and Queen of England, whispering, -as they went, "Fear not, sweet lady! you are with a friend who knows -all." - -The whole court followed along one of the splendid galleries of the -palace, preceded by Henry and Katherine, who stopped, however, before -a door, from before which a page held back the hangings, and "Here," -said the King of England, putting a key into Francis's hand, "here you -take precedence. This is the cage, and here is the fetter-maker," -pointing to a respectable-looking merchant in a long furred robe who -stood with Jekin Groby in a niche hard by. - -More and more confused, not knowing what to fear or what to believe, -the very uncertainty made Constance's heart sink more than actual -danger would have done; but still the King of France led her forward, -even before Queen Katherine, and, putting the key in the lock, threw -open the door, and drew her gently in, when the first object that met -her sight was Osborne Darnley, with his arms folded on his breast, -standing before the high altar of a splendid chapel. Her heart beat; -her eyes grew dim; her brain reeled; and she would have fallen -fainting to the ground, but Darnley started forward and clasped her to -his heart. - -"Nay, nay, this is too much!" cried the queen, advancing; "see, the -poor girl faints! My good lord, indeed this must not be to-day. It has -been too much for her already. Some day before the two courts part we -will pray my good lord cardinal to speak a blessing on their love. -Bear her into the sacristy, Sir Osborne. Katrine Bulmer, giddy -namesake! help your friend, while I pray their graces both to return -into the hall." - - - - -FOOTNOTES: - -[Footnote 1: One of those rare but pleasant little towns which are -fortunate enough to stand upon no high-road, but which, on looking -into Cary's Itinerary, will be found to have a way of their own. It is -near Ashford.] - -[Footnote 2: This sentence, I am inclined to think, deserves another -inverted comma to denote that it is borrowed from some of the writers -of that day. I forget from whom.] - -[Footnote 3: A maker of arrows was so called when the good strong bow -was the weapon of the English yeoman.] - -[Footnote 4: A maker of arrows.] - -[Footnote 5: Armour and trappings of his horse.] - -[Footnote 6: It will be found in the description of Britain by -Holingshed, that even in his days it was held that any man possessing -land producing an annual rent of forty pounds (called a knight's fee) -could be called upon to undergo the honour of knighthood, or to submit -to a fine. This was sometimes enforced, and the consequence was often -what Lady Katrine insinuated, as few of the more powerful nobles of -the day did not entertain more than one poor knight in their service. -These, however, were looked upon in a very different light from those -whose knighthood had been obtained by military service.] - -[Footnote 7: The road from the Temple Bar to the City of Westminster -was flanked on one side by noblemen's houses and gardens, producing an -effect not unlike that of Kensington Gore; as far, at least, as we can -judge from description.] - -[Footnote 8: Every knight of that day had his soubriquet, or nickname; -thus the famous Bayard was generally called Piquet.] - -[Footnote 9: Since writing the above, I have seen a beautiful sketch -by Sir Walter Scott, of a scene very similar. The coincidence of even -the minute points is striking; but I know that Sir Walter, and I trust -the public also, will believe me, when I pledge my word that the whole -of this book was written before I ever saw "My Aunt Margaret's -Mirror," and, I believe, before it was published.] - -[Footnote 10: Alluding to the vision of Fair Geraldine, called up in a -mirror at the request of Lord Surrey.] - -[Footnote 11: I have not been able to discover at what precise period -the custom of exacting a ransom from each prisoner taken in battle was -dropped in Europe. It certainly still existed in the reign of -Elizabeth, and perhaps still later, for Shakspere (writing in the days -of James I.) makes repeated mention of it. Some centuries before the -period of this tale, Edward the Black Prince fixed the ransom of Du -Guesclin at one hundred francs, which the constable considered -degrading, and rated himself at the sum of seventy thousand florins of -gold.] - -[Footnote 12: A suit of horse armour and housings.] - -[Footnote 13: We have every reason to believe that this adventure is -by no means the invention of Vonderbrugius, but a simple historical -fact.] - -[Footnote 14: Hall gives an account of this event, with very little -variation in the circumstances, stating that only a footman was with -the king, one Moody; but, of course, Vonderbrugius may be relied on as -the most correct.] - -[Footnote 15: It stood nearly where Westminster Bridge stands at -present.] - -[Footnote 16: This circumstance is generally placed by the French -anecdotarians some ten days later; but weconceive that the precision -of a Dutchman is to be relied on in preference.] - -[Footnote 17: We cannot help calling attention to the scrupulous -accuracy of Vonderbrugius. Supposing that he might, in some fit of -unwonted imaginativeness have invented this circumstance, we searched -through many tomes for confirmation, when we at last found the whole -story alluded to in the exact Montluc; which, though it leaves the -Dutchman no other merit than that of a compiler, justifies implicit -belief in every part of this surprising history.] - -[Footnote 18: The original words of Francis were, _Ma lance contre un -écu d'Espagne_; _écu_ meaning either a shield or a crown-piece.] - - - -THE END. - - - -WOODFALL AND KINDER, PRINTERS, LONG ACRE, LONDON. - - - - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Darnley, by George Payne Rainsford James - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DARNLEY *** - -***** This file should be named 50491-8.txt or 50491-8.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/0/4/9/50491/ - -Produced by Charles Bowen from page images provided by -Google Books (The University of Virginia) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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P. R. (George Payne Rainsford) James"> - -<meta name="Publisher" content="George Routledge and Sons Limited"> -<meta name="Date" content="1903"> -<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=ISO-8859-1"> -<style type="text/css"> -body {margin-left:10%; - margin-right:10%; background-color:#FFFFFF;} - - -p.normal {text-indent:.25in; text-align: justify;} -.center {margin: auto; text-align:center; margin-top:24pt; margin-bottom:24pt} - - - -p.right {text-align:right; margin-right:20%;} - -p.continue {text-indent: 0in; margin-top:9pt;} -.text10 {margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:10%; margin-right:0px; font-size:90%;} -.text20 {margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:20%; margin-right:0px; font-size:90%;} - - -.poem0 { - margin-top: 24pt; margin-left: 0%; - margin-right: 0%; text-align: left; - margin-bottom: 24pt; font-size:90%} - -.poem1 { - margin-top: 24pt; margin-left: 2em; - margin-right: 10%; text-align: left; - margin-bottom: 24pt; font-size:90%} - -.poem2 { - margin-top: 24pt; margin-left: 10%; - margin-right: 10%; text-align: left; - margin-bottom: 24pt; font-size:90%} - -.poem3 { - margin-top: 24pt; margin-left: 30%; - margin-right: 30%; text-align: left; - margin-bottom: 24pt; font-size:90%} - - - - - -figcenter {margin:auto; text-align:center; margin-top:9pt;} - -.t0 {margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:0em; margin-right:0em;} -.t1 {margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:1em; margin-right:0em;} -.t2 {margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:2em; margin-right:0em;} -.t3 {margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:3em; margin-right:0em;} -.t4 {margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:4em; margin-right:0em;} -.t5 {margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:5em; margin-right:0em;} - - -.quote {text-indent:.25in; text-align: justify; font-size:90%; margin-top:36pt; margin-bottom:36pt} -.ctrquote {text-align: center; font-size:90%; margin-top:36pt; margin-bottom:36pt} - -.dateline {text-align:right; font-size:90%; margin-right:10%; margin-top:24pt; margin-bottom:24pt} - -h1,h2,h3,h4,h5 {text-align: center;} - -span.sc {font-variant: small-caps; font-size:110%;} -span.sc2 {font-variant: small-caps; font-size:90%;} - -hr.W10 {width:10%; color:black; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt} - -hr.W20 {width:20%; color:black; margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:12pt} - -hr.W50 {width:50%; color:black;} -hr.W90 {width:90%; color:black;} - -p.hang1 {margin-left:3em; text-indent:-3em;} -p.hang2 {margin-left:3em; text-indent:0em;} - - -</style> - -</head> - -<body> - - - - -<pre> - -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Darnley, by George Payne Rainsford James - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world 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. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - - - -Title: Darnley - or The Field of the Cloth of Gold - -Author: George Payne Rainsford James - -Release Date: November 19, 2015 [EBook #50491] -Last Updated: November 20, 2015 - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DARNLEY *** - - - - -Produced by Charles Bowen from page images provided by -Google Books (The University of Virginia) - - - - - - -</pre> - - - - -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<p class="hang1">Transcriber's Notes: -1. Page scan source:<br> -https://books.google.com/books?id=RKhEAAAAYAAJ<br> -(The University of Virginia).</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h3>Darnley:</h3> -<h5>or,</h5> -<h4>The Field of the Cloth of Gold</h4> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h3>Darnley.</h3> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h3><i>By</i></h3> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h3>G. P. R. JAMES</h3> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>LONDON<br> -GEORGE ROUTLEDGE<br> -AND SONS LIMITED<br> -MDCCCCIII.</h4> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<p class="normal"><i>The Introduction is written by</i> <span class="sc">Laurie Magnus, M.A.</span>: <i>the Title-page -is designed by </i><span class="sc">Ivor I. J. Symes</span>.</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h3>INTRODUCTION.</h3> -<br> - -<p class="normal">George Payne Rainsford James, Historiographer Royal to King William -IV., was born in London in the first year of the nineteenth century, -and died at Venice in 1860. His comparatively short life was -exceptionally full and active. He was historian, politician and -traveller, the reputed author of upwards of a hundred novels, the -compiler and editor of nearly half as many volumes of letters, -memoirs, and biographies, a poet and a pamphleteer, and, during the -last ten years of his life, British Consul successively in -Massachusetts, Norfolk (Virginia), and Venice. He was on terms of -friendship with most of the eminent men of his day. Scott, on whose -style he founded his own, encouraged him to persevere in his career as -a novelist; Washington Irving admired him, and Walter Savage Landor -composed an epitaph to his memory. He achieved the distinction of -being twice burlesqued by Thackeray, and two columns are devoted to an -account of him in the new "Dictionary of National Biography." Each -generation follows its own gods, and G. P. R. James was, perhaps, too -prolific an author to maintain the popularity which made him "in some -ways the most successful novelist of his time." But his work bears -selection and revival. It possesses the qualities of seriousness and -interest; his best historical novels are faithful in setting and free -in movement. His narrative is clear, his history conscientious, and -his plots are well-conceived. English learning and literature are -enriched by the work of this writer, who made vivid every epoch in the -world's history by the charm of his romance.</p> -<br> - -<p class="normal">The parodists of G. P. R. James have been quick to remark the sameness -of his openings. He has established a kind of 'James-gambit' in -historical fiction, and the present romance is no exception to the -rule. Once more the irrepressible horseman is riding along the -inevitable road, and once more the first chapter is devoted to a -careful description of the traveller's accoutrements--material and -moral. It is not inappropriately, therefore, that James selected as -his motto for this chapter Dryden's conventional lines,</p> -<div class="poem0" style="margin-left:7em"> -<p style="text-indent:7em">"In this King Arthur's reign,<br> -A lusty knight was pricking o'er the plain."</p> -</div> -<p class="continue">Donne, Cowley, Ben Jonson, Dryden, Shakespeare, these are the authors -to whom James has chiefly gone for his poetical headings to the -chapters of this novel. The feature is a rare one in his works, nor -can it truthfully be said that the literary flavour thus imparted is -maintained by the text of the book. There is more familiarity, more -banality, in its style than is common in James's writings. It is odd, -for instance, to read the first paragraph of Chapter XVII.--"Oh, the -man in the moon! the man in the moon! What a prodigious sackful -of good resolutions you must have, all broken through the middle -...."--immediately after a solemn quotation from <i>Macbeth</i>; and a yet -more flagrant example occurs at the beginning of Chapter XXXIX., where -a couplet from Shakespeare is again used to usher in the following -triumph of bathos: "And where was Osborne Darnley all this while? Wait -a little, dearly-beloved, and you shall hear more." It should be added -that the first sentence is not an intentional pentameter. But, however -severely the shortcomings of style may be criticised in a writer who -'broke the record' for rapidity of production, James hardly ever fails -to tell a good story, with plenty of adventure and accuracy of -learning. "Darnley" does not fall behind the rest in these respects. -The date is fixed in the first line, as well as in the sub-title, and -the gorgeous festivities of Midsummer, 1520, as well as the character -of King Henry VIII., are admirably conceived and described. The -original picture of the scene in the Field near Calais, which is -preserved at Hampton Court, should be visited by readers of this -volume. Those curious in bibliography, by the way, will discover on -page 372 a notable instance of want of skill in the abridgment of -"Darnley" by James or his editors.</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h3>DARNLEY.</h3> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER I.</h4> -<div class="poem0" style="margin-left:15%"> -<p style="text-indent:7em">In this King Arthur's reign,<br> -A lusty knight was pricking o'er the plain.--<span class="sc">Dryden</span>.</p> -</div> - -<p class="normal">On the morning of the 24th day of March, 1520, a traveller was seen -riding in the small, rugged cross-road which, traversing the eastern -part of Kent, formed the immediate communication between Wye<a name="div4Ref_01" href="#div4_01"><sup>[1]</sup></a> and -Canterbury. Far be it from me to insinuate that this road pursued -anything like a direct course from the one place to the other: on the -contrary, it seemed, like a serpent, to get on only by twisting; and -yet truly, as its track now lies pictured on the old county map before -me, I can discover no possible reason for its various contortions, -inasmuch as they avoid neither ascents nor descents, but proceed alike -over rough and smooth, hill and dale, appearing only to wind about for -the sake of variety. I can conceive the engineer who planned it -laughing in his sleeve at the consummate meanderings which he -compelled his travellers to undergo. However, as at the time I speak -of this was the only road through that part of the country, every -traveller was obliged to content himself with it, such as it was, -notwithstanding both its circumvolutions and its ruggedness.</p> - -<p class="normal">Indeed, the horseman and his beast, who on the afore-mentioned morning -journeyed on together towards Canterbury, were apparently well -calculated to encounter what the profane vulgar call the ups and downs -of life; for never a stouter cavalier mounted horse, and never a -stouter horse was mounted by cavalier; and there was something in the -strong, quadrate form of each, in the bold, free movement of every -limb, and in the firm, martial regularity of their pace, which spoke a -habitual consciousness of tried and unfailing power.</p> - -<p class="normal">The rider was a man of about five or six-and-twenty, perhaps not so -old; but the hardy exposed life which had dyed his florid cheek with a -tinge of deep brown, had given also to his figure that look of set, -mature strength which is not usually concomitant with youth. But -strength with him had nothing of ungracefulness, for the very vigour -of his limbs gave them ease of motion. Yet there was something more in -his aspect and in his carriage than can rightly be attributed to the -grace induced by habits of martial exercise, or to the dignity derived -from consciousness of skill or valour: there was that sort of innate -nobility of look which we are often weakly inclined to combine in our -minds with nobility of station, and that peculiar sort of grace which -is a gift, not an acquirement.</p> - -<p class="normal">To paint him to the mind's eye were very difficult, though to describe -him were very easy; for though I were to say that he was a tall, fair -man, with the old Saxon blood shining out in his deep blue eye, and in -his full, short upper lip, from which the light brown moustache turned -off in a sweep, exposing its fine arching line; though I were to speak -of the manly beauty of his features, rendered scarcely less by a deep -scar upon his forehead; or were I to detail, with the accuracy of a -sculptor, the elegant proportion of every limb, I might, indeed, -communicate to the mind of the reader the idea of a much more handsome -man than he really was; but I should fail to invest the image with -that spirit of gracefulness which, however combined with outward form, -seems to radiate from within, which must live to be perfect, and must -be seen to be understood.</p> - -<p class="normal">His apparel was not such as his bearing seemed to warrant: though -good, it was not costly, and though not faded, it certainly was not -new. Nor was the fashion of it entirely English: the gray cloth -doublet slashed with black, as well as the falling ruff round his -neck, were decidedly Flemish; and his hose of dark stuff might -probably have been pronounced foreign by the connoisseurs of the day, -although the variety of modes then used amongst our change-loving -nation justified a man in choosing the fashion of his breeches from -any extreme, whether from the fathomless profundity of a Dutchman's -ninth pair, or from the close-fitting garment of the Italian sworder. -The traveller's hose approached more towards the latter fashion, and -served to show off the fair proportions of his limbs without -straitening him by too great tightness, while his wide boots of -untanned leather, pushed down to the ankle, evinced that he did not -consider his journey likely to prove long, or, at least, very -fatiguing.</p> - -<p class="normal">In those days, when, as old Holinshed assures us, it was not safe to -ride unarmed, even upon the most frequented road, a small bridle path, -such as that which the traveller pursued, was not likely to afford -much greater security. However, he did not appear to have furnished -himself with more than the complement of offensive arms usually worn -by every one above the rank of a simple yeoman; namely, the long, -straight, double-edged sword, which, thrust through a broad buff belt, -hung perpendicularly down his thigh, with the hilt shaped in form of a -cross, without any farther guard for the hand; while in the girdle -appeared a small dagger, which served also as a knife: added to these -was a dag or pistol, which, though small, considering the dimensions -of the arms then used, would have caused any horse-pistol of the -present day to blush at its own insignificance.</p> - -<p class="normal">In point of defensive armour, he carried none, except a steel cap, -which hung at his saddle-bow, while its place on his head was supplied -by a Genoa bonnet of black velvet, round which his rich chesnut hair -curled in thick profusion.</p> - -<p class="normal">Here have I bestowed more than a page and a half upon the description -of a man's dress and demeanour, which, under most circumstances, I -should consider a scandalous and illegitimate waste of time, paper, -and attention; but, in truth, I would fain, in the present instance, -that my reader should see my traveller before his mind's eye, exactly -as his picture represents him, pricking along the road on his strong -black horse, with his chest borne forward, his heel depressed, his -person erect, and his whole figure expressing corporeal ease and -power.</p> - -<p class="normal">Very different, however, were his mental sensations, if one might -believe the knitted look of thought that sat upon his full, broad -brow, and the lines that early care seemed to have busily traced upon -the cheek of youth. Deep meditation, at all events, was the companion -of his way; for, confident in the surefootedness of his steed, he took -no care to hold his bridle in hand, but suffered himself to be borne -forward almost unconsciously, fixing his gaze upon the line of light -that hung above the edge of the hill before him, as if there he spied -some object of deep interest, yet, at the same time, with that fixed -intensity which told that, whilst the eye thus occupied itself, the -mind was far otherwise employed.</p> - -<p class="normal">It was a shrewd March morning, and the part of the road at which the -traveller had now arrived opened out upon a wide wild common, whereon -the keen north-west blast had full room to exercise itself -unrestrained. On the one side the country sloped rapidly down from the -road, exposing an extensive view of some fine level plains, -distributed into fields, and scattered with a multitude of hamlets and -villages; the early smoke rising from the chimneys of which, caught by -the wind, mingled with the vapour from a sluggish river in the bottom, -and, drifting over the scene, gave a thousand different aspects to the -landscape as it passed. On the other hand, the common rose against the -sky in a wide sloping upland, naked, desolate, and unbroken, except -where a clump of stunted oaks raised their bare heads out of an old -gravel-pit by the road-side, or where a group of dark pines broke the -distant line of the ground. The road which the traveller had hitherto -pursued proceeded still along the side of the hill, but, branching off -to the left, was seen another rugged, gravelly path winding over the -common.</p> - -<p class="normal">At the spot where these two divaricated, the horseman stopped, as if -uncertain of his farther route, and looking for some one to direct him -on his way. But he looked in vain; no trace of human habitation was to -be seen, nor any indication of man's proximity, except such as could -be gathered from the presence of a solitary duck, which seemed to be -passing its anchoritish hours in fishing for the tadpoles that -inhabited a little pond by the road-side.</p> - -<p class="normal">The traveller paused, undetermined on which of the two roads to turn -his horse, when suddenly a loud scream met his ear, and, instantly -setting spurs to his horse, he galloped towards the quarter from -whence the sound seemed to proceed. Without waiting to pursue the -windings of the little path, in a moment he had cleared the upland, -towards the spot where he had beheld the pines, and, instead of -finding that the country beyond, as one might have imagined from the -view below, fell into another deep valley on that side, he perceived -that the common continued to extend for some way over an uninterrupted -flat, terminated by some wide plantations at a great distance.</p> - -<p class="normal">In advance, sheltered by a high bank and the group of pines above -mentioned, appeared a solitary cottage formed of wood and mud. It may -be well supposed that its architecture was not very perfect, nor its -construction of the most refined taste; but yet there seemed some -attempt at decoration in the rude trellis that surrounded the doorway, -and in the neat cutting of the thatch which covered it from the and -weather. As the traveller rode towards it the scream was reiterated, -now, guided by his ear, he proceeded direct towards a little -garden, which had been borrowed from the common, and enclosed with a -mud wall. The door of this enclosure stood open, and at once admitted -the stranger into the interior, where he beheld--what shall be -detailed in the following chapter.</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER II.</h4> -<div class="poem0"> -<p class="center"> -Patient <i>yourself</i>, madam, and pardon <i>me</i>.--<span class="sc">Shakspere</span>.</p> -</div> - -<p class="normal">Now, doubtless, every romance-reading person into whose hands this -book may fall will conclude and determine, and feel perfectly -convinced in their own minds, that the scream mentioned in the last -chapter announces no less important a being than the heroine of the -tale, and will be very much surprised, as well as disappointed, to -hear that when the traveller rode through the open gate into the -little garden attached to the cottage, he perceived a group which -certainly did not derive any interest it might possess from the graces -of youth and beauty. It consisted simply of an old woman, of the -poorest class, striving, with weak hands, to stay a stout, rosy youth, -of mean countenance but good apparel, from repeating a buffet he had -bestowed upon the third person of the group, a venerable old man, who -seemed little calculated to resist his violence. Angry words were -evidently still passing on both parts, and before the traveller could -hear to what they referred, the youth passed the woman, and struck the -old man a second blow, which levelled him with the ground.</p> - -<p class="normal">If one might judge from that traveller's appearance, he had seen many -a sight of danger and of horror; but there was something in the view -of the old man's white hair, mingling with the mould of the earth, -that blanched his cheek, and made his blood run cold. In a moment he -was off his horse, and by the young man's side. "How now, sir -villain!" cried he, "art thou mad, to strike thy father?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"He's no father of mine," replied the sturdy youth, turning away his -head with a sort of dogged feeling of shame. "He's no father of mine; -I'm better come."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Better come, misbegotten knave!" cried the traveller; "then thy -father might blush to own thee. Strike an old man like that! Get thee -gone, quick, lest I flay thee!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Get thee gone thyself!" answered the other, his feeling of -reprehension being quickly fled; and turning sharply round, with an -air of effrontery which nought but the insolence of office could -inspire, he added: "Who art thou, with thy get thee gones? I am here -in right of Sir Payan Wileton, to turn these old vermin out; so get -thee gone along with them!" And he ran his eye over the stranger's -simple garb with a sneer of sturdy defiance.</p> - -<p class="normal">The traveller gazed at him for a moment, as if in astonishment at his -daring; then, with a motion as quick as light, laid one hand upon the -yeoman's collar, the other upon the thick band of his kersey slop -breeches, raised him from the ground, and giving him one swing back, -to allow his arms their full sweep, he pitched him at once over the -low wall of the garden into the heath-bushes beyond.</p> - -<p class="normal">Without affording a look to his prostrate adversary, the stranger -proceeded to assist the old man in rising, and amidst the blessings of -the good dame, conveyed him into the cottage. He then returned to the -little garden, lest his horse should commit any ravages upon the -scanty provision of the old couple (for he was, it seems, too good a -soldier even to allow his horse to live by plunder), and while tying -him to the gate-post, his eye naturally turned to the bushes into -which he had thrown his opponent.</p> - -<p class="normal">The young man had just risen on his feet, and in unutterable rage, was -stamping furiously on the ground; without, however, daring to re-enter -the precincts from which he had been so unceremoniously ejected. The -stranger contented himself with observing that he was not much hurt; -and after letting his eye dwell for a moment on the cognisance of a -serpent twined round a crane, which was embroidered on the yeoman's -coat, he again entered the cottage, while the other proceeded slowly -over the common, every now and then turning round to shake his -clenched fist towards the garden, in the last struggles of impotent -passion.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, good father, how fares it with thee?" demanded the traveller, -approaching the old man. "I fear that young villain has hurt thee."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nay, sir, nay," replied the other, "not so; in faith he did not -strike hard: an old man's limbs are soon overthrown. Ah! well, I -remember the day when I would have whacked a score of them. But I'm -broken now. Kate, give his worship the settle. If our boy had seen him -lift his hand against his father, 'faith, he'd have broken his pate. -Though your worship soon convinced him: God's blessing upon your head -for it!"</p> - -<p class="normal">The stranger silently sat himself down in the settle, which the old -woman placed for him with a thousand thanks and gratulations, and -suffered them to proceed undisturbed with all the garrulity of age, -while his own thoughts seemed, from some unapparent cause, to have -wandered far upon a different track. Whether it was that the swift -wings of memory had retraced in a moment a space that, in the dull -march of time, had occupied many a long year, or that the lightning -speed of hope had already borne him to a goal which was still far -beyond probability's short view, matters little. Most likely it was -one or the other; for the present is but a point to which but little -thought appertains, while the mind hovers backwards and forwards -between the past and the future, expending the store of its regrets -upon the one, and wasting all its wishes on the other. He awoke with a -sigh. "But tell me," said he to the old man, "what was the cause of -all this?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Why, heaven bless your worship!" replied the cottager, who had been -talking all the time, "I have just been telling you."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nay, but I mean, why you came to live here?" said the traveller, "for -this is but a poor place;" and he glanced his eye over the interior of -the cottage, which was wretched enough. Its floor formed of hardened -clay; its small lattice windows, boasting no glass in the wicker -frames of which they were composed, but showing in its place some thin -plates of horn (common enough in the meaner cottages of those times), -admitting but a dull and miserable light to the interior; its bare -walls of lath, through the crevices of which appeared the mud that had -been plastered on the outside: all gave an air of poverty and -uncomfort difficult to find in the poorest English cottage of to-day. -"I think you said that you had been in better circumstances?" -continued the traveller.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I did not say so, your worship," replied the old man, "but it was -easy to guess; yet for twelve long years have I known little but -misery. I was once gate-porter to my good Lord Fitzbernard, at Chilham -Castle, here hard-by; your worship knows it, doubtless. Oh! 'twas a -fair place in those days, for my lord kept great state, and never a -day but what we had the tilt-yard full of gallants, who would bear -away the ring from the best in the land. My old lord could handle a -lance well, too, though he waxed aged; but 'twas my young Lord Osborne -that was the darling of all our hearts. Poor youth! he was not then -fourteen, yet so strong, he'd break a lance and bide a buffet with the -best. He's over the seas now, alas! and they say, obliged to win his -food at the sword's point."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nay, how so?" asked the traveller. "If he were heir of Chilham -Castle, how is it he fares so hardly, this Lord Osborne?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"We call him still Lord Osborne," answered the old woman, "for I was -his nurse, when he was young, your worship, and his christened name -was Osborne. But his title was Lord Darnley, by those who called him -properly. God bless him for ever! Now, Richard, tell his honour how -all the misfortunes happened."</p> - -<p class="normal">"'Twill but tire his honour," said the old man. "In his young day he -must have heard how Empson and Dudley, the two blackest traitors that -ever England had, went through all the country, picking holes in every -honest man's coat, and sequestrating their estates, as 'twas then -called. Lord bless thee, Kate! his worship knows it all."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I have heard something of the matter, but I would fain understand it -more particularly," said the stranger. "I had learned that the -sequestrated estates had been restored, and the fines remitted, since -this young king was upon the throne."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ay, truly, sir, the main part of them," answered the old man; "but -there were some men who, being in the court's displeasure, were not -likely to have justice done them. Such a one was my good lord and -master, who, they say, had been heard to declare, that he held Perkyn -Warbeck's title as good as King Harry the Seventh's. So, when they -proved the penal statutes against him, as they called it, instead of -calling for a fine, which every peasant on his land would have brought -his mite to pay, they took the whole estate, and left him a beggar in -his age. But that was not the worst, for doubtless the whole would -have been given back again when the good young king did justice on -Empson and Dudley; but as this sequestration was a malice, and not an -avarice like the rest, instead of transferring the estate to the -king's own hand, they gave it to one Sir Payan Wileton, who, if ever a -gallows was made higher than Haman's, would well grace it. This man -has many a friend at the court, gained they say by foul means; and -though much stir was made some eight years agone, by the Lord Stafford -and the good Duke of Buckingham, to have the old lord's estates given -back again, Sir Payan was strong enough in abettors to outstand them -all, and then----; but I hear horses' feet. 'Tis surely Sir Payan sent -to hound me out even from this poor place."</p> - -<p class="normal">As he spoke, the loud neighing of the stranger's horse announced the -approach of some of his four-footed fraternity, and opening the -cottage door, the old man looked forth to ascertain if his -apprehensions were just.</p> - -<p class="normal">The cloud, however, was cleared off his brow in a moment, by the -appearance of the person who rode into the garden.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Joy, good wife! joy!" cried the old man; "it is Sir Cesar! It is Sir -Cesar! We are safe enough now!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Sir Cesar!" cried the traveller; "that is a strange name!" and he -turned to the cottage door to examine the person that approached.</p> - -<p class="normal">Cantering through the garden on a milk-white palfrey, adorned with -black leather trapping, appeared a little old man, dressed in singular -but elegant habiliments. His doublet was of black velvet, his hose of -crimson stuff, and his boots of buff. His cloak was black like his -coat, but lined with rich miniver fur, of which also was his bonnet. -He wore no arms except a small dagger, the steel hilt of which -glittered in his girdle; and to turn and guide his palfrey he made use -of neither spur nor rein, but seemed more to direct than urge him with -a peeled osier stick, with which he every now and then touched the -animal on either ear.</p> - -<p class="normal">His person was as singular as his dress. Extremely diminutive in -stature, his limbs appeared well formed, and even graceful. He was not -a dwarf, but still considerably below the middle size; and though not -misshapen in body, his face had that degree of prominence, and his eye -that keen vivacious sparkle, generally discovered in the deformed. In -complexion he was swarthy to excess, while his long black hair, -slightly mingled with gray, escaped from under his bonnet and fell -upon his shoulders. Still, the most remarkable feature was his eye, -which, though sunk deep in his head, had a quickness and a fire that -contradicted the calm, placid expression of the rest of his -countenance, and seemed to indicate a restless, busy spirit; for, -glancing rapidly from object to object, it rested not a moment upon -any one thing, but appeared to collect the information it sought with -the quickness of lightning, and then fly off to something new.</p> - -<p class="normal">In this manner he approached the cottage, his look at first rapidly -running over the figures of the two cottagers and their guest; but -then turning to their faces, his eye might be seen scanning every -feature, and seeming to extract their meaning in an instant: as in the -summer we see the bee darting into every flower, and drawing forth its -sweet essence, while it scarcely pauses to fold its wings. It seemed -as if the face was to him a book, where each line was written with -some tale or some information, but in a character so legible, and a -language so well known, that a moment sufficed him for the perusal of -the whole.</p> - -<p class="normal">At the cottage-door the palfrey stopped of itself, and slipping down -out of the saddle with extraordinary activity, the old gentleman stood -before the traveller and his host with that sort of sharp, sudden -motion which startles although expected. The old man and his wife -received their new guest with reverence almost approaching to awe; but -before noticing them farther than by signing them each with the cross, -he turned directly towards the traveller, and doffing his cap of -miniver, he made him a profound bow, while his long hair, parted from -the crown, fell over his face and almost concealed it. "Sir Osborne -Maurice," said he, "well met!"</p> - -<p class="normal">The traveller bowed in some surprise to find himself recognised by the -singular person who addressed him. "Truly, sir," he answered, "you -have rightly fallen upon the name I bear, and seem to know me well, -though in truth I can boast no such knowledge in regard to you. To my -remembrance, this is the first time we have met."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Within the last thousand years," replied the old man, "we have met -more than a thousand times; but I remember you well before that, when -you commanded a Roman cohort in the first Punic war."</p> - -<p class="normal">"He's mad!" thought the traveller, "profoundly insane!" and he turned -an inquiring glance to the old cottager and his wife; but far from -showing any surprise, they stood regarding their strange visiter with -looks of deep awe and respect. However, the traveller at length -replied, "Memory, with me, is a more treacherous guardian of the past; -but may I crave the name of so ancient an acquaintance?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"In Britain," answered the old man, "they call me Sir Cesar; in Spain, -Don Cesario; and in Padua, simply Cesario il dotto."</p> - -<p class="normal">"What!" cried Sir Osborne, "the famous----?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ay, ay!" interrupted the old man; "famous if it may so be called. But -no more of that. Fame is but like a billow on a sandy shore, that when -the tide is in, it seems a mighty thing, and when 'tis out, 'tis -nothing. If I have learned nought beside, I have learned to despise -fame."</p> - -<p class="normal">"That your learning must have taught you far more, needs no farther -proof than your knowledge of a stranger that you never saw, at least -with human eyes," said Sir Osborne; "and in truth, this your knowledge -makes me a believer in that art which, hitherto, I had held as -emptiness."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Cast from you no ore till you have tried it seven times in the fire," -replied Sir Cesar; "hold nothing as emptiness that you have not -essayed. But, hark! bend down thine ear, and thou shalt hear more -anon."</p> - -<p class="normal">The young traveller bowed his head till his ear was on a level with -the mouth of the diminutive speaker, who seemed to whisper not more -than one word, but that was of such a nature as to make Sir Osborne -start back, and fix his eyes upon him with a look of inquiring -astonishment, that brought a smile upon the old man's lip. "There is -no magic here," said Sir Cesar: "you shall hear more hereafter. But, -hush! come into the cottage, for hunger, that vile earthly want, calls -upon me for its due: herein, alas! we are all akin unto the hog: -come!"</p> - -<p class="normal">They accordingly entered the lowly dwelling, and sat down to a small -oaken table placed in the midst; Sir Cesar, as if accustomed to -command there, seating the traveller as his guest, and demanding of -the old couple a supply of those things he deemed necessary. "Set down -the salt in the middle, Richard Heartley; now bring the bread; take -the bacon from the pot, dame, and if there be a pompion yet not -mouldy, put it down to roast in the ashes. Whet Sir Osborne's dagger, -Richard. Is it all done? then sit with us, for herein are men all -alike. Now tell me, Richard Heartley, while we eat, what has happened -to thee this morning, for I learn thou hast been in jeopardy."</p> - -<p class="normal">Thus speaking, he carved the bacon with his dagger, and distributed to -every one a portion, while Sir Osborne Maurice looked on, not a little -interested in the scene, one of the most curious parts of which was -the profound taciturnity that had succeeded to garrulity in the two -old cottagers, and the promptitude and attention with which they -executed all their guest's commands.</p> - -<p class="normal">The old gentleman's question seemed to untie Richard Heartley's lips, -and he communicated, in a somewhat circumlocutory phrase, that though -he had built his house and enclosed his garden on common land, which, -as he took it, "was free to every one, yet within the last year Sir -Payan Wileton had demanded for it a rent of two pounds per annum, -which was far beyond his means to pay, as Sir Payan well knew; but he -did it only in malice," the old man said, "because he was the last of -the good old lord's servants who was left upon the ground; and he, Sir -Payan, was afraid, that even if he were to die there, his bones would -keep possession for his old master; so he wished to drive him away -altogether."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Go forth on no account!" interrupted Sir Cesar. "Without he take thee -by force and lead thee to the bound, and put thee off, go not beyond -the limits of the lordship of Chilham Castle; neither pay him any -rent, but live house free and land free, as I have commanded you."</p> - -<p class="normal">"In truth," answered the old man, "he has not essayed to put me off; -but he sent his bailiff this morning to demand the rent, and to drive -me out of the cottage, and to pull off the thatch, though our Richard, -who has returned from the army beyond the seas, is up at the manor to -do him man service for the sum."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Hold!" cried Sir Cesar, "let thy son do him man service, if he will, -but do thou him no man service, and own to him no lordship. Sir Payan -Wileton has but his day; that will soon be over, and all shall be -avenged; own him no lordship, I say!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nay, nay, sir, I warrant you," replied the old man; "'twas even that -that provoked Peter Wilson, the young bailiff, to strike me, because I -said Sir Payan was not my lord, and I was not his tenant, and that if -he stood on right, I had as much a right to the soil as he."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Strike thee! strike thee! Did he strike thee?" cried Sir Cesar, his -small black eyes glowing like red-hot coals, and twinkling like stars -on a frosty night. "Sure he did not dare to strike thee?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"He felled him, Sir Cesar," cried the old woman, whose tongue could -refrain no longer; "he felled him to the ground. He, a child I have -had upon my knee, felled old Richard Heartley with a heavy blow!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"My curse upon him!" cried the old knight, while anger and indignation -gave to his features an expression almost sublime; "my curse upon him! -May he wither heart and limb like a blasted oak! like it, may he be -dry and sapless, when all is sunshine and summer, without a green leaf -to cover the nakedness of his misery; without flower or fruit may he -pass away, and fire consume the rottenness of his core!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh! your worship, curse him not so deeply; we know how heavy your -curses fall, and he has had some payment already," said the old -cottager: "this honourable gentleman heard my housewife cry, and came -riding up. So, when he saw the clumsy coward strike a feeble old man -like me, he takes him up by the jerkin and the slops, and casts him as -clean over the wall on the heath as I've seen Hob Johnson cast a truss -out of a hay-cart."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Sir Osborne, you did well," said the old knight; "you acted like your -race. But yet I could have wished that this had not happened; 'twould -have been better that your coming had not been known to your enemies -before your friends, which I fear me will now be the case. He with -whom you have to do is one from whose keen eye nought passes without -question. The fly may as well find its way through the spider's web, -without wakening the crafty artist of the snare, as one on whom that -man has fixed his eye may stir a step without his knowing it. But -there is one who sees more deeply than even he does."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Yourself, of course," replied Sir Osborne; "and indeed I cannot doubt -that it is so; for I sit here in mute astonishment to find that all I -held most secret is as much known to you as to myself."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, this is all simplicity!" replied the old man; "these are no -wonders, though I may teach you some hereafter. At present I will tell -you the future, against which you must guard, for your fortune is -a-making."</p> - -<p class="normal">"But if our fate be fixed," said Sir Osborne, "so that even mortal -eyes can see it in the stars, prudence and caution, wisdom and action, -are in vain; for how can we avoid what is certainly to be?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Not so, young man," replied Sir Cesar: "some things are certain, some -are doubtful: some fixed by fate, some left to human will; and those -who see such things are certain, may learn to guide their course -through things that are not so. Thus, even in life, my young friend," -he continued, speaking more placidly, for at first Sir Osborne's -observation seemed to have nettled him; "thus, even in life, each -ordinary mortal sees before him but one thing sure, which is death. It -he cannot avoid; yet, how wholesome the sight to guide us in -existence! So, in man's destiny, certain points are fixed, some of -mighty magnitude, some that seem but trivial; and the rest are -determined by his own conduct. Yet there are none so clearly marked -that they may not be influenced by man's own will, so that when the -stars are favourable he may carry his good fortune to the highest -pitch by wisely seizing opportunity; and when they threaten evil or -danger, he may fortify himself against the misfortunes that must -occur, by philosophy; and guard against the peril that menaces, by -prudence. Thus, what study is nobler, or greater, or more beneficial, -than that which lays open to the eye the book of fate?"</p> - -<p class="normal">The impressive tone and manner of the old man, joined even with the -singularity of his appearance, and a certain indescribable, almost -unearthly fire, that burned in his eye, went greatly in the minds of -his hearers to supply any deficiency in the chain of his reasoning. -The extraordinary, if it be not ludicrous, is always easily -convertible into the awful; and where, as in the present instance, it -becomes intimately interwoven with all the doubtful, the mysterious, -and the fearful in our state of being, it reaches that point of the -sublime to which the heart of every man is most sensible. Those always -who see the least of what is true are most likely to be influenced by -what is doubtful; and in an age where little was certainly known, the -remote, the uncertain, and the wild, commanded man's reason by his -imagination.</p> - -<p class="normal">Sir Osborne Maurice mused. If it be asked whether he believed -implicitly in that art which many persons were then said to possess, -of reading in the stars the future fate of individuals or nations, it -may be answered, No. But if it be demanded whether he rejected it -absolutely, equally No. He doubted; and that was a stretch of -philosophy to which few attained in his day, when the study of -judicial astrology was often combined with the most profound learning -in other particulars; when, as a science, it was considered the -highest branch of human knowledge, and its professors were regarded as -almost proceeding a step beyond the just boundary of earthly research: -we might say even more, when they produced such evidence of their -extraordinary powers as might well convince the best-informed of an -unlettered age, and which affords curious subjects of inquiry even to -the present time.</p> - -<p class="normal">In the mean while, Sir Cesar proceeded: "I speak thus as preface to -what I have to tell you; not that I suppose you will be dismayed when -you hear that immediate danger menaces you, because I know you are -incapable of fear; but it is because I would have you wisely guard -against what I foretell. Know, then, I have learned that you are -likely to be in peril to-morrow, towards noon; therefore, hold -yourself upon your guard. Divulge not your proceedings to any one. -Keep a watchful eye and a shrewd ear. Mark well your company, and see -that your sword be loose in the sheath."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Certainly, good Sir Cesar, will I follow your counsel," replied Sir -Osborne. "But might I not crave that you would afford me farther -information, and by showing me what sort of danger threatens me, give -me the means of avoiding it altogether?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"What you ask I cannot comply with," answered the old man. "Think not -that the book of the stars is like a child's horn-book, where every -word is clearly spelled. Vague and undefined are the signs that we -gain. Certain it is, that some danger threatens you; but of what -nature, who can say? Know that, at the same time as yourself, were -born sixty other persons, to whom the planets bore an equal -ascendancy; and at the same hour to-morrow, each will undergo some -particular peril. Be you on your guard against yours."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Most assuredly I will, and I give you many thanks," replied Sir -Osborne. "But I would fain know for what reason you take an interest -in my fate more than in any of the other sixty persons you have -mentioned."</p> - -<p class="normal">"How know you that I do so?" demanded Sir Cesar drily. "Perchance had -I met any one of them in this cottage, I might have done him the same -good turn. However, 'tis not so. I own I do take an interest in your -fate, more than that of any mortal being. Look not surprised, young -man, for I have cause: nay more--you shall know more. Mark me! our -fates are united for ever in this world, and I <i>will</i> serve you; -though I see, darkling through the obscurity of time, that the moment -which crowns all your wishes and endeavours is the last that I shall -draw breath of life. Yet your enemy is my enemy, your friends are my -friends, and I will serve you, though I die!"</p> - -<p class="normal">He rose and grasped Sir Osborne's hand, and fixed his dark eye upon -his face. "'Tis hard to part with existence--the warm ties of life, -the soft smiling realities of a world we know--and to begin it all -again in forms we cannot guess. Yet, if my will could alter the law of -fate, I would not delay your happiness an hour; though I know, I feel, -that this thrilling blood must then chill, that this quick heart must -stop, that the golden light and the glorious world must fade away; and -that my soul must be parted from its fond companion of earth for ever -and for ever. Yet it shall be so. It is said. Reply not! Speak not! -Follow me! Hush! hush!" And proceeding to the door of the cottage, he -mounted his palfrey, which stood ready, and motioned Sir Osborne to do -the same. The young knight did so in silence, and rode along with him -to the garden-gate, followed by the old cottagers. There Richard -Heartley, as if accustomed so to do, held out his hand; Sir Cesar -counted into it nine nobles of gold, and proceeded on the road in -silence.</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER III.</h4> -<div class="poem0"> -<p class="center">Illusive dreams in mystic forms expressed.--<span class="sc">Blackmore</span>.</p> -</div> - -<p class="normal">That which is out of the common course of nature, and for which we can -see neither cause nor object, requires of course a much greater body -of evidence to render it historically credible than is necessary to -authenticate any event within the ordinary operation of visible -agents. Were it not so, the many extraordinary tales respecting the -astrologers, and even the magicians of the middle ages, would now rest -as recorded truth, instead of idle fiction, being supported by much -more witness than we have to prove many received facts of greater -importance.</p> - -<p class="normal">Till the last century, the existence of what is called the second -sight, amongst the Scots, was not doubted: even in the present day it -is not disproved; and we can hardly wonder at our ancestors having -given credence to the more ancient, more probable, more reasonable -superstition of the fates of men being influenced by the stars, or at -their believing that the learned and wise could see into futurity, -when many in this more enlightened age imagine that some of the rude -and illiterate possess the same faculty.</p> - -<p class="normal">It is not, however, my object here to defend long-gone superstitions, -or to show that the predictions of the astrologers were ever really -verified, except by those extraordinary coincidences for which we -cannot account, and some of which every man must have observed in the -course of his own life. That they were so verified on several -occasions is nevertheless beyond doubt; for it is <i>not</i> the case that, -in the most striking instances of this kind, as many writers have -asserted, the prediction, if it may be so called, was fabricated after -its fulfilment. On the contrary, any one who chooses to investigate -may convince himself that the prophecy was, in many instances, -enounced, and is still to be found recorded by contemporary writers, -before its accomplishment took place. As examples might be cited the -prognostication made by an astrologer to Henry the Second of France, -that he should be slain in single combat; a thing so unlikely that it -became the jest of his whole court, but which was afterwards -singularly verified, by his being accidentally killed at a tournament -by Montgomery, captain of the Scottish guards. Also the prediction by -which the famous, or rather infamous, Catherine de Medicis was warned -that St. Germains should be the place of her death. The queen, fully -convinced of its truth, never from that moment set foot in town or -palace which bore the fatal name; but in her last moments, her -confessor being absent, a priest was called to her assistance, by mere -accident, whose name was St. Germains, and actually held her in his -arms during the dying struggle.</p> - -<p class="normal">These two instances took place about fifty years after the period to -which this history refers, and may serve to show how strongly rooted -in the minds of the higher classes was this sort of superstition, when -even the revival of letters, and the diffusion of mental light, for -very long did not seem at all to affect them. The habits and manners -of the astrologers, however, underwent great changes; and it is, -perhaps, at the particular epoch of which we are now writing, namely, -the reigns of Henry the Eighth of England and Francis the First of -France, that this singular race of beings was in its highest -prosperity.</p> - -<p class="normal">Before that time, they had in general affected strange and retired -habits, and, whether as magicians or merely astrologers, were both -feared and avoided. Some exceptions, however, must be made to this, as -instances are on record where, even in years long before, such studies -were pursued by persons of the highest class, and won them both love -and admiration; the most brilliant example of which was in the person -of Tiphaine Raguenel, wife of the famous Constable du Guesclin, whose -counsels so much guided her husband through his splendid career.</p> - -<p class="normal">The magicians and astrologers, however, who were scattered through -Europe towards the end of the fifteenth century, and the beginning of -that which succeeded, though few in number, from many circumstances, -bore a much higher rank in the opinion of the world than any who had -preceded them. This must be attributed to their being in general -persons of some station in society, of profound erudition, of courtly -and polished manners, and also to their making but little pretension -on the score of their supposed powers, and never any display thereof, -except they were earnestly solicited to do so.</p> - -<p class="normal">There was likewise always to be observed in them a degree of -eccentricity, if a habitual difference from their fellow-beings might -be so called, which, being singular, but not obtrusive, gave them an -interest in the eyes of the higher, and a dignity in the estimation of -the lower classes, as a sort of beings separated by distinct knowledge -and feeling from the rest of mankind. In those ages, a thousand -branches of useful knowledge lay hid, like diamonds in an undiscovered -mine; and many minds, of extraordinary keenness and activity, wanting -legitimate objects of research, after diving deep in ancient lore, and -exhausting all the treasures of antiquity, still unsated, devoted -themselves to those dark and mysterious sciences that gratified their -imagination with all the wild and the sublime, and gained for them a -reverence amongst their fellow-creatures approaching even to awe.</p> - -<p class="normal">As we have said before, whatever was the reality of their powers, or -however they contrived to deceive themselves, as well as others, they -certainly received not only the respect of the weak and vulgar; but if -they used their general abilities for the benefit of mankind, they -were sure to meet with the admiration and the friendship of the great, -the noble, and the wise. Thus, the famous Earl of Surrey, the poet, -the courtier, the most accomplished gentleman and bravest cavalier of -that very age, is known to have lived on terms of intimacy with -Cornelius Agrippa, the celebrated Italian sorcerer, to whose renown -the fame of Sir Cesar of England is hardly second; though early -sorrows, of the most acute kind, had given a much higher degree of -wildness and eccentricity to the character of the extraordinary old -man of whom we speak, than the accomplished Italian ever suffered to -appear.</p> - -<p class="normal">In many circumstances there was still a great degree of similarity -between them: both were deeply versed in classical literature, and -were endowed with every elegant attainment; and both possessed that -wild and vivid imagination which taught them to combine in one strange -and heterogeneous system the pure doctrines of Christianity, the -theories of the Pagan philosophers, and the strange, mysterious -notions of the dark sciences they pursued. Amongst many fancies -derived from the Greeks, it seems certain that both Sir Cesar and -Cornelius Agrippa received, as an undoubted fact, the Pythagorean -doctrine of the transmission of the souls through the various human -bodies for a long period of existence: the spirit retaining, more or -less, in different men, the recollection of events which had occurred -to them at other periods of being.</p> - -<p class="normal">One striking difference, however, existed between these two celebrated -men. Cornelius Agrippa was all mildness, gentleness, and suavity; -while Sir Cesar, irritated by the memory of much sorrow, was wild, -vehement, and impetuous; ever striving to do good, it is true, but -hasty and impatient under contradiction. The same sort of mental -excitement hurried him on to move from land to land and place to -place, without seeming ever to pause for any length of time; and as he -stood not upon the ceremony of introduction, but made himself known to -whomsoever the fancy of the moment might lead him, he was celebrated -in almost every part of the world.</p> - -<p class="normal">So much as we have said seemed necessary, in order to give our readers -some insight into the character of the extraordinary man whose history -is strongly interwoven with the web of the present narrative, and to -prevent its being supposed that he was an imaginary being devised for -the nonce; but we shall now proceed with him in his proper person.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Let us reason," said Sir Cesar, breaking form abruptly, after he had -ridden on with the young knight some way in silence; "let us reason of -nature and philosophy; of things that are, and of things that may be; -for I would fain expel from my brain a crowd of sad thoughts and dark -imaginings, that haunt the caverns of memory."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I should prove but a slow reasoner," replied the young knight, "when -compared with one whose mind, if report speak truth, has long explored -the deepest paths of science, and discovered the full wealth of -nature."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nay, nay, my friend," answered the old man; "something I have -studied, it is true; but nature's full wealth who shall ever discover? -Look through the boundless universe, and you shall find that were the -life of man extended a thousand fold, and all his senses refined to -the most exquisite perfection, and had his mind infinite faculty to -comprehend, yet the portion he could truly know would be to the great -whole as one grain of sand to the vast foundation of the sea. As it -is, man not only contemplates but few of nature's works, but also only -sees a little part of each. Thus, when he speaks of life, he means but -that which inspires animals, and never dreams that everything has -life; and yet it is so. Is it not reasonable to suppose that -everything that moves feels? and we cannot but conclude that -everything that feels has life. The Indian tree that raises its -branches when any living creature approaches must feel, must have -sensation; the loadstone that flies to its fellow must know, must -perceive that that fellow is near. Motion is life; and if viewed near, -everything would be found to have motion, to have life, to have -sensation."</p> - -<p class="normal">Sir Osborne smiled. "Then do you suppose," demanded he, "that all -vegetables and plants feel?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nay, more, much more!" answered the old man. "I doubt not that -everything in nature feels in its degree, from the rude stone that the -mason cuts, to man, the most sensitive of substantial beings."</p> - -<p class="normal">"It is a bold doctrine," said the young knight, who, willing to gain -what insight he could into his companion's character, pressed him for -a still further exposition of his opinions, though at the same time he -himself felt not a little carried away by the energy of manner and -rich modulation of tone with which the old man communicated his -singular ideas. "It is a bold doctrine, and would seem to animate the -whole of nature. Could it be proved, the world would acquire a glow of -life, and activity of existence, where it now appears cold and -silent."</p> - -<p class="normal">"The whole of nature <i>is</i> animated," replied Sir Cesar. "Life combined -with matter is but a thousandth part of life existent. The world teems -with spirits: the very air is thick with them. They dance in the -sunshine, they ride upon the beams of the stars, they float about in -the melodies of music, they nestle in the cups of the flowers; and I -am forced to believe that never a flower fades, or a beam passes away, -without some being mourning the brief date of loveliness on earth. -Doubt not, for this is true; and though no one can prove that matter -is sensitive, yet it <i>can</i> be <i>proved</i> that such spirits do exist, and -that they may be compelled to clothe themselves with a visible form. -It can be proved, I say, and I have proved it."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I have heard the same reported of you," replied Sir Osborne, "when -you, with the renowned Cornelius Agrippa, called up a spirit to -ascertain what would be the issue of the battle of Ravenna. Was it not -so?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Speak not of it!" cried the old man, "speak not of it! In that battle -fell the bright, the gallant, the amiable Nemours. Though warned by -counsel, by prophecy, and by portent, he would venture his life on -that fatal battle, and fell. Speak not of it! But now to you and -yours. Whither go you?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"My first care," replied Sir Osborne, "must be to seek my father, at -whose wish I have now returned to England. To you, who know far more -of me and mine than I ever dreamed that mortal here had heard, I need -not say where my father dwells." As he spoke, Sir Osborne drew up his -horse, following the example of his companion, whose palfrey had -stopped at a point where the road, separating into two branches, gave -the traveller the option of proceeding either towards Canterbury or -Dover, as his business or pleasure might impel. At the same time the -young knight fixed his eye upon the other's face, as if to ascertain -what was passing in his mind, seeking, probably, thence to learn how -far the old man's knowledge really extended in respect to himself and -his concerns.</p> - -<p class="normal">"It is a long journey," said Sir Cesar, thoughtfully, "and 'twill take -you near three weeks to travel thither and back. Much may be lost or -won in three weeks. You must not go. Hie on to Dover, and thence to -London: wait there till I give you farther news, and be sure that my -news shall be of some avail."</p> - -<p class="normal">"It cannot be," answered Sir Osborne Maurice. "Before I take any step -whatever I must see my father; and though I doubt not that your advice -be good, and your knowledge more than natural, I cannot quit my road, -nor wait in any place, till I have done the journey to which duty and -affection call me."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Your own will then be your guide, though it be a bad one," answered -Sir Cesar. "But mark, I tell you, if you pursue the road you are on -you will meet with danger, and will lose opportunity. My words are not -wont to fall idly."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Whatever danger may occur," replied Sir Osborne, "my road lies -towards London, and it shall not be easy to impede me on my way."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ho, ho! so headstrong!" cried the old knight. "I' God's name, then, -on! My palfrey goes too slow for your young blood. Put spurs to your -steed, sir, and get quick into the perils from which you will need my -hand to help you out. Spur, spur, sir knight; and good speed attend -you!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"By your leave, then," replied Sir Osborne, taking the old man at his -word, and giving his horse the spur. "Sir Cesar, I thank you for your -kindness: we shall meet again, when I hope to thank you better; till -then, farewell!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Farewell, farewell!" muttered the old knight; "just the same as ever! -If I remember right he was killed in the first Punic war, for not -taking the advice of Valerius the soothsayer; and though now his soul -has passed through fifty different bodies, he is just as headstrong as -ever." And with these sage reflections Sir Cesar pursued his way.</p> - -<p class="normal">Leaving him, however, to his own meditations, we must now, for some -time, follow the track of Sir Osborne Maurice, whose horse bore him -quickly along that same little tortuous road in the midst of which we -first encountered him. To say sooth, some speed was necessary; for -whatever might be the cause that induced the young knight to linger at -the cottage of old Richard Heartley, and whatever might have been the -ideas that had occupied him during so long a reverie, he had wasted no -small portion of the day, between listening to the garrulity of the -old man, thinking over the circumstances which that garrulity called -up to memory, and conversing with the singular being from whom he had -just parted; and yet, within a mile of the spot where he had left the -astrologer, Sir Osborne drew in his bridle, and standing in the -stirrup, looked round him on both sides over the high bank of earth -which in that place flanked the road on either hand.</p> - -<p class="normal">After gazing round for a moment, and marking every trifling object -with an attention which was far more than the scenery merited from any -apparent worth or picturesque beauty, he turned his horse into a small -bridle-path, and riding on for about a mile, came in front of a -mansion, which, even in that day, bore many a mark of venerable -antiquity.</p> - -<p class="normal">A small eminence, at about five hundred yards' distance from it, gave -him a full view of the building, as it rose upon another slight -elevation, somewhat higher than that on which he stood. Through the -trees which filled up the intermediate space was seen gliding a small -river, that, meandering amongst the copses, now shone glittering in -the sun, now hid itself in the shades, with that soothing variety, gay -yet tranquil, placid but not insipid, which is the peculiar -characteristic of the course of an English stream. The wind had -fallen, the clouds had dispersed, and the evening sun was shining out, -as if seducing the early buds to come forth and yield themselves to -his treacherous smile, and all the choir of nature was hymning its -song of joy and hope in the prospect of delightful summer. Above the -branches, which were yet scarcely green with the first downy promise -of the spring, was seen rising high the dark octagon keep of Chilham -Castle. It was a building of the old irregular Norman construction; -and the architect, who probably had forgot that a staircase was -requisite till he had completed the tower, had remedied the defect by -throwing out from the east side a sort of square buttress, which -contained the means of ascending to the various stories of which it -was composed. On the west side of the keep appeared a long mass of -building of a still more ancient date, surrounded by strong stone -walls overgrown with ivy, forming a broken but picturesque line of -architecture, stretching just above the tops of the trees, and -considerably lower than the tower, while a small detached turret was -seen here and there, completing the castellated appearance of the -whole.</p> - -<p class="normal">Sir Osborne paused and gazed at it for five or ten minutes in silence, -while a variety of very opposite expressions took possession of his -countenance. Now it seemed that the calm beauty of the scene filled -him with thoughts of tranquillity and delight; now that the view -recalled some poignant sorrow, for something very bright rose and -glistened in his eye. At last his brow knit into a frown, and anger -seemed predominant, as, grasping the pommel of his sword with his left -hand, he shook his clenched fist towards the antique battlements of -the castle, and then, as if ashamed of such vehemence of passion, he -turned his horse and galloped back on the road he came.</p> - -<p class="normal">The moment after he had again entered upon the road to Canterbury, a -sudden change took place in the pace of his horse, and perceiving that -he had cast a shoe, the young knight was forced, although the sun was -now getting far west, to slacken his pace; for the lady who walked -over the burning ploughshares would have found it a different story, -had she tried to gallop over that road without shoes. Proceeding, -therefore, but slowly, it was nearly dark when he reached the little -village of Northbourne, where, riding up to the smithy, he called -loudly for the farrier. No farrier, however, made his appearance. All -was silent, and as black as his trade; and the only answer which -Osborne could procure was at length elicited from one of a score of -boys, who, with open eyes and gaping mouths, stood round, listening -unmoved for a quarter of an hour, while the knight adjured the -blacksmith to come forth and show himself.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Can I have my horse shod here or not, little varlet?" cried he at -length to one of the most incorrigible starers.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ye moy, if ye loyke," answered the boy, with that air of impenetrable -stupidity which an English peasant boy can sometimes get up when he is -half frightened and half sullen.</p> - -<p class="normal">"He means ye moy if ye can," answered another urchin, with somewhat of -a more intellectual face: "for Jenkin Thumpum is up at the hostel -shoeing the merchant's beast, and Dame Winny, his wife, is gone to -hold the lantern. He! he! he!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ha! ha! ha!" roared his companions, to whose mind Dame Winny holding -the lantern was a very good joke. "Ha! ha! ha! wherever Jenkin Thumpum -is, there goes Dame Winny to hold the lantern. Ha! ha! ha!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"But how far is it to the inn, my good boy?" demanded Sir Osborne.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh! it's for half an hour up the road, ye see," replied the boy, who -still chuckled at his own joke, and wanted fain to repeat it.</p> - -<p class="normal">"But are you sure the blacksmith is there?" demanded Sir Osborne.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oy, oy!" replied the boy; "as sure as eggs are bacon, if he's not -coming back again. So, if ye go straight up along, you'll meet Jenkin -coming, and Dame Winny holding the lantern. Ha! ha! ha!"</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER IV.</h4> -<div class="poem0" style="margin-left:15%"> -<p class="continue">The first, forgive my verse if too diffuse,<br> -Performed the kitchen's and the parlour's use.</p> -</div> - -<p class="normal">It was quite dark when Sir Osborne Maurice arrived at the gate of the -hostel or inn, which consisted of a long row of low buildings, running -by the side of the road, with a straw-yard at the nearer end. Into -this the traveller guided his horse by the light of a horn lantern, -which was held by no other person than Dame Winny herself, while her -husband, Master Thumpum, pared the hoof of a stout gelding which stood -tied to the stable-door. Things were arranged differently in those -days from what they are now.</p> - -<p class="normal">As soon as the good lady heard the sound of a horse's feet entering -the court, she raised her melodious voice to notify to the servants of -the house a traveller's arrival.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Tim Chamberlain! Tim Chamberlain!" cried she, "here's a master on -horseback."</p> - -<p class="normal">The chamberlain, for by such sonorous title did he designate himself, -came forth at the summons, presenting not only the appearance of an -ostler, but of a bad ostler too; and after assisting the knight to -dismount, he took from the saddle the leathern bags which commonly -accompanied a traveller on a journey in those days, and running his -hand over the exterior, with the utmost nonchalance, endeavoured to -ascertain whether the contents were such as might be acceptable to any -of his good friends on the road.</p> - -<p class="normal">Sir Osborne's first care was of his horse, which he ordered to be -shod, for the purpose of proceeding immediately; but finding its foot -somewhat tender, he at length determined upon passing the night at the -inn rather than injure an animal on which his farther journey greatly -depended; and leaving the chamberlain to examine his bags more at his -leisure, he entered the kitchen, which was then the common room of -reception.</p> - -<p class="normal">Night had by this time rendered the air chilly; and the sight of a -large fire, which greeted his eye as he pushed open the door, promised -him at least that sort of reception for which he was most anxious, as -he did not propose to himself any great communion with those who might -be within. The apartment was not very inviting in any other particular -than the cheerful blazing of the large logs of wood with which the -earth was strewed, for the floor was of battened mud, and the various -utensils which hung round did not do great credit to the hostess's -housewifery.</p> - -<p class="normal">Much was the confusion which reigned amidst pans, kettles, pots, and -plates; and sundry were the positions of spits, gridirons, and ladles: -in short, it seemed as if the implements of cooking had all got drunk -after a hard day's work, and had tumbled over one another the best way -they could in search of repose. From the large black rafters overhead, -however, hung much that might gratify the eye of the hungry traveller, -for the kitchen seemed to serve for larder as well as drawing-room. -There might be seen the inimitable ham of York, with manifold sides of -bacon, and dangling capons, and cheeses store; and there, too, was the -large black turkey, in its native plumes, with endless strings of -sausages, and puddings beyond account. Nor was dried salmon wanting, -nor a net full of lemons, nor a bag of peas: in a word, it was a very -comfortably garnished roof, and in some degree compensated for the -disarray of the room that it overhung.</p> - -<p class="normal">In those days, the close of evening was generally the signal for every -traveller to betake himself to the nearest place of repose; and with -his circle round the fire, and his own peculiar chair placed in the -most approved corner of the vast chimney, mine host of the inn seldom -expected the arrival of any new guest after dark. It was then, if his -company were somewhat of his own degree, that he would tell his best -story, or crack his best joke; and sometimes even, after many an -overflowing flagon had gone round at the acknowledged expense of his -guests, he himself, too, would club his tankard of toast and ale, for -which, it is probable, he found sufficient means to make himself -kindly reparation in some other manner.</p> - -<p class="normal">In such course flowed by the moments at the inn, when Sir Osborne -Maurice, pushing open the door of the kitchen, interrupted the -landlord in the midst of an excellent good ghost story, and made the -whole of the rest of the party turn their heads suddenly round, and -fix their eyes upon the tall, graceful figure of the young knight, as -if he had been the actual apparition under discussion.</p> - -<p class="normal">The assembly at the kitchen-fire consisted only of six persons. Mine -host, as above stated, in his large arm-chair, was first in bulk and -dignity. Whether it be or not a peculiar quality in beer to turn -everything which contains a great quantity of it into the shape and -demeanour of a tun, has often struck me as a curious question in -natural philosophy; but certain it is that many innkeepers, but more -peculiarly the innkeeper in question, possess, and have possessed, and -probably will possess, so long as such a race exists, the size, -rotundity, profoundness, and abhorrence of locomotion, which are -considered as peculiar attributes of the above-named receptacle, as -well as the known quality of containing vast quantities of liquor. -Mine host was somewhat pale withal; but sundry carbuncles illuminated -his countenance, and gave an air of jollity to a face whose expression -was not otherwise very amiable.</p> - -<p class="normal">Next to this dignitary sat a worthy representative of a race now, -alas! long, long extinct, and indeed almost unrecorded.</p> - -<p class="normal">Oh! could old Hall or Holinshed have divined that the <i>Portingal -captain</i> would ever become an animal as much extinct as the mammoth or -the mastodon, leaving only a few scattered traces to mark the places -through which he wandered, what long and elaborate descriptions should -we not have had, to bear at least his memory down to coming ages! But -in the days of those worthy writers, Portugal, or, as they wrote it, -Portingal, was the land from which adventure and discovery issued -forth over the earth, ay, and over the water, too; and they never -dreamt that the flourishing kingdom whose adventurous seamen explored -every corner of the known world, and brought the fruits and treasures -of the burning zone to the frigid regions of the north, would ever -dwindle away so as to be amongst the nations of Europe like a sprat in -a shoal of herrings; or certainly they would have given us a full and -particular description of a Portingal captain, from the top of his -head down to the sole of his shoe.</p> - -<p class="normal">Luckily, however, the learned Vonderbrugius has supplied this defect -more to my purpose than any other writer could have done, not only by -describing a Portingal captain in the abstract, but the very identical -Portingal captain who there, at that moment, sat by the fireside.</p> - -<p class="normal">I have already hinted that the learned Theban's Latin is somewhat -obscure, and I will own that the beginning of his definition rather -puzzled me:--"<i>Capitanus Portingalensis est homo pedibus sex</i>----"</p> - -<p class="normal">It was very easy to construe the first four words, like a boy at -school: <i>Capitanus Portingalensis</i>, a Portugal captain; <i>est homo</i>, is -a man. That was all very natural; but when it came to <i>pedibus sex</i>, -with six feet, I was very much astonished, till I discovered that the -professor meant thus elegantly to express that he was six feet high.</p> - -<p class="normal">But before I proceed with the particular account, it may be necessary -to say a word or two upon the general history and qualifications of -the Portingal captains of that day. Portugal, as has been observed, -was then the cradle of adventurous merchantmen; that is to say, of men -who gained an honest livelihood by buying and selling, fetching and -carrying, lying and pilfering, thieving wholesale and retail, swearing -a great deal, and committing a little manslaughter when it was -necessary. With these qualifications, it may well be supposed that the -Portingal captains were known and esteemed in every quarter of the -globe except America; and as they were daring, hardy, boasting -fellows, who possessed withal a certain insinuating manner of giving -little presents of oranges, lemons, nutmegs, cinnamon, &c. to the good -dames of the houses where they were well received, as well as of -rendering every sort of unscrupulous service to the male part of the -establishment, it may equally well be supposed that some few people -shut them out of their houses, and called them 'thievish vagabonds,' -while a great many took them in, and thought them 'nice, good-humoured -gentlemen.'</p> - -<p class="normal">Freeholders of the ocean, their own country bound them by no very -strict laws; and if they broke the laws of any other, they took to -their ship, which was generally near, and, like the Greenwich -pensioner, 'went to sea again.' Speaking a jargon of all languages, -accommodating themselves to all customs, cheating and pilfering from -all nations, and caring not one straw more for one country than -another, they furnished the epitome, the <i>beau-ideal</i> of true citizens -of the world.</p> - -<p class="normal">The specimen of this dignified race who occupied a seat between mine -host and hostess was, as we have seen, six feet high, and what sailors -would term broad over the beam. His neck was rather of the longest, -and at the end of it was perched a mighty small head, whose front was -ornamented with a large nose, two little, dark, twinkling eyes under a -pair of heavy black brows, and a mouth of quite sufficient size to -serve a moderate-minded pair. Any one who has heard of a red Indian -may form some idea of his complexion, which would remind one of a -black sheep marked with red ochre; and from this rich soil sprang -forth and flourished a long thin pair of mustachios, something after -the Tartar mode. His dress was more tolerable than his face, -consisting of a dark-brown doublet slashed with light green, much -resembling a garden full of cabbage stalks, with trunks and hosen to -correspond; while in his belt appeared a goodly assortment of -implements for cutting and maiming, too numerous to be recited; and -between his legs, as he sat and rocked himself on his chair, he held -his long sword, with the point of which he ever and anon raked fresh -ashes round a couple of eggs that were roasting on the hearth.</p> - -<p class="normal">Smiling on this jewel of a captain sat our landlady in the next chair, -a great deal too pretty to mind the affairs of her house, and a great -deal too fine to be very good. Now, the captain was a dashing man, and -though he did not look tender, he looked tender things; and besides, -he was an old friend of the house, and had brought mine hostess many a -little sentimental present from parts beyond the sea; so that she -found herself justified in flirting with so amiable a companion by -smiles and glances, while her rotund husband poured forth his -ale-inspired tale.</p> - -<p class="normal">On the right hand of the hostess stood the cook, skewering up a fine -breast of house-lamb, destined for the rere-supper of a stout old -English clothier, Jekin Groby by name, who, placed in the other seat -of honour opposite mine host, leaned himself back in a delicious state -of drowsiness between sleeping and waking, just hearing the buzzing of -the landlord's story, with only sufficient apprehension left to catch -every now and then "<i>the ghost, the ghost</i>," and to combine that idea -with strange, misty phantasies in his sleep-embarrassed brain. The -sixth person was the turnspit-dog, who, freed from his Ixionian task, -sat on his rump facing his master, on whose countenance he gazed with -most sagacious eyes, seeming much more attentive to the tale than any -one else but the cook.</p> - -<p class="normal">As I have said, Sir Osborne threw open the door somewhat suddenly, -startling all within. Every one thought it was the ghost. The landlord -became motionless; the lady screamed, the cook ran the skewer into her -hand; the turnspit-dog barked; Jekin Groby knocked his head against -the chimney; and the Portingal captain ran one of the eggs through the -body with the point of his sword.</p> - -<p class="normal">It has been said that a good countenance is a letter of -recommendation, and to the taste of mine hostess it was the best -that could be given. Thus, after she had finished her scream, and had -time to regard the physiognomy of the ghost who threw open the -kitchen-door, she liked it so much better than that of the Portingal -captain, that she got up with her very best courtesy; drew a settle to -the fire next to herself; bade the turnspit hold his tongue; and -ordered Tim Chamberlain, who followed hard upon Sir Osborne's -footsteps, to prepare for his worship the tapestry-chamber.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I seem to have scared you all," said Sir Osborne, somewhat astonished -at the confusion which his entrance had caused. "What is the matter?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nay, marry, sir, 'twas nothing," replied the landlady, with a sweet -simper, "but a foolish ghost that my husband spoke of."</p> - -<p class="normal">"The foolish ghost has broke my head, I know," said Jekin Groby, -rubbing his pole, which had come in contact with the chimney.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nay, then, the ghost was rude as well as foolish," remarked Sir -Osborne, taking his seat.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ha! ha! well said, young gentleman," cried the honest clothier. "Nay, -now, I warrant thou hast a merry heart."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Thou wouldst be out," answered Sir Osborne: "my heart's a sad one;" -and he added a sigh that showed there was some truth in what he said, -though he said it lightly.</p> - -<p class="normal">"They sayo that thin doublets cover alway gay heart," said the -Portingal captain. "Now, senhor! your doublets was not very thick, -good youth."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Good youth!" said Sir Osborne, turning towards the speaker, whom he -had not before remarked, and glancing his eye over his person; "good -youth! what mean you by that, sir?" But as his eye fell upon the face -of the Portingal, his cheek suddenly reddened very high, and the -glance of the other sunk as if quelled by some powerful recollection. -"Oh, ho!" continued the knight, "a word with you, sir;" and rising, he -pushed away the settle, and walked towards the end of the room.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Pray don't fight, gentlemen!" cried the hostess, catching hold of the -skirt of Sir Osborne's doublet. "Pray don't fight! I never could bear -to see blood spilled. John Alesop! Husband! you are a constable; don't -let them fight!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Leave me, dame; you mistake me. We are not going to fight," said Sir -Osborne, leading her back to the fire; "I merely want to speak one -word to this fellow. Come here, sir!"</p> - -<p class="normal">The Portingal captain had by this time risen up to his full height; -but as he marched doggedly after the young knight, there was a -swinging stoop in his long neck that greatly derogated from the -dignity of his demeanour. Sir Osborne spoke to him for some time in a -low voice, to which he replied nothing but "Dios! It's nothing to I! -Vary well! Not a word!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Remember, then," said the knight, somewhat louder, "if I find you use -your tongue more than your prudence, I will, slit your ears!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Pan de Dios! you are the only man that dare to say me so," muttered -the captain, following towards the fire, at which the knight now -resumed his seat, and where mine host was expatiating to Jekin Groby, -the hostess, the cook, and the turnspit-dog, upon the propriety of -every constable letting gentlemen settle their differences their own -way. "For," said he, "what is the law made for? Why, to punish the -offender. Now, if there is no offence committed, there is no offender. -Then would the law be of no use; therefore, to make the law useful, -one ought to let the offence be committed without intermeddling, which -would be rendering the law of no avail."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Very true," said his wife.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Why, there's something in it," said Jekin Groby; "for when I was at -court, the king himself ordered two gentlemen to fight. Lord a' mercy! -it seemed to me cruel strange!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nay, when wert thou at court, Master Jekin?" demanded the landlord.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Why, have I ate lamb and drank ale at thy house twice every year," -demanded the indignant clothier, "and knowest thou not, John Alesop, -that I am clothier, otherwise cloth merchant, to his most Gracious -Grace King Henry? And that twice he has admitted me into his dignified -presence? And once that I staid six weeks at the Palace at -Westminster? Oh! it is a prince of a king! Lord a' mercy! you never -saw his like!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nay, nay, I heard not of it," replied the landlord. "But come, Master -Jekin, as these gentlemen don't seem inclined to fight, tell us all -about the court, and those whom you saw there, while the lamb is -roasting."</p> - -<p class="normal">The honest clothier was willing enough to tell his story, and, -including even the knight, every one seemed inclined to hear him, -except indeed the Portingal captain, who was anxious to recommence his -flirtation with Master Alesop's dame. But she, having by chance heard -a word or two about slitting of ears, turned up her nose at her -foreign innamorato, and prepared herself to look at Sir Osborne -Maurice, and to listen to Jekin Groby.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh! it is a prodigious place, the court!" said the clothier, "a very -prodigious place, indeed. But, to my mind, the finest thing about it -is the king himself. Never was such a king; so fine a man, or so noble -in his apparel! I have seen him wear as many as three fresh suits a -day. Then for the broidery, and the cloth of gold, and the cloth of -silver, and the coat of goldsmiths' work: there was a world of riches! -And amongst the nobles, too, there was more wealth on their backs than -in their hearts or their heads, I'll warrant. The nobility of the land -is quite cast away, since the youngsters went to fetch back the Lady -Mary from France, after her old husband the French king died. None but -French silks worn; and good English cloth, forsooth, is too coarse for -their fine backs! And then the French fashions, too, not only touch -the doublet, but affect the vest and the nether end; so that, with -chamfreed edging, and short French breeches, they make such a comely -figure, that except it were a dog in a doublet, you shall not see any -so disguised as our young nobility."<a name="div4Ref_02" href="#div4_02"><sup>[2]</sup></a></p> - -<p class="normal">While the good clothier proceeded, the Portingal had more than once -fidgeted on his seat, as if with some willingness to evade the -apartment; and at length had risen and was quietly proceeding towards -the door, when the eye of Sir Osborne Maurice fixed upon him, with a -sort of stern authority in its glance, which he seemed well to -understand; for, without more ado, he returned to his settle, and -showed as if he had merely risen to stretch the unwieldy length of his -legs by a turn upon the floor.</p> - -<p class="normal">In the mean time, Jekin Groby went on.</p> - -<p class="normal">"It is a lewd age and a bad, I wot, and the next will be a worse, -seeing that all our young gallants are so full of strange phantasies; -that is, not to say all, for there is the young Earl of Derby, God -bless his noble heart! He is an honest one and a merry, and right -English to the core. One day he meets me in the ante-chamber, where I -had always leave to stand to see all the world go in and out, and he -says to me, 'Honest Jekin Groby,' says he, 'dost thou stand here in -the ante-room waiting for my Lord Cardinal's place, if he should -chance to die?' 'Nay, my good lord,' I was bold to answer, 'I know -that here I am out of place, yet my Lord Cardinal's would not suit -me.' So then he laughed. 'Why not?' says he, 'for certainly thou art -of the cloth.' But hark! they are crying in the court."</p> - -<p class="normal">The honest clothier was right, for sundry sounds began to make -themselves heard in the court-yard, announcing the arrival of no -inconsiderable party, which, if one might judge by the vociferation of -the servants, consisted of people that made some noise in the world.</p> - -<p class="normal">Up started mine host as well as his rotundity would let him; up -started mine hostess, and out rushed the cook; while, at the same -moment, a bustling lacquey with riding-whip in hand, pushed into the -kitchen, exclaiming, "What's this! what's this! But one tapestried -room, and that engaged? Nonsense! it must be had, and shall be had, -for my young lady and her woman!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"A torch! a torch!" cried a voice without. "This way, lady. The rain -is coming on very hard; we shall be much better here."</p> - -<p class="normal">All eyes turned towards the door with that anxious curiosity which -every small body of human beings feels when another person is about to -be added to the little world of the moment. But fastidious, indeed, -must have been the taste that could have found anything unpleasing in -the form that entered. It was that of a sweet, fair girl, in the -spring of womanhood: every feature was delicate and feminine, every -limb was small and graceful: yet with that rounded fulness which is -indispensable to perfect beauty. Her colour was not high, but it was -fine; and when she found herself before so many strangers, it grew -deeper and deeper, till it might have made the rose look pale. I hate -long descriptions. She was lovely, and I have said enough.</p> - -<p class="normal">By this time the hostess had advanced, and a venerable old man in a -clerical robe had followed into the room, while mine host himself -rolled forward to see what best could be done for the accommodation of -the large party that seemed willing to honour his inn with their -presence.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I heard something about the best chamber being engaged," said the -young lady, in a voice that sweetly corresponded with her person, at -the same time turning half towards the hostess, half towards the -clergyman. "I beg that I may disturb no one. Any chamber will do for -me and my woman, if you think we cannot reach the manor to-night."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ay! but if we can have the best chamber, I don't see why not, lady," -said the lady's-maid, who by this time had followed.</p> - -<p class="normal">Sir Osborne Maurice advanced. "If it is to me," said he, "that the -best chamber has been assigned, I shall feel myself honoured in -resigning it to a lady, but infinitely more, if my memory serves me -right, and that lady be Lady Constance de Grey."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Good heaven, Master Osborne Maurice!" said the lady, colouring again -with evidently no very unpleasant feelings. "I thought you were in -Flanders. When did----?"</p> - -<p class="normal">But she had no time to finish her phrase, for the old clergyman cast -himself upon Sir Osborne's neck, and wept like a child. "My dear -Osborne!" cried he, "how? when? where? But I am a fool; how like you -have grown to your dear lady mother! Pardon me, my lord--I mean, -sir--I don't know what I'm talking of. But you know you were my first -pupil, and like my child; and I never thought to see you again before -my old eyes were covered with the dust. Alack! alack! what a fine man -thou art grown! 'Tis just five years, come May, since you came to take -leave of me at the house of this my honoured lady's father; and mind -you how you taught her to shoot with the bow, and how pleased my good -lord her father was to see you?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"I have not forgotten one circumstance of the kind hospitality I then -received," said Sir Osborne, "and never shall, so long as I have -memory of anything."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ay, but she has lost the archery," said the old clergyman. "She has -lost it entirely."</p> - -<p class="normal">"But I have not lost the bow, Master Osborne," said the lady, with a -smile: "I have it still, and shall some day relearn to draw it."</p> - -<p class="normal">There was a strange difference between the manner of the clergyman and -that of the lady, when addressing the young knight. Lady Constance -evidently saw him with pleasure; but she seemed to feel, or to -suppose, that there existed between them a difference of rank, which -made some reserve on her part necessary, while, on the contrary, the -old man gave way to unlimited joy at meeting with his former pupil, -though qualified by an air of respect and deference which mingled -strangely with the expressions of fondness that he poured forth.</p> - -<p class="normal">By this time, the host and hostess having removed from the fire, and -the Portingal captain having quietly slipped away in the bustle, no -one remained near it but Jekin Groby; and, he not being very terrific -of aspect, Lady Constance placed herself in one of the vacant seats -till such time as her chamber should be prepared. Sir Osborne wrung -the old tutor's hand affectionately, and whispered, while he followed -to the side of Lady Constance, "I have a word to say to you, and much -upon which to consult you."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Good, good!" replied the old man, in the same subdued tone, "when the -lady has retired."</p> - -<p class="normal">Having seated themselves round the fire, the conversation was soon -renewed, especially between the tutor and Sir Osborne: Lady Constance -sometimes joining in with her sweet musical voice, and her gentle, -engaging manner, and sometimes falling into deep reveries, which -seemed not of the happiest nature, if one might judge by the grave, -and even sad cast that her countenance took, as she fixed her eyes -upon the embers, and appeared to study deeply the various forms they -offered to her view.</p> - -<p class="normal">In the mean time, the clergyman gradually engaged Sir Osborne to -detail some of the adventures which he had met with during the five -years that he had served in the Imperial army then combating in -Flanders; and then he spoke of "moving accidents by flood and field, -of hair-breadth 'scapes in th' imminent deadly breach," and of much -that he had seen, mingled with some small portions of what he himself -had done; and yet, when he told any of his own deeds that had met with -great success, he took care to attribute all to his good fortune and a -happy chance. It was thus, he said, that, by a most lucky coincidence, -he happened to take two standards of the enemy before the eyes of the -late Emperor Maximilian, who, as a recompense, honoured him with -knighthood from his own sword.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Indeed!" exclaimed Lady Constance, waking from her reverie; "then I -do congratulate you most sincerely. The road to fortune and to fame is -now open to you, Sir Osborne, and I feel sure, I know, that you will -reach the goal."</p> - -<p class="normal">"A thousand thanks, lady, for your good augury!" replied the knight; -"nor do I lack hope, though there are so many competitors in the field -of fame that the difficulty of winning renown is increased. In the -army of Flanders there is many an aspirant with whom it is hard to -contend."</p> - -<p class="normal">"True," replied Lady Constance; "but even that makes the contention -more honourable. Oh! we have heard of that army, and its feats of -arms, even here. We cannot be supposed to have received the names of -all those who have done high deeds; but they say that the young Lord -Darnley, the son of the unhappy Earl Fitzbernard, is realizing the -tales of the knights of old. You must have met him, Sir Osborne -Maurice. Do you know him?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"I cannot say that I know him well," replied the knight, "though we -have served long in the same army. He has gained some renown, it is -true, but there are many men-at-arms as good as he."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I know not well why," said Lady Constance after a pause; "but I have -always been much interested in that young gentleman's history. The -unexpected, and seemingly undeserved, train of misfortunes that fell -upon his house, and the accounts that all men give of his gallantry -and daring, his courtesy and accomplishments, have made him quite one -of my heroes of romance."</p> - -<p class="normal">Whether it, be true that very high praises of another will frequently -excite some small degree of envy, even in the most amiable minds, -matters not; but Sir Osborne did not seem very easy in his chair while -Lady Constance recited the high qualities of his companion in arms. "I -have heard," replied he at length, "that the fame which Lord Darnley -has acquired, either justly or unjustly, has even reached the ears of -our sovereign lord the king, and has worked much in favour of those -claims which his family make to their forfeited estates. It is well -known that his grace is the flower of this world's chivalry; and as -the young lord is somewhat skilful in the tournois, and at the -barriers, the king has, I hear, expressed a wish to see him, which, if -he should come over, may turn favourably to his cause."</p> - -<p class="normal">"God grant it may!" said Lady Constance, "although I have never seen -the young gentleman, and though the person who now holds his estates -is cousin to my deceased father----"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Good God! is it possible?" exclaimed Sir Osborne, "that my lord your -father is dead? But I might have divined it from seeing you here -alone."</p> - -<p class="normal">Lady Constance sighed. "I am indeed alone in all the world," said -she. "My father has been dead these three years. My Lord Cardinal -Wolsey claims me as ward of the crown; and as I am now in my -one-and-twentieth year, he calls me to a place I hate: the court. -Knowing no one there, loved of no one there, I shall feel like an -inexperienced being in a sad, strange world. But when the time comes -that I may command my own actions, if they will ever let me do so, I -will return to my father's halls, and live amongst my own tenantry. -But to change a painful subject, my good father," she continued, -turning to the clergyman, "were it not well to send a messenger to Sir -Payan Wileton, to let him know that we shall not arrive at his house -to-night, though we will take our forenoon meal with him to-morrow?"</p> - -<p class="normal">The old clergyman seemed somewhat embarrassed. "I know not what to -do," said he. "'Twould be better not to go at all, yet what can be -done? You promised to go as you went to London, and one ought always -to keep one's promise. So what can the lady do?" And he turned -abruptly to Sir Osborne, not so much as if he asked his advice as if -he made him an apology.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Why, the lady had certainly better keep her word," answered Sir -Osborne, with a smile; "but you know, my good old friend, that I -cannot judge of the circumstances."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ay, true; I forgot," answered the other. "She must go, I am afraid, -though she knows what the man is, and dislikes him as much as any -one----"</p> - -<p class="normal">At this moment the chamberlain entered, with Lady Constance's woman, -announcing that the tapestry chamber was now warmed and lighted; and -the young lady left them, with many apologies to Sir Osborne for -depriving him of his apartment.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I warrant you, madam," said Tim Chamberlain, "his worship will be -well lodged; for 'tis but the next room to that he had, and 'tis all -as good, bating the tapestry."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I am a soldier, lady," said Sir Osborne, "and not much accustomed to -tapestry to my chamber, without it be the blue hangings of the sky, -spangled with the starry broidery of heaven; but in truth I wish they -had given me but a tramper's garret, that I might at least have had -some merit in giving up the room."</p> - -<p class="normal">As the honest clothier, Jekin Groby, who was little heedful of -ceremony, still sat by the fire, though apparently dipped deeply in -the Lethean stream of an afternoon's doze, the conversation of Sir -Osborne Maurice with his old tutor could not be so private as they -could have wished, especially as the cook and the chamberlain were -bustling about laying forth a table for the rere-supper, and two or -three lacqueys who had accompanied the litter of Lady Constance were -running in and out, endeavouring to make as much noise as possible -about nothing. However, they found an opportunity to appoint a place -of meeting in London, to which both were journeying, and it was agreed -that the first arrived should there wait for the other. Many questions -concerning the state of England did Sir Osborne ask of the old man, -for whom he seemed to entertain both reverence and love, and deeply -did he ponder all the answers he received. Often also did the tutor -look anxiously in the face of the young knight, and often did Sir -Osborne return it with the same kind of hesitating glance, as if there -were some subject on which they both wished to speak, yet doubted -whether to begin.</p> - -<p class="normal">At length Sir Osborne spoke out, more to the clergyman's thoughts than -his words. "We will talk of all that hereafter in London," said he; -"'twere too long to expose now. But, tell me one thing: know you, my -good father, a celebrated man called in Italy Cesario il dotto? Is he -to be trusted? For I met with him to-day, when he much astonished me, -and much won upon my opinion; but I knew not how far I might confide -in him, though he is certainly a most extraordinary man."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Trust your life in his hands!" exclaimed the tutor. "He is your -father's best and dearest friend, and never has he ceased his efforts -to serve him. We used much to dispute, for I am bound by my calling to -hold his studies as evil; but certainly his knowledge was wonderful, -and his intentions were good. God forgive him if he err in his -opinions! as in truth he does, holding strange phantasies of many -sorts of spirits, more than the church allows, with various things -altogether heretical and vain. But, as I have said, trust him with -your life, if it be necessary; for he is a true friend and a good man, -although his knowledge and his art be altogether damnable and -profane."</p> - -<p class="normal">"'Tis strange I never heard my father name him," said Sir Osborne.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh! he bore another name once," replied the tutor, "which he changed -when he first gave himself to those dangerous studies that have since -rendered him so famous. It is a custom among such men to abjure their -name; but he had another reason, being joined in a famous conspiracy -some thirty years ago."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Why," said Sir Osborne, "he does not seem a very old man now!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"He is full eighty," replied the clergyman; "and there is the wonder, -for he seems never to change. For twenty years he was absent from -England, except when he came to be present at your birth. At length -everybody had forgotten him but your father, and he is now only known -by the name of Sir Cesar. Yet, strange as it may seem, he is received -and courted by the great; he knows the secrets and affairs of every -one, and possesses much influence even in the court. It is true I know -his former name, but under so strict a vow to conceal it that it can -never pass my lips."</p> - -<p class="normal">"But how came he present at my birth?" demanded Sir Osborne, whose -curiosity was now highly excited.</p> - -<p class="normal">"He came to calculate your nativity," replied the tutor, "which he did -upon a scroll of parchment----"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Fifty-six yards long by three yards broad," said Jekin Groby, waking, -"which makes just one hundred and sixty-eight: yaw---- Bless me, I -forgot! Is supper ready? Host, host! Cook, serve quick, and these -gentles will take a bit of my lamb, I am sure."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I thank you, good sir," said the knight, "but I must to bed, for I -ride betimes to-morrow."</p> - -<p class="normal">"So do I, faith," said the clothier; "and by your leave, sir knight, -I'll ride with you, if you go toward Lunnun; for my bags are well -lined, and company's a blessing in these days of plunder and robbery."</p> - -<p class="normal">"With all my heart," replied Sir Osborne; "so that you have your horse -saddled by half-past five, we will to Canterbury together."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, I'll be ready, I'll be ready," said the clothier; "but sure -you'll stay and taste the lamb and ale? See how it hisses and -crackles! Oh! 'tis a rare morsel, a neck of lamb! Stay stay!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"I thank you, 'tis not possible," replied the knight. "Good night, my -excellent old friend!" he continued, pressing the tutor's hand. "We -shall soon meet, then, at the house of your relation, Doctor Butts: -till then, farewell!"</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER V.</h4> -<div class="poem0" style="margin-left:15%"> -<p style="text-indent:20%">You have the captives, -Who were the opposites of this day's strife! -We do require them of you, so to use them -As we shall find their merits and our safety -May equally determine.--<span class="sc">Shakspere</span>.</p> -</div> - -<p class="normal">The chamber of Sir Osborne Maurice was next to that of Lady Constance -de Grey, and from time to time he could hear through the partition the -sweet murmuring of her voice, as she spoke to the woman who undressed -her. Whatever were the thoughts these sounds called up, the young -soldier did not sleep, but lay pondering over his fate, his brain -troubled by a host of busy meditations that would not let him rest. It -was not that he either was in love with Lady Constance, or fancied -himself in love with her, though he neither wanted ardour of feeling -nor quickness of imagination; and yet he thought over all she said -with strange sensations of pleasure, and tried to draw the graceful -outline of her figure upon the blank darkness of the night. And then, -again, he called up the fortnight that he spent some five years before -at the mansion of her father, when he had gone thither to bid farewell -to his old tutor; and he remembered every little incident as though -'twere yesterday. Still, all the while, he never dreamed of love. He -gave way to those thoughts as to a pleasant vision, which filled up -sweetly the moments till sleep should fall upon his eyelids; and yet -he found that the more he thought in such a train, the less likely was -he to slumber. At length the idea of the Portingal captain crossed his -mind, and he strove to fix at what moment it was that that worthy had -quitted the kitchen of the inn, by recalling the last time he -positively had been there. He tried, however, in vain, and in the -midst of the endeavour he fell asleep.</p> - -<p class="normal">The sun had fully risen by the time Sir Osborne awoke; and finding -himself later than he had intended, he dressed himself hurriedly and -ran down to the court, where he met the honest clothier already -prepared to set out. His own horse, thanks to the care of Jekin Groby, -had been accoutred also; and as nothing remained for him to do but to -pay his reckoning and depart, all was soon ready, and the travellers -were on the road.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ah, ha! sir knight," said the clothier, with good-humoured -familiarity, as Sir Osborne sprang into the saddle, "what would they -say in camp if it were known that Jekin Groby, the Kentish clothier, -was in the field before you? Ha, ha, ha! that's good! And you talked, -too, of being off by cock-crow! Lord 'a mercy! poor old chanticleer -has almost thrawn his own neck with crowing, and you never heeded his -piping."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I have been very lazy," said the knight, "and know not, in truth, how -it has happened. But tell me, honest Master Groby, did you remark last -night at what hour it was that the vagabond Portingallo took his -departure?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Why, 'twas just when my young lady, Mistress Constance, came in," -said the clothier; "he slipped away, just as I've seen a piece of -cloth slip off a shelf, fold by fold, so quietly that no one heard it, -till, flump! it was all gone together. But, bless us!" he continued, -"how comical! our horses are both of a colour. Never did I see such a -match, only mine has got a white foot, which is a pity. Bought him in -Yorkshire when I went down after the cloth. Them damned cheats, -however, painted me his white foot, and 'twas not till I'd had him a -week that I saw his foot begin to change colour. Vast cheats in -Yorkshire! Steal a man's teeth out of his head if he sleeps with his -mouth open."</p> - -<p class="normal">"It is a good horse, though," said Sir Osborne; "rather heavy in the -shoulder. But it is a good strong horse, and would bear a man-at-arms -well, I doubt not."</p> - -<p class="normal">Jekin Groby was somewhat of a judge in horse-flesh, notwithstanding -his having been gulled by the Yorkshire jockeys; and, what was more, -he piqued himself upon his knowledge, so that he soon entered upon a -strain of conversation with Sir Osborne which could only be -interesting to connoisseurs. This continued some way as they trotted -along the road, which offered no appearance of anything bearing the -human form divine, till they came to a spot where the way had been cut -between two high banks, formed of chalky soil mingled with veins of -large flints. On the summit of one of these banks was perched a man, -who seemed looking out for something, as he stood motionless, gazing -down the road towards them. Upon his shoulder he carried a pole, or -staff, as it was called, some thirteen feet long, with a sharp iron -head, such as was frequently carried by the people of the country in -those days, serving both as a means of aggression or defence, and as a -sort of leaping-pole wherewith they cleared the deep ditches by which -the country was in many parts intersected. The man himself was -apparently above the ordinary height. Whoever he was, and whatever was -his occupation, no sooner did he see the travellers, than, descending -the bank by means of the veins of flint, which served him as steps, he -ran on as hard as he could, and then, turning off through a little -stile, was seen proceeding rapidly across a field beyond.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Did you remark that fellow with his long pole?" demanded Sir Osborne. -"We have frightened him: look, he runs!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"He is vexed to see more than one at a time, sir knight," replied -Jekin Groby. "God's fish! I am glad I had your worship with me."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Why, he can mean us no harm," said Sir Osborne. "The moment a man -flies he changes from <i>your</i> enemy and becomes his own. But that -fellow was evidently looking out for some one: now, if he know not -that you are travelling here with your bags well lined, as you express -it, which doubtless you are too wise a man to give notice of to every -one, he cannot be watching for <i>us</i>, for my plunder would not be worth -his having. I rather think he is some fellow hawking fowl, by the long -staff he has on his shoulder."</p> - -<p class="normal">"It may be so," replied the cloth-merchant. "One is bound to think -charitably, and never to judge rashly; but i'faith, I am mistaken if -he is not a vast rogue. As to their not knowing that my bags are -pretty full of angels, trust them for that. No one is robbed without -the consent of the chamberlain or hostler where last he lodged. The -moment you are off your beast, they whip you up your cap-case or -budget, as it may happen; and if they can't find out by the weight, -they give it a shake, after such a sort as to make the pieces jingle. -Then again, as for his pole or staff, as you term it, those fellows -with their staves are so commonly known for robbery on the road, that -no honest man rides without his case of dags at his saddle-bow, or -something of the kind to deal with them out of reach of their pike, -which sort of snapper, truly, I see your worship has got as well as -myself."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh! you need not fear them," said Sir Osborne, somewhat amused at the -alarm of the clothier, though willing to allay it. "You are a stout -man, and I am not quite a schoolboy."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh! I fear them! I don't fear them," replied Jekin, affecting a -virtue which he had not; for though, in truth, not very sensible to -fear of a mere personal nature, yet his terror at the idea of losing -his angels was most pious and exemplary. "A couple of true men are -worth forty of them; and besides, the fellow has run away. So now to -what I was telling your worship about the horse. He cleared the fence -and the ditch on t'other side; but then there was again another low -fence, not higher, nor--let me see--not higher nor---- Zounds! there's -Longpole again! Lord! how he runs! He's a-poaching, sure enough." But -to continue.</p> - -<p class="normal">During the next mile's journey, the same occurrence was repeated four -or five times, till at last the appearance of the man with the staff, -whom Jekin Groby had by this time christened Longpole, was hardly -noticed either by the knight or his companion. In the mean time the -horsemen proceeded but slowly, and at length reached a spot where the -high bank broke away, and the hedge receding left a small open space -of what appeared to be common ground. Its extent perhaps might be half -an acre, lying in the form of a decreasing wedge between two thick -hedges, full of leafless stunted oaks, terminated by a clump of larger -trees, which probably hung over a pond. Thus it made a sort of little -vista, down which the eye naturally wandered, resting upon all the -tranquil, homely forms it presented, with perhaps more pleasure than a -vaster or a brighter scene could have afforded. Sir Osborne looked -down it for a moment, then suddenly reined in his horse, and pointing -with his hand, cried to Jekin Groby, who was a little in advance, "I -see two men hiding behind those trees, and a third there in the hedge. -Gallop quick; 'tis an ambush!"</p> - -<p class="normal">The clothier instantly spurred forward his horse; but his passage was -closed by two sturdy fellows, armed with the sort of staves which had -obtained for their companion the name of Longpole. Animated with the -same courage in defence of his angels that inspires a hen in -protection of her chickens, Jekin Groby drew forth his dags, or -horse-pistols, and, with the bridle in his teeth, aimed one at the -head of each of his antagonists. The aggressors jumped aside, and -would probably have let him pass, had he not attempted too boldly to -follow up his advantage. He pulled the triggers, the hammers fell, but -no report ensued; and it was then he felt the folly of not having well -examined his arms before he left the inn.</p> - -<p class="normal">In the mean while Sir Osborne Maurice was not unemployed. At the same -moment that Jekin Groby had been attacked, a man forced his way -through the hedge, and opposed himself to the knight, while sundry -others hastened towards them. Sir Osborne's first resource was his -pistol, which, like those of the clothier, had been tampered with at -the inn. But the knight lost not his presence of mind, and spurred on -his horse even against the pike. The animal, long accustomed to combat -where still more deadly weapons were employed, reared up, and with a -bound brought the knight clear of the staff, and within reach of his -adversary, on whose head Sir Osborne discharged such a blow with the -butt-end of his pistol as laid him senseless on the ground.</p> - -<p class="normal">With a glance of lightning he saw that at least a dozen more were -hurrying up, and that the only chance left was to deal suddenly with -the two, who were now in a fair way to pull the clothier off his -horse, and having despatched them, to gallop on with all speed. -Without loss of a moment, therefore, he drew his sword and spurred -forward. One of honest Jekin's assailants instantly faced about, and, -with his pike rested on his foot, steadfastly opposed the cavalier. -However, he was not so dexterous in the use of his weapon that Sir -Osborne could not by rapidly wheeling his horse obtain a side view of -the pike, when by one sweeping blow of his long-sword he cleft it in -twain. One moment more and the unhappy pikeman's head and shoulders -would have parted company, for an arm of iron was swaying the edge of -the weapon rapidly towards his neck, when suddenly a powerful man -sprang upon the knight's horse behind, and pinioned his arms with a -force which, though it did not entirely disable him, saved the life of -his antagonist.</p> - -<p class="normal">Using a strong effort, Sir Osborne so far disengaged his arms as to -throw back the pommel of his sword into the chest of this new -adversary, who in a moment was rolling in the dust; but as he fell, -another sprang up again behind the knight, and once more embarrassed -his arms: others seized the horse's bridle, and others pressed upon -him on every side. Still Sir Osborne resisted, but it was in vain. A -cord was passed through his arms, and gradually tightened behind, in -spite of his struggling, where, being tied, it rendered all further -efforts useless.</p> - -<p class="normal">Hitherto not a word had been spoken by either party. It seemed as if, -by mutual understanding, the attacking and the attacked had forborne -any conversation upon a subject which they knew could not be decided -by words.</p> - -<p class="normal">At length, however, when they had pulled Sir Osborne Maurice off his -horse, and placed him by the side of Jekin Groby, who had now long -been in the same situation, the tallest of the party, evidently no -other than the agreeable gentleman who had watched them along the road -with such peculiar care, and whom we shall continue to call Longpole, -advanced, holding his side, which was still suffering from the pommel -of Sir Osborne's sword; and after regarding them both, he addressed -himself to the knight, with much less asperity than might have been -expected from the resistance he had met with. "Thou hit'st damned -hard!" said he; "and I doubt thou hast broken one of my ribs with thy -back-heave. Howsoever, I know not which of you is which, now I've got -you. Faith, they should have described me the men, not the horses; -both the horses are alike."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Is your wish to rob us or not?" said Sir Osborne; "because in robbing -us both you are sure to rob the right. Only leave us our horses, and -let us go; for to cut our throats will serve you but little."</p> - -<p class="normal">"If I wished to rob thee, my gentleman," answered Longpole, "I'd cut -thy throat too, for breaking my companion's head, who lies there in -the road as if he were dead, or rather as if he were asleep, for he's -snoring like the father-hog of a large family, the Portingallo -vagabond! However, I'll have you both away; then those who sent to -seek you will know which it is they want. Hollo there! knock that -fellow down that's fingering the bags. If one of you touch a stiver -I'll make your skins smart for it."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I see several Portingals," said Sir Osborne, "or I mistake. Is it not -so?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ay, Portingals and Dutchers, and such like mixed," replied Longpole. -"But come; you must go along."</p> - -<p class="normal">A light now broke upon the mind of Sir Osborne. "Listen," cried he to -the Englishman, as he was preparing to lead them away; "how comes it -that you Englishmen join yourselves with a beggarly race of wandering -vagabonds to revenge the quarrel of a base-born Portingallo captain -upon one of your own countrymen? Give me but a moment, and you shall -hear whether he did not deserve the punishment I inflicted."</p> - -<p class="normal">Longpole seemed willing to hear, and one or two others came round, -while the rest employed themselves in quieting the knight's horse, -that, finding himself in hands he was unaccustomed to, began plunging -and kicking most violently.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I will be short," said the knight. "This Portingal had agreed to -furnish a cargo of fruits to the Imperial army in Flanders; 'tis now -two years ago, for we had a malignant fever in the camp. He got the -money when they were landed, and was bringing them under a small -escort, which I commanded, when we found our junction cut off by the -right wing of the enemy's army, which had wheeled. The greatest -exertion was necessary to pass round through a hollow way; the least -noise, the least flutter of a pennon, would have betrayed us to the -French outposts, who were not more than a bow-shot from us, when our -Portingal stopped in the midst, and vowed he would not go on, unless I -promised to pay him double for the fruit, and not to tell anybody of -what he had done. If I had run my lance through him, as I was tempted, -his companions would have made a noise, and we were lost; so I was -obliged to promise. He knew he could trust the word of an English -knight, so he went on quietly enough, and got his money; but then I -took him out into a field, and after a struggle, I tied him to a tree, -and lashed him with my stirrup-leathers till his back was flayed. He -was not worth a knight's sword, or I would have swept his head off. -But tell me, is it for this a party of Englishmen maltreat their -countrymen?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"You served him right, young sir," answered Longpole; "and I remember -that malignant fever well, for I was then fletcher to Sir John -Pechie's band of horse archers. But, nevertheless, you must come -along; for the Portingallo and his men only lend a hand in taking you -to Sir Payan Wileton, who tells us a very different story, and does -not make you out a knight at all."</p> - -<p class="normal">Sir Osborne replied nothing (for it seemed that the name of Sir Payan -Wileton showed him reply was in vain), but suffered himself to be led -on in silence by Longpole and five of bid stoutest companions, while -the rest were directed to follow with Jekin Groby and the two horses, -as soon as the Portuguese whom the knight had stunned should be in a -fit state to be removed.</p> - -<p class="normal">For some way Sir Osborne was conducted along the highroad without any -attempt at concealment on the part of those who guarded him; and even -at a short distance from the spot where the affray had happened they -stopped to speak with a carter, who was slowly driving his team on to -the village. "Ah! Dick," said he, addressing Longpole, "what hast been -at?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Why, faith," answered the other, "I don't well know. It's a job of -his worship's. You know he has queer ways with him; and when he tells -one to do a thing, one knows well enough what the beginning is, but -what the end of it is to be no one knows but himself. He says that -this gentleman is the man who excited the miners on his Cornish lands -to riot and insurrection, and a deal more, so that he will have him -taken. He don't look it, does he? If it had been to-morrow I'd not -have gone upon the thing, for to-day my sworn service is out."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ay! ay!" said the other; "'tis hard to know Sir Payan. Howsomdever, -he has got all the land round about, one way or t'other, and -everything must yield to him, for no one ever withstood him but what -some mischance fell upon him. Mind you how, when young Davors went to -law with him, and gained his cause, about seven acres' field, he was -drowned in the pond when out hawking, not a year after? Do not cross -him, man! do not cross him! for either God's blessing or the devil's -is upon him, and you'll come to harm some way if you do!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"I'll not cross him, but I'll leave him," said Longpole; "for I like -neither what I see nor what I hear of him, and less what I do for him. -So, fare thee well, boy."</p> - -<p class="normal">Sir Osborne Maurice had fallen into a profound reverie, from which he -did not wake during the whole of the way. The astrologer's prediction -of approaching evil, and a thousand other circumstances of still more -painful presage, came thronging upon his mind, and took away from him -all wish or power either to question his conductors or to devise any -plan for escape, had escape been possible.</p> - -<p class="normal">The way was long, and the path which Longpole and his companions -followed led through a variety of green fields and lanes, silent and -solitary, which gave the young knight full time to muse over his -situation. Had he given credit to the words of his conductor, and for -an instant supposed that the reason of his having been so suddenly -seized was the charge of instigating a body of Cornish miners to -tumult, he would have felt, no apprehension; for he knew it would be -easy to clear himself of crimes committed in a county which he had -never seen in his life. But Sir Osborne felt that if such a charge -were brought forward, it would merely be as a pretext to place him in -the power of his bitterest enemies.</p> - -<p class="normal">The manner in which he had been made a prisoner, so different from the -open, fair course of any legal proceeding, the persons who had seized -him bearing no appearance of officers of the law, the doubt that the -chief of them had himself expressed as to the veracity of the charge, -and the presence of a set of smuggling Portuguese sailors, all showed -evidently to Sir Osborne that his detention solely originated in some -deep wile of a man famous for his daring cunning and his evil deeds. -Yet still, knowing the full extent of his danger, and blessed with a -heart unused to quail to any circumstance of fate, the knight would -have felt no apprehension, had not odd little Human Nature, who always -keeps a grain or two of superstition in the bottom of her snuff-box, -continually reminded him of the prophecy of his singular companion of -the day before, and reproached him for not having followed the advice -which would infallibly have removed him from the difficulties by which -he was now surrounded. The mysterious vagueness, too, the shadowy -uncertainty, of the predicted evil, which seemed even now in its -accomplishment, in despite of all his efforts, weighed upon his mind; -and it was not till the long, heavy brick front of an old manor-house -met his view, giving notice that he was near the place of his -destination, that he could arouse his energies to encounter what was -to follow.</p> - -<p class="normal">The large folding-doors leading into a stone hall were pushed open by -his conductors, and Sir Osborne was brought in, and made to sit down -upon a bench by the fire. One or two servants only were in the hall; -and they, unlike the persons who brought him, were dressed in -livery, with the cognizance of Sir Payan--a snake twisted round a -crane--embroidered on the sleeve. "His worship is in the book-room, -Dick," said one of the men; "take your prisoner there."</p> - -<p class="normal">These few words were all that passed, for an ominous sort of silence -seemed to hang over the dwelling, and affected all within it. Without -reply, Longpole led the young knight forward, followed by two of those -who had assisted in securing him; and at the end of a long corridor, -which terminated the hall, knocked at a door in a recess.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Come in!" cried a voice within; and the moment after, Sir Osborne -found himself confronted with the man whose name we have often had -occasion to mention with but little praise in the course of the -preceding pages, Sir Payan Wileton. He was seated in an arm-chair, at -the farther end of the small book-room, which, all petty as it was, -when compared with the vast libraries of the present day, offered a -prodigy in point of literary treasure, in those times when the -invention of the press had made but little progress towards -superseding the painful and expensive method of manual transcription. -About a hundred volumes, in gay bindings of vellum and of velvet, -ornamented the shelves, and two or three others lay on a table before -him, at which also was seated a clerk, busily engaged in writing.</p> - -<p class="normal">Sir Payan himself was a man of about fifty, of a deep ashy complexion, -and thin, strongly-marked features. His eyes were dark, shrewd, and -bright, and sunk deep below his brows, in the midst of which was to be -observed a profound wrinkle, which gave his face a continual frown. -His cheek-bones were high, his hair was short and grizzled, and his -whole appearance had, perhaps, more of sternness than of cunning.</p> - -<p class="normal">On the entrance of Sir Osborne Maurice, for a moment no one spoke, and -the two knights regarded each other in silence, with an austere -bitterness that might have spoken them old enemies. But while he gazed -on the young knight, Sir Payan's hand, which lay on some papers before -him, gradually contracted, clenched harder and harder, till at length -the red blood in his thin knuckles vanished away, and they became -white as a woman's by the force of the compression. But it was in -vain! Sir Osborne's glance mastered his, and dashing his hand across -his brow, he broke forth:--</p> - -<p class="normal">"So, this is he who excited my tenants and labourers to revolt against -the king in that unfortunate Cornish insurrection, and who led them on -to plunder my bailiff's dwelling, and to murder my bailiff! Clerk, -make out instantly the warrant for his removal to Cornwall, with -copies of the depositions taken here, that he may be tried and -punished for his crimes on the spot where they were committed."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Sir Payan Wileton," said the knight, still regarding him with the -same steady, determined gaze, "we meet for the first time to-day; but -I think you know me."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I do, sir; I do!" replied Sir Payan, without varying from the hurried -and impatient manner in which he had spoken at first. "I know you for -a rebellious instigator to all kinds of mischief, and for a homicide. -Speak, Richard Heartley; did the prisoner offer any resistance? Has he -added any fresh crimes to those he has already perpetrated?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Resist!" cried Longpole; "ay, your worship, he resisted enough, and -broke one of the Portingallos' heads, but not more than was natural or -reasonable. The other one resisted too; yet it was easy to see that -this one was of gentle blood, which was what your worship wanted, I -doubt not. But, however, as they were both mounted on strong black -horses, such as your honour described, we brought them both up."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Umph!" said Sir Payan, biting his lip; "there were two, were there?" -And he muttered something to himself. "Send me here the captain -----, or Wilson the bailiff. It must be ascertained which is -which--though there can be no doubt--there can be no doubt!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Mark me, Sir Payan Wileton," said Sir Osborne, the moment the other -paused. "Mark me, and take good heed before you too far commit -yourself. We know each other, and, therefore, a few words will -suffice. Five people in England are aware of my arrival, and equally -aware of where I slept last night, and when I set out this morning. -Judge, therefore, whether it will not be easy to trace me hither, and -to free me from your hands."</p> - -<p class="normal">Sir Payan Wileton had evidently been agitated by some strong feeling -on first beholding the young knight; but by this time he had -completely mastered it, and his face had resumed that rigid austerity -of expression with which he was wont to cover all that was passing in -his mind.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Railing, sir, and insinuations will be found of no use here," he -said, calmly. "Clerk, make good speed with those warrants! Oh! here is -Wilson. Now, Wilson, look at the prisoner well, and tell me if you are -sure that he is the person who assaulted you yesterday, and who led -the miners when they burned your father's house in Cornwall. Look at -him well!"</p> - -<p class="normal">The young man, whom it may be remembered Sir Osborne Maurice had -dispatched so unceremoniously over the wall of old Richard Heartley's -garden, now advanced, and regarded the knight with a triumphant grin.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, ho! my brave bird, what! you're limed, are you?" he muttered; and -then, turning to Sir Payan, "yes, your worship, 'tis he," he -continued. "I'm ready to swear that 'twas he led the men that burned -Pencriton House, and that threw me over the wall, because I struck old -Heartley for calling your worship a usurping traitor and----"</p> - -<p class="normal">But at that moment Longpole laid a grasp upon his collar that almost -strangled him.</p> - -<p class="normal">"You struck my father, did you?" exclaimed he; "then pray God to make -all your bones as soft as whit-leather, for if they're but as crisp as -buttered toast, I'll break every one in your skin!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Silence!" cried Sir Payan Wileton; "silence, Heartley! If your father -has been struck, I will take care he shall have satisfaction."</p> - -<p class="normal">"With your worship's good leave, I will take care of it myself," -replied Longpole. "I never trust any one to give or to receive a -drubbing for me. I like always to calculate my own quantity of -crabstick."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Silence!" said Sir Payan; "again I say, silence! My good Richard, I -assure you, you shall be satisfied. Clerk, swear Wilson to the -depositions he made. Oh! here is the Portingallo. Captain, is that the -man you remember having seen in Cornwall when you were last there?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Yes, yes, el Pero! that was himself!" cried the captain; "I sawed him -at the ale-house at Penzance with my own eye, when I went to fetch the -cargo of coal."</p> - -<p class="normal">"You mean of tin, captain," said Sir Payan.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Yes, yes, of ten," replied the Portuguese. "It was just ten, I -remember."</p> - -<p class="normal">Sir Osborne's patience was exhausted.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Vagabond! thief!" cried he, "do you remember my scourging you with -the stirrup-leathers in Flanders, till there was not an inch of skin -upon your back?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Yes, yes, that was your turn," said the captain; "I scourge you now."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Remark what he says," cried Sir Osborne, to those who stood round, -"and all of you bear witness in case----"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Prisoner, you stand committed," cried Sir Payan, in a loud voice. -"Take him away! Suffer him not to speak! Richard Heartley, place him -in the strong-room at the foot of the stair-case, and having locked -the door, keep guard over him. Captain, stay you with me; all the -rest, go."</p> - -<p class="normal">The commands of Sir Payan were instantly obeyed; and the room being -cleared, he pressed his hands before his eyes, and thought deeply for -some moments.</p> - -<p class="normal">"He is mine!" cried he at length, "he is mine! And shall I let him out -of my own hands now that I have him, when 'twould be so easy to -furnish him with a hook and a halter wherewith to hang himself, as the -good chaplain and John Bellringer did to the heretic Hun, in the -Lollards' Tower last year? But no, that is too fresh in the minds of -men, and too many suspicions are already busy. So, my captain--I -forgot. Sit down, my good captain. I am, as we agreed, about to give -this young man into your hands to take to Cornwall. Why do you laugh?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"He! he! Cornwall," cried the captain; "I do not go in Cornwall."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nay, some time in your life you will probably voyage to Cornwall as -well as to other lands," said Sir Payan. "Now, 'tis the same to me -whether you take him there now or a hundred years hence: you may carry -him all over the world if you will, and drop him at the antipodes."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I understand, I understand," replied the Portingal; "you have much -need to get rid of him, and you give him to me. Well, I will take your -present, if you give me two hundred golden angels with him." Sir Payan -nodded assent. "But let me understand quite all well," continued the -captain: "you want me to take him to Cornwall. There is one Cornwall -at the bottom of the sea; do you mean that?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"'Twere fully as good as the other," said Sir Payan, "if the journey -were short, and the conveyance sure."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Two cannon-shot will make it a quick passage," replied the captain; -"but they must be made of gold, my good worship."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Why of gold?" demanded Sir Payan. "Oh! I catch your meaning. But you -grow exorbitant."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Not I," said the Portingal; "I only ask two hundred angels more. Why, -an indulgence will cost me half the pay. It's very dear drowning a -man. If you like me to take him and leave him in Turkey with the -Ottomites, I will do it for the two; but if I send him to Cornwall, -he! he! he! you shall give me four."</p> - -<p class="normal">"But how shall I know that it is done?" said Sir Payan, thoughtfully. -"But that must be trusted to. You are not such a child as to be -pitiful. <i>Men</i> know how to avenge themselves, and you heard his boast -of having scourged you. If you be a man, then do not forget it."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Forget it!" cried the Portingal, his dark brows knitting till they -almost hid his eyes; "give me the order under your hand, and fear -not."</p> - -<p class="normal">"What! an order to murder him!" cried Sir Payan. "Think you my brain -is turned?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"No, no! You have the wrong," said the Portingal; "I mean an order to -take him to Cornwall. It shall be very easy to drop him by the way. If -I was exorbitant, as you call me, I had make you pay more, because for -why, I know you would eat your hand to get rid of him; else why have -you make me bring you news of him when he was in Flanders? Why you pay -three spies two crowns the month to give you news every step he took? -Oh! I know it all. But it is this: I am an honest merchant and no -rogue, and when I pop him in the sea I do a little bit of my own -business and a big bit of yours, so I do not charge you so much as if -it was all yours. Is not that honest?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Honest!" said Sir Payan, with a grim smile; "yes, very honest. But -mark me, Sir Captain! I'll have some assurance of you. Thus shall it -be: I'll give you a warrant to take him to Cornwall, but you shall -sign me a promise to drop him overboard by the way, so that there be -no peaching; for when our necks are in the same halter, each will take -care not to draw the cord on his fellow, lest he be hanged himself."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, well," said the Portingal, "that's all right. No fear of me, -and you will not for your own sake. But look here, Sir Payan. What -have you intended to do with the other man that was taken with him, as -they tell me, who was at the inn-house, and will tell it to all the -world? He's the fat clothier; give him to me too, and let my men have -the clearing of his bags. You owe them something for the job, and one -has had his head broke, and will die by the time he is aboard. -Besides, they were never paid for bringing you up the whole cargo of -strong wine, five years past, which was paid for by Dudley, the -sequestrator."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Then he should have paid for the carriage," said Sir Payan.</p> - -<p class="normal">"But he never got it!" cried the Portingal. "You kept all when you -heard he was in prison, good Sir Payan; and when they did take his -head off, you drank the wine yourself. But say, will you, or will you -not, let my men have all that is inside that fat clothesman's bags, -and I will take him, so that you shall never see him again? If not, -your whole business shall soon be known by everybody in the world by -his tongue."</p> - -<p class="normal">Sir Payan thought for a moment. "It must e'en be so," said he at -length. "Take him, but do not hurt him; and as to his bags, do as you -like."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh! hurt him! no!" answered the other. "In six months he shall be so -good a sailor as any of the others, and two thousand miles away. But -we must get off to-night. I will go down, get the boat close under the -cliffs, and be back by about one o'clock in the morning. Have all -ready against I come, the gold and the order--warrant, as you call it, -and all; and lock all my men up in the big granary, with a thing of -bacon, and a big cask of liquor; so shall they be all drunk before -three, and asleep by four, and sober again by the while I am back, and -nobody hear anything about their being here at all."</p> - -<p class="normal">"That you must do yourself before you go," said Sir Payan. "In the -mean time, I must take care that the prisoners be kept out of sight, -for a lady cousin is to be here by noon, and neither she nor hers must -hear of this. I myself must be away. She came not yesterday when she -should have come; and fain would I pick a quarrel with her house, for -they have lands too near my own to be any others than my own. So, -though I have ordered her a banquet, yet shall she be served with -scanty courtesy; then, if one word of anger fall from her, there shall -more follow."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh! if I be here when she shall come," said the Portingal, "I will -give her some cause either to be pleased or angry."</p> - -<p class="normal">"What wilt thou do, fellow?" demanded Sir Payan sternly. "Beware! -remember she is of my blood."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh! nothing, nothing!" replied the captain, "only tell her some -little compliment upon her beauty. But, my good worship, can you trust -all your men about these prisoners?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"All! all!" replied Sir Payan. "There is no fear. No one of them but I -could hang one way or another, and they know it. All except Heartley, -and he is bound to me by an illegal oath, wrung from him by fear of -seeing his father driven out this hard winter. But 'tis past noon now. -Ho! without there! Send in my clerk. What! are the horses saddled? -Farewell, Sir Portingal, till one i' the morning!"</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER VI.</h4> -<div class="poem0" style="margin-left:20%"> -<p style="text-indent:5%">Thrice had I loved thee<br> -Before I knew thy face or name:<br> -So in a voice, so in a shapeless flame,<br> -Angels affect us oft, and worshipped be.--<span class="sc">Donne</span>.</p> -</div> - -<p class="normal">The place to which Sir Osborne Maurice was conveyed, when the -servants, according to their master's commands, removed him from the -book-room, was a large dark chamber, running along beneath the whole -extent of the principal stair-case, and some way into one of the -towers beyond. The old manor-house--which for many reasons Sir Payan -still inhabited, even after dispossessing Lord Fitzbernard of Chilham -Castle--although built of brick, in a more modern style than the -ancient holds of the feudal nobility, had not entirely abandoned the -castellated architecture formerly in use. Here and there, upon the -long front of the building, was fastened a large square tower, useless -as a defence, and inconvenient as a dwelling; and at every angle -appeared an imposthume-like watch-turret, of redder brick than the -rest, like carbuncles upon the face of a drunkard. The curse of small -windows also was upon the house, making it look as sombre without as -it was dark within, and the thick leafless wood that swept round it on -both sides excluded great part of that light which might otherwise -have found its way into the gloomy mansion.</p> - -<p class="normal">Darker than all the rest was the chamber to which Sir Osborne Maurice -was conveyed; the whole of that part which was under the stair-case, -receiving no light whatever, except from the other half, that, placed -in one of the square towers, possessed the privilege of an unglazed -window near the ceiling. It would be difficult to say for what purpose -this chamber was originally contrived; but it is probable that at the -time the house was built (during the contentions of York and -Lancaster), such rooms might be necessary, even in private houses, -both as places of strength and concealment, although too weak to -resist long attack, and too easy of discovery to afford any very -secure lurking-place. The use to which Sir Payan Wileton applied it -was in general that of a prison for deer-stealers and other offenders -who came before him in his magisterial capacity, which offenders he -took care should ever be as numerous as there were persons of the -lower orders who opposed or displeased him.</p> - -<p class="normal">The men who conducted the young knight shut the door immediately upon -him; and thus being left to ruminate over his fate, with his arms -still tightly pinioned behind him, and scarcely light sufficient to -distinguish any objects which the room contained, it may well be -conceived that his meditations were not of the most pleasant -description. But, nevertheless, indignation had roused his spirit, and -he no longer felt that depression of mind, and abandonment of hope, -which for a time had overpowered him. His first thoughts, therefore, -were now of escape and revenge, but for the moment no means presented -themselves of either; and though he searched round the apartment, -ascertaining the nature and extent of his prison, which only consisted -of that room and a large closet containing some straw, no chance -whatever of flight from thence presented itself, and he was obliged to -wait in hopes of circumstances proving his friend.</p> - -<p class="normal">In about half an hour, the voice of Sir Payan Wileton was heard -without, giving various orders, and a moment after, the trampling of -horses sounded as if passing by the window. To Sir Osborne, accustomed -for several years to watch with warlike acuteness every motion of a -shrewd and active enemy, these sounds gave notice that his persecutor -was gone for the time, and even the circumstance of his absence -excited in the bosom of the young knight fresh expectation of some -favourable opportunity.</p> - -<p class="normal">Hardly had Sir Payan departed, when the lock, which might well have -fastened the door of an antediluvian giant, squeaked harshly with the -key; and the tall fellow, whom we have denominated hitherto, and shall -still continue to denominate Longpole, entered, and pushed the door -behind him.</p> - -<p class="normal">"The devil's gone out on horseback," said he, coming near Sir Osborne, -and speaking low, "and I have just got a minute to thank your -worship."</p> - -<p class="normal">"To thank me, my friend!" said Sir Osborne, somewhat doubting the -man's meaning; "for what should you thank me?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"For throwing the man over a hedge that struck my father," said -Longpole, "and by that I see you are a true heart and a gentleman--and -a knight into the bargain, I am sure, in spite of all Sir Payan's -tales, and his minion's false swearing; and if I were not his sworn -servant I'd let you off this minute, if I could find a way."</p> - -<p class="normal">"But is it not much worse to aid in so black a plot as this than to -leave this vile suborner, who is not your born master, and never can -be lawfully, if you be the son of old Richard Heartley? Only hear me."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nay, sir knight," said Longpole; "faith I must not hear you, for I -must mind my oath, and do as I'm bid, though it be the devil bids me. -I only came to thank you, before I brought the other prisoner here, -and to tell you, that though I have forgotten and forgiven many hard -knocks, I never forget a good turn, and that you'll find, whatever you -may think now. Every dog has his day, but the dog-days don't last all -the year."</p> - -<p class="normal">After this quaint hint he waited for no reply, but quitted the room as -fast as possible, and in a moment after returned, pushing in the -unfortunate Jekin Groby almost drowned in his own tears.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Here, I've brought your worship a great baby," cried Longpole, before -he closed the door, "who has wasted as much salt water in five minutes -as would have pickled a side of bacon."</p> - -<p class="normal">As soon as they were alone, Sir Osborne attempted to comfort the -unhappy clothier as far as he could, assuring him that he had nothing -to fear; for that he was not in the least the object of the attack, -which had only comprised him on account of his being present at the -time.</p> - -<p class="normal">"But my bags! my bags!" blubbered Jekin Groby; "they've got my bags: -four hundred and twelve golden angels, and a pair of excellent shears, -oh! oh! oh! I know it's along of you that I've got into the scrape. Oh -dear! oh dear! Why the devil didn't you tell me you had made the -Cornish men revolt? then I wouldn't have gone with you; I'd ha' seen -you hanged first. But I'll tell King Henry and Lord Darby, I will; and -I'll have back my angels, I will. Lord! Lord! to think of my being -committed for aiding and abetting Osborne Maurice, alias Osborne -Darling, alias Jenkins, alias Thompson, alias Brown, alias Smith, to -make the Cornish folks revolt; I that was never there in my life!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nor I either," said the knight, calmly.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Why, they all swear you were!" cried Jekin Groby, leaving off -weeping; "and that you and five hundred miners burnt and sacked the -towns, and I believe carried away the steeples on your backs, for a -matter of that, you did so much. They all swear it."</p> - -<p class="normal">"And they ail swear falsely," answered Sir Osborne, "as you may very -well see, when they swear that you were there aiding and abetting me."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Gads! that's true too," said Groby: "if they swear such big lies -about me, why mayn't they do the like about you? I thought that nice -young lady, and that goodly old priest, would not ha' been so fond of -your worship if you had been a robber and an insurrectionist. Lord a' -mercy! I beg your worship's pardon with all my heart." As Groby lost -sight of the subject of his bags, his grief abated, and looking round -the room, he added, "I say, sir knight, is there no way of getting out -of this place? What think ye o' that window?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"If I had my hands free," said Sir Osborne, "I would try to climb up -and see."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Gads man! let's see your hands," said Groby; "mine are tied too, but -I've managed many a tight knot with my teeth. Turn round, your -worship, more to the light, such as it is. Ah, here I have it, the -leading cord! Now pull; well done, millstones! It gives!" And what by -dint of gnawing and pulling, in about five minutes Jekin Groby -contrived to loosen the cord that fastened the knight's arms, and a -very slight effort on Sir Osborne's part finished the work, and freed -them completely. The knight then performed the same good office to his -fellow-prisoner; and poor Jekin, overjoyed even at this partial -liberation, jumped and sang with delight. "Hist! hist!" cried he, at -length; "if I remember, that long rascal of a fellow did not lock the -door: let us see. No, as I live, the bolt's not shot. Let us steal -out; but first I'll look through the keyhole. Out upon it! there he -sits, talking to two of his fellows; ay, and there's a latch too on -the outside of this cursed door, with no way to lift it on the in."</p> - -<p class="normal">"The window is the surest way," said the knight, "if I can but reach -it. Lend me your back, good master Groby, and I will see. The sun -shines strong through it, and yet I cannot perceive that it throws the -shadow of any bar or grating."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Welcome to my back," said the clothier: "but, oh! do not leave me in -this place; pray don't ye, sir knight!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"On my honour I will not!" replied the knight, "though it is not you -they care to keep. Once I were away, you might have your liberty the -next hour. But still I will not leave you."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Thank you, sir knight, thank you!" said honest Jekin. "All I ask is, -when you are up, help me up too; and if we can get out, leave me as -soon as you like, for the less we are together, I take it, the better -for Jekin Groby. And now upon my back; it is a stout one."</p> - -<p class="normal">Jekin now bent his head against the wall, making a kind of step with -his two clasped hands, by means of which Sir Osborne easily got his -elbows on the deep opening of the window, which, from the thickness of -the wall, offered a platform three feet wide, and with an effort he -swung himself up. "Clear, all clear!" cried he, joyfully. "And now, my -good Jekin, let us see how we can get you up. Stay, let me kneel -here;" and turning round, he knelt down, holding out his hands to -Jekin Groby. But it was in vain that Sir Osborne, with all his vast -strength, strove to pull up the ponderous body of the Kentish -clothier. He succeeded, indeed, in raising him about a foot from the -ground, and holding him there, while he made a variety of kicks -against the wall, and sundry other efforts to help himself up, all -equally ineffectual; but at length Sir Osborne was obliged to let him -down, and still remained gazing upon him with a sorrowful countenance, -feeling both the impossibility, with any degree of honour, to leave -him behind, and the impracticability of getting him out.</p> - -<p class="normal">Poor Jekin, well understanding the knight's feeling, returned his -glance with one equally melancholy; and after remaining for a moment -in profound silence, he made a vast effort of generosity that again -unloosed the flood-gates of his tears, in the midst of which he -blubbered forth: "Go, sir knight, go, and God speed you! Heaven forbid -that I should keep you here! Go!"</p> - -<p class="normal">Sir Osborne jumped down, and shook him by the hand. "Never!" said he, -"never! But there seems still some hope for us. That tall fellow, that -we called Longpole this morning, is more friendly to us than he seems; -and I can tell him something that will perhaps make him serve us more -completely, if he will but hear me. Let me see whether he is now -alone." And by the same means that Jekin Groby had before used to -ascertain that the man was there, Sir Osborne discovered that the two -other servants had left him, and that he was alone. "Hist! Richard -Heartley!" said Sir Osborne, putting his mouth to the keyhole; "hist!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Who calls?" cried Longpole, starting up.</p> - -<p class="normal">"'Tis I," said Sir Osborne; "open the door, and speak to me."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I dare not! I must not!" cried Longpole. "Have patience!" he -whispered, "have patience! I will come to you after dark."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Yet listen to me," said Sir Osborne; but at that moment a sound of -horses' feet was again heard through the open window, and, -unwillingly, he was obliged to desist.</p> - -<p class="normal">The arrival of some guest now took place, as Sir Osborne judged by the -sounds which made themselves heard: the inquiries for Sir Payan, the -directions for tending the horses, and the orders to have them at the -gate in an hour, the marshalling to the banquet-hall, the cries of the -serving men, and all the fracas that was made, in that day, in honour -of a visitor.</p> - -<p class="normal">"By heaven!" said Sir Osborne, "it is Lady Constance de Grey! I -remember she proposed coming here towards noon. If we could but let -her know that we are here, or good old Dr. Wilbraham, her people would -soon free us. But never does it fall better. Longpole has gone from -his watch, or he might tell her. However, the door is only held by -this latch; let us try to force it. Place your shoulder with mine, -good Groby. Now a strong effort!" But in vain. The giant door stood -unmoved, and Sir Osborne was obliged to resign himself to his fate.</p> - -<p class="normal">Presently the noise of serving the repast in the chief hall died away, -and the servants, retiring to their own part of the house, left the -rest in quiet, while not a sound stirred to communicate to the bosoms -of the prisoners any sensation either of hope or expectation. After -about a quarter of an hour's pause, however, a door opened, and the -voice of Lady Constance was heard speaking to Dr. Wilbraham. "Nay, my -good father," she said, "do not go yourself to seek them. Though we -have been treated with but little courtesy, yet we may stay a quarter -of an hour longer. Perhaps the servants have not dined, and that is -the reason they do not come."</p> - -<p class="normal">"By your leave, lady, I will go," said the chaplain, "and will see -that the horses be brought up; for to my poor mind we have staid here -too long already for the civility we have received. I will not be -long."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Doctor Wilbraham!" cried Sir Osborne, as the door shut; "Doctor -Wilbraham?" But the good tutor turned another way, and passed on -without hearing the voice of his former pupil, and silence resumed her -dominion over the part of the house in which they were placed. In a -minute or two after, however, a heavy foot announced to the watchful -ears of the young knight the approach of some other person; but he -turned away towards the hall where Lady Constance had been left, and -seemed to enter.</p> - -<p class="normal">Shortly the voice of the lady made itself heard, speaking high and -angrily, in a tone to which the lips of Constance de Grey seldom gave -utterance.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I do not understand what you mean, sir," said she, coming out of the -hall. "Where are my servants? Where is Dr. Wilbraham?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"That was not your way, my pretty lady," cried the voice of the -Portingal captain. "Let me kiss your loafly hand, and I will show you -the way."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Stand off, sir!" exclaimed Lady Constance. "Dare you insult me in my -cousin's house?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"This way! this way! Lady Constance de Grey," cried Sir Osborne, in a -voice that shook the hall. "This way there are friends. Throw up the -latch!"</p> - -<p class="normal">At that moment the unscrupulous Portingal seems to have offered some -still greater insult to the young lady; for, with a scream, she darted -towards the spot to which the voice of Sir Osborne directed her, and -throwing up the latch, as he called to her to do, ran in, followed -closely by the Portingal. Urged by fear, Lady Constance flew directly -to the knight, and recognising a friend, clung to him for protection. -The captain, not observing that his hands were freed, did not scruple -to pursue her, even close to the side of the prisoner, calling to her -not to be afraid; that he would show her the way. But Sir Osborne -raised his arm, and in a moment laid the Portingal grovelling on the -ground, with the blood gushing from his mouth and nostrils.</p> - -<p class="normal">Lady Constance still clung to the knight, who totally forgetting the -possibility of escape, endeavoured to soothe her and calm her -agitation. Not so Jekin Groby: after pausing for a moment, confounded -by the whole business, he at length bethought him, that as the door -was open he might as well walk out, and with this intent made a quick -step or two towards it. His purpose, however, was defeated by the -Portingal, who recovered from the blow, and perceiving the design of -the clothier, started upon his feet, and jumping through the open -door, banged it in the face of honest Jekin, at the same time making -the whole house ring with his cries of "Help! help! The lady is -letting out the prisoners, and they shall all get loose! Help! help!" -And getting hold of the rope of the alarum, he rang such a peal as -soon brought the whole household, together with the servants of the -Lady Constance, round the door of the strong room.</p> - -<p class="normal">Various were now the cries and exclamations: "What's the matter?" "Are -they out?" "Which way did they go?" "Where's the lady?" "Oh Lord!" "Oh -lauk!" "Oh dear!" "Dear me!" "How strange!" "Who'd have thought it!" -While the Portingal, with his face all streaming with blood, explained -to them that Lady Constance wished to let the prisoners out; and that -he, notwithstanding their efforts, had shut them up all together, by -the valour of his invincible arm, and he called his bloody muzzle to -bear testimony to the truth of his asseveration.</p> - -<p class="normal">"You lie, you vagabond thief!" cried one of the young lady's servants. -"It was you stole my riding whip, when you ran away in such a hurry -from the inn last night."</p> - -<p class="normal">"You must make a great mistake, my friend," said Dr. Wilbraham, who -had come up amongst the rest. "Lady Constance de Grey has too much -respect for the law to assist any prisoners to escape from the house -of a magistrate. Let me in here, and we shall soon hear the truth of -all this."</p> - -<p class="normal">"And let me in!" "And let me in!" "And let me in too!" cried a dozen -voices; and all prepared to rush into the room the moment any one -raised the latch, on which Longpole had his hand for the purpose.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Devil a one of you!" cried Longpole. "Curiosity, I've heard say, was -one of the great vices of the old gentlewoman of Babylon, and so -certainly I shall not gratify yours. March every one; for his worship, -when he went away, gave me charge of the prisoners, and I am to answer -for them when he comes back. The only one who goes with me shall be -his reverence, who, God bless him, taught me to read and write, and -speak French, when I was little Dick Heartley, the porter's son at the -old castle."</p> - -<p class="normal">"And art thou little Dick Heartley?" exclaimed Doctor Wilbraham. "We -are both changed, Dick; but open me the door, good Dick, for by that -Portingalo's speech I fancy the young lady is here also with the -prisoners, though I conceive not how."</p> - -<p class="normal">Heartley accordingly opened the door sufficiently to allow the -clergyman to pass, and then following, he shut it, taking care to put -his dagger under the latch, to prevent its obstructing his exit, in -case of the servants' leaving the spot during his stay.</p> - -<p class="normal">At first the change from a bright light to comparative obscurity -prevented the good tutor from distinguishing clearly the objects in -the apartment to which he was admitted by Longpole; but who can -express his astonishment when he beheld Sir Osborne? Forgetting Lady -Constance and every other circumstance, he clasped his hands in a sort -of agony. "Good God!" exclaimed he, "is it possible? You here! You, my -lord, in the power of your bitterest enemy? Oh! Osborne, Osborne! what -can be done to save you? And is it you," cried he, raising his voice, -and turning to Longpole, in a tone of bitter reproach, "and is it you, -Richard Heartley, that do the work of jailer upon your own born lord -and only lawful master?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"My born lord!" cried Heartley, springing forward; "what does your -reverence mean? Who is he? They told me his name was Maurice--Osborne -Maurice."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Osborne Darnley, they should have said," replied the young knight. -"Your old lord's son, Dick Heartley."</p> - -<p class="normal">Heartley threw himself at his lord's feet. "Why did not you tell me? -Why did not you tell me?" cried he. "I'd sooner have chopped my hand -off. I that first taught you to draw a bow and level an arrow! I that -sought you all through the camp at Terrouenne to be your servant and -servitor, as in duty bound, only that you were away guarding the fort -bridge on the Lambre! Cut my hand off! I'd rather have ripped myself -up with my dagger."</p> - -<p class="normal">It may be supposed that the surprise of Lady Constance and of Jekin -Groby was somewhat analogous to that expressed by Longpole on finding -that the person they had known only as Osborne Maurice, or at best as -Sir Osborne Maurice, an adventurous soldier, whose necessitous courage -had obtained for him the honour of knighthood, was in fact the young -Lord Darnley, whose misfortunes and accomplishments had already -furnished much employment for the busy tongue of fame. To the young -lady, especially, this discovery gave a sensation of timid shame, for -the interest she had so unguardedly displayed in his fate; an interest -which nevertheless she might perhaps feel heightened when she found -all that she had heard of Lord Darnley identified with all that she -knew of Osborne Maurice. "I too may ask, my lord," she said, "why you -did not tell me; or rather, why you did not tell my father, who ever -expressed the deepest interest in your fate, and in his life-time -might have served you?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Your noble father, lady," replied Lord Darnley, "was well aware who I -was, even when I was a guest at his mansion; and he, as well as the -rest of my friends, thought it best that I should still conceal my -name while in England, in order to veil me from the machinations of a -man whose unaccountable interest at court, and unscrupulous nature, -were almost certain to carry through whatever villanous attempt he -undertook against me. Our lands and lordships he holds, not as we did, -by chivalry and tenure of possession, but only as steward of Dover -Castle, an office given and recalled at pleasure. You now see how wise -was the precaution, since here, in the midst of the most civilised -country in Europe, I have been unlawfully seized, on the king's -highway, accused of fictitious crimes, and destined to a fate that -only time will show. To think that I, a man-at-arms, long used to -camps, and, without boasting, on bad soldier either, should be, like -an infant, in the hands of this deep-plotting usurper! 'Tis enough to -drive me mad!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"No, no, my lord," said Heartley, or, as we have called him, Longpole, -"don't you fear. They say that when Old Nick stirs the fire, he is -sure to burn his fingers, and when he salts a birch broom, he pickles -a rod for his own back. But stay, let me see that there is no one at -the door listening: no, there they are, at the farther end of the -hall, but they can't hear. So, my lord, I'll undertake to get you out -this blessed night. My oath to Sir Payan is up at twelve o'clock -to-night."</p> - -<p class="normal">"No oath can bind you to commit a crime," said the clergyman; "and -that it is a crime to aid in any way in detaining your lord here, can -easily be proved."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh! your worship," said Heartley, "I can't reason the matter with -your reverence, you'd pose me in a minute; but, nevertheless, I'll -keep my oath, and I can give you a good reason for it. It would do my -lord no good if I was to break it: there are twenty people round about -who would all join to stop him if I were to let him out this moment, -and with my young lady's three servants to boot, we should still be -beaten by the numbers. We must wait till after dark; ay, and till -after the bell rings to bed at eleven; but then I will find means to -free my lord."</p> - -<p class="normal">"But may they not have thus time to commit some evil deed?" demanded -Lady Constance, "and your tardy succour may come too late."</p> - -<p class="normal">"No, no, my lady," replied Longpole; "I heard yon Portingallo, who is -just riding away, tell his rascally slavish crew, as he was locking -them up in the granary, that at half-past one he was to be back; and -then they were to carry down the two prisoners to the ship, for which -they were to have two hundred gold angels amongst them. Now, we shall -be far enough before half-past one."</p> - -<p class="normal">"At all events, my lord," said Lady Constance, "it will not be long -before we are at Canterbury, from whence we can send you sufficient -succour, backed with authority competent to procure your release."</p> - -<p class="normal">"But remember, lady," said the knight, "that I am but Sir Osborne -Maurice, and no one must know me as anything else if it can be -avoided; for it is of the utmost consequence to my interest, that at -present I should not appear before our noble but somewhat wayward -king, as I really am. And now, let me return you a thousand and a -thousand thanks for your kind interest past and present; to which but -add one favour. When I am free, give me but one little glove from this -fair hand," and he raised it to his lips, "and I will place it on my -pennon's pike, and write underneath it, <i>gratitude</i>; and if it fall in -the listed field, or the battle plain, Darnley is dead."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nay, nay, my lord," replied Lady Constance, with a blush and smile, -"too gallant by half! But you are a prisoner, and I believe promises -made in prison are not held valid. Wait, therefore, till you are free, -and in the mean time you shall have my prayers and best wishes, and -such aid as I can send you from Canterbury I will."</p> - -<p class="normal">There is a witchery in the sympathy of a beautiful woman, whose -influence all men must have experienced, and all women understand; and -though our hero felt the most devout conviction that he was not the -least in love in the world with Lady Constance de Grey, there is no -knowing how far his gratitude for the interest she took in his fate -might have carried him, had she remained there much longer; and even -when she left him, and he heard the horses' feet repass the window of -his prison, he felt as if he were ten times more a prisoner than -before.</p> - -<p class="normal">There was something so kind and so gentle in her manner, and her smile -illuminated her countenance with such angelic light, that while she -was there, even though speaking of them, his sorrows and his dangers -seemed all forgot. She was so young, and so beautiful too, and there -was in her look and her gesture and her tone so much of that undefiled -simplicity which we love to suppose in a higher nature of beings, that -the young knight, as an admirer of everything that is excellent, might -well make the fair creature that had just left him the theme of his -thoughts long after she was gone; and in such dreams absorbed, he -paced up and down the strong-room, finding out that loss of rank and -fortune was a much greater misfortune than ever, till then, he had -deemed it.</p> - -<p class="normal">At the same time that Lady Constance departed, our friend Longpole -also left the prisoners; promising, however, to see them from time to -time during the day, and to find means of liberating them at night. In -this arrangement Jekin Groby took care to be specially included; and -trusting implicitly to the promises of Dick Heartley on the score of -his freedom, his only farther consideration was concerning his bags.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Don't you think, my lord," said he, after waiting a moment or two in -order to see whether Lord Darnley would finish his meditative -perambulations; "don't you think King Harry will make this Sir Payan, -or Sir Pagan as they ought to call him, refund my angels? Hey! my -lord?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"If there be justice in the land," replied Darnley; "but mark me, good -Jekin; you call me my lord. You have heard me say that it may be of -the utmost detriment to my interest if I be known as Lord Darnley. -Circumstances have put you in possession of my secret; but if you -would pleasure me, if you would not injure me, forget from this moment -that I am any other than Sir Osborne Maurice: call me by no other -title, think of me under no other name."</p> - -<p class="normal">"No, indeed, my lord," said Jekin; "I promise your lordship never to -call you my lord again; I won't indeed, my lord! Lord! There, only -see, my lord, I have called you my lord again! Well, it does come so -natural to one, when one knows that you are my lord, to call you my -lord. What a fool I am! But your lordship will forgive me; and so I'll -go and sleep in that straw in the closet, and forget it all, for I -shan't get my natural rest to-night, that's clear."</p> - -<p class="normal">So saying, Jekin nestled himself in the straw, which had attracted his -attention, and shutting the door to exclude all light, he was soon -buried in a profound sleep; while Sir Osborne (which, according to his -wish, we shall not cease to call him) continued his meditations, -walking up and down, as if on guard at some dangerous post.</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER VII.</h4> -<div class="poem0" style="margin-left:15%"> -<p class="continue">This is a devil, and no monster: I will leave him; I have no long -spoon.</p> -<p class="right"><span class="sc">The Tempest</span>.</p> -</div> - -<p class="normal">One of the strangest problems of our inexplicable nature is the choice -of evil and the rejection of good, even after long experience has -proved that evil and misery are uniformly synonymous. Virtue, it is -true, does not always exempt from sorrow, but crime must ever be -wretchedness. Hope loses its balsam, and fear acquires a keener sting; -the present is anxiety, the past remorse, and the future is despair; -and yet wayward man drinks of the bitter cup when the sweet is offered -to him, and launches his boat upon an angry sea, where storms attend -his course, and shipwreck terminates his voyage, rather than glide -down the smooth current of a tranquil stream, where peace pilots him -on his way, and happiness waits him at the shore.</p> - -<p class="normal">Sir Payan Wileton knew not what happiness is. He had drunk the -intoxicating bowl of pleasure, he had drained the boiling draught of -revenge: pride, avarice, vanity, had all been gratified in turn; but -peace he had never sought, content he had never found, and vengeful -passions, like the Promethean vulture, preyed upon him for ever. -Possessed of the vast estates of Chilham Castle, joined to those he -also held of Elham Manor and Hyndesford, his wealth had been fully -sufficient to create for him that interest amongst the powerful of the -land which he could not hope to obtain by virtues or qualities. Thus -powerful, rich, and full of desperate fearlessness, he was dreaded, -detested, courted, and obeyed. He felt, too, that he was detested; and -hating mankind the more, he became the tyrant of the country round. -Seeking to govern by fear instead of esteem, he made his misanthropy -subservient to his pride and to his avarice; and wherever he received -or pretended an offence, there he was sure both to avenge and to -enrich himself. Thus his life was a continual warfare, and in this -active misanthropy he took as much delight as his heart was capable of -feeling. It was to him what ardent spirits are to the drunkard, or the -dice-box to the gambler.</p> - -<p class="normal">But there was one constant thorn that goaded him, even in the midst of -the success which attended his other schemes; namely, the fear that -the king might deprive him of the stewardship of Dover Castle, by -which alone he held the estates of Chilham. In vain he had used all -the influence he possessed to have the grant made absolute, or to hold -his land by sergeantry, as it had been held by Lord Fitzbernard; the -king was inexorable, and imagined that he did equal justice when he -refused to restore the estates to the forfeited family, or to grant -the feof thereof to Sir Payan. Indeed, it had been held by cunning -lawyers of the day that Lord Fitzbernard could not lawfully be -dispossessed, except under an attainder, which had never been -attempted against him; and that if it could be proved that the estates -had not reverted to the crown by any default of tenure, or by -extinction, Sir Payan's right would fall to the ground; and that the -only effect of the king's patent of the stewardry of Dover would be to -alienate that office from the family holding the estates.</p> - -<p class="normal">Sir Payan was too wise to moot the question; and Lord Fitzbernard, -hiding his indigence in a far part of Wales, had neither the means nor -opportunity of succeeding in a suit against him. The few friends, -indeed, that the test of misfortune had left the earl out of many -acquaintances, strongly urged the king to revoke the grant which his -father had made to a bad man, and to restore the property to a good -one; but they never ventured to hint to the choleric monarch that the -grant itself was illegal.</p> - -<p class="normal">However, Sir Payan had long foreseen that a time would come when the -young heir of Chilham Castle might wrench his heritage from the hand -that usurped it, and he resolved at all hazards to strike where the -blow would be most effectual. Several painful indignities had induced -the aged Earl of Fitzbernard to drop a title and a name to the -splendour of which his means no longer were proportioned; and burying -himself, as we have before said, in Wales, he devoted his whole time -to endowing his son both with those elegant and warlike -accomplishments which he fondly hoped would one day prove the means of -re-instating his family in the halls of their ancestors. "Fulbert de -Douvres," he said, "the founder of our family in England, won the -lands and lordships of Chilham at the point of his lance, and why -should not Osborne Darnley, the only descendant of Rose de Douvres, -his daughter, regain his patrimony by his good sword?"</p> - -<p class="normal">Happily, his very poverty had removed the old earl from any county -where the influence of Sir Payan Wileton might be felt, or where his -machinations could be carried on successfully. Yet more than one -attempt had been made to carry off the young heir of Chilham Castle, -and little doubt could be entertained in regard to whose hand had -directed them. All, however, had been frustrated by the extraordinary -foresight with which the old earl guarded his son, seeming to have an -intuitive knowledge of the time when any such attack was likely to -take place, and to be always prepared to avoid or repel it.</p> - -<p class="normal">At length, however, the time came when the young Osborne Maurice (as -he was now called) was to encounter alone all that his enemies could -do against him; but it seemed as if his father had now lost all fear, -and bidding him resume his real name when he joined the army, he sent -him forth unhesitatingly to win renown. How he acquitted himself we -have in some measure seen, and will now proceed with the circumstances -that followed immediately upon his return to his native country, after -five years of arduous military service.</p> - -<p class="normal">The bosom of Sir Payan Wileton, during his absence from the house -where he had left his prisoner, was agitated by a thousand various -passions. Triumph--malice--pride--fear that he might yet, by some -unforeseen circumstance, escape from his hands--newer and vaster -projects of ambition, still, as he made one step sure, seeking to -place another still higher--the feeling of a difficult enterprise -accomplished--the heart-stealing preparation for a fresh crime, and -mingled still withal an unwonted thrilling of remorse, that, like -sounds of music amidst cries of riot and tumult, made discord more -discordant--all occupied the void place of thought, and made him -gallop quickly on, communicating to even his corporeal actions the -hurried agitation of his feelings.</p> - -<p class="normal">Thus he proceeded for some way; but when he had ridden on for such a -time as he computed that Lady Constance would remain at his dwelling, -he turned his horse, and prepared to return home, having by his time -striven to remove from his face all trace of any emotion, and having -also, in some degree, reduced his feelings to their usual calm, -determined action. Yet, nevertheless, there was a strange sensation of -horror tugging at his heart, when he thought of the near -accomplishment of his long-entertained designs. "He is too like his -mother," muttered Sir Payan. "But yet I am not a woman to halt in my -purposes for the weak memory of an idle passion, which disappointment -and rejection should long have turned into revenge; and yet I wish he -were not so like his mother."</p> - -<p class="normal">As he returned he checked the speed with which he had set out, and was -proceeding leisurely on the road, when he heard the cantering of a -horse coming up behind; and, turning round, perceived the somewhat -curious figure of Sir Cesar the astrologer. It was one, however, well -known to Sir Payan, who (as too often is the case) was destitute of -religion, but by no means emancipated from superstition, and who, -while he rejected the light of revelation, could not refrain from -often yielding to the wild gleams of a dark imagination.</p> - -<p class="normal">In the still agitated state of his mind, too, when a sort of feverish -excitement stimulated him to seek from any source knowledge of what -would be the future consequences of his meditated actions, he looked -upon the coming of Sir Cesar as a benefit at the hands of Fortune, and -prepared to take advantage of it.</p> - -<p class="normal">Doffing low, therefore, his plumed hat as the old knight rode up, and -bowing almost to his saddle-bow, "Welcome, worthy Sir Cesar," he said; -"any news from your splendid friend his Grace of Buckingham?"</p> - -<p class="normal">Sir Cesar touched his palfrey between the ears with his small baton to -make it slacken its pace; and then, after regarding Sir Payan with his -keen dark eyes, as was usual with him on first encountering any one he -knew, he replied, "Welcome, fortunate Sir Payan Wileton! Your star is -in the ascendant!" And while he spoke there was a sort of cynical -sneer on his countenance, which seemed hardly to wish well to him that -he congratulated.</p> - -<p class="normal">"It is," replied Sir Payan; "but condescend, good Sir Cesar, to ride -to my dwelling and pass one day with me, and I will tell you more."</p> - -<p class="normal">"What can you tell me that I do not know already?" demanded the other. -"Do you think I know not how much you merited from fortune by your -deeds when Perkyn Warbeck fled from Taunton? Do you think I know not -that your enemy is in your power? I do, I do; and as I love the -fortunate, I will come and stay one day at your house, though you know -I tarry nowhere long."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I know it well, and hold your sojourn the more honour," answered Sir -Payan; "but let us on, good Sir Cesar; there is much information which -I will seek at your hands, and I know that you never refuse to give it -when it is asked for no idle purpose."</p> - -<p class="normal">"No," replied the astrologer; "every man who seeks knowledge from me -shall find it, were he worse than Satan himself; but woe be unto him -if he turn it to an evil account! The deeper damnation be upon his -head!"</p> - -<p class="normal">Putting their horses into a quick pace, they now soon reached the -manor-house, the owner of which showed his guest with some ceremony -into the banquet-hall. "How now!" cried he, observing the repast which -had been set before Lady Constance still upon the table; "why have not -these things been removed? And where is Heartley?"</p> - -<p class="normal">The answer involved a long account of what had happened during his -absence, in which the story of the Portingallo having frightened Lady -Constance till she fled into the strong-room was told with a greater -degree of accuracy than might have been expected, though the length of -time which she remained there was rather exaggerated, and some -comments upon the conduct of Heartley, otherwise Longpole, were added, -calculated to take from him Sir Payan's confidence. He had prevented -every one from going in, the servant said, but himself, and had -remained all the time the lady was there.</p> - -<p class="normal">"He did right," was the laconic reply of Sir Payan; "go to the -granary, where are the Portingallos and their contraband goods, and -bid the red-haired Dutchman who speaks English to come hither -directly. The key hangs on the nail in the passage."</p> - -<p class="normal">Sir Payan's plan was formed at once. He doubted not that the -communication which had taken place between his prisoner and Lady -Constance would lead to her seeking means to effect his liberation the -moment she arrived at Canterbury, or at least to set on foot some -investigation; for although he knew not that they had ever met before, -he felt sure that the young knight would make his situation known to -every one who might in any way procure his release. Under this -conviction, he determined to risk the event of sending down Sir -Osborne by daylight, in the custody of the Portuguese, accompanied by -two of his own servants, who might, in case of necessity, produce the -warrant for his detention, and who would not be missed from his own -household.</p> - -<p class="normal">The servant whom he had sent to the Portingals, however, soon -returned, with a countenance in which might be seen a strong desire to -laugh, contending with a habitual dread of Sir Payan. "What is the -matter, villain?" cried the knight: "where is the Dutchman?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Lying in the granary, please your worship," replied the man, -restraining his merriment, "dead drunk, tumbled across a Portingallo's -face, that makes him heave up and down by dint of snoring."</p> - -<p class="normal">Sir Payan stamped his foot with anger and disappointment. "And the -rest?" demanded he; "all the rest?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"All dead drunk, please your worship!" replied the servant; "I kicked -them all, to make sure, but not one of them answered me a syllable but -Umph!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Go!" said Sir Payan; "fetch me Heartley. Sir Cesar, give me your -advice. This is my embarrassment!" and he proceeded to state to his -companion the difficulty into which the news he had just heard had -cast him.</p> - -<p class="normal">This proceeding may appear at first somewhat extraordinary, but it was -very often the case in regard to Sir Cesar, that people acted as Sir -Payan Wileton, in letting him into their most private affairs, and -even into secrets where life and death were concerned, having such -perfect confidence in his foreknowledge of events that it would have -seemed to them folly to conceal them. It is very possible that in this -manner the old knight obtained much of the extraordinary information -which he certainly did possess, concerning the circumstances and -affairs of almost every person with whom he came in contact; and many -of those predictions which were so singularly verified may be -attributed to the combinations he was thus enabled to form. But at the -same time it is perfectly indubitable that he himself attributed all -to the sciences which he studied, and placed implicit faith in his own -powers; and thus, if he deceived the world, he deceived himself also.</p> - -<p class="normal">It was not, however, the nature of Sir Payan Wileton to confide wholly -in any one; and though he informed the old knight that he apprehended -the influence of Lady Constance de Grey might be exerted the moment -she arrived at Canterbury to procure the release of his prisoner, or -at all events that her representations might cause an immediate -investigation of the affair, which would prevent his disposing of -Darnley as he proposed; and though also perfectly convinced that Sir -Cesar, by his superhuman knowledge, was well aware of the fate he -meditated for his victim, he could not bring himself to unfold to him -that part of his plan, merely saying he intended to send the turbulent -youth, who, as he was well informed, came to seek no less than his -ruin and his death, to some far country from whence it would be -difficult to return.</p> - -<p class="normal">Sir Cesar listened in calm, profound silence; then, fixing his eyes on -Sir Payan, uttered slowly, "The grave!" Sir Payan started from his -seat.</p> - -<p class="normal">"You know too much! you know too much!" cried he. "Can you see -thoughts as well as actions?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Yes!" replied Sir Cesar: "I see and know more than you dream of, but -calm yourself, and fear not. Lady Constance will not arrive at -Canterbury before seven o' the clock: you know the haste of -magistrates and magistrates' men, and can well judge whether she be -likely to find a man so generous as to abandon his rere-supper and his -bed of down, for a cold ride and a cold reception. At all events, they -could not be here before two i' the morning, and ere that he will be -gone. Rest satisfied, I tell you, that they may come if they will, but -before they come he will be gone."</p> - -<p class="normal">Sir Payan's fears were very much allayed by this assurance, for his -confidence in Sir Cesar's prophecies was great; but he felt still more -secure from the examination to which he subjected our friend Longpole, -who managed to evade his questions and to quiet his fears with -infinite presence of mind. The lady, he said, had been so terrified by -the insolence of the Portingal captain, that she had run into the -strong-room, not knowing where she went, and was more like one dead -than alive; and that as for the prisoner, he thought of nothing but -threshing the Portingal, against whom he seemed to have an ancient -grudge.</p> - -<p class="normal">Sir Payan was satisfied, but still his roused suspicion was never -without some effect; and to Longpole's dismay he demanded the key, -which he said he would now keep himself. There was, however, no means -of avoiding it; and Heartley was obliged to resign into the hands of -Sir Payan the means by which he had proposed to effect his young -lord's delivery.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Sir Cesar, I humbly crave your excuse for one moment," said the -crafty knight. "Stay, Heartley, where you are, and removing those -things, arrange the board for a second banquet: for a banquet such as -I give to my best and noblest friends. Open those cupboards of plate, -and let the vessels be placed in order."</p> - -<p class="normal">So saying, he quitted the apartment, and proceeded to the room in -which Sir Osborne was still pacing up and down, waiting impatiently -the approach of night. The key turned in the door, and with a firm -step Sir Payan entered, and stood before his captive. For a moment -they paused, and eyed each other as when they had first met; and it -was only by a strong effort that the young knight stayed himself from -seizing the persecutor of his race, and dashing him to pieces on the -floor of the prison.</p> - -<p class="normal">At length Sir Payan, after having glanced his eye round the chamber, -spoke, and in the deep, hollow tones of his voice no agitation made -itself heard.</p> - -<p class="normal">"You said this morning that we knew each other," said the knight; -"Osborne Lord Darnley, we do; I have long sought you, I have found -you, and you are mine own."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Calm, cold-blooded, mean-spirited villain!" answered Darnley, "what -seek you with me now? Is it not enough to have ruined a noble house? -Is it not enough to have destroyed your benefactor? Is it not enough -to have swept away the happiness of me and mine, without seeking -farther to injure those on whose head your detestable arts must nearly -have exhausted themselves?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"I have done enough for my revenge, young man," replied Sir Payan; "I -have done enough for my ambition; but I have not done enough for my -security."</p> - -<p class="normal">"For your revenge!" cried Darnley: "what mean you, ruffian? My father -was your friend, your benefactor. Compassionating your indigence, did -he not aid to raise you with his purse and with his influence, till -you could hold your head amongst your noble kindred, of whose house -you are now the opprobrium?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Your father insulted me with his services," answered the knight, -"after your mother had insulted me with her scorn."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Name not my mother, traitor!" exclaimed Darnley, his eyes flashing -fire. "Profane not her name with your accursed lips, lest I tear you -limb from limb!"</p> - -<p class="normal">Sir Payan laid his hand on his dagger with a grim smile. "We waste -time, young man," said he: "to the purpose for which I came! There is -yet in my redder blood some drops of that weak thing called pity. I -would rather see you live than die; but if you would live, I must be -Lord of Chilham Castle, indeed and indeed. No stewardship of Dover, -and holding by tenure of good pleasure, for me. Within this hour, -then, sign me over, for yourself and for your father, all right and -interest, claim and title, to the lands and lordship which you and -yours did formerly possess, and you are free as air. But if you will -not--"</p> - -<p class="normal">"What then?" demanded Darnley.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Why, then I will hold by a still better tenure," replied Sir Payan; -"the extinction of the race of Darnley!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Then hold thereby, if such be heaven's will," replied the prisoner. -"But beware yourself; for in your best-laid schemes you may chance to -fail, and even here on earth meet with that sure damnation for which -you have toiled so long. Were I willing to stain myself with crimes -like yours, this hour were your last; for yon dagger were but a poor -defence against a man who knows his life is lost."</p> - -<p class="normal">Sir Payan took a step forward to the door. "Will you sign?" said he, -laying his hand on the lock.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Never!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Then farewell!" and he quitted the apartment.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, the villain!" cried Jekin Groby, poking his head out of the -closet. "Oh, the downright, immense villain! What a damaged piece that -man's conscience must be! I'm all quaking with only hearing him. But -don't you think, my lord--that is to say, Sir Osborne--that if you had -just knocked his brains out, we might have got away?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"No, no!" replied the knight. "If, as Heartley told us, we could not -have escaped when aided by Lady Constance de Grey's servants, much -less could we do so now. Better wait till night, which surely cannot -be far distant, for it seems to me we have been here an age."</p> - -<p class="normal">Nevertheless, hour after hour went by, and the provoking sun, which -had now fully come round to that side of the house, continued to pour -his beams into the high window, as if willing to sicken the prisoners -with his unwished-for light. Nor did much conversation cheer the -passing of their time. Sir Osborne was silent and meditative; and -Jekin Groby, growing more and more tired of his situation, kept -running in and out of the closet, now sitting still for a moment upon -the straw, now walking up and down, not at all unlike a tame bear -perambulating to and fro in his den.</p> - -<p class="normal">Occasionally, indeed, a word or two of hope, or doubt, or inquiry, -passed between the prisoners; and Jekin, who felt in himself an -internal conviction that he was a man of as much consequence in the -world as any human being, could not conceive how Sir Payan Wileton -could have forgot to inquire where he was, when he did not find him in -the same room with the knight. On this he wondered, and better -wondered, till his companion replied, "I told you before, my good -Jekin, Sir Payan's designs only affect me, and possibly he may have -forgotten you altogether. But it seems growing darker. I wonder -Longpole has not been here to speak to us, according to his promise."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I should not wonder if he were playing us a trick, and were not -to come at all," said Jekin. "Oh, dear! What would become of us? -Lord-a-mercy! I don't like it at all!"</p> - -<p class="normal">In about a quarter of an hour, however, their hopes were raised, and -disappointed. The key once more turned in the door, and both the -knight and his companion expected to see their friend Heartley; but in -his place appeared two of the servants of Sir Payan, one of whom -brought in some provisions, while the other stood at the door. The -sight, however, of the roast beef and jug of ale was very gratifying -to the entrails of the worthy clothier, who looked on well contented -while the man laid them down on the ground before him.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Now, my good fellow, an we had a little salt," said Jekin, "we could -fall to."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Fellow me no fellow!" answered the servant. "Eat what you've got, my -forward chap, and thank God for it."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ay, but wouldst have me tear it with my teeth?" cried the clothier. -"I'm not a wild beast, though you do keep me in a den."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, I will cut you a nuncheon with my dagger," replied the -serving-man. "Look to him, Will, that he do not smite me while I -kneel." And so saying, he stooped and cut several slices from the -meat with his side knife, which being done, he rose, and left the -strong-room quickly, as if almost afraid of its denizens.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Now, sir," cried Jekin, "come and keep your spirit up with some of -the best comfort in nature. Oh! to my mind, there is no consolation on -earth like roast beef and ale."</p> - -<p class="normal">But Sir Osborne had no inclination to join in the good clothier's -repast. The auguries which he drew from the appearance of these two -strange serving-men, and the absence of Longpole, were not of a nature -to increase his appetite; and he looked on silently, while Jekin, -without any sacrifice to the gods, devoured great part of the beef, -and made manifold libations of the ale.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Jekin," said Sir Osborne, when the clothier had finished, "I am -afraid Sir Payan Wileton has discovered that our friend Heartley is -not quite cordial to his interests, and that he may take means to -prevent his aiding us. Now, there is no reason that you should stay -here as well as I; therefore, as soon as it is dark, I will help you -up to the window as you did me. Drop down on the other side, and speed -as fast as you can to any town where you are well known, there get -together a body of a dozen horsemen, and scour the sea-coast from -Sandwich to Hythe. Wherever you hear of a Portingallo vessel, there -stop, and keep good watch; for I doubt not that this Sir Payan intends -to send me to some far land, and perhaps sell me for a slave. Kill me -I do not think he dare. Your pains shall be well paid. The night is -coming on; so you had better mount first, and see the ground on the -other side, that you may drop fair."</p> - -<p class="normal">"No, no, my lord--that is, Sir Osborne," said Jekin. "Dang it, no! you -would not go away and leave me, so I'll not go away and leave you. -Lord-'a-mercy! that's not fair, any way."</p> - -<p class="normal">"But by going you can serve me far more than by staying," said Sir -Osborne; "so try to mount on my shoulders that you may see the -ground."</p> - -<p class="normal">It was with great difficulty, however, that the honest clothier was -persuaded to make the attempt, and when he did so it was in vain, -Somewhat corpulent and shorter than the knight, even when standing -upright on Sir Osborne's shoulders, he could hardly get as much of his -arms over the opening as the other had done; and when he attempted to -swing himself up, the heavy part of his body, which, according to -Hudibras, is the seat of honour, and which, in the worthy clothier, -was by no means deficient in rotundity, weighed him back again with a -strong counteracting force, so that when Sir Osborne freed him he -swang for a moment like a pendulum, and then dropped to the ground.</p> - -<p class="normal">No resource now remained but to wait patiently the event, and much -need of patience had they to support them. Day waned, night fell, hour -after hour passed by, and yet no sound gave them notice that any -friendly being existed within the mansion. The curfew bell, the -distant village clock, the barking of some watchful dogs in the -hamlet, and the remote echoes of persons walking to and fro in the -different halls, were all that marked the passing of time to the -prisoners; and hope began gradually to wax dimmer and more dim, like -the flame of a lamp when its oil is spent. At length, after a weary, -silent pause, the clock was heard to strike again; but so faint were -the sounds before they reached their ears, that Sir Osborne could -hardly count them. "I counted but eleven," said he, "and yet methought -the last hour that struck was eleven too."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, 'tis twelve, 'tis twelve!" replied Groby; "I did not take heed to -count, but I am sure it is twelve."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Hush!" cried the knight; "I hear some one on the outside. Hark!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"'Tis but a bat," said Jekin; "I heard its wings whirr past the -window."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Hush!" cried the knight again, and as he spoke something darted -through the opening, and fell at his feet. Feeling over the ground -with his hands, he soon discovered the object of his search, which was -a small roll of parchment. "It is a letter," said he; "but what is the -use of throwing me what I cannot see to read? It must be for to-morrow -morning."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Open it, open it!" cried Jekin; "methinks I see something shining -through the end. It casts a light upon your hand."</p> - -<p class="normal">Sir Osborne rapidly unrolled the scroll, when to his joy and surprise -he found it covered with large luminous characters, in which, though -somewhat smeared by rolling the parchment, was written legibly: "Pull -up the rope gently that is cast through the window. Catch the settle -that is tied to it. Make no noise. Come out, and be speedy."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oons!" cried Jekin, "this is magic. The fairies are our friends!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh! brave Heartley," cried the knight; "I thought he would prove -true. But let us lose no time. Jekin, stand you under with me, and -extend your arms, that the settle may not make a noise by falling."</p> - -<p class="normal">By searching along the wall the rope was found, and by pulling it -gently the knight soon began to feel a weight at the farther end. For -some way it ascended silently, as if a person without held it from the -wall; but then, when it had been raised about six or seven feet, it -grated desperately till it entered the opening in the wall, which by -courtesy we have termed window. The cord had been so adjusted as to -insure its entrance; and as soon as Sir Osborne was certain that it -had passed sufficiently, and hung upon the very brink, he gave it a -sudden jerk, and catching it with a strong hand as it fell, secured -possession of the tall settle or hall stool with scarcely any noise.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Now, good Jekin," said he, "we are free. I will mount first, and then -help you up; by standing on this settle, and pulled by me above, you -will not have much difficulty."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, no! I warrant you, your worship," replied Jekin. "And when we are -once out, let every man run his own way, say I. Your worship's company -may prove somewhat dangerous, and I am a peaceable man."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, be it so," answered the knight; and placing the settle directly -under the window, he soon contrived to get into the opening, and -kneeling in the deep wall, managed with some trouble to raise the -heavy body of Groby, and place him in a sitting position on the edge, -so that the moment he himself dropped down on the other side, the -honest clothier could take his place and follow his example.</p> - -<p class="normal">Turning round, Sir Osborne could perceive by the dim light of the -night the tall form of Longpole standing below, but he took care not -to utter a sound; and bending his knees, he gradually stretched -himself out, till he hung by nothing but his hands; then dropped, and -in a moment stood silently by Heartley's side, who instantly placed in -his hands the large double-edged sword of which he had been deprived -in the morning.</p> - -<p class="normal">It now became poor Jekin's turn, who managed the matter somewhat more -slowly, and a good deal more clumsily; and at length, when he dropped, -although the arms of the knight broke his fall, he uttered a -tremendous "Oh!" and exhausted, leant against the wall.</p> - -<p class="normal">At that moment a light appeared in a window above, passed by a second -one, and instantly the alarum-bell rang out a peal loud enough to -awake the dead.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Run! run! every one his own way!" cried Jekin, who seemed to trust -mightily to the activity of his own legs, and plying them with vast -rapidity, he fled up an alley before him.</p> - -<p class="normal">"This way, my lord!" cried Heartley; "quick, we shall distance them -far." And darting off for the thick wood that almost touched the angle -of the house, he led the knight into a deep forest path, crying -"Stoop!"</p> - -<p class="normal">The sounds of pursuit were now loud on every side. Whoop, and halloo, -and shout, floated on the wind, as the servants, dispersed in all -directions, strove to give information or encouragement to their -comrades, and one party especially seemed by the sound to come rapidly -on their track. At length an alley, bounded by a wall, closed their -course in that direction.</p> - -<p class="normal">"We can vault?" said Heartley.</p> - -<p class="normal">"On!" cried the knight; and in a moment both had cleared the wall and -the dry ditch beyond; but at the same moment the sounds of two parties -of pursuers were heard in the parallel alley.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Down in the ditch!" cried the knight; "they will see us if we take to -the open field."</p> - -<p class="normal">No sooner was it said than done, and immediately after, they heard as -they lay, the feet and voices of half a dozen men passing rapidly by.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I was sure they did not take this way, Joe," cried one.</p> - -<p class="normal">"And I am sure they did!" answered the other. "They're in the wood -now. Let us----"</p> - -<p class="normal">What he said more was lost, and after pausing for a moment or two till -the sounds were but faintly heard in the wood, Longpole and his lord -betook them to the open field, and soon were out of sight of the park.</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER VIII.</h4> -<div class="poem0" style="margin-left:15%"> -<p style="text-indent:8em">I do believe it: the common world<br> -Teems out with things we know not; and our mind,<br> -Too gross for us to scan the mighty whole,<br> -Knows not how busy all creation is.</p> -</div> - -<p class="normal">In the original history here follows a long chapter describing how Sir -Payan Wileton, sitting in deep and earnest consultation with Sir -Cesar, the magician, regarding the teeming future, was only awakened -to a full sense of the present by the very resonant "Oh!" uttered by -Jekin Groby as he fell from the window. And the same chapter goes on -at great length to detail all that Sir Payan did and said upon making -the discovery of his prisoners' evasion. His fury, his menaces, his -orders, his promises to those who should retake them, are all -described fully, and in very sublime language by Professor -Vonderbrugius. But nevertheless we shall omit them, as well as the -long account by which they are preceded of the strange and curious -ceremonies employed by Sir Cesar to ascertain the event of many dark -schemes that were then revolving in the breasts of men; and we think -that the reasons which induce us to leave out all those curious -particulars, will fully justify our so doing in the opinion of our -readers. In the first place, we wish to follow our hero as fast as -possible; in the next place, every reader whose head is any better -than a turnip, can easily figure the mad rage of a passionate though -wily man, on finding that his prey has escaped from his hand; and in -the third place, we did not translate this chapter, inasmuch as -Vonderbrugius, besides being vastly sublime, was wholly -unintelligible.</p> - -<p class="normal">Making, therefore, that short which was originally long, we shall only -say that all the servants, roused from their beds, beat the woods in -every direction, searching vainly for the young knight and Richard -Heartley, who, as we have seen, contrived to evade their pursuit. Not -such, however, was the fate of poor Jekin Groby, who, running straight -forward up one of the avenues, was soon seen and overtaken by a party -of servants, who taking it for granted that he would resist most -violently, beat him unmercifully out of mere expectation.</p> - -<p class="normal">Roaring and grumbling, the unfortunate clothier was brought back to -the manor, and underwent Sir Payan's objurgation with but an ill -grace. "You are a villain! you are!" cried Jekin. "You had better let -me alone, you had! You'll burn your fingers if you meddle with me. -You've stolen my bags already. But the king and Lord Darby shall hear -of it; ay, and the cardinal to boot, and a deal more too. Did not I -hear you promise to murder him, you black-hearted vagabond?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Tie him hand and foot," said Sir Payan, "and bring him back again -into the strong room. Bring him along, I would fain see how they -reached the window." And followed by the servants, hauling on poor -Jekin, who ever and anon muttered something about Lord Darby, and the -king, and his bags, he proceeded to the chamber where the young knight -had been imprisoned. There the settle and the rope gave evidence of -the manner in which the escape had been effected, and were instantly -removed by order of the knight, to prevent the honest clothier, though -now bound hand and foot, from making the attempt again. "This man's -evidence would damn me," thought Sir Payan.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Fool that I was to forget that he was here, and not look in that -straw closet, before I committed myself with the other! But he must be -taken care of, and never see England again. What is that?" continued -he aloud, pointing to the scroll which caught his eye on the ground. -"Give it me. Ha! All fair! Can old Sir Cesar have aided in this trick: -we will see." And with hasty strides he proceeded to the high chamber -where he had left the astrologer. He slackened his pace, however, with -some feelings of awe, for as he approached he heard a voice speaking -high. "In the name of God most high," it cried, "answer! Shall his -head be raised so high for good or for evil? Ha! thou fleetest away! -Let be! let be!"</p> - -<p class="normal">At this moment Sir Payan threw open the door, and found the old man -with his hair standing almost erect, his eye protruded, and his arms -extended, as if still adjuring some invisible being. "It is gone!" -cried he, as the other entered. "It is gone!" And he sank back -exhausted in his chair.</p> - -<p class="normal">Notwithstanding the fund of dauntless resolution which Sir Payan held, -his heart seemed to grow faint as he entered the apartment, in which -there was a strange sickly odour of incense and foreign gums, and a -thin blue smoke, that diffusing itself from a chafing-dish on the -table, rendered the various objects flickering and indistinct. Nor -could he help persuading himself that something rushed by him as he -opened the door, like a sudden gust of cold wind, that made him give -an involuntary shudder.</p> - -<p class="normal">When he had left the room below, he had determined to tax the old -knight boldly with having aided in the prisoners' escape; but his -feelings were greatly changed when he entered, and accosting him with -a mixture of awe and respect, he asked how it was that people -discovered any characters written in a certain sort of ink he had -heard of, which was quite pure and white till the person who had the -secret submitted it to some other process.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Hold the paper to the fire!" said Sir Cesar, feebly.</p> - -<p class="normal">Sir Payan immediately extended the parchment over the chafing-dish, -but in vain; no trace of any kind appeared, and vexed and disappointed -he let it drop into the flame.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Know ye that my prisoner has escaped," said he, "and I am again -insecure?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Listen to what is of mightier moment," cried Sir Cesar, with a great -effort, as if his powers were almost extinct with some vast excitement -just undergone. "Listen, and reply not; but leave me the moment you -have heard. You besought me to ascertain the fate of Edward, Duke of -Buckingham, that you might judge whether to serve him as he would have -you. I have compelled an answer from those who know, and I learn that, -within one year, Buckingham's head shall be the highest in the realm. -Mark! determine! and leave me!"</p> - -<p class="normal">Sir Payan, aware that it was useless to remain when Sir Cesar had once -desired to be alone, quitted the chamber in silence. "Yes!" said he, -thoughtfully, "I will serve him, so long as I do not undo myself. I -will creep into his counsels; I will appear his zealous friend, but I -will be wary. He aims at the crown: as he rises I will rise; but if I -see him make one false step in that proud ascent, I will hurl him -down, and when the fair lands of Buckingham are void----who knows? We -shall see. Less than I have risen higher! Ho! Who waits? When the -Portingallo returns, give the prisoner into his hands; but first make -the captain speak with me. Buckingham's head shall be the highest in -the realm! That must be king. Never did I know his prophecies fail, -though sometimes they have a strange twisted meaning. Highest in the -realm! There can be none higher than the king! Harry has no male heir. -Well, we shall see!"</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER IX.</h4> -<div class="poem0" style="margin-left:15%"> -<p style="text-indent:10em">Welcome, he said:<br> -Oh, long expected, to my dear embrace!--<span class="sc">Dryden</span>.</p> -</div> - -<p class="normal">"We must not think ourselves safe," said Longpole, when they had got -about two miles from the park, "till we have put five estates between -us and that double cunning fox, Sir Payan Wileton; for by break of day -his horsemen will be out in every direction, and he will not mind -breaking a little law to have us."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Which way are we going now?" demanded the knight; "I should judge -towards Canterbury."</p> - -<p class="normal">"A little to the left we bear now," replied Longpole; "and yet the -left is become the right, for by going left we get right off his land, -my lord."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Call me not my lord, Heartley," said Darnley. "Did I appear before -the king as Lord Darnley his grace might be offended, and especially -the proud Wolsey; as, after many entreaties, made by the best in the -land, the prelate refused to see either my father or myself, that we -might plead our own cause; therefore, for the present, I am but Sir -Osborne Maurice. Thou hast too much wit I know to give me my lord at -every instant, like yon foolish clothier."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, no! not I," replied Longpole; "I will Sir Osborne you, sir, -mightily. But speaking of the clothier, your worship, how wonderfully -the fellow used his legs! It seemed as if every step cried out -<i>ell-wide</i>; and when he stumbled 'twas but <i>three quarters</i>. I hope he -escaped, if 'twere but to glorify his running."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Even if they took him," said the knight, "Sir Payan would not keep -him after he found I was gone."</p> - -<p class="normal">"If 'twere not for avarice," said Longpole; "the fellow had all his -better angels in his bags, and Sir Payan has store of avarice. I've -seen him wrangle with a beggar for the change of a halfpenny, when the -devil tempted him to commit a charity. And yet avarice, looked upon -singly, is not a bad vice for a man to have either. It's a warm, a -comfortable solid sin; and if most men will damn their own souls to -get money, he can't be much worse off who damns his to keep it. Oh, I -like avarice! Give me avarice for my sin. But I tire your worship."</p> - -<p class="normal">"No, no, faith!" replied the knight. "Thy cheerfulness, together with -the freedom of my limbs, give me new spirit, Heartley."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh! good your worship," cried Longpole, "call me something else than -Heartley. Since the fit is on us for casting our old names, I'll be -after the fashion too, and have a new one."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, then, I will call thee Longpole," said the knight, "which was a -name we gave thee this morning, when thou wert watching us on the -bank."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Speak not of it, Sir Osborne," replied he; "that was a bad trick, the -worst I ever was in. But call me Longpole, if your worship chooses. -When I was with the army they called me Dick Fletcher,<a name="div4Ref_03" href="#div4_03"><sup>[3]</sup></a> because I -made the arrows; and now I'll be Longpole, till such time as your -honour Is established in all your rights again; and then I'll be merry -Master Heartley, my lord's man."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I fear me, Dick, that thou wilt have but little beside thy merriment -for thy wages," said the knight, "at least for a while; for yon same -Sir Payan has my bags too in safe custody, and also some good letters -for his Grace of Buckingham. Yet I hope to receive in London the -ransom of a knight and two squires, whom I made prisoners at Bouvines. -Till then we must content ourselves on soldiers' fare, and strive not -to grow sad because our purses are empty."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh! your worship, my merriment never leaves me," said Longpole. "They -say that I laughed when first I came into the world; and, with God's -will, I will laugh when I go out of it. When good Dr. Wilbraham, your -honour's tutor, used to teach me Latin, you were but a little thing -then, some four years old; but, however, I was a great boy of twelve, -and he would kindly have taught me, and made a clerk of me; but I -laughed so at the gods and goddesses, that he never could get on. The -great old fools of antiquity, as I used to call them; and then he -would cane me, and laugh too, till he could not cane me for laughing. -I was a wicked wag in those days; but since then I have grown to laugh -at folks as much as with them. But I think you said, Sir Osborne, that -you had letters for the Duke of Buckingham: if we walk on at this -pace, we shall soon be upon his land."</p> - -<p class="normal">"What! has he estates in this county?" asked the knight; "my letters -were addressed to him at Thornbury, in Gloucestershire."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh! but he has many a broad acre too in Kent," answered Longpole; -"and a fine house, windowed throughout with glass, and four chimneys -at each end; not a room but has its fire. They say that he is there -even now. And much loved is he of the commons, being no way proud, as -some of our lords are, with their upturned noses, as if they scorned -to wind their mother earth."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Were I but sure that his grace were there," said the knight, "I would -e'en venture without the letters; for much has he been a friend to my -father, and he is also renowned for his courtesy."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Surely, your worship," answered Longpole, "if his grace have any -grace, he must be gracious; and yet I have heard that Sir Payan is the -duke's good friend, and it might be dangerous to trust yourself."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I do not fear," said the knight. "The noble duke would never deliver -me into the hands of my enemy; and although, perhaps, Sir Payan may -play the sycophant, and cringe to serve his own base purposes with his -grace, I cannot believe that the duke would show him any farther -favour than such as we yield to a hound that serves us. However, we -must find some place to couch us for the night, and to-morrow morning -I will determine."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Still, we must on a little farther to-night," said Longpole. "That -Sir Payan has the nose of a bloodhound, and I should fear to rest yet -for a couple of hours. But the country I know well, every path and -field, so that I will not lead your worship wrong."</p> - -<p class="normal">For nearly ten miles more, lighted by neither moon nor stars, did the -two travellers proceed, through fields, over gates, and in the midst -of woods, through which Longpole conducted with such unerring -sagacity, that the young knight could not help a suspicion crossing -his mind that his guide must have made himself acquainted with the -paths by some slight practice in deer-stalking, or other gentle -employments of a similar nature. At length, however, they arrived in -the bottom of a little valley, where a clear quick stream was dashing -along, catching and reflecting all the light that remained in the air. -On the edge of the hill hung a portion of old forest ground, in the -skirts of which was a group of haystacks; and hither Longpole led his -master, seeming quite familiar with all the localities round about. -"Here, sir, leap this little ditch and mound. Wait! there is a young -hedge: now, between these two hay-stacks is a bed for a prince. Out -upon the grumblers who are always finding fault with Fortune! The old -lady, with her purblind eyes, gives, it is true, to one man a wisp of -straw, and to another a cap and plume; but if he with the wisp wears -it as gaily as the other does his bonnet, why fortune's folly is -mended by content. I killed a fat buck in that wood not a month -since," continued Longpole; "but, good your worship, tell not his -Grace of Buckingham thereof."</p> - -<p class="normal">By such conversation Longpole strove to cheer the spirits of his young -lord, upon whose mind all the wayward circumstances of his fate -pressed with no easy weight. Laying himself down, however, between the -two haystacks, while Heartley found himself a similar bed hard by, the -young adventurer contrived soon to forget his sorrows in the arms of -sleep; and as he lay there, very inconsiderately began dreaming of -Lady Constance de Grey. Sir Payan Wileton also soon took his place on -the imaginary scene; and in all the wild romance of a sleeping vision, -they both contrived to teaze poor Sir Osborne desperately. At length, -however, as if imagination had been having her revel after judgment -had fallen asleep, and had then become drowsy herself, the forms -melted gradually away, and forgetfulness took possession of the whole.</p> - -<p class="normal">It was bright daylight when the knight awoke, and all the world was -gay with sunshine, and resonant with the universe's matin song. -Longpole, however, was still fast asleep, and snoring as if in -obstinate mockery of the birds that sat and sang above his head. Yet -even in sleep there was a merry smile upon the honest Englishman's -face, and the knight could hardly find the heart to wake him from the -quiet blessing he was enjoying to the cares, the fears, and the -anxieties of active existence. "Wake, Richard!" said he, at length, -"wake; the sun has risen this hour."</p> - -<p class="normal">Up started Longpole. "So he has!" cried he; "well, 'tis a shame, I -own, that that same old fellow the sun, who could run alone before I -was born, and who has neither sat down nor stood still one hour since, -should still be up before me in the morning. But your worship and I -did not go to bed last night so early as he did."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ay!" replied the knight; "but he will still run on, as bright, as -vigorous, and as gay as ever, long after our short race is done."</p> - -<p class="normal">"More fool he then!" said Longpole; "he'll be lag last. But how have -you determined, sir, about visiting the noble duke?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"I will go, certainly," replied the knight; "but, good Longpole, tell -me, is it far from the manor, for all my food yesterday was -imprisonment and foul words."</p> - -<p class="normal">"'Ods life! your worship must not complain of hunger, then, for such -diet soon gives a man a surfeit. But, in troth, 'tis more than one -good mile. However, surely we can get a nuncheon of bread at some -cottage as we go; so shall your worship arrive just in time for his -grace's dinner, and I come in for my share of good things in the -second or third hall, as it pleases master yeoman-usher. So let us on, -sir, i' God's name."</p> - -<p class="normal">Climbing the hill, they now cut across an angle of the forest, and -soon came to a wide open down, whereon a shepherd was feeding a fine -flock of sheep, singing lightly as he went along.</p> -<br> - -<h4>SHEPHERD'S SONG.</h4> -<div style="margin-left:10%"> -<pre> - "The silly beast, the silly beast, - That crops the grassy plain, - Enjoys more than the monarch's feast, - And never tastes his pain. - Sing oh! sing oh! for high degree, - I'd be a sheep, and browse the lee. - - "The 'broidered robe with jewels drest, - The silks and velvets rare, - What are they to the woolly vest - That shuts out cold and care? - Sing oh! sing oh! for high degree, - A woolly coat's the coat for me. - - "The king he feeds on dainty meat, - Then goes to bed and weeps, - The sheep he crops the wild thyme sweet, - And lays him down and sleeps. - Sing oh! sing oh! for high degree, - A careless life's the life for me."</pre> -</div> -<br> - -<p class="normal">"This shepherd will have his hard-pressed curds and his brown bread," -said Longpole; "and if your worship's hunger be like mine, no way -dainty, we can manage to break our fast with him, though it be not on -manchets and stewed eels."</p> - -<p class="normal">The knight was very willing to try the shepherd's fare; and bending -their course towards him, they came up just as he was placing himself -under an old oak, leaving his sheep to the care of his dogs, and found -him well disposed to supply their necessities. His pressed curds, his -raveled bread, and his leathern bottle, full of thin beer, were -cheerfully produced; and when the knight, drawing from his pocket one -of the few pieces that had luckily not been placed in his bags, -offered to pay for their refreshment, the honest shepherd would -receive no payment; his good lord, he said, the Duke of Buckingham, -let none of his people want for anything in their degree, from his -chancellor to his shepherd.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Content is as good as a king," said Heartley, as they proceeded on -their way. "But, there! does not your worship catch a glance of the -house where those two hills sweep across one another, with a small -road winding in between them? just as if under yon large mass of -chalky stone, that seems detached and hanging over the path, with a -bright gleam of sunshine seen upon the wood beyond? Do you not see the -chimneys, sir?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"I do, I do," answered Sir Osborne. "But, come, let us on, it cannot -be far."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Not above half-a-mile," answered Longpole; "but we must go round to -the other side, for on this lie the gardens, which, as I have heard, -are marvellous rich and curious. There may be seen all kinds of -foreign fruit, corn trees, capers, lemons, and oranges. And they say -that by a strange way they call grafting, making, as it were, a fool -of Dame Nature, they give her a party-coloured coat, causing one tree -to bring forth many kinds of fruit, and flowers of sundry colours."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I have seen the same in Holland," replied the knight, "where the art -of man seems boldly, as it were, to take the pencil from nature's -hand, and paint the flowers with what hues he will."</p> - -<p class="normal">Walking rapidly on, they soon crossed the fields that separated them -from the park, and skirting round the grounds reached the high road. -This ran along for about a mile under the thick massy wall, which, -supported by immense buttresses, and partially overgrown with ivy, -enclosed the domain on all sides. Every here and there some of the old -English oaks, the true aboriginal giants of our isle, waved their wide -bare arms over the boundary; while still between, the eye rested on -the various hues of tender green which the earlier trees just began to -put forth, mingled with the dark shades of the pine and the yew. The -thick wall continued uninterrupted till towards the middle, where, -turning abruptly round to the right, it was seen flanking on both -hands the wide road that led up to a pair of massy iron gates before -the house. On each side of these gates appeared a square tower of -brickwork, affording sufficient lodging for the porter and his men; -and round about the doors of which was a crowd of paupers already -collected, waiting for the daily dole which they received from the -table of the duke.</p> - -<p class="normal">Through these Sir Osborne took his way, followed by Longpole; yet not -without a sort of murmur amongst the beggar train, who, thinking -everything that remained of the dinners in the various halls their own -by right, grumbled at each person who went in, as if they thereby -received an injury.</p> - -<p class="normal">The gate being open, the knight entered, and looked round for some one -to answer his inquiries. The porter instantly stepped forth from his -house; and although the stranger's dress had lost the saucy freshness -of its first gloss, he doffed his cap with as much respect as if he -had been robed in ermines; and thus it may be invariably observed, -that where the noble and the great are affable and easy of access, -their dependants are, in their station, civil and courteous; and -where, on the contrary, the lord affects those airs of misproud -haughtiness which offer but a poor comment on his mind's construction, -his servants never fail, by their insolent rudeness, to afford a fine -caricature of their master's pride.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Sir," said the porter, doffing his cap with a low bow, imagining that -the knight came to dine at the table in the second hall, to which all -strangers of respectable appearance were admitted; "'tis not yet -eleven o'clock, and the dinner is never served till noon."</p> - -<p class="normal">"That will be more to my purpose," replied the knight, "as I wish to -have an audience of his grace, if he be now in Kent."</p> - -<p class="normal">"His grace walks in the flower-garden," replied the porter, "and I -know not whether he may be spoken with; but follow me, sir, and I will -bring you to his chamberlain."</p> - -<p class="normal">So saying, he led the way across the court, and ascending the steps of -the terrace on which the mansion was raised, he pushed open the -hall-door, and conducted the knight through a merry group of servants, -engaged in various sports, into a second hall, where were a number of -ecclesiastics and gentlemen, of that intermediate grade which raised -them above the domestics without giving them a title to associate with -the persons admitted to the duke's own table.</p> - -<p class="normal">Here the porter looked round, as if searching for some one amongst the -various groups that tenanted the apartment; and then begging the -knight to wait a moment, he left him.</p> - -<p class="normal">Finding that all eyes were fixed upon him with that sort of glance of -cool, impertinent inquiry, which few persons scruple to exercise upon -a stranger who comes new into a place where they themselves are at -home, Sir Osborne went up to some fine suits of armour which were -ranged in order at the end of the hall. Amongst the rest was one of -those beautiful fluted suits of Milan steel, which are now so rarely -met with. It was arranged as for use, and the arm extended, with the -gauntlet resting on the pommel of an immense double-handed sword, -which was supported by a small rail of iron, placed there as a guard.</p> - -<p class="normal">The knight considered it all with the eyes of a connoisseur, and -taking the sword from underneath the gauntlet, drew it partly out of -the sheath.</p> - -<p class="normal">"You are a bold gentleman!" said one of the starers, coming up to the -knight. "Do you know that these suits are my lord duke's? What are you -going to do with that sword?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"To slit the ears of any one who asks me impertinent questions," -answered the knight, turning suddenly round upon him.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Cast him out! cast him out!" cried a dozen voices. "Who is the -beggarly rascal with his gray doublet? Cast him out!"</p> - -<p class="normal">But the knight glanced round them with that sort of fierce, determined -look, which tells that an adversary would have no easy task to master -the heart that so lights up the eye; and though some still cried to -cast him out, no one thought fit to approach too near.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Peace! peace!" cried an old ecclesiastic, who had been sitting at the -farther extreme of the hall, and who now advanced. "Peace! see ye not -by his spurs the gentleman is a knight? My son," he continued, -addressing Sir Osborne, "those arms are the noble Duke of -Buckingham's, and out of respect for our patron, those who are -admitted to this hall refrain from touching his ten suits. That which -seems to have excited your curiosity was the prize at a tournament, -given by an old friend of his grace some fifteen years ago, and it is -one of the most handsome in his possession."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I should not have touched those arms, my good father," answered the -knight, "had I not thought that I recognised the suit; and was drawing -the blade to see if it was the same."</p> - -<p class="normal">"By what mark would you know it, young gentleman?" demanded the -priest.</p> - -<p class="normal">"If it be that I mean," replied Sir Osborne, "there is written on the -blade--</p> -<br> - -<p style="margin-left:35%">I will win my right.<br> -Or die in the fight."</p> -<br> - -<p class="normal">"True, true!" said the clergyman. "There is so; but you must be too -young to have been at that tourney."</p> - -<p class="normal">"No matter," said the knight; "but, if I mistake not, here is his -grace's chamberlain."</p> - -<p class="normal">As he spoke, a gentleman, dressed in a black velvet suit, with a gold -chain round his neck, followed the porter into the hall, and addressed -himself to the knight.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I have communicated your desire," said he, "to my lord duke, who has -commanded me to say, that if your business with his grace be such as -may pass through a third person, he prays you to inform him thereof by -me; but if you must needs speak with him personally, he never denies -his presence to those who really require it."</p> - -<p class="normal">Though he spoke with all courtesy, there was something in the manner -of the chamberlain that Sir Osborne did not like; and he answered full -haughtily--</p> - -<p class="normal">"Inform his grace that my business is for his private ear, and that a -moment will show him whether it be such as he can hear with pleasure."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Then I have nought left, sir, but to lead you to his grace," replied -the chamberlain; "though, I am sure, you know that it is not well to -trouble great men with small matters."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Lead on, sir!" said the knight, observing the chamberlain's eye -glance somewhat critically over his apparel. "My doublet is not very -new, you would say; but if I judge it good enough for your lord, it is -too good for his servant's scorn."</p> - -<p class="normal">The chamberlain led on in silence through one of the side doors of -the hall, and thence by a long passage to the other side of the -dwelling, where, issuing out upon the terrace, they descended into a -flower-garden, laid out much after the pattern of a Brussels carpet. -Formed into large compartments, divided by broad paved walks, the -early flowers of the season were distributed in all manner of -arabesques, each bed containing those of one particular colour; so -that, viewed from above, the effect was not ugly though somewhat -stiff, and gay without being elegant.</p> - -<p class="normal">As Darnley descended, he beheld at the farther end a tall, dignified -man, of about the middle age, walking slowly up and down the longest -walk. He was dressed in one of the strait coats of the day, stiff with -gold embroidery, the upper part of the sleeve puffed out with crimson -silk, and held down with straps of cloth of gold. The rest of his -attire was of the same splendid nature; the high breeches of silken -serge, pinked with gold; the mirabaise, or small low-crowned bonnet, -of rich velvet, with a thin feather leaning across, fastened by a -large ruby; the silken girdle, with its jewelled clasp: all were -corresponding; and though the dress might not be so elegant in its -forms as that which we are accustomed to call the Vandyk, yet it was -far more splendid in its materials, and had perhaps more of majesty, -though less of grace. Two servants walked about ten paces behind, the -one carrying in his hand his lord's sword, the other bearing an -orange, which contained in the centre a sponge filled with vinegar.</p> - -<p class="normal">The duke himself was busily engaged in reading as he walked, now -poring on the leaves of the book he held in his hand, now raising his -eyes and seeming to consider what he had just collected. As the young -knight approached, however, he paused, placed a mark between the -leaves where he had left off, and advanced a step, with that affable -smile and winning courtesy for which he was so famous.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I give you good morrow, fair sir!" said he. "My chamberlain says that -you would speak with me. Methinks my good fortune has made me see your -face before. Say, can Buckingham serve you?" And as he spoke he -considered the young stranger attentively, as if he did really -remember him.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Your grace is ever courteous," replied the knight; and then added, -seeing that the chamberlain still staid--"but, in the first place, let -me say that what I was unwilling to communicate to this your officer, -I am equally unwilling to speak before him."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Leave us!" said the duke. "In truth, I know not why you stay. Now, -fair sir, may I crave your name?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"'Tis now a poor one, my good lord," replied the knight. "Osborne -Darnley."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Rich, rich, dear youth, in virtue and in merit!" cried the duke, -taking him in his arms and embracing him warmly, which accolade did -not escape the reverted eyes of the chamberlain; "rich in honour and -courage, and every good quality. The Lord of Surrey, my good -son-in-law, to whom you are a dear companion in arms, wrote me from -Ireland some two months past that I might expect you here; evolved to -me the plans which you have formed to gain the favour of the king, and -prepared me to aid you to the best of my poor power. Hold you the same -purpose of concealing your name which you proposed when you wrote from -Flanders to Lord Surrey, and which you observed when last in this our -happy country?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"I do, my good lord," replied the knight, "on every account; but more -especially as it is the wish and desire of him I am bound most to -honour and obey: my father."</p> - -<p class="normal">"My judgment goes with his and yours," said the duke, "more especially -as for some cause that proud man Wolsey, when, not long since, I -petitioned the king to see your noble father, stepped in and staid the -wavering consent that hung upon his grace's lips. But think not, my -dear youth, that I have halted in your cause! Far from it; I have -urged your rights with all the noblest and best of the land; while -your own merits, and the high name you have acquired in serving with -the emperor, have fixed your interest on the sure basis of esteem; so -that, wherever you find a real English heart, and but whisper the name -of Darnley, there you shall have a friend; yet, indeed, I have much to -complain of in my lord your father."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Indeed, indeed, your grace?" cried the knight, the quick blood -mounting into his cheek. "Some misconception must make you think so. -My father, heaven knows! is full of gratitude and affection towards -you."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nay, protest not," replied Buckingham, with a smile. "I have the -strongest proof of his ingratitude and bad esteem; for what can be so -great a proof of either as to refuse an offered kindness?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh! I understand your grace," said Sir Osborne. "But though the -noble, the princely offers, of pecuniary assistance which your grace -held out to him were declined, my father's gratitude was not the less. -For five long years I have not seen him, but in all his letters he -speaks of the noble Duke of Buckingham as one whose virtues have -shamed him from misanthropy."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, well!" answered the duke. "At least remember you were counted -once as my page, when you were a child no higher than my knee: so now -with you I will command, whereas with your father I could but beg; and -I will say, that if you use not my house, my servants, and my purse, -you hold Buckingham at nought. But we must be more particular: come -into my closet till dinner be served, and tell me all, for young -soldiers are rarely rich, and I will not have my purpose balked."</p> - -<p class="normal">We shall not pursue the farther conversation of the duke of Buckingham -and the young knight: suffice that the frank generosity of his noble -friend easily drew from Sir Osborne all his history, even to the very -day. His plans, his wishes, and his hopes; the conduct of Sir Payan -Wileton, and his desperate designs; his own intention to seek the -court, and strive to win the favour of the king before he disclosed -himself; were all displayed before the duke, who did not fail to -encourage him to persevere, both by words of hope and proffers of -assistance.</p> - -<p class="normal">"As to your enemy, Sir Payan Wileton," said the duke, "I know him -well: he is a desperate villain; and yet such men are useful in great -enterprises. You say you met that strange but wonderful man Sir Cesar. -Did he not tell you anything concerning me? But no! he was wise. His -grace the king might die without issue male; and then----God knows! -However, we will not think of that!" And with these dark hints of some -more remote and daring schemes, the Duke of Buckingham contented -himself for the time, and returned to the more immediate affairs of -him whose interest he now so warmly embraced. But in the midst of -their conversation, the controller of the household entered to marshal -the way to the banquet hall.</p> - -<p class="normal">"What said you, my dear youth, was the name you had adopted?" demanded -the duke; "for I must gain you the acquaintance of my friends."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ever since the sequestration of our estates," replied the knight, -"and their transfer to Sir Payan Wileton, I have, when in England, -borne the name of Osborne Maurice."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Osborne Maurice!" said the duke, with some emphasis, as if he found -something extraordinary in the name. "How came you to assume that?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"In truth, I know not," answered the knight; "'twas fixed on by my -father."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Yes, I now remember," said the duke, after musing for a while. "He -was a dear friend of my good lord your father's: I mean the other Sir -Osborne Maurice, who supported Perkyn Warbeck. But 'twill do as well -as another; the name is forgotten now."</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER X.</h4> -<div class="poem0" style="margin-left:15%"> -<p style="text-indent:7em">Born of noble state,<br> -Well could he tourney, and in lists debate.--<span class="sc">Spenser</span>.</p> -</div> - -<p class="normal">When, as may be remembered, the porter led the knight into the second -hall, our friend Longpole remained in the first, with those of his own -degree; nor was he long in making acquaintance, and becoming intimate -with every one round about, from the old seneschal, who took his place -in the leathern chair by right of immemorial service, to the sucking -serving-man who was hardly yet weaned from his mother's cottage, and -felt as stiffly uncomfortable in his rich livery suit as a hog in -armour, a cat in pattens, or any other unfortunate animal in a garb it -has not been accustomed to. For all, and each, Longpole had his joke -and his quibble; he played with one, he jested with the other, and he -won the hearts of all. In short, every one was in a roar of laughter -when the porter returned from the second hall, followed by one of -those inferior gentlemen who had just found it inexpedient to follow -up his purpose of casting Sir Osborne out. Immediately on entering, -the porter pointed out Longpole to the other, who advanced and -addressed him with a vastly supercilious air, which, however, did not -produce any very awful effect upon the honest fletcher.<a name="div4Ref_04" href="#div4_04"><sup>[4]</sup></a></p> - -<p class="normal">"So, fellow," said he, "you are the servant of that gentleman in the -old gray doublet?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Yes, your worship, even so," answered Longpole. "My honoured master -always wears gray; for when he is not in gray cloth, he goes in gray -iron; and as to its being old, better an old friend than a new foe."</p> - -<p class="normal">"And who is your master? I should like to hear," asked the gentleman.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Lord! does not your worship know?" demanded Longpole, giving a merry -glance round the crowd, that stood already well disposed to laugh at -whatever he should say. "Bless you, sir! my master's the gentleman -that beat Gog and Magog in single fight, slew seventy crocodiles of -the Nile before breakfast, and played at pitch and toss with the cramp -bones of an elephant's hind leg. For heaven's sake, don't anger him: -he'd eat a score such as you at a mouthful!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Come, fellow, no insolence, if you mind not to taste the stirrup -leather," cried the other, enraged at the tittering of the menials. -"You and your master both give yourselves too great airs."</p> - -<p class="normal">"'Ods life, your worship, we are not the only ones!" answered -Longpole. "Every Jack carries it as high as my lord, now-a-days; so -I'll not be out o' the fashion."</p> - -<p class="normal">"You had better bid your master get a new doublet, then," said the -gentleman of the second hall, with a look of vast contempt.</p> - -<p class="normal">"That your worship may have the old one?" asked Longpole, slily.</p> - -<p class="normal">What this might have produced it is impossible to say, for a most -insupportable roar burst from the servants at Longpole's last thrust; -but at that moment the chamberlain entered from the second hall, and -beckoned to the gentleman, who was no other than his cousin.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Take care what you say, William," whispered he; "that knight, with -whom I find Master Wilmotswood quarrelled about touching the armour, -is some great man, depend on it. The duke sent me away, and then he -embraced him, and hugged him, as he had been his brother; and the old -controller, who saw him go by, nods and winks, as if he knew who he -is, and says that we shall see whether he does not dine at the first -table, ay, and near his grace, too, for all his old gray doublet. Hast -thou found out his name?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"No," replied the other. "His knave is as close as a walnut, and does -not scruple to break his jests on any one, so I'll have no more of -him."</p> - -<p class="normal">Their farther conversation was interrupted by a yeoman of the kitchen -presenting himself at the door of the hall, and a cry of "Sewers, -sewers!" made itself heard, giving notice that the noon repast was -nearly ready to be placed upon the table. The scene was at once -changed amongst the servants, and all was the bustle of preparation; -the sewers running to serve the dinner, the yeomen of the hall and the -butler's men making speed to take their places in the banquet room, -and the various pages and servants of different gentlemen residing in -the manor hurrying to wait on their masters at the table.</p> - -<p class="normal">In the midst of this, our friend Longpole felt some doubt what to do. -Unacquainted with what had passed between his master and the duke, and -even whether the knight had made known his real rank or not, Longpole -did not well know where to bestow himself. "'Ods life!" said he, after -fidgeting for a moment on the thorns of uncertainty, "I'll e'en take -my chance, and go to the chief hall. I can but walk into the next, if -my young master does not show himself soon. Ho! youngster," he -continued to a page he saw running by, "which is the way to the lord's -hall?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Follow, follow, quick!" cried the boy; "I'm going there to wait for -my Lord Abergany, and we are too late."</p> - -<p class="normal">Longpole lost no time, and arrived in the hall at the moment the -controller was arranging the different servants round the apartment. -"Stand you here, Sir Charles Poynder's man; why go you higher than Sir -William Cecil's? Sir William is a banneret. Harry Mathers, you keep -there. You, Jim, by that cupboard. And who are you? Who is your -master, tall fellow?" he continued, addressing Longpole.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh! the gentleman that is with the duke," cried several of the -servants; "the gentleman that is with the duke."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Why, I know not where he will sit," said the controller; "but wait -about, and stand behind his chair. Now, are yon all ranged? Bid the -trumpets sound."</p> - -<p class="normal">A loud flourish gave notice to the sewers to serve, and to the various -guests to descend to the hall, when in a few minutes appeared Lord -Abergany and Lord Montague, and one by one dropped in Sir William -Cecil, Sir Charles Poynder, and several other knights, who, after the -various salutations of the morning, fell into groups of two and three, -to gossip out the long five minutes which must pass while the -controller informed the duke that the first dish was placed upon the -table.</p> - -<p class="normal">In the mean while honest Longpole stood by, too anxious to know the -reception his lord had met with even to jest with those around him; -but instead, he kept examining all the splendid scene, the rich cloth -of estate placed for the duke, the various cupboards of magnificent -plate, the profusion of Venice glasses, and all the princely -furnishing of the hall and table, with feelings nearly allied to -apprehension. At length the voice of the controller was heard crying -"The duke! the duke! Make way there for the duke!" and in a moment -after the Duke of Buckingham entered, leaning with familiar kindness -on the arm of the young knight.</p> - -<p class="normal">"My Lord Abergany," said the duke, "my son, and you, my Lord Montague, -my excellent good friend, before we fall to the cheer that heaven has -given us, let me introduce to your love this much esteemed knight, Sir -Osborne Maurice, of a most noble stock, and what is better still, -ennobled by his deeds: and now let us to table. Sir Osborne, you must -sit here on my right, so shall you enjoy the conversation of my Lord -Abergany, sitting next to you, and yet I not lose yours. Our chaplain -is not here, yet let some holy man bless the meat. Lord Montague, you -will take my left."</p> - -<p class="normal">That profound silence now succeeded which ought always to attend so -important an avocation as that of dining, and the whole worldly -attention of every one seemed fixed upon the progress of each dish, -which being brought up in turn to the Duke of Buckingham, first -supplied those immediately around him, and then gradually travelling -down the table from person to person, according to their rank, was at -length carried out by a servant into the second hall, where it -underwent the same perambulation, and was thence transferred to the -third. Here, however, its journeys did not cease; for after having -thus completed the grand tour, and become nearly a finished gentleman, -the remnant was bestowed upon the paupers without.</p> - -<p class="normal">So different was the order of the dinner from that which we now hold -orthodox, and so strange would it appear to the modern epicure, that -were not such long descriptions insufferably tiresome, many curious -pages might be written to show how a roasted pig, disjointed by the -carvers without, was the first dish set upon the table; and also to -evince the wisdom of beginning with the heavier food, such as beef, -mutton, veal, and pork, and gradually drawing to the conclusion with -capons, herons, pigeons, rabbits, and other more delicate dishes.</p> - -<p class="normal">However, as our object is to proceed with our history as fast as -possible, we shall not stay to detail the various services, or to -defend antiquity against the prejudices of to-day: suffice it, that so -great was the noble Duke of Buckingham's attention to his new guest, -that Longpole, who stood behind to hand his master drink, threw -forward his chest, and raised his head two inches higher than -ordinary, as if all the stray beams of the great man's favour that -passed by the knight lighted upon himself.</p> - -<p class="normal">The duke, indeed, strove generously to distinguish his young friend, -feeling that misfortune has much greater claims upon a noble mind than -saucy prosperity. The marks of regard which he gave were such as, in -those days, might well excite the wonder of Lord Abergany, who sat -next to him. He more than once carved for him himself, and twice -invited him to drink; made him notice those dishes which were esteemed -most excellent, and spoke to him far more than was usual during the -course of dinner.</p> - -<p class="normal">At length the last service appeared upon the table, consisting -entirely of sweets. To use the words of Holingshed: "Gelaffes of all -colours, mired with a variety of representations of sundrie flowers, -herbes, trees, forms of beasts, fish, fowls, and fruits, and thereunto -marchepaines wrought with no small curiosity; tarts of divers heads -and sundrie denominations; conserves of old fruits, foreign and -homebred: sackets, codinals, marmalats, sugar-bread, ginger-bread, -florentines, and sundrie outlandish confections, wherein the sweet -hand of the seafaring Portingal was not wanting."</p> - -<p class="normal">Now also came the finer sorts of wines: Muscadel, Romanie, and -Caprike; and the more serious part of the banquet being over, the -conversation became animated and interesting. The young knight, as a -stranger to all, as well as from the marked kindness of the duke, was, -of course, a general object of attention; and as the guests easily -judged him a traveller lately returned from abroad, many were the -questions asked him concerning the countries he had seen, and the wars -he had been in.</p> - -<p class="normal">Tilts and tournaments then became the subject of discourse; and at -length the duke filled high a Venice glass with wine, and calling upon -all to do the like, "Good gentlemen," said he, "'tis seldom that -Buckingham will stint his guests, but this is our last just now, for I -would fain see a lance broken before night. I know not why, but me -thinks those sports and exercises, which are thus undertaken at a -moment's notice, are often more replete with joy than those of long -contrivance; and here is a good knight, who will balk no man of his -humour, when 'tis to strike a strong blow, or to furnish a good -course. Sir Osborne, to your good health, and may all prosperity and -success attend you! Good lords and friends, join me in drinking his -health."</p> - -<p class="normal">Sir Osborne expressed his willingness to do the duke any pleasure, and -to furnish his course with any knight who thought him worthy of his -lance. "But your grace knows," he continued, "that I have come here -without arms, and that my horse I lost yesterday, as I explained to -you."</p> - -<p class="normal">"He would fain excuse himself the trouble," said the duke, smiling, -"because we have no fair lady here to view his prowess; but, by -heavens! I will have my will. Surely in my armoury there is a harness -that may suit you, sir knight, and in my stables a steed that will -bear you stoutly. My Lord of Montague, you are unarmed too; quick to -the armoury and choose you arms. Sir Osborne shall maintain the field, -and furnish two courses against each comer. We have not time for more; -and the horse and harness which the good knight wears shall be the -prize. Ho! call here the armourer. He is a Fleming, most expert, and -shall choose your suit, Sir Osborne."</p> - -<p class="normal">All now rose, and Lord Montague proceeded to the armoury to choose his -arms; while the duke, taking Sir Osborne and Lord Abergany into one of -the recesses, spoke to them apart for some moments, the effect of -which, as it appeared, was, that the duke's kinsman embraced the young -knight heartily. While they were still speaking, the armourer -appeared, and with a low reverence approached the duke.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Billenbach," said the duke, "thou hast an excellent eye, and canst -see to the size of a straw that a harness be well adjusted. Look at -this good knight, and search out amongst the finest suits in the manor -one that may be convenient for him."</p> - -<p class="normal">"'Tis a damage, your grace," replied the armourer, with the sort of -bow a sledge-hammer might be supposed to make. "'Tis a great damage -that you are not at Thornbury, for there is the armour that would have -well harnessed him. The gelt armour that is all engrailed with gelt; -made for a tall man and a strong, such as his worship: very big upon -the chest. Then there is the polished suit up stairs, which might suit -him, but I doubt that the greaves be long enough, and I have taken -away the barbet and volant from the head-piece to give more light, and -'twould take much time to fasten them on. There are none but the ten -suits in the second hall: one of the tallest of them might do; but -then they are for your grace's own wear;" and he looked inquiringly at -the duke, as if he doubted whether he might not have offended by -mentioning them.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nay, nay, thou art right, Billenbach!" exclaimed the duke; "the -fluted suit above all others! I am sure it will do. Call thy men, and -fetch it here; we will arm him amongst us."</p> - -<p class="normal">The armourer obeyed; and in a few minutes returned with his men -bearing the rich suit of fluted armour which had attracted the -knight's attention in the hall. "Ha! Sir Osborne," said the duke, "do -you remember this armour? You were present when it was won; but yet -you were too young for that gay day to rest on your memory."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nay, my good lord, not so," replied the knight; "I remember it well, -and how gallantly the prize <i>was</i> won. I doubt not it will fit me."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I feel full sure of it," said the duke, "and that you will fit it, -for a better harness was never worn; and Surrey says, and I believe, -there never was a better knight. Come! let us see; first, for the -greaves. Oh, admirable! Does the knee move free? But I see it must. -Now the corslet: that will fit of course. How, fellow! you are putting -the back piece before! The breast-plate! The breast-plate!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"This brassard is a little too close," said the knight. "If you loosen -that stud, good armourer, 'twill be better."</p> - -<p class="normal">"'Tis padded, good sir, near the elbow," said the man; "I will take -out the padding. Will your worship try the headpiece? Can you see when -the barbet is down?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well enough to charge my lance," said the knight. "These arms are -exquisite in beauty, my lord duke, yet very light."</p> - -<p class="normal">"There are none stronger in the world," said the duke, "and therein -lies the excellence. Though so light that one moves in them more -freely than in a coat of goldsmith's work, yet they are so well -tempered, both by fire and water, and the juice of herbs, that the -sword must be of fine steel indeed that will touch them."</p> - -<p class="normal">"One may see it by the polish that they keep," said the knight. "In -each groove one may view oneself in miniature, as in a mirror. They -are very beautiful!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"You must win them, my young soldier," whispered the duke. "Abergany -has gone to arm, with Cecil and Montague; but I know their force. And -now for the horses. The strongest in my stable, with his chanfron, -snaffle-bit, manifaire, and fluted poitrel (which I have all, point -device corresponding with the suit), goes along as part of the prize. -Billenbach! take the casque, put a little oil to the visor, and bring -it to the lawn of the Four Oaks. See that the other gentlemen be told -that we render ourselves there, where this knight will answer all -comers on horseback, and I will judge the field. Send plenty of light -lances; and as we have not time to put up lists, bid the porter bring -seven men with staves to mark the space."</p> - -<p class="normal">Thus saying, the duke led the way towards the stable, speaking to the -knight, as they went, of various matters which they had not discussed -in the morning, and making manifold arrangements for concentrating all -sorts of interest to produce that effect upon the mind of the king -which might lead to the fulfilment of Sir Osborne's hopes. Nor to the -Duke of Buckingham, who was well acquainted with the character of -Henry, did the plan of the young knight seem unlikely to be -successful. The sort of diffidence implied by concealing his name was -that thing of all others calculated to win the monarch's good-will; -and there was also a kind of romantic and chivalrous spirit in the -scheme altogether, that harmonised well with the tastes of the king, -who would fain have revived the days of the Round Table, not contented -with even the wild, adventure-loving character of the times: and yet, -heaven knows! those who read the history of the Chevalier Bayard, and -the memoirs of Fleurange, will find scenes and details recorded of -those days which the novelist dare not venture to portray.</p> - -<p class="normal">Only one thing made the duke anxious in regard to his young <i>protége</i>: -the vast splendour and magnificence of the court of England. He saw -that the knight, accustomed alone to the court of Burgundy, where -merit was splendour, and valour counted for riches, was totally -unaware of the thoughtless expense required by Henry. Sir Osborne had, -indeed, informed him that in London he expected to receive from a -Flemish merchant the ransom of a knight and three esquires, amounting -in all, together with the value of their arms, to about three thousand -French crowns, which the duke well knew would little more than pay for -the bard and base<a name="div4Ref_05" href="#div4_05"><sup>[5]</sup></a> of his first just; and yet he very evidently -perceived it would be difficult to prevail upon him to accept of any -purely pecuniary assistance, especially as he had no time to lay a -plan for offering it with any very scrupulous delicacy: Sir Osborne -purposing to depart after the beverage, or three o'clock meal.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Now, Osborne," said the duke familiarly, after they had seen their -horses properly accoutred, and were proceeding towards the place of -rendezvous; "now you are once more armed at all points, and fit to -encounter the best knight in the land; but we must have that tall -fellow who serves you armed too, as your custrel, and mounted; for as -you are a knight, and certainly errant, I intend to put you upon an -adventure; but here come the counterparty. No one but Cecil will run -you hard. I last year gave a harness and a purse of a thousand marks -as a prize, which Cecil had nearly won from Surrey. But you must win!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"I will do my best, your grace," replied the knight, "both for the -honour of your grace's friendship, and for this bright suit, which in -truth I covet. To break two spears with all comers? I think your grace -said that was my task. And if I keep the field with equal success -against all----"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Of course you win the prize," interposed the duke. "And if any other -gentleman make as good points as yourself, you furnish two more -courses with him to decide. But here we are. Well, my lords, the -horses will be here before the ground be marked. I stand by, and will -be an impartial judge."</p> - -<p class="normal">It is not easy to imagine, in these times, how the revenues of that -age could support the nobles in the sort of unbounded expense in their -houses which has made <i>Old English hospitality</i> a proverbial -expression; but it is nevertheless a certain fact, that from fifty to -sixty persons commonly sat to dinner each day in the various halls of -every wealthy peer. The boards of those who, like Buckingham, -maintained a more than princely splendour, were generally much better -furnished with guests; and when he looked round the spot that had been -appointed for their morning's amusement, and beheld not more than a -hundred lookers-on, all of whom had fed at his own tables, he felt -almost disappointed at the scantiness of spectators. "We have more -guests at Thornbury," said he; "and yet, porter, you do not keep the -ground clear. Gentlemen, these four oaks are the bounds; I pray you do -not come within. Here are our chargers."</p> - -<p class="normal">The fine strong horse which Buckingham had chosen for the young knight -was now led up, harnessed as if for war; and before mounting, Sir -Osborne could not refrain from walking round to admire him, as he -stood pawing the ground, eager to show his speed. The young knight's -heart beat high, and laying his left hand on the neck, he sprang at -once from the ground into the saddle; while the very clang of his new -armour, and the feeling of being once more equipped as he was wont, -gave him new life, and hope, and courage.</p> - -<p class="normal">Ordered by a whisper from the duke, the groom beckoned Longpole from -the ground, and the armourer, taking the shield and lance, presented -them to the young knight at the end of the course. A note or two was -now sounded by the trumpet, and Lord Abergany offered himself on -horseback opposite to Sir Osborne, who paused a moment to observe if -he charged his lance at the head-piece or the shield, that, out of -compliment to the duke's relation, he might follow his example.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Spur, spur, Sir Osborne!" cried the duke, who stood near; "Abergany -comes."</p> - -<p class="normal">The knight struck his spurs into the charger's sides; the horse darted -forward, and the spear, aimed low, struck the fess point of Lord -Abergany's shield, and splintered up to the vantplate in Sir Osborne's -hand; at the same moment Lord Abergany's broke upon the young knight's -breast; and suddenly wheeling their chargers, they regained the -opposite ends of the lawn.</p> - -<p class="normal">The second lance was broken nearly in the same manner; with only this -difference, that Sir Osborne, having now evinced his respect for his -opponent, aimed at the head-piece, which counted a point more.</p> - -<p class="normal">Lord Montague now succeeded, laughing good-humouredly as he rode -towards his place, and bidding Sir Osborne aim at his head, for it -was, he said, the hardest part about him. The knight did as he was -desired, and broke his spear twice on the very charnel of his helmet. -It being now Sir William Cecil's turn, each knight charged his spear -directly towards the other's head, and galloping on, both lances were -shivered to atoms.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Gallantly done! gallantly done!" cried the Duke of Buckingham, though -he began to feel some little anxiety lest the knight banneret might -carry off the prize, which he had fully intended for Sir Osborne. -"Gallantly done! to it again, gentle knights."</p> - -<p class="normal">The spears were now once more delivered, and setting out as before, -each struck the other's head-piece; but Sir William Cecil's, touching -obliquely, glanced off, while that of Sir Osborne was again -splintered.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Give me your voices, gentlemen all!" cried the duke, turning to the -spectators. "Who has the day? Sir Osborne Maurice, I say."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Sir Osborne! Sir Osborne!" cried a dozen voices; but one person, no -other than he who had thought fit to quarrel with the knight about -touching the very armour he now wore, could not forbear vociferating -the name of Sir William Cecil, although, fearful of the duke's eye, he -took care to keep back behind the rest while he did so.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Some one says Sir William Cecil!" cried the duke, both surprised and -angry. "What say you yourself, Sir William?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"I say, Sir Osborne Maurice," replied the banneret surlily, "because -my lance slipped; but had it not, I think I should have unseated him."</p> - -<p class="normal">"He is not easily unseated," said the duke, "if report speak true. -However, the prize is yours, Sir Osborne. Yet, because one voice has -differed from my judgment, if you two knights will furnish one more -course for my satisfaction, I will give a thousand marks for the best -stroke."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Your grace knows that I must soon depart," said Sir Osborne; "but, -nevertheless, I am quite willing, if this good knight be so, for I am -sure his lance slipped merely by accident."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh! I am very willing!" cried Sir William Cecil, somewhat sharply. "A -thousand marks, your grace says?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ay, sir," replied the duke, "I do."</p> - -<p class="normal">"'Tis a tough prize!" cried Sir William; "so give me a tough ash -spear."</p> - -<p class="normal">"To me the same!" cried Sir Osborne Maurice, not exactly pleased with -the tone of his opponent. "'Tis for the best stroke."</p> - -<p class="normal">At this moment Longpole appeared, completely armed by Buckingham's -command, as a custrel, or shield-bearer; and hearing his master's -demand, he searched amongst the spears till he met with one that his -practised eye, long used in his quality of fletcher, or arrow-maker, -to select the hardest woods, instantly perceived was excellent, and -bore it himself to the knight. The trumpet sounded; both galloped -forward, and Sir William Cecil's lance, aimed as before at the -knight's casque, struck hard: but Sir Osborne was as immoveable as a -rock; and though of firm, solid wood, the spear shivered. Not so Sir -Osborne's; borne forward by a steady, unerring hand, it struck Sir -William Cecil's head-piece just under the crest, wrenched away the -crest and plume, and still catching against the ironwork, bore him -backwards upon the croupiere, and thence with his horse to the ground; -for though Sir Osborne pulled in his rein as soon as he could, it was -not before the weight of his charger had overborne that of his -opponent, and thrown him far back upon his haunches.</p> - -<p class="normal">The servants of Sir William ran up to disentangle him; and finding him -considerably hurt by the fall, they bore him away to his apartments in -the manor.</p> - -<p class="normal">In the mean while the duke and his friends were not scanty of the -praises which they bestowed upon the young knight; and indeed there -might be some sensation of pleasure at Cecil's overthrow, mingled with -their approbation of Sir Osborne; for though a good soldier and an -honourable man, the banneret was overbearing in society with his -equals, and insupportably proud towards those of an inferior rank, so -that all the servants winked to each other as he was borne past, -taking no pains to conceal their pleasure in his humiliation.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I am sorry that Sir William Cecil is hurt," said the knight, -springing off his horse: "On, Longpole, after his men, and discover -what is his injury."</p> - -<p class="normal">"'Tis no great matter," said Lord Abergany, "and it will do Cecil no -harm that his pride is lowered; for in truth, he has lately become -beyond all endurance vain. He spoke of quelling the mutiny of the -shipwrights at Rochester as if his single arm were capable of doing -more than Lord Thomas and all his company. Well, fellow!" he continued -to Longpole, who now returned, "what hurt has Sir William?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Why, please your lordship," replied he, "he is neither whole beaten -nor whole strangled, but a little of both; for his casque has proved a -cudgel, and given him a bloody nose; and his gorget a halter, and half -hanged him."</p> - -<p class="normal">"A merry knave!" said the duke. "Come, Sir Osborne, half-an-hour still -rests before our beverage; that you shall bestow upon me, when you -have taken off your casque. Gentlemen, amuse yourselves till three, -when we will rejoin you in the hall."</p> - -<p class="normal">Thus saying, the duke again led the way to his closet, and concluded -all his arrangements with the young knight with the same generosity of -feeling and delicacy of manner which had characterised all the rest of -his conduct towards him. The prize Sir Osborne had won he paid to him -as a mere matter of course, taking every means to conceal that it had -been offered merely that he might win it. But he also exacted a -promise, that whenever the young knight was in London, he would use -his beautiful manor-house of the Rose, in St. Lawrence Pountney, as if -it were his own, and furnished him with a letter which gave him -therein unlimited command over whomsoever and whatsoever it contained.</p> - -<p class="normal">"And now," continued Buckingham, "let us speak, my young friend, of -the means of introducing you to the king, without my appearing in it, -for I am not well beloved of the butcher-begotten cardinal. My cousin, -the abbot of the Benedictines, near Canterbury, writes me this morning -that his sister, the lady abbess, a most holy and devout woman, has -with her, even now, a young lady of high station, a woman of the -queen's, one Mistress Katherine Bulmer, who has lately been there to -visit and cheer her relation the abbess, who has somewhat suffered -from a black melancholy that all her holy piety can hardly cure; and -also, as he hints, perhaps to tame down the young damsel's own light -spirits, which, it may be, soar a pitch too high. However, the time -has come that the queen calls for her lady, and the abbess must send -her back; but this mutiny of the shipwrights at Rochester puts the -good devotees in fear; and they must needs ask me, with an '<i>if I be -sending that way</i>,' to let the lady journey to the court at Greenwich -under escort of any of my retainers or friends. If you undertake the -charge, our most excellent Queen Katherine will surely give you her -best thanks, and make you know the king; and the mutiny of the -shipwrights, who are still in arms, will be a full reason and excuse -why you should ride armed. Three of my servants shall accompany you. -Say, does this proposal please you? Will you accept it?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"With many thanks!" replied the knight. "Your grace is ever kind and -thoughtful for your poor friend's good."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Your father once saved my life," answered the duke, "and I would -almost give that life again to see him what he was. See, here is the -letter to the lord abbot. Let us now back to our friends, or they will -think we are plotting treason. Do you favour the bad habit of -beverages? No? then we will drain one cup ere you mount, and bid you -farewell."</p> - -<p class="normal">The duke now led to the hall, called for a cup of wine, and then -pledging the young knight, together with Lord Abergany and Lord -Montague, conducted him to his horse, notwithstanding the opposition -which he made to so marked an honour.</p> - -<p class="normal">"'S life!" cried Lord Montague, seeing him still armed: "Are you going -to ride in harness? Three of his grace's servants armed too! Why you -are surely going to deliver some captive damsel from the power of a -base ravager."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Your lordship is not far wrong," replied the knight, springing on his -horse. "But as it is a secret adventure put upon me by the noble duke, -him you must ask if you would hear more."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, the history! the history! I pray thee, most princely Buckingham?" -cried Lord Montague. "But the knight gallops off with his fellow, whom -he calls Longpole; but I doubt me much that both Longpole and Osborne -Maurice at times bear other names. Ha! my lord duke? Well, well! Keep -your secret; nothing like a little romance. He seems a noble heart, -whoever he be."</p> - -<p class="normal">With this speech the whole party turned into the mansion; the -generous-hearted duke congratulating himself on having thus found -means to furnish his old friend's son with money and arms, and laying -still farther plans for rendering him more extensive and permanent -service, and the two lords very well pleased with the little -excitement which had broken in upon the sameness of their usual -morning amusements.</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XI.</h4> -<div class="poem0" style="margin-left:15%"> -<p class="continue">This is no Father Dominic: no huge overgrown<br> -Abbey lubber.--<span class="sc">Spanish Friar</span>.</p> -</div> - -<p class="normal">Who can depict the feelings of Sir Osborne Maurice as he found himself -riding on towards that court where, with the ardour of youthful hope, -he doubted not to retrieve the fortunes of his family by those -qualities which had already acquired for him an honourable fame? -Clothed once more in arms, which for five years had been his almost -constant dress, far better mounted than when he first set out, -supported by the friendship of some of the best and noblest of the -land, and furnished with a sum which he had never dreamed of -possessing, though but starting for the race, he felt as if he already -neared the goal; and looking round upon his four attendants, who were -all, as they were termed in that day, <i>especial stout varlets</i>, he -almost wished, like a real knight-errant, that some adventure would -present itself wherein he might signalise himself for the first time -in his native country.</p> - -<p class="normal">Dame Fortune, however, was coy, and would not favour him in that sort; -and after having ridden on for half-an-hour, enjoying almost to -intoxication the deep draughts of renewed hope, he brought to his -side, by a sign, our friend Longpole, who, now promoted to the dignity -of custrel, or shield-bearer, followed with the armed servants of the -duke, carrying Sir Osborne's target and spear.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Tell me, Longpole," said the knight, who had remarked his faithful -retainer in busy conversation with his companions, "hast thou -discovered why the duke's servants have not his grace's cognizance or -bearing, either on the breast or arm?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Why, it seems, your worship, that they are three stout fellows who -attended the noble duke in the wars, and they are commanded to wait -upon your worship till the duke shall have need of them. Each has his -quiver and his bow, besides his sword and pike; so if we should chance -to meet that wolf Sir Payan, or any of his under-wolves, we may well -requite them for the day's board and lodging which your worship had at -the manor. We, being five, could well match ten of them; and besides, -the little old gentleman in black velvet told me that your worship -would be fortunate in all things for two months after you got out; but -that after that he could not say, for----"</p> - -<p class="normal">"What little gentleman in black are you speaking of?" interrupted the -knight. "You forget I do not know whom you mean."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ay, true, your worship," answered Longpole. "I forgot you were locked -up all that while. But you must know that when Sir Payan returned -yesterday he brought with him a little gentleman dressed in a black -velvet doublet and crimson hose; but so small, so small he would be -obliged to stand on tip-toe to look me into a tankard. Well, Sir Payan -sent for me, and questioned me a great deal about the young lady who -had been in with you; and he thought himself vastly shrewd; for -certain he is cunning enough to cheat the devil out of a bed and a -supper any day; but I did my best to blind him, and then he asked me -for the key, and said he would keep it himself. So I was obliged to -give up the only way I had of helping your worship; for I saw by that -that Sir Payan suspected me, and would not trust me any more near you, -which indeed he did not. Well, he made a speech to the little -gentleman, and then left the room; and I suppose I looked at the -bottom of my wits, for the little fellow says to me, 'Heartley! -there's a window as well as a door.' So I started, first to find he -knew my name, and secondly because he knew what I was thinking about. -However, I thought there was no use to be angry with a man for picking -my pocket of my thoughts without my knowing it; so I took it quietly, -and answered, 'I know there is; but how shall I make him understand -what he is to do?' 'Tell me what it is,' said he, 'and I will show you -how.' So I don't know why, because he might have been a great cheat, -but I told him; and thereupon he took a bit of parchment from his -pocket, it might be half a skin, and a bit of whitish wax it looked -like, out of a bottle, and made as if he wrote upon the parchment; but -the more he wrote the less writing I could see. However, he gave me -the piece of parchment, and told me to throw it in at the window after -dark, with a heap more. I resolved to try, for I began to guess that -the little old gentleman was a conjuror; and when I got into the dark, -I found that the paper was all shining like a stinking fish; and your -lordship knows the rest."</p> - -<p class="normal">"He is an extraordinary man," said Sir Osborne. "But did you never -hear your father speak of Sir Cesar?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"I have heard my good dad talk about one Sir Cesar," said Longpole, -"but I did not know that this was he. If I had I would have thanked -him for many a kind turn he did for the two old folks while I was -away. But does your worship see those heavy towers standing up over -the trees to the left? That is the Benedictine Abbey, just out of -Canterbury."</p> - -<p class="normal">"That is where I am going," replied the knight, "if that be -Wilsbourne."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Wilsbourne or St. Cummin," answered Longpole; "they call it either. -The abbot is a good man, they say, which is something to say for an -abbot, as days go. Your abbey is a very silent discreet place; 'tis -like purgatory, where a man gets quit of his sins without the devil -knowing anything about it."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nay, nay, you blaspheme the cloister, Longpole," said the knight. "I -have heard a great deal spoken against the heads of monasteries; but I -cannot help thinking that as most men hate their superiors, some of -the monks would be sure to blazon the sins of those above them, if -they had so many as people say."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Faith, they are too cunning a set for that," replied Longpole. "They -have themselves a proverb, which goes to say, 'Let the world wag, do -your own business, and always speak well of the lord abbot; so you -shall feed well, and fare well, and sleep, while tolls the matin -bell.' But your worship must turn up here, if you are really going to -the abbey."</p> - -<p class="normal">The knight signified that such was certainly his intention; and -turning up the lane that led across to the abbey, in about a quarter -of an hour he arrived at a little open green, bordered by the high -wall that surrounded the gardens. The lodge, forming, as it were, part -of the wall itself, stood exactly opposite, looking over the green, -with its heavy wooden doors and small loophole windows. To it Longpole -rode forward, and rang the bell; and on the appearance of an old -stupid-faced porter, the knight demanded to see the lord abbot.</p> - -<p class="normal">"You can see him at vespers in the church, if you like to go, any -day," said the profound janitor, whose matter-of-fact mind -comprehended alone the mere meaning of each word.</p> - -<p class="normal">"But I cannot speak with him at vespers," said the knight. "I have a -letter for him from his grace of Buckingham, and must speak with him."</p> - -<p class="normal">"That is a different case," said the porter; "you said you wanted to -see the abbot, not to speak to him. But come in."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I cannot come in without you open the other gate," said the knight. -"How can my horse pass, old man?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Light down, then!" said the porter. "I shall not let in horses here, -unless it be my lord abbot's mule, be you who you will."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Then you will take the consequences of not letting me in," replied -the knight, "for I shall not light down from my horse till I am in the -court."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Then you will stay out," said the old man, very quietly shutting the -door, much to Sir Osborne's indignation and astonishment. For a -moment, he balanced whether he should ride on without farther care, or -whether he should again make an attempt upon the obdurate porter. A -moment, however, determined him to choose the latter course; and -catching the bell-rope, he rang a very sufficient peal. Nobody -appeared, and angry beyond all patience, the knight again clapped his -hand to the rope, muttering, "If you won't hear, old man, others -shall;" and pulling for at least five minutes, he made the whole place -echo with the din.</p> - -<p class="normal">He was still engaged in this very sonorous employment, when the door -was again opened by the porter, and a monk appeared, dressed simply in -the loose black gown of St. Benedict, with the cowl, scapulary, and -other vestments of a brother of the order.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I should think, sir knight," said he, "that you might find some -better occupation than in disturbing myself and brethren here, walking -in our garden, without offending you or any one."</p> - -<p class="normal">"My good father," answered Sir Osborne, "it is I who have cause to be -angry, rather than any one else. I came here for the purpose of -rendering a slight service to my lord abbot, and am bearer of a letter -from his grace of Buckingham; and your uncivil porter shuts your gate -in my face, because I do not choose to dismount from my horse, and -leave my attendants without, though I know not how long it may be -convenient for your superior to detain me."</p> - -<p class="normal">"You have done wrong," said the monk, turning to the porter; "first, -in refusing to open the gate, next, in telling me what was false about -it. Open the great gates, and admit the knight and his train. I shall -remember this in the penance."</p> - -<p class="normal">The old porter dared not murmur, but he dared very well be slow, and -he contrived to be nearly half an hour in the simple operation of -drawing the bolts and bars, and opening the gates, which the good monk -bore with much greater patience than the knight, who had fondly -calculated upon reaching the village of Sithenburn that night, and who -saw the day waning fast in useless retardation.</p> - -<p class="normal">At length, however, the doors unclosed, and he rode into the avenue -that led through the gardens to the back of the abbey, the monk -preparing to walk beside his horse. A feeling, however, of respect for -a certain mildness and dignity in the old man's manner, induced him to -dismount; and giving his horse to one of the servants, he entered into -conversation with his conductor, while, as they went along, his -clanging step and glistening arms called several of the brethren from -their meditative sauntering, to gaze at the strange figure of an armed -knight within their peaceful walls.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Surely, father," said Sir Osborne, as they walked on, his mind drawn -naturally to such thoughts, "the silent quietude of the scene, and the -calm tranquillity of existence which you enjoy here, would more than -compensate for all the fleeting unreal pleasures of the world, without -even the gratification of those holy thoughts that first call you to -this retirement?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"There are many who feel it so, my son, and I among them," answered -the old man; "but yet, do not suppose that human nature can ever -purify itself entirely of earthly feelings. Hopes, wishes, and -necessities produce passions even here: pettier, it is true, because -the sphere is pettier. But, depend upon it, no society can ever be so -constructed as to eradicate the evil propensities of man's nature, or -even their influence, without entirely circumscribing his communion -with his fellows. He must be changed, or solitary: must have no -objects to excite, or no passions to be excited: he must be a hermit -or a corpse; have a desert or the grave."</p> - -<p class="normal">"'Tis a bad account of human nature," said the knight. "I had fancied -that such feelings as you speak of were unknown here: that, at all -events, religious sentiments would correct and overcome them."</p> - -<p class="normal">"They do correct, my son, though they cannot overcome them," said the -monk. "I spoke of monastic life merely as a human institution; and -even in that respect we are likely to meet with more tranquillity -within such walls as these than perhaps anywhere else, because the -persons who adopt such a state from choice are generally those of a -calm and placid disposition, and religion easily effects the rest. But -there are others, driven by disappointment, by satiety, by caprice, by -fear, by remorse, by even pride; and urged by bad feelings from the -first, those bad feelings accompany them still, and act as a leaven -amongst those with whom they are thus forced to consort. Even when it -is but sorrow that, weaning from worldly pleasure, brings a brother -here, often the sorrow leaves him, and the taste for the world -returns, when an irrevocable vow has torn him from it for ever; or -else, if his grief lasts, it becomes a black and brooding melancholy, -as different from true religion as even the mad gaiety of the -thoughtless crowd. There was a youth here, not long ago, who was wont -to call the matin bell <i>the knell of broken hearts</i>. Others, again, -circumscribed in the range of their feelings, become irascible from -the very restraint, and vent their irritability on all around them."</p> - -<p class="normal">"But example in the superior does much," said the knight; "and I have -heard that your lord abbot----"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Whether you are about to praise or blame," said the monk, "stop! I am -the abbot. If it were praise you were about to speak I could not hear -it silently; if 'twere blame, I would fain save you the pain of -uttering to my own ears what many doubtless say behind my back."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Indeed, my lord abbot," answered the knight, "I had nothing to speak -but praise; and had it been blame, I would sooner have said it to -yourself than to one of your monks. But to the business which brings -me hither. His grace the Duke of Buckingham, by this letter, commends -him to your lordship; and knowing that I purpose journeying to the -court, he has desired me to conduct, and protect with my best power, a -young lady, whose name I forget, till I have rendered her safely to -her royal mistress, Queen Katherine."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I thank you for the trouble you have already taken, my son. We will -in to the scriptorium," said the abbot; "and when I have perused his -grace's letter, will have the lady informed that you are here."</p> - -<p class="normal">Although that art was rapidly advancing which soon after entirely -superseded the necessity of manual transcription for multiplying -books, yet the scriptorium, or copying-room, was still not only to be -found, but was also still employed for its original purpose, in almost -every abbey or monastery of consequence. In that of the Benedictines -of Wilsbourne, it was a large oblong chamber, vaulted with low Gothic -arches, and divided into various small compartments by skreens of -carved oak. Each of these possessed its table and writing apparatus; -and in more than one, when Sir Osborne entered, was to be seen a monk -copying some borrowed manuscript for the use of the abbey. The -approach of the abbot, whose manners seemed to possess a great deal of -primeval simplicity, did not in the least derange the copyists in -their occupation; and it is probable that, when unengaged in the -immediate ministry of his office, he did not exact that ceremonious -reverence to which the mitred abbot was by rank entitled.</p> - -<p class="normal">In politeness, as in everything else, there are of course various -shades of difference very perceptible to observation, yet hardly -tangible by language: thus, when the abbot had read the Duke of -Buckingham's letter, the character which it gave of Sir Osborne caused -a very discernible change to take place in his manner, though in what -it consisted it would be difficult to say. He had always been polite, -but his politeness became warmer: when he spoke it was with a smile; -and, in short, it was evidently an alteration in his mind, from the -mere feeling of general benevolence which inhabits every good bosom, -to the sort of individual kindness which can only follow some degree -of acquaintance. He expressed much gratification at the idea of Lady -Katrine Bulmer having the advantage of the knight's escort, more -especially, he said, as the news from Rochester became worse and -worse. But Sir Osborne, he continued, had better speak with the lady -herself, when they could form such arrangements as might be found -convenient; for Lady Katrine had a good deal of the light caprice of -youth, and loved to follow her own fantasies. He then sent some -directions to the prior concerning matters of discipline, and gave -orders that the attendants of Sir Osborne should be brought to the -hospitaler, whose peculiar charge it was to entertain guests and -strangers; and this being done, he led the way towards that part of -the abbey which contained the sisters of the order, preceded by a monk -bearing a large key.</p> - -<p class="normal">Separated throughout by a wall of massy masonry, no communication -existed between the two portions of the building, except by a small -iron door, the key of which always remained with the abbot, and by -some underground communications, as it was whispered, the knowledge of -which was confined also to his bosom. Of these subterranean chambers -many dark tales of cruelty and unheard-of penances were told as having -happened in former ages, when monastic sway had its full ascendant; -but even their very existence was now doubtful; and when any one -mentioned them before the abbot he only smiled, as a man will do at -the tales of wonder that amaze a child. However that may be, the way -by which he led the young knight to the female side of the monastery -was simply through the cloisters; and having arrived at the door of -communication, he took the key from the bearer, unlocked it himself, -and making the knight pass into the cloister on the other side, he -locked the door and rejoined him.</p> - -<p class="normal">The place in which they now were was a gloomy arcade, surrounding a -small square court, in the centre of which appeared a statue of -Scholastica, the sister of Saint Benedict; and several almost childish -ornaments evinced the pious designs of the good sisters to decorate -their patroness. But, notwithstanding all their efforts, it was a -dreary spot. The pointed arches of the cloister resting upon pillars -of scarce a foot in height; the thick embellishments of stone-work -forming almost what heralds would call a <i>bordure fleurée</i> round the -archways; together with the towering height of the buildings round -about, took away the scanty light that found its way into deep -recesses of the double aisle, and buried all the second or inner row -of arches in profound shadow.</p> - -<p class="normal">Another small door appeared on the left of the abbot, who still held -the key in his hand; but stopping, he pointed along the cloister to -the right, and said, "My son, I must here leave you, for I go to my -sister's apartment, to have the lady called to the grate, and no -layman must pass here; but if you follow that arcade round the court -till you see a passage leading again towards the light (you cannot -miss your way), you will come to the convent court, as it is called, -and exactly opposite you will find a door which leads to the grate. -There I will rejoin you."</p> - -<p class="normal">The knight followed the lord abbot's direction; and proceeding round -the first side of the square, was turning into the second, when he -thought he saw the flutter of a white garment in the shadowy part of -the inner aisle. "It is some nun," thought he: but a moment's -reflection brought to his mind that the habit of the Benedictines was -always black; and it may be that curiosity made him take a step or two -somewhat faster than he did before.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Open the door, and make haste, Geraldine," said a female voice, in a -low tone, but one that, nevertheless, reverberated by the arches, -reached the knight's ears quite distinctly enough for him to hear the -lady proceed.</p> - -<p class="normal">"He must be on horseback, I think, by the quickness of his pace and -the clanking of his hoofs. Cannot you open it? Run across the court, -then, silly wench, quick! or Gogmagog will have you;" and with a light -laugh, the lady of the white robe darted out from the archway, and -tripped gracefully across the court, with her long veil flowing back -from her head as she ran, and showing fully the beautiful brown hair -with which it was mingled, and the beautiful sunny face which it was -meant to hide, but which, fully conscious of its own loveliness, was -now turned with a somewhat playful, somewhat inquisitive, somewhat -coquettish glance, towards the knight.</p> - -<p class="normal">Following close behind her was a pretty young woman, dressed as a -servant-maid, who ran on without looking to the right or left, and -who, probably being really frightened, almost tumbled over her -mistress, not perceiving that she slackened her pace as she reached -the other side of the court. It thus happened that she trod on the -young lady's foot, who uttered a slight cry, and leaned upon the -servant for support.</p> - -<p class="normal">As may be imagined, Sir Osborne was by her side in a moment, -expressing his hopes that she was not hurt, and tendering his services -with knightly gallantry; but the lady suddenly drew herself up, made -him a low curtsey, and stiffly thanking him for his attention, walked -slowly to the door by which the abbot had entered.</p> - -<p class="normal">Not very well pleased with the reception his politeness had met, the -knight proceeded on his way, and easily found the passage which the -abbot had described, leading, as he had been told into the larger -court, exactly opposite the door by which visitors were usually -admitted. This door, as usual, stood open; and mounting the steps, Sir -Osborne proceeded on into a small room beyond, separated from the -parlour by a carved oak partition, in the centre of which was placed -the trellis-work of gilded iron called the grate.</p> - -<p class="normal">Nobody appearing on the other side, Sir Osborne cast himself upon the -bench with which one side of the room was furnished, and waited -patiently for the appearance of the lady, abandoning now, of -necessity, the idea of proceeding farther that night. After having -waited for a few minutes, a light step met his ear; and without much -surprise, for he had already guessed what was the fact, he saw the -same lady approach the grate whom he had met in the court. Rising -thereupon from his seat, he advanced to the partition, and bowed low, -as if to a person he had never seen. The lady, on her part, made him a -low curtsey, and both remained silent.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I am here," said the knight, after a long pause, "to receive the -commands of Lady Katrine Bulmer, if I have now the honour of speaking -to her?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"My name is Bulmer, sir knight," replied the lady, "and eke Katrine, -and some folks call me lady, and some mistress; but by what my lord -abbot and my lady abbess just tell me, it seems that I am to receive -your commands rather than you to receive mine."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Very far from it, madam," said the knight; "you have but to express -your wishes, and they shall be obeyed."</p> - -<p class="normal">"There now!" cried the lady, with an air of mock admiration; "sir -knight, you are the flower of courtesy! Then you do not positively -insist on my getting up at five to-morrow morning to set out, as my -lord abbot informed me? A thing I never did in my life, and which, -please God, I never will do!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"I insisted upon nothing, madam," answered the knight, "I only -informed my lord abbot that it would be more convenient to me to -depart as speedily as possible; and I ventured to hint that if you -knew of how much importance it might be for me to arrive at the court -soon, you would gratify me by using all the despatch which you might -with convenience to yourself."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Then it is of importance to you?" demanded the lady; "that changes -the case. Name the hour, sir knight, and you shall find me ready. But -you know not what a good horsewoman I am; I can make long journeys and -quick ones."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Not less than two days will suffice, I fear," said the knight; "the -first day we may halt at Gravesend."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Halt!" exclaimed the lady, laughing, and turning to her woman, who -stood at a little distance behind, "do you hear that? Halt! He talks -to me as if I were a soldier. Tell me, Geraldine, is it possible that -I look like a pikeman?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Not any way like a soldier," replied the knight, sufficiently amused -with her liveliness and beauty to forget her pertness; "not any way -like a soldier, unless it be one of heaven's host."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Gracious heaven!" cried the lady, "he says pretty things. Only think -of a man in armour being witty! But really, sir knight, it frightens -me to see you all wrapped up in horrid steel. Can it possibly be that -these Rochester shipwrights are so outrageous as to require a belted -knight with lance in rest for the escort of a simple girl like me?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Men are wont to guard great treasures with even superfluous care," -replied Sir Osborne. The lady made him a very profound curtsey, and he -proceeded: "This was most probably the lord abbot's reason for sending -to request some escort from the Duke of Buckingham; for though I hear -of some riot or tumult at Rochester, I cannot suppose it very serious. -However, all I know is this, that the right reverend father did send -while I was there jousting in the park; and understanding that I was -about to proceed to London, his grace resigned to me the honour of -conducting you safely thither."</p> - -<p class="normal">"What, then! you are not one of the duke's own knights?" exclaimed -Lady Katrine.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I am no one's knight," replied Sir Osborne with a smile, "except it -be the king's and yours, if such you will allow me to be."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, that I will!" answered the lady. "I should like a tame knight -above anything; but in troth, I have spoken to you somewhat too -lightly, sir." She proceeded more gravely: "From what my lord uncle -abbot told me, I judged the duke had sent me one of his household -knights,<a name="div4Ref_06" href="#div4_06"><sup>[6]</sup></a> men who, having forty pounds a year, have been forced to -receive a slap on the shoulder for the sake of the herald's fee; and -then, having nought to do that may become the sir, they pin themselves -to the skirts of some great man's robe, to do both knightly and -unknightly service."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Such am not I, fair lady," replied Sir Osborne, a little piqued that -she could even have supposed so. "I took my knighthood in the -battle-plain, from the sword of a great monarch; and so long as I live -my service shall never be given but to my lady, my king, or my God!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nay, nay, do not look so fierce, man in armour," answered Lady -Katrine, relapsing into her merriment. "Both from your manner and your -mien, I should have judged differently, if I had thought but for a -moment; but do not you see, I never think? I take a thing for granted, -and then go on acting upon it as if it were really true. But, as I -said, you shall be my knight, and before we reach the court I doubt -not I shall have a task to give you, and a guerdon for your pains, if -the good folks of Rochester do not cut our throats in the mean while. -But what hour did you say, sir knight, for setting out? for here my -poor wenches have to make quick preparations of all my habits."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I have named no hour," replied Sir Osborne; "but if you will do me -the honour to let me know when you are ready tomorrow, my horses shall -stand saddled from six in the morning."</p> - -<p class="normal">"But how am I to let you know?" demanded the lady, "unless I take hold -of the bell-rope, and ring matins on the convent bell; and then all -the good souls will wink their eyes, and think the sun has turned -lie-a-bed. Dear heart! sir knight, you do not suppose that the monks -and the nuns come running in and out between the two sides of the -abbey, like the busy little ants in their wonderful small cities? No, -no, no! none comes in here but my lord abbot and an old confessor or -two, so deafened with the long catalogue of worldly sins that they -would not hear my errand, much less do it. But now I think of it, -there is a good lay sister; her I will bribe with a silver piece to -risk purgatory by going round to the front gate of the abbey, and -telling the monk when I am ready. And now, good sir knight, I must go -back to my lord abbot, and fall down upon my knees and beg pardon; for -I left him so offended that he would not come down with me, because I -was pert about going early. Farewell! Judge not harshly of me till -to-morrow; perhaps then I may give you cause; who knows?"</p> - -<p class="normal">Thus saying, she tripped lightly away with a gay saucy toss of the -head, like a spoiled child, too sure of pleasing to be heedful about -doing so. As she turned away, the maid advanced to the grate, and -informed Sir Osborne that the lord abbot would meet him at the place -where they had parted, upon which information the knight retrod his -steps to the little court of the cloisters, where he found the abbot -pacing up and down, with a grave and thoughtful countenance.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I am afraid, Sir Osborne Maurice," said he, as the knight approached, -"that the young lady you have just left has not demeaned herself as I -could have wished, towards you; for she left me in one of those -flighty moods which I had good hope would have been cured by her stay -in the convent."</p> - -<p class="normal">"She expected to find you still with the lady abbess," said Sir -Osborne, avoiding the immediate subject of the abbot's inquiry; "and -went with the intention of suing for pardon of your lordship, having -given you, she said, some offence."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I am glad to hear it, with all my heart!" said the monk; "for then -she is penitent, which is all that God requires of us, and all that we -can require of others. Indeed her heart is good; and though she -commits many a fault, yet she repents the moment after, and would fain -amend it. But come, sir knight! Though our own rules are strict, we -must show our hospitality to strangers; and I hope our refectioner has -taken care to remember that you will partake the fare of my table -to-night. But first you had better seek your chamber, and disencumber -yourself of this armour, which, though very splendid, must be very -heavy. Ho! brother Francis, tell the hospitaller to come hither and -conduct the knight to his apartment."</p> - -<p class="normal">While this short conversation was taking place, the abbot had led Sir -Osborne back into the cloisters on the male side of the building; and -proceeding slowly along towards the wing in which was the scriptorium, -and other apartments of general use, they were soon met by the -hospitaller, who led the knight to a neat small chamber, furnished -with a bed, a crucifix, and a missal. Here the worthy officer of the -convent essayed with inexpert hands to disengage the various pieces of -the harness, speaking all the while, and asking a thousand idle -questions with true monastic volubility, without giving Sir Osborne -either time to hear or to reply.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Stay, stay!" said the knight at length, as the old man endeavoured to -unbuckle the cuissards; "you cannot do it, my good father; and -besides, it is an unworthy task for such a holy man as you."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Not in the least, my son, not in the least!" replied the monk. "But, -as I was saying, I dare say you have heard how the lord mayor and his -men went to Hogsden Lane, especially if you have been lately in -London; or have you been down in Cornwall, allaying the Cornish -tumultuaries? A-well, a-well! it is very odd I cannot get that buckle -out; though, perhaps, my son, you can tell me whether the prior of -Gloucester has embraced the mitigated rule instead of the severe; and -indeed the mitigated is severe enough: four days' fast in the week! If -the Duke of Buckingham were to send us another fat buck, as he did -last year: but I forget, it is not the season. Alack, alack! all -things have their times and seasons, and truly I am of the season of -old age; though, God help us all! I believe I must call your -shield-bearer, for I cannot get the buckle out."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Do so, my good father," said the knight, glad enough to get rid of -him; "and bid him bring my casque hither."</p> - -<p class="normal">Accordingly, our friend Longpole was soon brought to Sir Osborne's -chamber, and by his aid the knight easily freed himself from that -beautiful armour, which we, who are in the secret of all men's minds, -may look upon as in a great degree a present from the Duke of -Buckingham, although Sir Osborne himself did not begin to suspect that -the just and the prizes had been entirely given to furnish him with -money and arms, till the lapse of two or three days allowed calm -consideration to show him the events in their true colours.</p> - -<p class="normal">After once more admiring for a moment or two the beauty of the suit, -and having given directions for its being carefully cleansed of all -damp that it might have acquired on the road, he descended to the -table of the lord abbot, which he found handsomely provided for his -entertainment.</p> - -<p class="normal">To the wine, however, and the costly viands with which it was spread, -the abbot himself did little justice, observing almost the rigid -abstinence of an ascetic; but to compensate for his want of good -fellowship, the prior and sub-prior, who shared the same table, found -themselves called upon to press the stranger to his food, and to lead -the way.</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XII.</h4> -<div class="poem0" style="margin-left:20%"> -<p class="continue">To-day is ours! why do we fear?<br> -To-day is ours! we have it here.<br> -Let's banish business, banish sorrow;<br> -To the gods belongs to-morrow.--<span class="sc">Cowley</span>.</p> - -<p style="text-indent:7em">I have dreamed<br> -Of bloody turbulence.--<span class="sc">Shakspere</span>.</p> -</div> - -<p class="normal">In profound silence will we pass over Sir Osborne's farther -entertainment at the abbey; as well as how Longpole contrived to make -himself merry, even in the heart of a monastery; together with sundry -other circumstances, which might be highly interesting to that class -of pains-taking readers who love everything that is particular and -orderly, and would fain make an historian not only tell the truth, but -the whole truth, even to the colour of his heroine's garters. For such -curious points, however, we refer them to the scrupulously exact -Vonderbrugius, who expends the greater part of the next chapter -upon the description of a flea-hunt, which Longpole got up in his -truckle-bed in the monastery; and who describes the various hops of -the minute vampire, together with all that Longpole said on the -occasion, as well as the running down, the taking, and the manner of -the death, with laudable industry and perseverance. But for the sake -of that foolish multitude who interest themselves in the fate and -adventures of the hero, rather than in the minor details, we will pass -over the whole of the next night much in the same manner as Sir -Osborne, who, sound asleep, let it fleet by in silence undisturbed.</p> - -<p class="normal">His horses, however, were scarcely saddled, and his four attendants -prepared, the next morning, than he was informed that the Lady Katrine -Bulmer was ready to depart; and proceeding on foot to the great gates -of the abbey, which fronted the high road, on the other side from that -on which he had entered, he found her already mounted on a beautiful -Spanish jennet, with her two women and a man, also on horseback. By -her side stood the abbot, with whom she had now made her peace, and -who, kindly welcoming Sir Osborne, led him to the young lady.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Sir knight," said he, "I give you a precious charge in this my dead -sister's child; and I give her wholly to your charge, with the most -perfect confidence, sure that you will guide her kindly and safely to -her journey's end. And now, God bless you and speed you, my child!" he -continued, turning to the young lady; "and believe me, Kate, there is -no one in the wide world more anxious for your happiness than your -poor uncle."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I know it, I know it, dear uncle!" answered the lady; "and though I -be whimsical and capricious, do not think your Katrine does not love -you too." A bright drop rose in her eye, and crying "Farewell! -farewell!" she made her jennet dart forward, to conceal the emotion -she could not repress.</p> - -<p class="normal">The knight sprang on his horse, bade farewell to the abbot, and -galloped after Lady Katrine, who drew in her rein for no one, but rode -on as fast as her steed would go. However, notwithstanding her -jennet's speed, Sir Osborne was soon by her side; but seeing a tear -upon her cheek, he made no remark, and turning round, held up his hand -for the rest to come up, and busied himself in giving orders for the -arrangement of their march, directing the two women, with Lady -Katrine's man, and Longpole, to keep immediately behind, while the -three attendants given him by the duke concluded the array. The young -lady's tears were soon dispersed, and she turned laughing to her -women, who came up out of breath with the rapidity of their course.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, Geraldine," she cried, "shall I go on as quick? Should I not -make an excellent knight at a just, Sir Osborne? Oh! I could furnish -my course with the best of you. I mind me to try the very next justs -that are given."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Where would you find the man," said Sir Osborne, "to point a lance at -so fair a breast, unless it be Cupid's shaft?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ah, Sir Osborne Maurice!" answered the lady, "you men jest when you -say such things; but you know not sometimes what women feel. But trust -me that same Cupid's shaft that you scoff at, because it never wounds -you deeply, sometimes lodges in a woman's breast, and rankling there -will pale her cheek, and drain her heart of every better hope."</p> - -<p class="normal">The lady spoke so earnestly that Sir Osborne was surprised, and -perhaps looked it; for instantly catching the expression of his eye, -Lady Katrine coloured, and then breaking out into one of her own gay -laughs, she answered his glance as if it had been expressed in speech, -"You are mistaken! quite mistaken!" said she, "I never thought of -myself. Nay, my knight, do not look incredulous; my heart is too light -a one to be so touched. It skims like a swallow o'er the surface of -all it sees, and the boy archer spends his shafts in vain; its swift -flight mocks his slow aim. But to convince you, when I spoke," she -proceeded in a lower voice, "I alluded to that poor girl, Geraldine, -who rides behind. Her lover was a soldier, who, when Tournay was -delivered to the French, was left without employment; and after having -won the simple wench's heart, and promised her a world of fine things, -he went as an adventurer to Flanders, vowing that he would get some -scribe to write to her of his welfare, and that as soon as he had made -sufficient, what with pay and booty they would be married; but -eighteen months have gone, and never a word."</p> - -<p class="normal">"What was his name?" asked the knight; "I would wish much to hear."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Hal Williamson, I think she calls him," said the lady: "but it -matters little; the poor girl has nigh broke her heart for the -unfaithful traitor."</p> - -<p class="normal">"You do him wrong," said the knight; "indeed, lady, you do him wrong. -The poor fellow you speak of joined himself to my company at Lisle, -and died in the very last skirmish before the death of the late -emperor. With some money and arms, that I expect transmitted by the -first Flemish ship, there is also a packet, I fancy, for your maid, -for I forget the address. From it she will learn that he was not -faithless to her, together with the worse news of his death."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Better! a thousand times better!" cried Lady Katrine, energetically. -"If I had a lover, I would a thousand times rather know that he was -dead, than that he was unfaithful. For the first, I could but weep all -my life, and mourn him with the mourning of the heart; but for the -last, there would be still bitterer drops in the cup of my sorrow. I -would mourn him as dead to me. I would mourn him as dead to honour; -and I should reproach myself for having believed a traitor, almost as -much as for being one."</p> - -<p class="normal">"So!" said the knight, with a smile, "this is the heart that defies -Cupid's shaft: that is too light and volatile to be hit by his -purblind aim!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Now you are stupid!" said she, pettishly. "Now you are just what I -always fancied a man in armour. Why, I should have thought, that while -your custrel carries your steel cap, you might have comprehended -better, and seen that the very reason why my heart is so giddy and so -light is because it is resolved not to be so wounded by the shaft it -fears."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Then it does fear?" said Sir Osborne.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Pshaw!" cried Lady Katrine. "Geraldine, come up, and deliver me from -him: he is worse than the Rochester rioters."</p> - -<p class="normal">In such light talk passed they their journey, Sir Osborne Maurice -sometimes pleased, sometimes vexed with his gay companion, but upon -the whole, amused, and in some degree dazzled. For her part, whatever -might be her more serious feelings, the lady found the knight quite -handsome and agreeable enough to be worthy a little coquetry. Perhaps -it might be nothing but those little flirting airs by which many a -fair lady thinks herself fully justified in exciting attention, with -that sort of thirst for admiration which is not content unless it be -continually fresh and active. Now, with her glove drawn off her fair -graceful hand, she would push back the thick curls from her face; now -adjust the long folds of her riding-dress; now pat the glossy neck of -her pampered jennet, which, bending down its head and shaking the bit, -would seem proud of her caresses; and then she would smile, and ask -Sir Osborne if he did not think a horse the most beautiful creature in -nature.</p> - -<p class="normal">At length they approached the little town of Sittenbourne, famous even -then for a good inn, where, had the party not been plagued with that -unromantic thing called hunger, they must have stopped to refresh -their horses, amongst which the one that carried the baggage of Lady -Katrine, being heavily laden, required at least two hours' repose.</p> - -<p class="normal">The inn was built by the side of the road, though sunk two or -three feet below it, with a row of eight old elms shadowing its -respectable-looking front, which, with its small windows and red brick -complexion, resembled a good deal the face of a well-doing citizen, -with his minute dark eyes half swallowed up by his rosy cheeks. From -its position, the steps by which entrance was obtained, so far from -ascending, according to modern usage, descended into a little passage, -from which a door swinging by means of a pulley, a string, and a large -stone, conducted into the inn parlour.</p> - -<p class="normal">Here, when Lady Katrine had entered, while the knight gave orders for -preparing a noon meal in some degree suitable to the lady's rank, she -amused herself in examining all the quaint carving of the old oak -panelling; and having studied every rose in the borders, and every -head upon the corbels, she dropped into a chair, crying out--"Oh dear! -oh dear! what shall I do in the mean while? Bridget, girl, bring me my -broidery out of the horse-basket. I feel industrious; but make haste, -for fear the fit should leave me."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Bless your ladyship!" replied the servant, "the broidery is at the -bottom of all the things in the pannier. It will take an hour or more -to get at it; that it will."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Then give me what is at the top, whatever it is," said the lady; -"quick! quick! quick! or I shall be asleep."</p> - -<p class="normal">Bridget ran out, according to her lady's command, and returned in a -moment with a cithern or mandolin, which was a favourite instrument -among the ladies of the day, and placing it in Lady Katrine's hand, -she cried, "Oh, dear lady, do sing that song about the knight and the -damsel!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"No, I won't," answered her mistress; "it will make the man in armour -yawn. Sir knight," she continued, holding up the instrument, "do you -know what that is?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"It seems to me no very great problem," replied Sir Osborne, turning -from some orders he was giving to Longpole; "it is a cithern, is it -not?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"He would fain have said, 'A thing that some fools play upon, and -other fools listen to,'" cried Lady Katrine: "make no excuse, Sir -Osborne; I saw it in your face. I'm sure you meant it."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nay, indeed, fair lady," replied the knight, "it is an instrument -much used at the court of Burgundy, where my days have lately been -spent. We were wont to hold it as a shame not to play on some -instrument, and I know not a sweeter aid to the voice than the -cithern."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, then you play and sing! I am sure you do," cried the giddy girl. -"Sir Osborne Maurice, good knight and true, come into court, pull off -your gauntlets, and sing me a song."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I will truly," answered the knight, "after I have heard your -ladyship, though I am but a poor singer.'"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, well!" cried Lady Katrine, "I'll lead the way; and if you are a -true knight, you will follow."</p> - -<p class="normal">So saying, she ran her fingers lightly over the strings, and sang.</p> -<br> - -<h4>LADY KATRINE'S SONG.</h4> -<div style="margin-left:20%"> -<pre> - - Quick, quick, ye lazy hours, - Plume your laggard wings; - Sure the path is strew'd with flowers - That love to true love brings. - From morning bright, - To fading light, - Speed, oh, speed, your drowsy flight! - - If Venus' courier be a dove, - As ancient poet sings, - Oh! why not give to absent love - At least the swallow's wings, - To speed his way, - The live-long day, - Till meeting all his pain repay? -</pre></div> -<br> - -<p class="normal">Thus sang Lady Katrine; and it may well be supposed that the music, -the words, and the execution, all met with their full share of praise, -although Bridget declared that she liked better the song about the -knight and the damsel.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Now, your promise, your promise, sir knight!" cried the lady, putting -the instrument in Sir Osborne's hands; "keep your promise as a true -and loyal knight."</p> - -<p class="normal">"That I will do, to my best power," said Sir Osborne, "though my voice -will be but rough after the sweet sounds we have just heard: however, -to please Mistress Bridget here, my song shall be of a knight and a -damsel, though it be somewhat a long one."</p> -<br> - -<h4>THE KNIGHT'S SONG.</h4> -<div style="margin-left:20%"> -<pre> - The night was dark, and the way was lone, - But a knight was riding there; - And on his breast the red-cross shone, - Though his helmet's haughty crest upon - Was a lock of a lady's hair. - - His beaver was up, and his cheek was pale - His beard was of auburn brown; - And as night was his suit of darksome mail, - And his eye was as keen as the wintry gale, - And as cold was his wintry frown. - - Oh! sad were the tidings thy brow to shade, - Sad to hear and sad to tell; - That thy love was false to the vows she had made, - That her truth was gone, and thy trust betray'd - By her thou lovest so well. - - Now fast, good knight, on thy coal-black steed, - That knows his lord's command, - For the hour is coming with fearful speed - When her soul the lady shall stain with the deed, - And give to another her hand. - - In the chapel of yon proud towers 'tis bright, - 'Tis bright at the altar there; - For around in the blaze of the tapers' light - Stand many a glittering, courtly knight, - And many a lady fair. - - But why are there tears in the bride's bright eyes? - And why does the bridegroom frown? - And why to the priest are there no replies? - For the bitter drops, and the struggling sighs, - The lady's voice have drown'd. - - That clang! that clang of an armed heel! - And what stately form is here? - His warlike limbs are clothed in steel, - And back the carpet heroes reel, - And the ladies shrink for fear. - - And he caught the bride in his mailed arms, - And he raised his beaver high; - "Oh! thy tears, dear girl, are full of charms, - But hush thy bosom's vain alarms, - For thy own true knight is nigh!" - - And he pull'd the gauntlet from his hand, - While he frown'd on the crowd around, - And he cast it down, and drew his brand, - "Now any who dare my right withstand, - Let him raise it from the ground." - - But the knights drew back in fear and dread, - And the bride clung to his side; - And her father, lowly bending, said, - In the Holy Land they had deem'd him dead, - But by none was his right denied. - - "Then now read on, sir priest," he cried, - "For this is my wedding-day; - Here stands my train on either side, - And here is a willing and lovely bride, - And none shall say me nay. - - "For I'll make her the lady of goodly lands, - And of many a princely tower; - And of dames a train, and of squires a band, - Shall wait at their lady's high command, - In the Knight of de Morton's bower."</pre></div> -<br> - -<p class="normal">"Alack! alack!" cried Lady Katrine, as Sir Osborne concluded, "you are -not a knight, but a nightingale. Well, never did I hear a man in -armour chirrup so before! Nay, what a court must be that court of -Burgundy! Why, an aviary would be nothing to it! But if the master -sings so well," she continued, as Longpole entered, bearing in Sir -Osborne's casque and shield, "the man must sing too. Bid him sing, -fair knight, bid him sing; he will not refuse to pleasure a lady."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, no! I am always ready to pleasure a lady," answered Longpole; -who, as he went along, though he had found it impossible to help -making a little love to Mistress Geraldine, had, notwithstanding, -noted with all his own shrewd wit the little coquettish ways of her -mistress. "But give me no instrument, my lady, but my own whistle; for -mine must not be pryck-song, but plain song."</p> -<br> - -<h4>THE CUSTREL'S SONG.</h4> -<div style="margin-left:10%"> -<pre> - Young Harry went out to look for a wife, - Hey, Harry Dally! - He said he would have her in virtues rife, - As soft as a pillow, yet keen as a knife, - With a hey ho, Harry! - - The first that he met with was quiet and glum, - Hey, Harry Dally! - But she'd got a bad trick of sucking her thumb, - And when he cried "Mary!" the never would come, - With a hey ho, Harry! - - The next that he came to was flighty and gay, - Hey, Harry Dally! - But she would not be play'd with, although she would play, - And good-humour was lost if she'd not her own way, - With a hey ho, Harry! - - The next that he tried then was gentle and sweet, - Hey, Harry Dally! - But he found that all people alike she would treat, - And loved him as well as the next she should meet, - With a hey ho, Harry! - - The next that he thought of was saucy and bold, - Hey, Harry Dally! - But he found that he had not the patience sevenfold - That could bear in one person a jade and a scold, - With a hey ho, Harry! - - So, weary with searching for wedlock enow, - Hey, Harry Dally! - He thank'd his good stars he had made no rash vow, - And, like the old woman, went kissing his cow, - With a hey ho, Harry!</pre></div> - -<br> - -<p class="normal">"The saucy knave!" cried Lady Katrine, laughing. "Out upon him! -Bridget, Geraldine, if ye have the spirit of women, I am sure ye will -not exchange a word with the fellow the rest of the journey? What! -could he not make his hero find one perfect woman? But here comes our -host with dinner, for which I thank heaven! for had it been later, my -indignation would have cost me my appetite."</p><p class="normal">As soon as the horses were refreshed, Sir Osborne, with his fair -charge, once more set out on the longer stage, which he proposed to -take ere they paused for the night. The news which he had received at -Sittenbourne leading him to imagine that the tumults at Rochester, -having been suffered, by some inexplicable negligence, to remain -unrepressed, had become much more serious than he at first supposed, -he determined to take a by-way, and, avoiding the town, pass the river -by a ferry, which Longpole assured him he would find higher up; but -still this was longer, and would make them later on the road; for -which reason he hurried their pace as much as possible, till they -arrived at the spot where the smaller road turned off, at about two -miles' distance from Rochester.</p><p class="normal">It was a shady lane, with, on each side, high banks and hedges, -wherein the tender hand of April was beginning to bring forth the -young green shrubs and flowers; and as the knight and lady went along, -Nature offered them a thousand objects of descant which they did not -fail to use. Their conversation, however, was interrupted after a -while by the noise of a distant drum, and a variety of shouts and -halloos came floating upon the gale, like the breakings-forth of an -excited multitude.</p><p class="normal">As they advanced, the sounds seemed also to approach.</p><p class="normal">"My casque and lance," said Sir Osborne, turning to Longpole. "Lady, -you had perhaps better let your jennet drop back to a line with your -women."</p><p class="normal">"Nay, I will dare the front," said Lady Katrine; "a woman's presence -will often tame a crowd."</p><p class="normal">"You are with a band of soldiers," said Sir Osborne, hearing the -clamour approaching, "and must obey command. What! horse; back, back!" -and laying his hand on the lady's bridle, he reined it back to a line -with her women. "Longpole, advance!" cried the knight. "Left-hand -spear of the third line to the front! Archers behind, keep a wary eye -on the banks: shoot not, but bend your bows. I trust there is no -danger, lady, but 'tis well to be prepared. Now, on slowly."</p><p class="normal">And thus opposing what defence they could between Lady Katrine and the -multitude, whose cries they now heard coming nearer and nearer, Sir -Osborne and the two horsemen he had called to his side, moved forward, -keeping a wary eye on the turnings of the road and the high banks by -which it was overhung.</p><p class="normal">They had not proceeded far, however, before they descried the -termination of the lane, opening out upon what appeared to be a -village-green beyond; the farther side of which was occupied by a -motley multitude, whose form and demeanour they had now full -opportunity to observe.</p><p class="normal">In front of all the host was a sort of extempore drummer, who with a -bunch of cocks' feathers in his cap, and a broad buff belt supporting -his instrument of discord, seemed infinitely proud of his occupation, -and kept beating with unceasing assiduity, but with as little regard -to time on his part as his instrument had to tune. Behind him, mounted -on a horse of inconceivable ruggedness, appeared the general with, a -vast cutlass in his hand, which he swayed backwards and forwards in -menacing attitudes; while, unheedful of the drum, he bawled forth to -his followers many a pious exhortation to persevere in rebellion. On -the left of this doughty hero was borne a flag of blue silk, bearing, -inscribed in golden letters, <i>The United Shipwrights</i>; and on his -right was seen a red banner, on which might be read the various -demands of the unsatisfied crowd, such as, "Cheap Bread," "High -Wages," "No Taxation," &c.</p><p class="normal">The multitude itself did indeed offer a formidable appearance, the -greater part of the men who composed it being armed with bills and -axes; some also having possessed themselves of halberts, and even some -of hackbuts and hand-guns. Every here and there appeared an iron jack, -and many a 'prentice-boy filled up the crevices with his bended bow; -while half a score of loud-mouthed women screamed in the different -quarters of the crowd, and, with the shrill trumpet of a scolding -tongue, urged on the lords of the creation to deeds of wrath and -folly.</p><p class="normal">The multitude might consist of about five thousand men: and as they -marched along, a bustle, and appearance of crowding round one -particular spot in their line, led the knight to imagine that they -were conducting some prisoner to Rochester, in which direction they -seemed to be going, traversing the green at nearly a right angle with -the line in which he was himself proceeding. "Hold!" said Sir Osborne, -reining in his horse. "Let them pass by. We are not enough to deal -with such numbers as there are there. Keep under the bank; we must not -risk the lady's safety by showing ourselves. Ah! but what should that -movement mean? They have seen us, by heaven! Ride on then; we must not -seem to shun them. See! they wheel! On, on! quick! Gain the mouth of -the lane!"</p><p class="normal">Thus saying, Sir Osborne laid his lance in the rest, and spurred on to -the spot where the road opened upon the green, followed by Lady -Katrine and her women, not a little terrified and agitated by the -roaring of the multitude, who, having now made a retrograde motion on -their former position, occupied the same ground that they had done at -first, and regarded intently the motions of Sir Osborne's party, not -knowing what force might be behind.</p><p class="normal">As soon as the knight had reached the mouth of the road he halted, and -seeing that the high bank ran along the side of the green guarding his -flank, he still contrived to conceal the smallness of his numbers by -occupying the space of the road, and paused a moment to watch the -movements of the crowd, and determine its intentions.</p><p class="normal">Now, being quite near enough to hear great part of an oration which -the general whom we have described was bestowing on his forces, Sir -Osborne strained his ear to gather his designs, and soon found that -his party was mistaken for that of Lord Thomas Howard, who had been -sent to quell the mutiny of the Rochester shipwrights.</p><p class="normal">"First," said the ringleader, "hang up the priest upon that tree, then -let him preach to us about submission if he will; and he shall be -hanged, too, in his lord's sight, for saying that he, with his -hundreds, would beat us with our thousands, and let his lord deliver -him if he can. Then some of the men with bills and axes get up on the -top of the bank: who says it is not Lord Thomas? I say it is Lord -Thomas; I know him by his bright armour."</p><p class="normal">"And I say you lie, Timothy Bradford!" cried Longpole, at the very -pitch of his voice, much to the wonder and astonishment of Sir Osborne -and his party. "Please your worship," he continued, lowering his tone, -"I know that fellow; he served with me at Tournay, and was afterwards -a sailor. He's a mad rogue, but as good a heart as ever lived."</p><p class="normal">"Oh, then, for God's sake! speak to him," cried Lady Katrine from -behind, "and make him let us pass; for surely, sir knight, you are not -mad enough, with only six men, to think of encountering six thousand?"</p><p class="normal">"Not I, in truth, fair lady," answered the knight. "If they will not -molest us, I shall not meddle with them."</p><p class="normal">"Shall I on, then, and speak with him?" cried Longpole. "See! he heard -me give him the lie, and he's coming out towards us. He'd do the same -if we were a thousand."</p><p class="normal">"Meet him, meet him, then!" said the knight; "tell him all we wish is -to pass peaceably. The right-hand man advance from the rear and fill -up!" he continued, as Longpole rode on, taking care still to maintain -a good face to the enemy, more especially as their generalissimo had -now come within half a bow-shot of where they stood.</p><p class="normal">As the yeoman now rode forward, the ringleader of the rioters did not -at all recognise his old companion in his custrel's armour, and began -to brandish his weapon most fiercely; but in a moment afterwards, to -the astonishment of the multitude, he was seen to let the point of the -sword drop, and, seizing his antagonist's hand, shake it with every -demonstration of surprise and friendship. Their conversation was quick -and energetic; and a moment after, Longpole rode back to Sir Osborne, -while the ringleader raised his hand to his people, exclaiming, "Keep -your ranks! Friends! These are friends!"</p><p class="normal">"Our passage is safe," said Longpole, riding back; "but he would fain -speak with your worship. They have taken a priest, it seems, and are -going to hang him for preaching submission to them. So I told him if -they did they would be hanged themselves; but he would not listen to -me, saying he would talk to you about it."</p><p class="normal">"Fill up my place," said the knight; "I will go and see what can be -done. We must not let them injure the good man."</p><p class="normal">So saying he raised his lance, and rode forward to the spot where the -ringleader waited him; plainly discerning, as he approached nearer to -the body of the rioters, the poor priest, with a rope round his neck, -holding forth his hands towards him, as if praying for assistance.</p><p class="normal">"My shield-bearer," said he, "tells me that we are to pass each other -without enmity; for though we are well prepared to resist attack, we -have no commission to meddle with you or yours. Nevertheless, as I -understand that ye have a priest in your hands, towards whom ye -meditate some harm, let me warn you of the consequences of injuring an -old man who cannot have injured you."</p><p class="normal">"But he has done worse than injured me, sir knight," said the -ringleader; "he has preached against our cause, and against redressing -our grievances."</p><p class="normal">"Most probably not against redressing your grievances," said Sir -Osborne, "but against the method ye took to redress them yourselves. -But listen to me. It is probable that the king, hearing of your wants -and wishes, he being known both for just and merciful, may grant you -such relief as only a king can grant; but if ye go to stain yourselves -with the blood of this priest, which were cowardly, as he is an old -man; which were base, as he is a prisoner; and which were -sacrilegious, as he is a man of God, ye cut yourselves off from mercy -for ever, and range all good men amongst your enemies. Think well of -this!"</p><p class="normal">"By the nose of the tinker of Ashford!" said the man, "your worship is -right. But how the devil to get him out of their hands? that's the -job; however, I'll make 'em a 'ration. But what I was wanting to ask -your worship is, do you know his grace the king?"</p><p class="normal">"Not in the least," was the laconic reply of the knight.</p><p class="normal">"Then it won't do," said the man; "only, as merry Dick Heartley said -you were thick with the good Duke of Buckingham, I thought you might -know the king too, and would give him our petition and remonstrance. -However, I'll go and make them fellows a 'ration: they're wonderful -soon led by a 'ration." And turning his horse, he rode up to the front -of the body of rioters, and made them a speech, wherein nonsense and -sense, bombast and vulgarity, were all most intimately mingled. Sir -Osborne did not catch the whole, but the sounds which reached his ears -were somewhat to the following effect:</p><p class="normal">"Most noble shipwrights and devout cannon-founders, joined together in -the great cause of crying down taxation and raising your wages! To you -I speak, as well as to the tinkers, tailors, and 'prentices who have -united themselves to you. The noble knight that you see standing -there, or rather riding, because he is on horseback: he in the -glittering armour, with a long spear in his hand, is the dearly -beloved friend of the great and good Duke of Buckingham, who is the -friend of the commons and an enemy to taxation."</p><p class="normal">Here loud cries of "Long live the Duke of Buckingham!" "God bless the -duke!" interrupted the speaker; but after a moment he proceeded. "He, -the noble knight, is not Lord Thomas Howard; and so far from wishing -to attack you, he would wish to do you good. Therefore he setteth -forth and showeth--praise be to God for all things, especially that we -did not hang the priest!--that if we were to hang the priest, it would -be blasphemous, because he is an old man; and rascally, because he is -a man of God; and moreover, that whereas, if we do not, the king will -grant us our petition. He will infallibly come down, if we do, with an -army of fifty thousand men, and hang us all with his own hands, and -the Duke of Buckingham will be against us. Now understand! I am -not speaking for myself, for I know well enough that, having been -elected your captain, and ridden on horseback while ye marched on -foot, I am sure to be hanged anyhow; but that is no reason that ye -should all be hanged too; and, therefore, I give my vote that Simon -the cannon-founder, Tom the shipwright, and long-chinned Billy the -tinker, do take the priest by the rope that is round his neck, and -deliver him into the hands of the knight and his men, to do with as -they shall think fit. And that after this glorious achievement we -march straightway back to Rochester. Do you all agree?"</p><p class="normal">Loud shouts proclaimed the assent of the multitude; and with various -formalities the three deputies led forth the unhappy priest, more dead -than alive, and delivered him into the hands of Longpole: after which -the generalissimo of the rioters drew up his men with some military -skill upon the right of the green, leaving the road free to Sir -Osborne. The knight then marshalled his little party as best he might, -to guard against any sudden change in the minds of the fickle -multitude; and having mounted the poor exhausted priest behind one of -the horsemen, he drew out from the lane, and passed unmolested across -the green into the opposite road, returning nothing but silence to the -cheers with which the rioters thought fit to honour them.</p><p class="normal">Their farther journey to Gravesend passed without any interruption, -and indeed without any occurrence worthy of notice. Lady Katrine and -Sir Osborne, Geraldine and Longpole, mutually congratulated each other -on the favourable termination of an adventure which had commenced -under such threatening auspices; and every one of the party poured -forth upon his neighbour the usual quantity of wonder and amazement -which always follows any event of the kind. The poor priest, who had -so nearly fallen a victim to the excited passions of the crowd, was -the last that sufficiently recovered from the strong impressions of -the moment to babble thereupon.</p><p class="normal">When, however, his loquacious faculties were once brought into play, -he contrived to compensate for his temporary taciturnity, shouting -forth his thanks to Sir Osborne Maurice from the rear to the front, -declaring that the preservation of his life was entirely owing to his -valour and conduct; that it was wonderful the influence which his sole -word possessed with the multitude, and that he should never cease to -be grateful till the end of his worldly existence.</p><p class="normal">Sir Osborne assured him that he was very welcome; and remarked, with a -smile, to Lady Katrine, who was laughing at the priest's superfluity -of gratitude, that in all probability it was this sort of exuberance -of zeal that had brought him into the perilous circumstances in which -they had at first found him.</p><p class="normal">"But can zeal ever be exuberant?" demanded Lady Katrine, suddenly -changing her tone; and then fixing the full light of her beautiful -dark eyes upon the knight, she added, "I mean in a friend."</p><p class="normal">"It can," said Sir Osborne, "when not guided by prudence. But I do not -think a fool can be a friend."</p><p class="normal">"Come, sir knight, come!" said the lady; "let us hear your idea of a -friend."</p><p class="normal">"A friend," replied the knight, smiling at her earnestness, "must be -both a wise man and a good man. He must love his friend with -sufficient zeal to see his faults and endeavour to counteract them, -and with sufficient prudence to perceive his true interests and to -strive for them. But he must put aside vanity; for there is many a man -who pretends a great friendship for another merely for the vain -purpose of advising and guiding him, when, in truth, he is not capable -of advising and guiding himself. The man who aspires to such a name -must be to his friend what every man would be to himself, if he could -see his own faults undazzled by self-love and his own interests -unblinded by passion. He must be zealous and kind, steady and -persevering, without being curious or interfering, troublesome or -obstinate."</p><p class="normal">"Would I had such a friend!" said Lady Katrine, with a sigh, and for -the rest of the way she was grave and pensive.</p><br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XIII.</h4><div class="poem0" style="margin-left:15%"> -<p style="text-indent:18em">Let us<br> -Act freely, carelessly, and capriciously, as if our veins<br> -Ran with quicksilver.--<span class="sc">Ben Jonson</span>.</p><p style="text-indent:7em">Renown'd metropolis,<br> -With glistening spires and pinnacles adorn'd.--<span class="sc">Milton</span>.</p></div><p class="normal">It is strange, in the life of man, always fluctuating as he is between -hope and fear, gratification and disappointment, with nothing fixed in -his state of existence, and uncertainty surrounding him on every side, -that suspense should be to him the most painful of all situations. One -would suppose that habit would have rendered it easy for him to bear; -and yet, beyond all questions, every condition of doubt, from -uncertainty respecting our fate, to mere indecision of judgment, are -all, more or less, painful in their degree. Who is it that has not -often felt irritated, vexed, and unhappy, when hesitating between two -different courses of action, even when the subject of deliberation -involved but a trifle?</p><p class="normal">Lady Katrine Bulmer, as has been already said, was grave and pensive -when she reached Gravesend; and then, without honouring the knight -with her company even for a few minutes, as he deemed that in simple -courtesy she might have done, she retired to her chamber, and, -shutting herself up with her two women, the only communication which -took place between her and Sir Osborne was respecting the hour of -their departure the next morning.</p><p class="normal">The knight felt hurt and vexed; for though he needed no ghost to tell -him that the lovely girl he was conducting to the court was as -capricious as she was beautiful, yet her gay whims and graceful little -coquetry, had both served to pique and amuse him, and he could almost -have been angry at this new caprice, which deprived him of her society -for the evening.</p><p class="normal">The next morning, however, the wind of Lady Katrine's humour seemed -again to have changed; and at the hour appointed for her departure she -tripped down to her horse all liveliness and gaiety. Sir Osborne -proffered to assist her in mounting, but in a moment she sprang into -the saddle without aid, and turned round laughing, to see the slow and -difficult manœuvres by which her women were fixed in their seats. -The whole preparations, however, being completed, the cavalcade set -out in the same order in which it had departed from the abbey the day -before, and with the same number of persons; the poor priest whom they -had delivered from the hands of the rioters being left behind, too ill -to proceed with them to London.</p><p class="normal">"Well, sir knight," said the gay girl as they rode forward, "I must -really think of some guerdon to reward all your daring in my behalf. I -hope you watched through the livelong night, armed at all points, lest -some enemy should attack our castle?"</p><p class="normal">"Faith, not I!" answered Sir Osborne; "you seemed so perfectly -satisfied with the security of our lodging, lady, that I e'en followed -your good example and went to bed."</p><p class="normal">"Now he's affronted!" cried Lady Katrine. "Was there ever such a -creature? But tell me, man in armour, was it fitting for me to come -and sit with you and your horsemen in the tap-room of an inn, eating, -drinking, and singing, like a beggar or a ballad-singer?"</p><p class="normal">The knight bit his lip, and made no reply.</p><p class="normal">"Why don't you answer, Sir Osborne?" continued the lady, laughing.</p><p class="normal">"Merely because I have nothing to say," replied the knight, gravely; -"except that at Sittenbourne, where you did me the honour of eating -with me, though not with my horsemen, I did not perceive that -Lady Katrine Bulmer was, in any respect, either like a beggar or -ballad-singer."</p><p class="normal">"Oh! very well, sir knight; very well!" she said. "If you choose to be -offended I cannot help it."</p><p class="normal">"You mistake me, lady," said Sir Osborne, "I am not offended."</p><p class="normal">"Well then, sir, I am," replied Lady Katrine, making him a cold stiff -inclination of the head. "So we had better say no more upon the -subject."</p><p class="normal">At this moment Longpole, who with the rest of the attendants followed -at about fifty paces behind, rode forward, and put a small folded -paper into Sir Osborne's hands. "A letter, sir, which you dropped," -said he aloud; "I picked it up this moment."</p><p class="normal">The knight looked at the address, and the small silken braid which -united the two seals; and finding that it was directed to Lord Darby -at York House, Westminster, was about to return it to Longpole, saying -it was none of his, when his eye fell upon Lady Katrine, whose head, -indeed, was turned away, but whose neck and ear were burning with so -deep a red, that Sir Osborne doubted not she had some deep and -blushing interest in the paper he held in his hand. "Thank you, -Longpole! thank you," he said, "I would not have lost it for a hundred -marks;" and he fastened it securely in the foldings of his scarf.</p><p class="normal">Though he could willingly have punished his fair companion for her -little capricious petulance, the knight could not bear to keep her in -the state of agitation under which, by the painful redness of her -cheek and the quivering of her hand on the bridle, he very evidently -saw she was suffering. "I think your ladyship was remarking," said he, -calmly, "that it was the height of dishonour and baseness to take -advantage of anything that happens to fall in our power, or any secret -with which we become acquainted accidentally. I not only agree with -you so far, but I think even that a jest upon such a subject is hardly -honourable. We should strive, if possible, to be as if we did not know -it."</p><p class="normal">Lady Katrine turned her full sunny face towards him, glowing like a -fair evening cloud when the last rays of daylight rest upon it: "You -are a good, an excellent creature," she said, "and worthy to be a -knight. Sir Osborne Maurice," she continued, after a moment's pause, -"your good opinion is too estimable to be lightly lost, and to -preserve it I must speak to you in a manner that women dare seldom -speak. And yet, though on my word, I would trust you as I would a -brother, I know not how----I cannot, indeed I cannot. And yet I must, -and will, for fear of misconstruction. You saw that letter. You can -guess that he to whom it is addressed is not indifferent to the -writer. They are affianced to each other by all vows, but those vows -are secret ones; for the all-powerful Wolsey will not have it so, and -we must needs seem, at least, to obey. Darby has been some time absent -from the court, and I was sent to the abbey. What would you have more? -I promised to give instant information of my return; and last night I -spent in writing that letter, though now I know not in truth how to -send it, for my groom is but a pensioned spy upon me."</p><p class="normal">"Will you trust it to me?" said the knight. The lady paused. "Do you -doubt me?" he asked.</p><p class="normal">"Not in the least," she said; "not in the least. My only doubt is -whether I shall send it at all."</p><p class="normal">"Is there a hesitation?" demanded the knight in some surprise.</p><p class="normal">"Alas! there is," answered she. "You must know all: I see it. Since I -have been at the abbey they have tried to persuade me that Darby -yields himself to the wishes of the cardinal; and is about to wed -another. I believe it false! I am sure it is false! And yet, and -yet----" and she burst into tears. "Oh, Sir Osborne!" she continued, -drying her eyes, "I much need such a friend as you described -yesterday."</p><p class="normal">"Let me be that friend, then, so far as I may be," said Sir Osborne. -"Allow me to carry the letter to London, whither I go after I have -left you at the court at Greenwich. I will ascertain how Lord Darby is -situated. If I find him faithful (which doubt not that he is, till you -hear more), I will give him the letter; otherwise I will return it -truly to you."</p><p class="normal">"But you must be quick," said Lady Katrine, "in case he should hear -that I have returned, and have not written. How will you ascertain?"</p><p class="normal">"There are many ways," answered the knight; "but principally by a -person whom I hope to find in London, and who sees more deeply into -the hidden truth than mortal eyes can usually do."</p><p class="normal">"Can you mean Sir Cesar?" demanded Lady Katrine.</p><p class="normal">"I do," answered the knight. "Do you know that very extraordinary -being?"</p><p class="normal">"I know him as every one knows him," answered Lady Katrine; "that is, -without knowing him. But if he be in London, and will give you the -information, all doubt will be at an end; for what he says is sure: -though, indeed, I often used to tease the queer little old man, by -pretending not to believe his prophecies, till our royal mistress, -whom God protect! has rated me for plaguing him. He was much a -favourite of hers, and I somewhat a favourite of his; for those odd -magical hop-o'-my-thumbs, I believe, love those best who cross them a -little. He gave me this large sapphire ring when he went away last -year, bidding me send it back to him if I were in trouble: quite -fairy-tale like. So now, Sir Osborne, you shall carry it to him, and -he will counsel you rightly. Put it in your cap, where he may see it. -There now! it looks quite like some lady's favour; but don't go and -tilt at every one who denies that Katrine Bulmer is the loveliest -creature under the sun."</p><p class="normal">"Nay, I must leave that to my Lord Darby," answered Sir Osborne.</p><p class="normal">"Now, that was meant maliciously!" cried Lady Katrine. "But I don't -care! Wait a little; and if there be a weak point in all your heart, -sir knight, I'll plague you for your sly look."</p><p class="normal">Lady Katrine Bulmer's spirits were of that elastic quality not easily -repressed; and before ten minutes were over, all her gaiety returned -in full force, nor did it cease its flow till their arrival in -Greenwich.</p><p class="normal">For his part, Sir Osborne strove to keep pace with her liveliness, and -perhaps even forced his wit a little in the race, that he might not be -behindhand. Heaven knows what was passing in his mind! whether it -really was an accession of gaiety at approaching the court, or whether -it was that he wished to show his fair companion that the discovery he -had made of her engagements to Lord Darby did not at all mortify him, -notwithstanding the little coquetry that she might have exercised upon -himself.</p><p class="normal">They now, however, approached the place of their destination, under -the favourable auspice of a fair afternoon. The most pardonable sort -of superstition is perhaps that which derives its auguries from the -face of nature, leading us to fancy that the bright golden sunshine, -the clear blue heaven, the soft summer breeze, and the cheerful song -of heaven's choristers, indicate approaching happiness to ourselves; -or that the cloud, the storm, and the tempest, come prophetic of evil -and desolation. At least both hope and fear, the two great movers in -all man's feelings, lend themselves strangely to this sort of -divination, combining with the beauty of the prospect, or the -brightness of the sky, to exalt our expectations of the future; or -lending darker terrors to the frown of nature, and teaching us to -dread or to despair.</p><p class="normal">When Sir Osborne and his party arrived at the brow of Shooter's Hill, -the evening was as fair and lovely as if it had been summer: one of -those sweet sunsets that sometimes burst in between two wintry days in -the end of March or the beginning of April: a sort of heralds to -announce the golden season that comes on. The whole country round, as -far as they could see, whether looking towards Eltham and Chiselhurst, -or northwards towards the river, was one wide sea of waving boughs, -just tinged with the first green of the spring; while the oblique rays -of the declining sun, falling upon the huge bolls of the old oaks and -beeches, caught upon the western side of each, and invested its giant -limbs as with a golden armour. Every here and there, too, the beams, -forcing their way through the various openings in the forest, cast -across the road bright glimpses of that rich yellow light peculiar to -wood scenery, and, alternated with the long shadows of the trees, -marked the far perspective of the highway descending to the wide heath -below. The eye rested not on the heath, though it, too, was glowing -with the full effulgence of the sky; but passing on, caught a small -part of the palace of Greenwich, rising above the wild oaks which -filled the park; and then still farther turning towards the west, -paused upon the vast metropolis, with its red and dizzy atmosphere, -high above which rose the heavy tower and wooden spire of Old Paul's -Church; while to the left, beyond the influence of the smoke, was seen -standing almost alone, in solemn majesty, the beautiful pile of the -West Minster.</p><p class="normal">Sir Osborne Maurice impulsively reined in his horse, and seemed as if -he could scarcely breathe when the whole magnificent scene rushed at -once upon his view. "So this is London!" cried he; "the vast, the -wealthy, and the great; the throne of our island monarchs, from whence -they sway a wide and powerful land. On! on!" and striking his horse -with his spurs, he darted down the road, as if he were afraid that the -great city would, before he reached it, fade away like the splendid -phantasms seen by the Sicilian shepherds, showing for a moment a host -of castles, and towers, and palaces, and then fleeting by, and leaving -nought but empty air!</p><br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XIV.</h4><div class="poem0"> -<p style="text-indent:5%">Paracelsus and his chymistical followers are so many Promethei, -will fetch fire from heaven.--<span class="sc">Burton's Anatomy of Melancholy</span>.</p></div><p class="normal">Now might I expend five pages of post octavo, with great satisfaction -to my readers and myself, in describing minutely the old rambling -palace inhabited by Henry VIII. at Greenwich, particularising its -several angles and abutments, its small lattice windows, its bays and -octagons, together with the various cartouches and mascarons which -filled up the spaces and covered the corbels between; but unhappily I -am in an egregious hurry, having already expended one whole tome -without getting through a fifth part of the portentous bulk of -Professor Vonderbrugius. I might, indeed, comfortably extend my tale -to four volumes instead of three. But no, gentle reader! out of -consideration for thine exemplary patience, I spare thee the -infliction, and shall curtail my descriptions, compress my dialogues, -circumscribe my digressions, and concentrate my explanations, so as to -restrain my history within the bounds I had originally proposed for -its extent.</p><p class="normal">Suffice it, then, to say that Lady Katrine, having recalled to the -knight's remembrance that his course lay towards Greenwich, and not to -London, as he seemed inclined to direct it, they turned their horses -to the right at the bottom of the hill, and soon reached the -river-side, where, spreading along a little to the eastward of the -spot on which the hospital at present stands, lay a large mass of -heavy architecture, which, if judged by modern notions, would be -regarded as not very fit for the dwelling of a king.</p><p class="normal">The dull appearance of the building, however, was relieved by the -gaiety of the objects round about; for though the sun was now half -below the horizon, yet loitering round the various gates of the -palace, or running to and fro on their separate errands, was seen a -host of servants and attendants in rich and splendid suits, while -multitudes of guards and henchmen, decked out to pamper the costly -whims of their luxurious lord, showed forth their finery to the -evening air. More than one group of lords, and ladies too, enjoying -the fine sunset before the palace, made the parade a sort of living -pageant; while the river beyond, as if emulous of the gay scene, -fluttered and shone with the streamers and gilding of the various -barges with which it was covered.</p><p class="normal">To every one they met Lady Katrine seemed known, and all, according to -their rank, greeted her as she passed, some with light welcome, some -with respectful salutations, all stopping the moment after to turn and -fix their eyes upon Sir Osborne, with that sort of cold, inquiring -glance which owns no affinity with its object but mere curiosity. "Who -is he?" demanded one. "What splendid armour!" cried another. "He must -be from Rochester," said a third. But no word of gratulation met his -ear, no kind, familiar voice bade him welcome; and he rode on with -that chill, solitary sensation of friendlessness which we never so -strongly feel as in the presence of a crowd, who, possessing some -communion of thought and feeling amongst themselves, have no -established link of sympathy with us.</p><p class="normal">At one of the smaller doors in the western wing of the palace, Lady -Katrine reined in her horse, and Sir Osborne, springing to the ground, -assisted her to dismount, while one of the royal servants, who came -from within, held the bridle with all respect. In answer to her -question the attendant replied, that "her highness Queen Katherine was -at that moment dressing for the banquet which she was about to give to -the king and the foreign ambassadors, and that she had commanded not -to be interrupted."</p><p class="normal">"That is unfortunate, Sir Osborne Maurice," said the young lady, -resuming somewhat of that courtly coldness which had given way to the -original wildness of her nature while she had been absent: "I am sure -that her highness, who is bounty itself, would have much wished to -thank you for the protection and assistance which you have given to me -her poor servant. But----" and remembering the charge which the knight -had taken of her letter to Lord Darby, she hesitated for a moment, not -knowing how to establish some means of communication between them. -"Oh! they will break all those things!" she cried, suddenly stopping -and turning to the servant. "Good Master Alderson, do look to them for -a moment; that groom is so awkward: give him the horse. Now, knight! -quick! quick!" she continued, lowering her voice as the servant left -them, "Where do you lodge in London? I must have some way of hearing -of your proceeding: where do you lodge? Bless us, man in armour! where -are your wits?"</p><p class="normal">"Oh! I had forgot," replied the knight; "it is called the Rose, in the -Laurence Poultney."</p><p class="normal">"At the Duke of Buckingham's! Good, good!" she replied; and then -making him a low curtsy as the servant again approached, she added -with a mock gravity that nearly made the knight laugh, in spite of his -more sombre feelings, "And now, good sir knight, I take my leave of -your worship, thanking you a thousand times for your kindness and -protection; and depend upon it, that when her highness the queen shall -have a moment to receive you, I will take care to let you know."</p><p class="normal">Thus saying, with another low curtsy, she retired into the palace; and -Sir Osborne, mounting his horse, bade adieu to the precincts of the -court, bearing away with him none of those feelings of hope with which -he had first approached it. There seemed a sort of coldness in its -atmosphere which chilled his expectations; and disappointed, too, of -his introduction to the queen, he felt dissatisfied and repelled, and -had the fit held, might well have taken ship once more, and returned -into Flanders.</p><p class="normal">After having thus ridden on for some way, giving full rein to -melancholy fancies, he found himself in the midst of a small town, -with narrow streets, running along by the river, shutting out almost -all the daylight that was left; and not knowing if he was going in the -right direction, he called Longpole to his side, asking whether he had -ever been in London.</p><p class="normal">"Oh! yes, sir," replied the custrel, "and have staid in it many a -month. 'Tis a wonderful place for the three sorts of men: the knaves, -the fools, and the wise men; and as far as I can see, the one sort -gets on as high as the other. The fool gets promoted at court, the -knave gets promoted at the gallows, and the wise man gets promoted to -be lord mayor, and has the best of the bargain."</p><p class="normal">"But tell me, Longpole," said Sir Osborne, "where are we now? for -night is falling, and in sooth I know not my way."</p><p class="normal">"This is the good town of Deptford," said Longpole; "but if your -lordship ride on, we shall soon enter into Southwark, where there is -an excellent good hostel, called the Tabard, the landlady of which may -be well esteemed a princess for her fat, and a woman for her tongue. -God's blessing is upon her bones, and has well covered them. If your -worship lodge there you shall be treated like a prince."</p><p class="normal">"It may be better," said Sir Osborne, "for to-night; but you must lead -the way, good Longpole, for this is my first sight of the great city."</p><p class="normal">Longpole readily undertook the pilotage of the knight and his company, -and in about half-an-hour lodged them safely in the smart parlour of -the Tabard: perhaps the very same where, more than a century before, -Chaucer, the father of our craft, sat himself at his ease; for the -Tabard was an old house that had maintained its good fame for more -than one generation, and the landlady piqued herself much on the -antiquity of her dwelling, telling how her great-grandfather had kept -that very house, ay, and had worn a gold chain to boot; and how both -the inn and the innkeepers had held the same name, till she, being a -woman, alack! had brought it as her dower to her poor dear deceased -husband, who died twenty years ago come Martinmas.</p><p class="normal">All this was detailed at length to Sir Osborne while his supper was in -preparation, together with various other long orations, till the good -dame found that the knight was not willing to furnish her with even -the <i>ahs! ohs!</i> and <i>yes-es</i>, which offer a sort of baiting-places for -a voluble tongue; but that, on the contrary, he leaned his back -against the chimney, not attending to one word she said after the -first ten sentences. Upon this discovery, she e'en betook herself to -Longpole, declaring that his master was a proper man, a fine man, and -a pensive.</p><p class="normal">Longpole was, we all know, much better inclined to gossiping than his -master; and accordingly, as he found that his jolly hostess would fain -hear the whole of his lord's history, as a profound secret which she -was to divulge to all her neighbours the next morning, he speedily -furnished her with a most excellent allegory upon the subject, which -found its way (with various additions and improvements, to suit the -taste of the reciters) through at least five hundred different -channels before the ensuing night.</p><p class="normal">In the mean while the knight supped well, and found himself happier; -slept well, and rose with renewed hope. So he was but of flesh and -blood, after all.</p><p class="normal">As soon as he was up, and before he was dressed, the door of his -chamber flew open, and in rushed a thing called a barber, insisting -upon his being shaved. Volumes have been written upon barbers, and -volumes still remain to be written, but it shall not be I who will -write them.</p><p class="normal">Suffice it, that for the sake of those who know not what I mean, I -define a barber. It is a thing that talks and shaves, and shaves and -talks, and talks and shaves again; the true immutable that never -varies, but comes down from age to age like a magpie, the same busy -chattering thing that its fathers were before it.</p><p class="normal">Sir Osborne acquiesced in the operation, of which, indeed, he stood in -some want; and the barber pounced upon his visage in a moment. "The -simple moustache, I see: the simple moustache!" he cried; "well, 'tis -indeed the most seemly manner, though the <i>pique-devant</i> is gaining -ground a leetle, a leetle: not that I mean to say, fair sir, that the -beard is not worn any way, so it be well trimmed, and the moustache is -of a sweet comely nature: the simple moustache! You have doubtless -heard, fair sir, of the royal pageant, which cheered the heart of the -queen and her ladies last night. We use, indeed, to cut beards all -ways, to suit the nature of the physiognomy; supplying, as it were, -remedies for the evil tricks of nature. Now, my good Lord Darby gives -in to the <i>pique-devant</i>, for it is a turn that ladies love; and -doubtless you have heard his marriage spoken of--to a lady--oh! such a -beautiful lady! though I cannot remember her name; but a most -excellent lady. Your worship would not wish me to leave the -<i>pique-devant</i>; I will undertake to raise and nourish it, by a certain -ointment, communicated to me by an alchymist, in ten days. Make but -the essay, fair sir; try how it comports with the figure of your -face."</p><p class="normal">"No, no!" cried Sir Osborne, much in the same manner as the young man -of Bagdad. "Cease your babbling, and make haste and shave me."</p><p class="normal">The operation, however, was sooner brought to a termination than in -the Arabian Nights; and being free from his chattering companion, the -knight took one or two turns in his apartment in deep thought. "So," -said he, "this light-of-love, Lord Darby does play the poor girl -false; and, as she said, the arrow will rankle in her heart, and rob -her of every better hope. But still it is not sure. I will not believe -it. If <i>I</i> had the love of such a creature as that, could I betray -it?" and the thought of Lady Constance de Grey darted across his mind. -"I will not believe it; there must be better assurance than a babbling -fool like this. Oh, Longpole!" he continued, as the man entered the -room, "I have waited for you. Quick! As you know London, speed to the -house of an honest Flemish merchant, William Hans; ask him if he have -received the packages from Anvers for me. Give him my true name, but -bid him be secret. Bring with you the leathern case containing -clothes, and see if he have any letters from Wales. Greet the old man -well for me, and tell him I will see him soon. Stay; I forgot to tell -you where he lives; it's near the Conduit in Gracious Street, any one -near will tell you where. William Hans is his name."</p><p class="normal">Longpole was soon gone; but, to the mind of Sir Osborne, long before -he returned. When, however, he did once more make his appearance, he -not only brought the news that all the packages which Sir Osborne -expected had arrived, but he also brought the large leathern case -containing the apparel in which the knight was wont to appear at the -court of the Duchess Regent of Burgundy, and a letter which Sir -Osborne soon perceived was from his father, Lord Fitzbernard.</p><p class="normal">Being privileged to peep over men's shoulders, we shall make no -apology for knowing somewhat of the contents of the old earl's -epistle. It conveyed in many shapes the gratifying knowledge to the -son that the father was proud of the child, together with many -exhortations, founded in parental anxiety, still carefully to conceal -his name and rank. But the most important part of the letter was a -short paragraph, wherein the earl laid his injunctions upon his son -not to think of coming to see him till he had made every effort at the -court, and their fate was fully decided. "And then, my son," continued -Lord Fitzbernard, "come hither unto me, whether the news thou bringest -be of good or bad comfort; for, of a certain, thy presence shall be of -the best comfort; and if still our enemies prevail, I will pass with -thee over sea into another land, and make my nobility in thy honour, -and find my fortune in thy high deeds."</p><p class="normal">Sir Osborne's wishes would have led him into Wales, for after five -long years of absence, he felt as it were a thirst to embrace once -more the author of his birth; but still he saw that the course which -his father pointed out was the one that prudence and wisdom dictated, -and therefore at once acquiesced. For a while he paused, meditating -over all the feelings that this letter had called up; but well knowing -that every moment of a man's life may be well employed, if he will but -seek to employ them, he cast his reveries behind him, and dressing -himself in a costume more proper to appear at the house of the Duke of -Buckingham, he commanded his armour to be carefully looked to, and -paying his score at the Tabard, departed to fulfil his noble friend's -hospitable desire, by taking up his lodging at the manor-house of the -Rose, in Saint Laurence Poultney.</p><p class="normal">Passing through Southwark, he soon arrived at London Bridge, which, as -every one knows, was then but one long street across the water, with -rich shops and houses on each side, and little intervals between, -through which the passenger's eye might catch the flowing of the -Thames, and thence only could he learn that he was passing over a -large and navigable river. The shops, it is true, were unglazed and -open, and perhaps to a modern eye might look like booths; but in that -day the whole of Europe could hardly furnish more wealth than was then -displayed on London Bridge. The long and circumstantial history given -by Stowe will save the trouble of transcribing the eleven pages which -Vonderbrugius bestows upon this subject; for though I cannot be sure -that every one has read the old chronicler's "Survey of London," yet -certainly every one may read it if they like. Passing, then, over -London Bridge, the knight and his followers took their way up Gracious -Street (now corruptly Gracechurch Street), and riding through the -heart of the city, soon arrived at the gates of the Duke of -Buckingham's magnificent mansion of the Rose. As they approached the -garden entrance, they observed a man covered with dust, as from a long -journey, dismount from his horse at the door, bearing embroidered on -his sleeve the cognizance of a swan; from which, with the rest of his -appearance, Sir Osborne concluded that he was a courier from the -duke. This supposition proved to be correct: the considerate and -liberal-minded nobleman having sent him forward to prepare the -household to receive his young <i>protegé</i>, and also for the purpose of -conveying various other orders and letters, which might tend to the -advancement of his views. But it so unfortunately had happened, the -man informed the knight, that he had been attacked on the road by four -armed men, who had taken from him his bag with the letters, and that -therefore the only thing which remained for him to do was to deliver -the verbal orders which he had received to his grace's steward, and -then to return to his lord and inform him of the circumstances as they -had occurred.</p><p class="normal">The profound respect with which he was treated very soon evinced to -Sir Osborne what those verbal orders were.</p><p class="normal">He found the retinue of a prince ready to obey his commands, and a -dwelling that in decoration, if not in size, certainly surpassed that -of the king. It was not, however, the object of the young knight to -draw upon himself those inquiries which would certainly follow any -unnecessary ostentation; nor would he have been willing, even had it -coincided with his views, to have made his appearance at the court -with so much borrowed splendour. He signified, therefore, to the -chamberlain his intention of requiring merely the attendance of the -three yeomen, who, with his own custrel, had accompanied him from -Kent; and added that, though he might occupy the apartments which had -been allotted to him when he was in London, and dine at the separate -table which, by the duke's command, was to be prepared for himself, he -should most probably spend the greater part of his time at Greenwich.</p><p class="normal">Having made these arrangements, he determined to lose no time in -proceeding to seek for Dr. Butts, the king's physician, at whose house -he had good hopes of hearing of his old tutor, Dr. Wilbraham, and of -discovering what credit was to be given to the reported marriage of -the young Earl of Darby.</p><p class="normal">Sir Osborne knew that the physician was one of those men who had made -and maintained a high reputation at the court by an honest frankness, -which, without deviating into rudeness, spared not to speak the truth -to king or peasant. He was a great well-wisher to human nature; and -feeling that if all men would be as sincere as himself, the crop of -human misery would be much less to reap, he often lost patience with -the worldlings, and flouted them with their insincerity. His character -contained many of those strange oppositions to which humanity is -subject; he was ever tender-hearted, yet often rough, and combined -in manner much bluntness with some courtesy. He was learned, -strong-minded, and keen-sighted, yet often simple as a child, and much -led away by the mad visions of the alchymists of the time.</p><p class="normal">However, as we have said, he was greatly loved and respected at the -court; and, from his character and office, was more intimately -acquainted with all the little private secrets and lies of the day -than any other person perhaps, except Sir Cesar, the astrologer, with -whom he was well acquainted, and upon whom he himself looked with no -small reverence and respect, shrewdly suspecting that in his magical -studies he had discovered the grand secret.</p><p class="normal">Towards his house, then, Sir Osborne directed his steps, taking with -him no one but a footboy of the duke's to show him the way; for as the -good physician lived so far off as Westminster, it became necessary to -have some guide to point out the shortest and most agreeable roads. -Instead of taking the highway, which, following the course of the -river, ran in nearly a straight line from London to Westminster,<a name="div4Ref_07" href="#div4_07"><sup>[7]</sup></a> -the boy led Sir Osborne through the beautiful fields which extended -over the ground in the neighbourhood of Lincoln's Inn, and which, -instead of being filled with smoky houses and dirty multitudes, were -then breathing nothing but sweets from the primroses and other wild -spring flowers that were rising fresh out of a rich and grateful soil. -Thence, cutting across through many a gate, and over many a stile, his -young conductor brought him out into the road just at the little milk -and curd-house in the midst of the village of Charing, from whence, -looking down the road to the left, they could see the palace, and -gardens of the bishops of Durham and York, with the magnificent abbey, -rising over some clumps of trees beyond.</p><p class="normal">Passing by York Place, where bustling menials and crowding courtiers -announced the ostentatious power of the proud prelate who there -reigned, they left the royal mansions also behind them, and entering -into some of the narrower and more intricate streets in Westminster, -soon reached a house with a small court before it, which, as the boy -informed Sir Osborne, was the dwelling of the physician.</p><p class="normal">Seeing a door open opposite, the knight entered and found himself in a -sort of scullery, where a stout servant-girl was busily engaged in -scrubbing some pots and crucibles with such assiduity, that she could -scarcely leave off even to answer his inquiry of whether her master -was at home.</p><p class="normal">"Yes, sir; yes, he is at home," replied she at length; "but he cannot -be spoken with, unless you are very bad, for he is busy in the -laboratory."</p><p class="normal">The knight signified that he had a great desire to speak with him; and -the girl, looking at him somewhat more attentively, said that, "if he -were from abroad, the doctor would see him she was sure, for he had a -great many foreign folks with him always."</p><p class="normal">The knight replied that, though he was not a foreigner, he certainly -had come from abroad very lately; upon which assurance the damsel -relinquished her crucible-scrubbing, and went to announce his -presence. Returning in a few minutes, she ushered him through a long -dark passage into a large low-roofed room, at the farther end of which -appeared a furnace, with the chimney carried through the ceiling, and -near it various tables covered with all sorts of strange vessels and -utensils. Round about, still nearer the door, were strewed old -mouldering books and manuscripts, huge masses of several kinds of ore, -heaps of coal and charcoal, and piles of many other matters, the -nature of which Sir Osborne could not discover by the scanty light -that found its way through two small lattice windows near the roof.</p><p class="normal">The principal curiosity in the room yet remained. Standing before the -furnace, holding in one hand a candle sweltering in the heat of the -fire, and in the other a pair of chemical tongs embracing a crucible, -was seen a stout portly man, of a rosy complexion, with a fur cap on -his head, and his body invested in a long coarse black gown, the -sleeves of which, tucked up above his elbows, exhibited a full puffed -shirt of very fine linen, much too white and clean for the occupation -in which he was busied.</p><p class="normal">"Sir, my wench tells me you are from abroad," said he, advancing a -little, and speaking quick. "From Flanders, I see, by your dress. -Pray, sir, do you come from the learned Erasmus, or from Meyerden? -However, I am glad to see you. You are an adept, I am sure; I see it -in your countenance. Behold this crucible," and he poked it so near -Sir Osborne's nose as to make him start back and sneeze violently with -the fumes. "Sir, that is a new effect," continued the doctor: "I am -sure that I have found it. It makes people sneeze. That is the hundred -and thirteenth effect I have discovered in it. Every hour, every -moment, as it concentrates, I discover new effects; so that doubtless -by the time it is perfectly concreted, it will have all powers, even -to the great effect, and change all things into gold. But let us put -that down;" and taking a paper he wrote, "<i>One hundred and thirteenth -effect, makes people sneeze</i>; violently, I think you said? -<i>Violently</i>. And now, my dear sir, what news from the great Erasmus?"</p><p class="normal">"None that I know, my good sir," answered Sir Osborne, "as I never had -the advantage of his acquaintance."</p><p class="normal">An explanation now ensued, which at last enlightened the ideas of the -worthy physician, although he had so fully possessed himself with the -fancy that the knight was an adept from Flanders, a country at that -time famous for alchymical researches, that it was some time before he -could entirely disembarrass his brain from the notion.</p><p class="normal">"Bless my soul!" cried he; "so you are the young gentleman that my -excellent good uncle Wilbraham was concerned about; and well he might -be, truly, seeing what a lover you are of the profound and noble -science. He came here yesterday to inquire for you, and finding that I -had heard nothing of you, I thought he would have gone distracted. But -tell me, fair sir, have you met with any of the famous green water of -Palliardo? Ha! I see you were not to be deceived. I procured some, and -truly, on dipping the blade of a knife therein, it appeared gilt. But -what was it? A mere solution of copper."</p><p class="normal">"You mistake, I see, still," replied the knight. "In truth, I know -nothing of the science to which you allude. I doubt not that it is one -of the most excellent and admirable inquiries in the world; but I am a -soldier, my dear sir, and have as yet made but small progress in -turning anything into gold."</p><p class="normal">"'S life! I know not how I came to think so." cried the doctor; "sure, -the servant told me so. Ho, Kitty!" and throwing open the door, he -called loudly to the woman, "Ho, Kitty! how came you to tell me the -gentleman was an adept? Zounds! I've made him sneeze. But who is that -I see in the lavery? Oh, uncle Wilbraham! Come in! come in!"</p><p class="normal">No words can express the joy of the good tutor when he beheld the -knight. He embraced him a thousand times; he shook him by the hand; he -shed tears of joy, and he made him repeat a thousand times every -particular of his escape. "The villain! the wretch!" cried he, -whenever the name of Sir Payan was mentioned; "the dissembling -hypocrite! We have had news since we left Canterbury that the <i>posse</i>, -which I obtained with great difficulty from the magistrates, when they -arrived at the manor-house, found every one in bed, but were speedily -let in, when Sir Payan sent word down, that though he was much -surprised to be so visited, being a magistrate himself, yet the -officers might search where they pleased, for that he had had no -prisoners during the day but two deer-stealers, whom he had liberated -that evening on their penitence. They searched, and found no one, and -so sent me a bitter letter this morning for putting them on the -business."</p><p class="normal">"I am glad to hear they found no one," said the knight; "for then my -poor companion, Jekin Groby, has escaped. But, let me ask, how is Lady -Constance!"</p><p class="normal">"Alas! not well, my lord, not well!" answered the clergyman. "First, -the anxiety about you: in truth, she has never looked well since, not -knowing whether you were dead or alive, and having known you in her -youth. Then this sudden news, that my lord cardinal will have her -marry her noble cousin, Lord Darby, has agitated her."</p><p class="normal">The knight turned as pale as death, for feelings that had lain unknown -in the deepest recesses of his heart swelled suddenly up, and nearly -overpowered him. His love for Lady Constance de Grey had run on like a -brook in the summer time, which flows sweet, tranquil, and scarcely -perceptible, till the first rains that gather in the mountains swell -it to a torrent that sweeps away all before it. Of his own feeling he -had hitherto known nothing: he had known, he had but felt, that it was -sweet to see her, that it was sweet to think of her; but now at once, -with the certainty that she was lost to him for ever, came the -certainty that he loved her deeply, ardently, irrevocably.</p><p class="normal">"Umph!" said Dr. Butts, at once comprehending all that the changes of -the knight's complexion implied; "umph! it's a bad business."</p><p class="normal">"Nay, my good nephew, I see not that," answered the clergyman; who, a -great deal less clear-sighted than the physician, had neither seen Sir -Osborne's paleness, nor for a moment suspected his feelings: "I see -not that. 'Tis the very best marriage in the realm for both parties, -and the lady is only a little agitated from the anxiety and hurry of -the business."</p><p class="normal">"If that be all," said the doctor, "I'll soon cure her. But tell me, -why did you call him 'my lord,' just now?"</p><p class="normal">Dr. Wilbraham looked at the knight with a glance that seemed to -supplicate pardon for his inadvertence; but Sir Osborne soon relieved -him. "I am going, Dr. Butts," said he, "to ask your advice and -assistance, and therefore my secret must be told you. I ask your -advice because you know the court thoroughly, and because having, I am -afraid, lost one good means of introducing myself to his grace the -king, I would fain discover some other; and I tell you my secret, -because I am sure that it is as safe with you as with myself."</p><p class="normal">"It is," said the physician. "But if you would have me serve you well, -and to some purpose, you must tell me all. Give me no half-confidence. -Let me know everything and then if I can do you good I will; if not, -your counsel shall not be betrayed, my lord, I suppose I must say."</p><p class="normal">"You had better tell him all your history, my dear Osborne," said Dr. -Wilbraham. "He can, and I am sure will, for my sake, serve you well."</p><p class="normal">"My dear Osborne!" echoed the physician. "Then I have it! You are my -Lord Darnley, my good uncle's first pupil. Your history, my lord, you -need not tell me: that I know. But tell me your plans, and I will -serve you heart and hand, to the best of my power."</p><p class="normal">The plans of the young knight need not be again detailed here. Suffice -it that he laid them all open to the worthy physician, who, however, -shook his head. "It's a mad scheme!" said he, in his abrupt manner. -"His grace, though right royal, bountiful, and just, is often as -capricious as a young madam in the honeymoon. However, if Buckingham, -Abergany, Surrey, and such wise and noble men judge well of it, I -cannot say against it. A straw, 'tis true, will balance it one way or -t'other. However, give me to-day to think, and I will find some way of -bringing you to the king, so as to gain his good-will at first. And -now I will go to see Lady Constance de Grey."</p><p class="normal">"We will go along, good doctor!" exclaimed the tutor; "for I must be -back to speak with her, and Osborne must render her a visit to thank -her for her good wishes and endeavours in his behalf. She will be so -charmed to see him free and unhurt that 'twill make her well again."</p><p class="normal">"Will it?" said the doctor, drily. "Well, you shall give her that -medicine after I have ordered her mine. But let me have my turn first. -I ask but a quarter of an hour, then come both of you; and in the mean -time, my good learned uncle, study that beautiful amphora, and tell -me, if you can, why the ancient Greeks placed always on their tombs an -empty urn. Was it an emblem of the body, from within which the spirit -was departed, like the wine from the void amphora, leaving but the -vessel of clay to return to its native earth? Think of it till we -meet."</p><p class="normal">Thus saying, the learned physician left them, to proceed on his visit -to Lady Constance de Grey.</p><br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XV.</h4><div class="poem0" style="margin-left:15%"> -<p class="continue">Though heaven's inauspicious eye<br> -Lay black on love's nativity,<br> -Her eye a strong appeal shall give;<br> -Beauty smiles, and love shall live.--<span class="sc">Crashaw</span>.</p></div><p class="normal">When Dr. Butts had left them, the knight would fain have excused -himself from accompanying his old tutor on the proposed visit. He had -encountered many a danger in the "imminent deadly breach," and the -battle-field, with as light a heart as that which beats in beauty's -bosom when she thinks of sunning herself in admiring looks at the next -ball; but now his courage failed him at the thought of meeting the -person he loved best, and so much did his spirit quail, that "you -might have brained him with a lady's fan."</p><p class="normal">Dr. Wilbraham, however, pressed, and insisted so intently upon the -pleasure it would give Lady Constance to see him after his escape, and -the rudeness which might be attributed to him if he did not wait upon -her soon, that he at length consented to go; and shortly after the -physician had left them they themselves took their way towards the -dwelling of the lady. In this happy age, when choice is as free as -thought, we can hardly imagine the generous nobility of England -submitting to yield the selection of a companion for life to the -caprice of a king or of his favourite; yet such was frequently the -case in the times whereof we write; and dangerous would it have been -to have opposed the will of the despotic Henry, or his tyrant -minister, when the whim of the one, or the interest of the other, led -them to seek the union of any two families. It is true that the sad -example of Lady Arabella Stuart was not yet before their eyes; but -still, the arbitrary power of the king was well enough established to -judge of what he might do, and few would have been found bold enough -to assert their liberty of choice in opposition to his command. Nor at -that time was Wolsey's will less potent than the king's; so that, to -the mind of the young knight, the marriage of Lady Constance with Lord -Darby seemed fixed beyond recall.</p><p class="normal">There was, however, something in all that the old tutor said of her -anxiety respecting his fate, joined with a certain tenderness that he -had felt in her manner towards himself, and the words she had -inadvertently let drop respecting the fame he had acquired in -Flanders, that gave a vague but delightful feeling of hope to his -bosom; and while walking on with Dr. Wilbraham, there was still -amongst the wild confusion of his thoughts a strange sort of dreamy -plan for winning her yet: the buoyancy of youthful expectation that -would not be depressed, like a child's boat of cork, still rising -above the waves that had overwhelmed many a goodlier vessel.</p><p class="normal">"If I dared but think she loved me," thought Sir Osborne, "I should -fear nothing;" and he felt as if his single arm could conquer a world. -But then came the remembrance, that as an equivalent for her rich -lands and lordships, he had nothing, absolutely nothing! and with a -sigh he entered the house, which Wolsey had taken care to provide for -his fair ward as near his own palace as possible.</p><p class="normal">Most doors in that day standing open, Dr. Wilbraham, whose sacred -character gave him much freedom of access, took no pains to call -servant or attendant to announce them; but leading the way up the -narrow winding stairs, opened the door at the end of the flight, and -brought Sir Osborne into a large room, wherein were sitting several of -the young lady's women, occupied in various tasks of needle-work and -embroidery. One of these rose, and in silence gave them entrance to a -chamber beyond, into which the clergyman conducted his former pupil, -without even the ceremony of announcing him.</p><p class="normal">Lady Constance, at the moment, was seated somewhat listlessly on a -pile of oriental cushions, holding her arms extended, while Dr. Butts -kept his hand upon her pulse. She was dressed in white, after the mode -of the French of that day: the upper part of her robe, except the -sleeves, which were large and floating, fitting close to her figure -round the waist and shoulders, but falling back, just above the bosom, -into a beautiful standing ruff, or fraise, as the French termed it, of -fine Italian lace. The skirt of the robe was wide and loose, and, -dividing at the girdle, showed part of a satin dress beneath, as well -as the beautiful small foot and delicate ankle, which, hanging over -the edge of the cushions, indicated, fully as much as the heaviness of -her eyes, the languor of sickness and want of rest. A few yards behind -her stood her waiting-woman, who remained in the room, fully as much -in the capacity of duenna, as for the purpose of serving her mistress.</p><p class="normal">As Lady Constance did not raise her head when the door opened, -thinking that it was some of the domestics who entered, the eyes of -the waiting-maid were those that first encountered Sir Osborne; and as -she bore him no small goodwill for having given up with such alacrity -the tapestry chamber at the inn to herself and lady, immediately on -perceiving him she burst forth with a pleasurable "Oh dear!"</p><p class="normal">Lady Constance looked up, and seeing who entered, turned as red as -fire, then pale, then red again; and starting up from the cushions, -drew her hand suddenly away from Dr. Butts, advanced a step, -hesitated, and then stood still.</p><p class="normal">"Umph!" muttered the physician, "it's a bad business."</p><p class="normal">"Oh, Sir Osborne Maurice!" said the lady, her eyes sparkling with -pleasure, although she struggled hard to compose herself, to seem -disembarrassed, and to hide the busy feelings at her heart; "I am most -delighted to see you safe; for indeed I--that is, Dr. Wilbraham--began -to be very seriously alarmed; and though he told me there was no -danger, yet I saw that he was very much frightened, and--and I hope -you got away easily. Will you not take that seat?"</p><p class="normal">The young knight took the chair to which she pointed, and thanked her -for the interest and kindness she had shown towards him, with some -degree of propriety, though at first he felt his lip quiver as he -spoke; and then he fancied that his manner was too cold and -ceremonious; so, to avoid that he made it somewhat too warm and -ardent, and in the end, finding that he was going from one extreme to -the other, without ever resting at the mean, he turned to Dr. Butts, -and said with a sort of anxiety, which went thrilling to the heart of -Lady Constance, that he hoped he had not found his patient really ill.</p><p class="normal">"Indeed I did though!" answered the physician; "a great deal worse -than I had expected, and therefore I shall go directly and tell my -good lord, the reverend father cardinal, that the lady must be kept as -tranquil as possible, and as quiet."</p><p class="normal">"Nay, nay!" said Lady Constance; "I am not so ill, indeed, my good -physician; I feel better now. However, you may go to my lord cardinal -if you will; but I really am better."</p><p class="normal">"Umph!" said Dr. Butts; "now <i>I</i> think you are worse. But tell me, -lady, why do you quit the habits of your country, to dress yourself -like a Frenchwoman?"</p><p class="normal">Lady Constance smiled. "Do you not know," said she, "that I am a -French vassal? Do you not know that all the estates that belonged to -my mother, of the Val de Marne and Boissy, are held from the French -crown?"</p><p class="normal">"Go and see them, lady," said Dr. Butts; "the French air would suit -you better than the English, I've a notion; for a year or two, at -least."</p><p class="normal">"Nay, Dr. Butts," said Sir Osborne; "why deprive England of Lady -Constance's presence? There are so few like her," he added, in an -under-voice, "that indeed we cannot spare her."</p><p class="normal">Lady Constance raised her eyes for an instant to his face: they met -his, and though it was but for a moment, that look was sufficient to -determine his future fate. A thousand such looks from Lady Katrine -Bulmer would have meant nothing, from Lady Constance de Grey that one -meant everything, and Sir Osborne's bosom beat with renewed hope. -True, the same obstacles existed as heretofore; but it mattered not -Nothing, he thought, nothing now could impede his progress; and he -would dare all, defy all, win her, or die.</p><p class="normal">Nor in truth was the heart of Lady Constancy de Grey less lightened, -although she still felt that trembling fear which a woman, perhaps, -does not wholly lose for long, long after the lips of the man she -loves have made profession of his attachment; yet still she was almost -sure that she was loved. There had been something in Darnley's manner, -in his agitation, in his anxiety about her, in his very glance, far, -far more eloquent than words; and Lady Constance's certainty that he -loved her was more, perhaps, a sensation of the heart than a -conviction of the mind: she felt that she was loved.</p><p class="normal">While these thoughts, or feelings, or what you will, were busy in the -bosom of each, a servant entered, and with much more ceremony than the -good chaplain had used to usher in the young knight, announced that -Lord Darby waited in the ante-chamber to inquire after her ladyship's -health.</p><p class="normal">"Bid him come in," said the young lady, and in a moment after, Sir -Osborne had his rival before his eyes.</p><p class="normal">He was a slight, elegant young man, dressed with great splendour of -apparel, and possessed of that sort of calm, easy self-possession, and -gay, nonchalant bearing, that made the knight instantly conceive a -violent inclination to cut his throat.</p><p class="normal">"Good morrow, my fair cousin!" cried he, advancing: "good morrow, -gentles all; God gi'ye good morrow, Mrs. Margaret," to the waiting -woman; "what, have you been standing there ever since I left you -yesterday?" (The woman tossed her head pettishly, much to the young -lord's amusement.) "Gad! you must do like the hens, then: stand upon -one leg while you rest the other. But say, my fair cousin, how dost -thou do?"</p><p class="normal">"I am not well, my lord," replied the lady, "at least, so Dr. Butts -would fain have me believe, and he says I must have quiet; so, by your -leave, I will not have you quarrel with my woman, Margaret, as you did -yesterday."</p><p class="normal">"'Faith, not I," answered he; "I love her dearly, bless the mark! But -cousin, his reverend grace the cardinal commends him, by your humble -slave, to your most sublime beauty, and adviseth (that is, you know, -commandeth) that you should betake yourself, for change of air (which -means for his pleasure and purposes), to the court at Greenwich, to -which you are invited by our royal mistress and queen. And if it -seemeth fit to you (which would say, whether you like it or not) he -will have his barge prepared for you to-morrow at noon."</p><p class="normal">"Present my thanks unto the very reverend father," replied Lady -Constance, "and say that I will willingly be ready at the hour he -names."</p><p class="normal">"Nay, if you are so sweetly obedient to all his commands," said Lord -Darby, more seriously, "'faith, Constance, our plan of yesterday will -fall to the ground; for I cannot be rude enough to take it all on -myself." Then darting off into a thousand other subjects, the young -peer laughed, and spoke with light facility of various indifferent -matters, while Dr. Butts looked on, keenly observing all that passed; -and Sir Osborne bent his eyes sternly upon the ground, biting his lip -and playing with the hilt of his sword, more irritated, perhaps, with -the confident gaiety of his rival than he would have been with a more -serious and enthusiastic passion, and certainly not appearing to -advantage where he wished most to please.</p><p class="normal">"That sword, I think, must be of Spanish mounting," said Lord Darby, -at length turning calmly towards the knight.</p><p class="normal">"Sir!" replied Sir Osborne, raising his eyes to his face.</p><p class="normal">"I asked whether that sword was not mounted in Spain, sir knight?" -said Lord Darby, quietly. "Will you let me look at it?" and he held -out his hand.</p><p class="normal">"I am not in the habit, my lord," replied Sir Osborne, "of giving my -weapon out of my own hands; but in answer to your question, it was -mounted in Spain."</p><p class="normal">"I never steal folk's swords!" said the peer, with the same -imperturbably nonchalant air; and then turning to Dr. Wilbraham, he -went on: "Dear Dr. Wilbraham, do let me see that book you talked of -yesterday; for as you go to Greenwich to-morrow, I shall never behold -any of you again, I am sure."</p><p class="normal">The good chaplain, who had remained silent ever since he had been in -the room, not at all understanding what was the matter between Lady -Constance and the young knight, although he evidently saw that they -had from the first been both agitated and embarrassed, now rose, and -went to search for the book which Lord Darby required, very willing to -get away from a scene he did not in the least comprehend. To make way -for him, however, Sir Osborne raised his cap and plume, which had -hitherto lain beside him; and as he did so, the sapphire ring that had -been given him by Lady Katrina Bulmer met the eye of Lord Darby, and -instantly produced a change in his whole demeanour. His cheek burned, -his eye flashed, and, starting upon his feet, he seemed as if he would -have crossed over towards Sir Osborne; but then recovering himself, he -relapsed into his former somewhat drawling manner, took leave of Lady -Constance, and, without waiting for Dr. Wilbraham's return, left the -apartment. A moment after, the physician also rose, in his usual, -quick, precipitate manner, saying that he must depart.</p><p class="normal">"But, doctor! doctor!" cried Mrs. Margaret, the waiting-woman, seeing -him proceeding towards the door, "you have not told me how I am to -manage my mistress."</p><p class="normal">"I can't stop! I can't stop!" said the physician, still walking on out -of the room. "What is it! What is it?"</p><p class="normal">"Nay, but, doctor, you must tell me!" cried she, running after him. -"Indeed, I shall not know what to do with my lady." Still the doctor -walked on, giving her, however, some necessary directions as he went, -and Mrs. Margaret following for a moment, left the two lovers alone.</p><p class="normal">Darnley felt that it was one of those precious instants which, once -lost, rarely if ever return; but an irresistible feeling of anxiety -tied his tongue, and he could but gaze at Lady Constance with a look -that seemed to plead for pardon, even for what he felt. The fair girl -trembled in every limb; and as if she knew all that was passing in his -mind, dared not look up but for a single glance, as she heard the last -words hang on the physician's lip, as he began to descend the stairs.</p><p class="normal">Darnley raised the glove that lay beside her. "May I--may I have it?" -said he.</p><p class="normal">"Oh, Darnley!" she replied; and happy almost to delirium, he placed -the glove in his bosom, and pressed an ardent kiss upon her hand.</p><p class="normal">"Go!" cried she; "for heaven's sake, go if you love me! We shall meet -again soon."</p><p class="normal">The knight obeyed, almost as agitated as herself; and passing out of -the room just as Mrs. Margaret entered, he followed Dr. Butts, whose -steps he heard descending the stairs before him.</p><br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XVI.</h4><div class="poem0" style="margin-left:15%"> -<p style="text-indent:1em"><span class="sc">Tybalt</span>.--Gentlemen, good den; a word with one of you.</p><p style="text-indent:1em"><span class="sc">Mercutio</span>.--And but one word with one of us? Couple it with -something; make it a word and a blow.</p><p style="text-indent:1em"><span class="sc">Tybalt</span>.--You shall find me apt enough to that, sir, if you give -me occasion.</p><p style="text-indent:50%"><i>Romeo and Juliet</i>.</p></div><p class="normal">Scarcely knowing what he did, Sir Osborne sprang after Dr. Butts, and -walked on with him for a minute or two in silence, while his brain -turned, and all his thoughts and feelings whirled in inextricable -confusion.</p><p class="normal">"Ah!" muttered the physician to himself, seeing the absent agitated -air of his young companion; "ah! you've been making a fool of -yourself, I see, though you've not had much time either."</p><p class="normal">The murmuring of the good doctor, however, did not disturb in the -least the young knight's reverie, which might have lasted an -indefinite space of time, had he not been roused therefrom by a smart -tap on the shoulder. Laying his hand upon his sword, he turned -suddenly round, and beheld Lord Darby, who, seeing him grasp the hilt -of his weapon, pointed to it coolly, saying, "Not here, sir, not here; -but anywhere else you please."</p><p class="normal">"What would you with me, sir?" demanded the knight, not exactly -understanding his object, though quite ready to quarrel upon any -provocation that might occur.</p><p class="normal">"But a trifle," replied the earl. "You looked at me some five minutes -past as if I had offended you in something. Now, that being the case, -I am ready to make reparation at the sword's point when and where it -may suit your convenience."</p><p class="normal">"But, my good lord," said Dr. Butts, who had turned back, "this is a -mistake. How can you have offended this good knight, who never saw you -till to-day?"</p><p class="normal">"Oh, the problem! the problem, my good doctor," replied Lord Darby. -"Why does a farmer's cur bark at a beggar, and let a ruffling gallant -swagger by? Perchance the knight may not like my countenance; my -complexion, my nose, may not please him; my mouth, the cut of my -beard."</p><p class="normal">"Faith! neither one nor the other pleases me particularly," answered -Sir Osborne. "At all events, my lord, if your wish be to quarrel with -me, I will not balk your humour. So say your will, and have it."</p><p class="normal">"Oh! if that be the case," said Lord Darby, "and you'd rather be -quarrelled with than quarrel, the offence shall come on my part. Fair -sir, I dislike that scar upon your brow so much that I shall not be -content till I make its fellow on your heart; therefore, when your -good humour serves to give me an opportunity of tilting at your nose, -you will find me your very humble servant."</p><p class="normal">"Nay, now, my lord!" cried Dr. Butts, "I must witness that you have -given the provocation; for under any other circumstances, this -gentleman is so situated that 'twould be mere madness to meet you as -you wish."</p><p class="normal">"If it be provocation he desires," cried the earl, "he shall have a -dish of it, so cooked as to serve an emperor. He is a gentleman, I -suppose, and worth a gentleman's sword?"</p><p class="normal">"Your equal in every respect, and your better in many," replied the -knight. "And in regard to provocation, I have had as much, my lord, as -your body may well bear in repayment. How do you choose to fight?"</p><p class="normal">"Quietly! quietly!" answered the earl. "A few inches of tough steel -are as good as a waggon load. A double-edged sword, sir, such as we -both wear, may serve our turn, I should suppose; and as it may be -unpleasant to both of us to make the monster multitude busy with our -little affair, we will be single, hand to hand. I do detest the habit -of making the satisfaction of private wrongs the public amusement. -We'll have no crowd, sir, to look on and criticise our passados, as if -we were gladiators on a stage. Where shall it be?"</p><p class="normal">"Why, faith, my lord!" answered the knight, "as I am a mere stranger -here, I know but of one place. The gardens of my Lord of Buckingham, -at the Rose, are large; and I remarked this morning a grove, where -there must be good space and quiet. If, therefore, you will inquire -for me at his grace's dwelling this evening, at four of the clock, you -will find me prepared to receive you."</p><p class="normal">Lord Darby waved his hand for his page to come up, who stood -chattering with the foot-boy that had accompanied the knight, and -taking from him a case of tablets, he wrote down the name of Sir -Osborne, and the place and hour he had appointed. "And now, fair sir," -said he, "I will leave you. I shall not miss my hour. Good doctor, -your profession has doubtless taught you secrecy, and so farewell!"</p><p class="normal">So saying, Lord Darby walked away, leaving Sir Osborne with Dr. Butts. -"Ah!" cried the physician, "a bad business! a bad business! Yet it -cannot be helped; if two people will fall in love with the same woman, -what can be done? But it's a bad business for you. If he kills you, -why that is not pleasant; and if you kill him, you must fly your -country. A bad business! a bad business! But fare ye well! Don't kill -him if you can help it; for he's not bad, as times go; wound him -badly, then it may be mended. Fare ye well! fare ye well!" and turning -away he left Sir Osborne, not appearing to take much heed of the -approaching duel, though in reality deeply occupied with the means of -preventing it, without betraying the trust that had been reposed in -him.</p><p class="normal">Sir Osborne was not displeased to be left to his own meditations; and -plunged in thought, he followed his young guide down a narrow lane, -running between the gardens of York and Durham Houses. "I thought, -sir, you might like to take boat," said the boy, who was himself -completely wearied out with waiting for the knight, "and so brought -your worship down here, where there is always a boatman. 'Twill save -three miles, your worship."</p><p class="normal">Sir Osborne signified his assent, and the boat being procured, he was -soon after landed within a short distance of St. Lawrence Poulteney, -where he was received with great respect by the duke's household, and -formally marshalled to his apartment. Two hours still remained to the -time of rendezvous, which he spent in writing to his father; never -thinking, however, of alluding to his approaching rencontre; for in -truth, though not vain either of his skill or strength, he had enjoyed -so many opportunities of proving both, that he well knew it must be a -strong and dexterous man indeed, who would not lie greatly at his -mercy in such an encounter as that which was to ensue.</p><p class="normal">In the mean while, Lord Darby, carried away by passion, thought of -nothing but his approaching meeting; and though he looked upon Sir -Osborne as some knight attached to the Duke of Buckingham, he was very -willing to pass over any little difference of rank for the sake of -gratifying the angry feelings by which he was possessed. He was, -however, very greatly surprised, when on presenting himself, towards -four o'clock, at the manor-house of the Rose, he found that the same -attendance and respect waited Sir Osborne Maurice, a man he never even -heard of, as he had seen paid to the Duke of Buckingham himself. Two -servants marshalled the way to the knight's apartments, one ran on -before to announce him; and with a deference and attention which -evidently did not proceed from his own rank, for he had not given his -name, but rather, apparently, from the station of the person whom he -went to visit, he was ushered into the splendid apartments which had -been assigned to the knight.</p><p class="normal">Sir Osborne rose from the table where he had been writing, and with -graceful but frigid courtesy, invited him to be seated, which was -complied with by the earl, till such time as the servants were gone.</p><p class="normal">"Now my lord," said Sir Osborne, as soon as the door was shut, "I am -at your service; I will finish my writing at my return. Will you -examine my sword, 'tis apparently somewhat longer than yours, but here -is one that is shorter. Now, sir."</p><p class="normal">"That is shorter than mine," said Lord Darby. "Have you not another?"</p><p class="normal">"Not here," replied the knight; "but this will do, if you are -satisfied that it is not longer than your own. By this passage we -shall find our way to the garden privately, as I am informed. Pardon -me, if I lead the way."</p><p class="normal">Lord Darby followed in silence, perhaps not quite so contented with -the business in which he had engaged as when he undertook it. There -was a sort of calm determination in Sir Osborne's manner, that had -something in it very unpleasantly impressive, and the young peer began -to think it would have been better to have sought some explanation ere -he had hurried himself into circumstances of what might be unnecessary -danger. However, he felt that it was now too late to make any advance -towards such a measure; and there, too, in the knight's cap, still -stood the identical large sapphire ring, which, if he might believe -his eyes, he had seen a thousand times on the hand of his promised -wife. The sight, thereof, served marvellously well to stir up his -anger; and striding on, he kept equal pace with Sir Osborne down the -long alley which led from the house into a deep grove near the side of -the river. The knight paused at a spot where the trees concealed them -from the view of the house, and opening out into a small amphitheatre, -gave full space for the deadly exercise in which they were about to be -engaged.</p><p class="normal">"Now, Lord Darby," said he, drawing his sword, and throwing down the -scabbard before him, "you see me as I stand; and as a knight and a -gentleman, I have no other arms, offensive or defensive, but this -sword, so help me God!"</p><p class="normal">"And so say I," replied Lord Darby, "upon my honour;" and following -the knight's example, he drew his sword, cast the sheath away from -him, and brought his blade across that of his adversary.</p><p class="normal">"Madmen! what are ye about to do?" cried a stern voice from the wood. -"Put up, put up!" and the moment after, the diminutive form of Sir -Cesar the astrologer stood directly between them. "What devil," he -continued, parting their drawn swords with his bare hands; "what devil -has tempted ye--ye, of all other men, destined to bring about each -others' happiness--what devil, I say, has tempted ye to point these -idle weapons at each other's life?"</p><p class="normal">"Sir Cesar," said Lord Darby, "I am well aware that you possess the -means of seeing into the future by some method, for which scurrilous -people hint that you are likely to be damned pretty heartily in the -next world; so you are just the person to settle our dispute. But tell -us, which it is of us two that is destined to slay the other, and then -the one who is doomed to taste cold iron this day will have nothing to -do but offer his throat, for depend upon it, only one will leave this -spot alive."</p><p class="normal">"Talk not so lightly of death, young lord," replied the old man, "for -'tis a bitter and unsavoury cup to drink, as thou shalt find when thy -brain swims, and thy heart grows sick, and thine eye loses its light, -and thy parting spirit reels upon the brink of a dim and shadowy -world. But I tell thee that both shall leave this spot alive; though -if any one remained upon this sward, full surely it were thyself; for -thou art as much fitted to cope with him as the sapling with the -thunderbolt of heaven. But listen, each of you, I adjure you: state -what you demand of the other; and if, after all, ye be still bent upon -blood, blood ye shall have. But full sure am I that now neither fool -knows what the other seeks."</p><p class="normal">Both the antagonists stood silent, gazing first on each other, and -then on Sir Cesar, as if they knew not what to reply, and both feeling -that there might be some truth in what the old man advanced. At -length, however, Lord Darby broke forth, "God's life, what he says is -true! Sir Osborne Maurice, what do you seek of me?"</p><p class="normal">"Speak! speak!" cried Sir Cesar, turning to the knight, who seemed to -hesitate; "speak, if the generous blood of a thousand noble ancestors -be still warm in your veins! Be candid, and charge him like a man."</p><p class="normal">Sir Osborne's cheek burned. "The quarrel is of his own seeking," said -he, "and what I have to say, I know not how to speak, without -violating the confidence of a lady, which cannot be."</p><p class="normal">"Then I will speak for you," said Sir Cesar. "Lord Darby he demands -that you shall yield all claim and all pursuit of Lady Constance de -Grey. This is his demand; now for yours. Oh! if I am deceived in you, -woe to you and yours for ever!"</p><p class="normal">"I can scarcely suppose," replied the earl, with bitter emphasis, -"that such be this knight's demand, when I see the ring of another -lady borne openly in his bonnet; a lady that shall never be his, so -long as one drop of blood flows in my veins."</p><p class="normal">"This ring, my lord," replied Sir Osborne, taking it from the plume of -his hat, "was only trusted with me as a deposit to transmit to the -person to whom it originally belonged, claiming his advice for a lady, -whose affianced lover was, as report said, about to wed another; Sir -Cesar, I give it unto you for whom it was intended."</p><p class="normal">"Faith, I have been in the wrong!" cried Lord Darby, extending his -hand frankly to Sir Osborne. "In the first place, pardon me, sir -knight, for having insulted you; and next, let me say, that in regard -to Lady Constance de Grey, I have no claim but that of kindred upon -her affection, and none upon her hand. Farther, if you can show that -your rank entitles you to such alliance, none will be happier than -myself to aid you in your suit. Though, let me observe, without -meaning offence, that the name of Sir Osborne Maurice is unknown to -me, except as connected with the history of the last reign. And now, -sir, having said thus much, doubtless you will explain to me how that -ring came into your possession, and by what motives Lady Katrine -Bulmer could be induced to confide her most private affairs to a -gentleman who can be but an acquaintance of a month."</p><p class="normal">"Most willingly," replied the knight; and after detailing to Lord -Darby the circumstances which we already know, he added: "The letter -of which I speak is still in my possession, and if you will return -with me to the house, I will deliver it to you, as I cannot doubt, -from what you say, that the report of a marriage being in agitation -between yourself and Lady Constance de Grey originated in some -mistake."</p><p class="normal">"Faith, not a whit!" cried the earl; "the report is unhappily too -true. The lord cardinal, whom we all know to be one degree greater -than the greatest man in England, has laid his commands upon me to -marry my cousin Constance, although both my heart and my honour are -plighted to another, and has equally ordered my cousin to wed me, -although her heart be, very like, fully as much given away as mine. -However, never supposing we could think of disobeying, he has already -sent to Rome for all those permissions and indulgences which are -necessary for first cousins in such cases; and on my merely hinting in -a sweet and dutiful manner, that it might be better to see first -whether it pleased the lady, he replied, meekly, that it pleased him, -and that it pleased the king, which was quite enough both for her and -me."</p><p class="normal">This information did not convey the most pleasing sensations to Sir -Osborne's heart, and in a moment there flashed through his mind a -thousand vague but evil auguries. Danger to Constance herself, the -ruin of his father's hopes, the final destruction of his house and -family, and all the train of sorrows and of evils that might follow, -if Wolsey were to discover his rash love, hurried before his eyes like -the thronging phantoms of a painful dream, and clouded his brow with a -deep shade of thoughtful melancholy.</p><p class="normal">"Fear not, Osborne Darnley," said Sir Cesar, seeing the gloomy look of -the young knight. "This cardinal is great, but there is one greater -than he, who beholds his pride, and shall break him like a reed. Nor -in this thing shall his will be obeyed. Believe what I say to you, for -it is true; I warned you once of coming dangers, and you doubted me; -but the evils I foresaw fell upon your head. Doubt me not then now; -but still I see fear sits upon your eyelids. Come, then, both of you -with me, for in this both your destinies are linked for a time -together. Spend with me one hour this night, and I will show you that -which shall ease your hearts," and he turned towards the house, -beckoning them to follow.</p><p class="normal">"I suppose, then, your lordship is satisfied," said Sir Osborne, -taking up the scabbard of his sword, and replacing it with the weapon -in his belt, as the astrologer moved away.</p><p class="normal">"I should be more satisfied," said Lord Darby, laying his hand on the -knight's arm with a frank smile, "if you would confide in me. Indeed, -I have no title to pry into your secrets," he added, "nor in those of -Constance either, though I think she might have told me of this -yesterday, when I made her a partaker of all mine. However, I cannot -believe that the profound reverence in which all the duke's servants -seem to hold you, can be excited by the unknown Sir Osborne Maurice. -Besides, Sir Cesar called you but now Osborne Darnley. Can it be that -I am speaking to the Lord Darnley, who from his feats at the court of -the princess dowager, goes amongst us by the surname of the Knight of -Burgundy?"<a name="div4Ref_08" href="#div4_08"><sup>[8]</sup></a></p><p class="normal">"I shall not deny my name, Lord Darby," replied the knight. "I am, as -you say, Lord Darnley; but as this has fallen into your knowledge by -mere accident, I shall hold you bound in honour to forget it."</p><p class="normal">"Nay!" replied the earl. "I shall remember it--to render you, if -possible, all service. But come, Darnley, as by a mistake we began -bitter enemies, now let us end dear friends. I can aid you much, you -can aid me much, and between us both surely we shall be able to break -the trammels with which the cardinal enthrals us. We will put four -young heads against one old one, and the world to nothing we shall -win!"</p><p class="normal">There was a frankness in Lord Darby's manner that it was impossible to -resist, and taking the hand he tendered him, the young adventurer met -his offered friendship with equal candour. With the openness natural -to youth, the plans of each were soon told, the sooner, indeed, that -their future prospects and endeavours so greatly depended for success -upon their sincere co-operation, and thus they sauntered back to the -house, with very different feelings from those with which they had -left it. Before they had arrived at the steps of the door, they had -run through a thousand details, and were as much prepared to act -together as if their acquaintance had been of many years' duration. No -sooner did the young earl hear that his new friend had not yet been -introduced to the king, than he at once proposed to be the person to -do it, offering to call for him in his barge the next day but one, and -convey him to the court at Greenwich, where he undertook to procure -him a good reception.</p><p class="normal">"It may be difficult," he said, "to find private audience of those two -persons whom we both feel most anxious to meet. Dame Fortune, however, -may befriend us; but we must be cautious even to an excess, for Wolsey -has eyes that see where he is not present, and ears that hear over -half the realm, and the first step to make our plans successful, -depend upon it, is to conceal them. But, lo! where Sir Cesar stands at -the window of the hall. Now, in the name of fortune, where will he -lead us to-night? 'Tis strange that there should be men so gifted with -rare qualities as to see into the deepest secrets of nature, to view -things that to others are concealed, and yet seemingly to profit -little by their knowledge; for never did I meet or hear of one of -these astrologers that were either happier or more fortunate than -other men. And yet, what were the good to Sir Cesar to boast a -knowledge that he did not possess? For he seeks no reward, will accept -of no recompense, and hourly exposes what he says to contradiction if -it be not true. But doubtless it <i>is</i> true, for every day gives proofs -thereof. That man is a riddle, which would have gained the Sphynx a -good dinner off œdipus. You seem to know him well, but I dare say -know no more of him than any one else does; for no one that I ever met -knows who he is, nor where he comes from, nor where he goes to; and -yet he is well received everywhere, courted, ay, and even loved, for -he is beneficent, charitable, and humane; is rich, though it is -unknown whence his wealth arises, and possesses wonderful knowledge, -though, I fear me, wickedly acquired. I have heard that those poor -wretches who have mastered forbidden secrets often strive to repair, -by every good deed, the evil that their presumptuous curiosity has -done to their own souls: God knows how it is. But come, let us join -him. The information we gain from him, at all events, is sure."</p><p class="normal">Entering the manor-house, they passed on into the hall, where they -found Sir Cesar buried in deep thought; and while the young knight -proceeded to his own apartments, to procure the letter which Lady -Katrine Bulmer had entrusted to him, the Earl of Darby approached the -old knight with that sort of constitutional gaiety which, like a -spoiled servant, would very often play the master with its lord. -"Well, Sir Cesar," cried he, "where are your thoughts roaming? In the -world above, or the world below?"</p><p class="normal">"Farther in heaven than you will ever be," replied the old man.</p><p class="normal">"Nay, then," continued the earl, "as you can tell everything, past, -present, and to come, could you divine what we were talking of but now -in the gardens?"</p><p class="normal">"At first you were talking of what did concern yourselves, and -afterwards of what did <i>not</i> concern you," answered the knight.</p><p class="normal">"Magic, by my faith!" cried the earl; "and in truth, your coming just -in the nick of time, as folks have it, to save us from slicing each -other's throats, must have had a spice of magic in it too."</p><p class="normal">"If one used magic for so weak a purpose as that of saving an empty -head like thine," replied the knight, "it would be worthy the jest -with which you treat it. Fools and children attribute everything to -magic that they do not comprehend; but, however, my coming here had -none. Was it not easy for one friend to tell another that he had heard -two mad young men name a place to slaughter each other, they knew not -for what? But here comes thy companion. Read thy letter, and then come -with me; for the light is waning, and the hour comes on when I can -show ye both some part at least of your destiny."</p><p class="normal">Lord Darby eagerly cut the silk which fastened Lady Katrine's letter, -and read it with that air of intense earnestness which can never be -put on, and which would have removed from the mind of Sir Osborne any -doubt of the young earl's feelings, even if he had still continued to -entertain such. This being done, they prepared to accompany Sir Cesar, -who insisted that not even a page should follow them; and accordingly -Lord Darby's attendant was ordered to remain behind and wait his -lord's return.</p><p class="normal">Passing, then, out into the street, they soon found themselves in the -most crowded part of the city of London, which was at that time of the -evening filled with the various classes of mechanics, clerks, and -artists, returning to their homes from their diurnal toil. Gliding -through the midst of them, Sir Cesar passed on, not in the least -heeding the remarks which his diminutive size and singular apparel -called forth, though Lord Darby did not seem particularly to relish a -promenade through the city with such a companion, and very possibly -might have left Sir Osborne to proceed alone if he liked it, had not -that strong curiosity which we all experience to read into the future -carried him on to the end.</p><p class="normal">Darkness now began to fall upon their path, and still the old man led -them forward through a thousand dark and intricate turnings, till at -length, in what appeared to be a narrow lane, the houses of which -approached so closely together, that it would have been an easy leap -from the windows on one side of the way into those of the other, the -old knight stopped and struck three strokes with the hilt of his -dagger upon a door on the left hand.</p><p class="normal">It was opened almost immediately by a tall meagre man, holding in his -hand a small silver lamp, which he applied close to the face of Sir -Cesar before he would permit any one to pass. "Il maestro," cried he, -as soon as he saw the dark small features of the astrologer, making -him at the same time a profound inclination, "entra, dottissimo! -Benvenuto, benvenuto sia!"</p><p class="normal">Sir Cesar replied in an under tone, and taking the lamp from the -Italian, motioned Sir Osborne and the earl to follow. The staircase up -which he conducted them was excessively small, narrow, and winding, -bespeaking one of the meanest houses in the city; and what still more -excited their surprise, they mounted near forty steps without -perceiving any door or outlet whatever, except where a blast of cold -air through a sort of loophole in the wall announced their proximity -to the street.</p><p class="normal">At length the astrologer stopped opposite a door only large enough to -admit the passage of one person at a time, through which he led the -way, when to the astonishment of both Sir Osborne and the earl, they -found themselves in a magnificent oblong apartment, nearly forty feet -in length, and rather more than twenty in breadth. On each side were -ranged tables and stands, covered with various specimens of ancient -art, which, rare in any age, were then a thousand times more scarce -than they are now.</p><p class="normal">Although the taking of Constantinople, about seventy years before, by -driving many of the Greeks amongst whom elegance and science long -lingered, into other countries, had revived already, in some degree, -the taste for the arts of painting and sculpture, still few, very few, -even of the princes of Europe, could boast such beautiful specimens as -those which that chamber contained.</p><p class="normal">Here stood a statue, there an urn; on one table was an alabaster -capital of exquisite workmanship, on another a bas-relief whose -figures seemed struggling from the stone; medals, and gems, and -specimens of curious ores, were mingled with the rest; and many a -book, written in strange and unknown characters, lay open before their -eyes. There, too, were various instruments of curious shape and -device, whose purpose they could not even guess; while here frowned a -man in armour, there grinned a skeleton; and there, swathed in its -historic bands, stood an Egyptian mummy, resting its mouldering and -shapeless head against the feet of a figure, in which some long-dead -artist had laboured skilfully to display all the exquisite lines of -female loveliness.</p><p class="normal">To observe all this the two young men had full opportunity, while Sir -Cesar proceeded forward, stopping between each table, and bringing the -flame of the lamp he carried in contact with six others, which stood -upon a row of ancient bronze tripods ranged along the side of the -hall. At the end of the room hung a large black curtain, on each side -of which was a clock of very curious manufacture; the one showing, -apparently, the year, the day, the hour, and the minute; and the other -exposing a figure of the zodiac, round which moved a multitude of -strange hieroglyphic signs, some so rapidly that the eye could -scarcely distinguish their course, some so slow that their motion was -hardly to be discerned.</p><p class="normal">As Sir Osborne and Lord Darby approached, Sir Cesar drew back the -curtain, and exposed to their sight an immense mirror, in which they -could clearly distinguish their own figures, and that of the -astrologer, reflected at full length.<a name="div4Ref_09" href="#div4_09"><sup>[9]</sup></a> "Mark!" said Sir Cesar, "and -from what you shall see, draw your own inference. But question me not: -for I vowed when I received that precious gift, which is now before -you, never to make one comment upon what it displayed. Mark! and when -you have seen, leave me."</p><p class="normal">"But I see nothing," said Sir Osborne, "except my own reflection in -the glass."</p><p class="normal">"Patience, patience. Impetuous spirit," cried the old man. "Will a -hundred lives never teach thee calmness? Look to the mirror!"</p><p class="normal">Sir Osborne turned his eyes to the glass, but still nothing new met -his view; and after gazing for a minute or two, he suffered his glance -to wander to the clock by his side, which now struck eight with a -clear, sweet, musical sound.</p><p class="normal">At that moment Lord Darby laid his hand on his arm. "God's my life!" -cried he, "we are vanishing away. Look, look!"</p><p class="normal">Sir Osborne turned to the glass, and beheld the three figures he had -before seen plain and distinctly, now growing dimmer and more dim. He -could scarcely believe his sight, and passing his hand before his -eyes, he strove, as it were, to cure them of the delusion. When he -looked again, all was gone, and the mirror offered nothing but a dark -shining blank. Presently, however, a confusion of thin and misty -figures seemed to pass over the glass, and a light appeared to spring -up within itself: gradually the objects took a more substantial form; -the interior of the mirror assumed the appearance of a smaller chamber -than that which they were in, lighted by a lattice window, and in the -centre was seen a female figure leaning in a pensive attitude on a -table. Sir Osborne thought it was like Lady Katrine Bulmer, but the -light coming from behind cast her features into shadow. The moment -after, however, a door of the chamber seemed to open, and he could -plainly distinguish a figure, resembling that of Lord Darby, enter, -and clasp her in his arms, with a semblance of joy so naturally -portrayed, that it was hardly possible to suppose it unreal.</p><p class="normal">While he yet gazed, the outlines of the figures began to grow confused -and indistinct, and various ill-defined forms floated over the glass. -Gradually, however, they again assumed shape and feature; the mirror -represented a princely hall hung with cloth of gold, and a thousand -gay and splendid figures ranged themselves round the scene. Princes, -and prelates, and warriors, moved before their eyes, as if 'twas all -in life. There might be seen the slight significant look, the animated -gesture, the whisper apart, the stoop of age; the high erect carriage -of knight and noble, and the graceful motion of youth and beauty.</p><p class="normal">"By heavens!" cried Lord Darby, "there is the Earl of Devonshire, and -the Duke of Suffolk, and the Princess Mary. It is the court of -England! But no! Who are all these?"</p><p class="normal">Gradually the crowd opened, and two persons appeared, whose apparel, -demeanour, and glance, bespoke them royal.</p><p class="normal">"Henry himself, as I live!" cried Lord Darby.</p><p class="normal">"Which? which?" demanded Sir Osborne.</p><p class="normal">"The one to the right," answered the earl; "the other I know not."</p><p class="normal">It was the other, however, who advanced, leading forward by the hand a -knight, in whom Sir Osborne might easily distinguish the simulacre of -himself. The prince, whoever he was, seemed to speak, and a lady came -forth from the rest. By the graceful motion, by the timid look, by the -rich light brown hair, as well as by all a lover's feelings, Sir -Osborne could not doubt that it was Constance de Grey. The monarch -took her hand; placed it in that of the knight; the figures grew dim -and the glass misty; but gradually clearing away, it resumed its -original effect, and reflected the hall in which they were, their own -forms standing before the mirror, and the old man, Sir Cesar, sitting -on the ground, with his hands pressed over his eyes. The moment they -turned round, he started up.</p><p class="normal">"It is done!" cried he; "so now, begone! We shall meet again soon;" -and putting his finger to his lip, as if requiring silence, he led -them out of the hall, and down the stairs, signed them with the cross, -and left them.</p><br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XVII.</h4><div class="poem0" style="margin-left:15%"> -<p style="text-indent:10em">There grows<br> -In my most ill-composed affection<br> -A quenchless avarice, that were I king<br> -I should cut off the nobles for their lands.--<span class="sc ">Macbeth</span>.</p></div><p class="normal">Oh, the man in the moon! the man in the moon! What a prodigious -sackful of good resolutions you must have, all broken through the -middle. First, there are all sorts of resolutions of amendment, of -every kind and description, except the resolution of a carter to amend -his draught, or that of a gourmand whose appetite fails to drink -Chateau Margaux instead of Lafitte. All, except these, my dear sir, -you clutch by handfuls; and then you get all the resolutions of women -of five-and-thirty never to marry whenever the opportunity happens; -the resolutions of many young heirs not to be taken in, and of young -coquettes not to go too far; of old gentlemen to look young, and of -vulgar men to hold their tongues. Though I see, my dear sir, that your -bag be almost bursting, yet I must trouble you with one more.</p><p class="normal">I had determined, as I hinted in a former chapter, never to quit my -hero and go vagabondising about in my history from one part to the -other, like a gipsy or a pedlar; but, on the contrary, to proceed in a -quiet, respectable, straightforward manner, telling his story, and -nobody else's story but his; but it is this individual resolution that -I am now under the necessity of foregoing, for it is absolutely -necessary, that I should return to what took place at the mansion of -the Duke of Buckingham, in Kent, even if I should risk the breaking of -my neck, as well as my resolution, in scampering back again -afterwards.</p><p class="normal">Early in the morning of the day after that on which Sir Osborne had -left the manor-house to proceed to the Benedictine Abbey, near -Canterbury, Sir Payan Wileton, with a large suite, rode up to the -gates, and demanded an audience of the duke, which was immediately -granted. As the chamberlain marshalled him the way to the duke's -closet, the knight caught a glance of the old man, Sir Cesar, passing -out, from which he argued favourably for his purposes; doubting not -that the discourse of the astrologer had raised the ambition and -vanity of the duke, and fitted him to second the schemes with which he -proposed to tempt him.</p><p class="normal">When the knight entered, the princely Buckingham was seated, and with -that cold dignity which he knew well how to assume, he motioned his -visiter to a chair, without, however, deigning to rise.</p><p class="normal">"He thinks himself already king," thought Sir Payan. "Well, his pride -must be humoured. My lord duke," he said, after a few preliminary -words on both parts, "I come to tender your grace my best service, and -to beg you to believe, that should ever the occasion offer, you shall -find me ready at your disposal, with heart and hand, fortune and -followers."</p><p class="normal">"And what is it that Sir Payan Wileton would claim as his reward for -such zealous doings?" demanded the duke, eyeing him coolly. "Sir -Payan's wisdom is too well known to suppose that he would venture so -much without proportionate reward."</p><p class="normal">"But your grace's favour," replied the knight, somewhat astonished at -the manner in which his offers were received.</p><p class="normal">"Nay, nay, Sir Payan!" replied the duke; "speak plainly. What is it -you would have? Upon what rich lordship have you cast your eyes? Whose -fair estate has excited your appetite? Is there any new Chilham Castle -to be had?"</p><p class="normal">"In truth, I know not well what your grace means," answered the -knight, "though I can see that some villain behind my back has been -blackening my character in your fair opinion. I came here frankly to -tender you, of my own free will, services that you once hinted might -be acceptable. Men who would climb high, my lord duke, must make their -first steps firm."</p><p class="normal">"True, true, sir knight," replied the duke, moderating the acerbity of -his manner; "but how can I rise higher than I am? Perhaps, indeed, my -pride may soar too high a pitch, when I fancy that in this realm, next -to his grace the king, my head stands highest."</p><p class="normal">"True," said Sir Payan; "but I have heard a prophecy, that your -grace's head should be of all the highest without any weakening -qualification next to any man's. His grace King Henry may die, and I -have myself known the Duke of Buckingham declare, that there were -shrewd doubts whether the king's marriage with his brother's wife were -so far valid as to give an heir to the English crown. Kings may die, -too, of the sharp sword and the keen dagger. Such being the case, and -the king dying without heirs male, who will stand so near the throne -as the Duke of Buckingham? Who has so much the people's love? Who may -command so many of the most expert and powerful men in England?"</p><p class="normal">The duke paused and thought. He was "not without ambition, though he -was without the illness that should accompany it." No one did he more -thoroughly abhor than Sir Payan Wileton; and, yet rich, powerful, -unscrupulous, full of politic wile and daring stratagem, Sir Payan was -a man who might serve him essentially as a friend, might injure him -deeply as an enemy; and he was, moreover, one that must be treated as -one or the other, must be either courted or defied. While a thousand -thoughts of this kind passed through the mind of the duke, and -connecting themselves with others, wandered far on the wild and -uncertain tract that his ambition presented to his view, while the -passion by which angels fell was combating in his bosom with duty, -loyalty, and friendship, the eye of Sir Payan Wileton glanced from -time to time towards his face, watching and calculating the emotions -of his mind, with that degree of certainty which long observation of -the passions and weakness of human nature had bestowed. At length he -saw the countenance of the duke lighted up with a triumphant smile, -while, fixing his eyes upon the figure of an old king in the tapestry, -he seemed busily engaged in anticipations of the future. "He has them -now," thought Sir Payan, "the crown, the sceptre, and the ball. Well, -let him enjoy his golden dream;" and dropping his eyes on the table, -he gathered the addresses of the various letters which Buckingham had -apparently been writing: "<i>The Earl of Devonshire</i>"--"<i>The Lord -Dacre</i>"--"<i>Sir John Morton</i>"--"<i>The Earl of Fitzbernard, to be -rendered to the hands of Sir Osborne Maurice</i>"--"<i>The Prior of -Langley</i>."</p><p class="normal">"Ha!" thought the knight, "Lord Fitzbernard! Sir Osborne Maurice! So, -so! I have the train. Take heed, Buckingham! take heed, or you fall;" -and he raised his eyes once more to the countenance of the duke, whose -look was now fixed full upon him.</p><p class="normal">"Sir Payan Wileton," said Buckingham, "we have both been meditating, -and perhaps our meditations have arrived at the same conclusion."</p><p class="normal">"I hope, my lord duke," answered Sir Payan, returning to the former -subject of conversation, "that your grace finds that I <i>may</i> be of -service to you."</p><p class="normal">"Not in the least," replied the duke, sternly; for it had so happened -that his eyes had fallen upon Sir Payan just at the moment that the -knight was furtively perusing the address of the letter to Lord -Fitzbernard, and the combinations thus produced in the mind of the -noble Buckingham had not been very much in favour of Sir Payan: "not -in the least, Sir Payan Wileton. Let me tell you, sir, that you must -render back Chilham Castle to its lord; you must reverse all the evil -that you have done and attempted towards his son; you must abandon -such foul schemes, and cancel all the acts of twenty years of your -life, before you be such a man as may act with Buckingham."</p><p class="normal">"My lord duke! my lord duke!" cried Sir Payan, "this is too much to -bear. Your pride, haughty peer, has made you mad, but your pride shall -have a fall. Beware of yourself, Duke of Buckingham, for no one shall -ever say that he offended Sir Payan Wileton unscathed. Know you that -you are in my power?"</p><p class="normal">"In thine, insect!" cried the duke. "But begone! you move me too far. -Ho! without there! Begone, I say, or Buckingham may forget himself!"</p><p class="normal">"He shall not forget me," said Sir Payan. "Mark me, lord duke: you -wisely deem, that because you have not shown me your daring schemes in -your hand-writing, you are safe, but you have yet to know Sir Payan -Wileton. We shall see, lord duke! we shall see! So, farewell!" and -turning on his heel, he left the duke's closet, called for his horse, -and in a few minutes was far on the road homeward.</p><p class="normal">"Guilford," cried he, turning towards his attendants, "Guilford, ride -up."</p><p class="normal">At this order, a downcast, sneering-looking man drew out from the rest -of the servants and rode up to the side of his master, who fixed his -eyes upon him for a moment, shutting his teeth hard, as was his custom -when considering how to proceed. "Guilford," said he at last, -"Guilford, you remember the infant that was found dead in Ashford -ditch last year, that folks supposed to be the child of Mary -Bly----? ha!" The man turned deadly pale. "I have found an owner for -the kerchief in which it was tied with the two large stones," -proceeded Sir Payan. "A man came to me yesterday morning, who says he -can swear to the kerchief, and who it belonged to. Fie! do not shake -so! Do you think I ever hurt my own? Guilford, you must do me a -service. Take three stout fellows with you, on whom you can depend; -cast off your liveries, and ride on with all speed to the hill on this -side of Rochester. Wait there till you see a courier come up with a -swan embroidered on his sleeve; find means to quarrel with him; and -when you return to Elham Manor, if you bear his bag with you, you -shall each have five George nobles for your reward. But leave not the -place. Stir not till you have met with him. And now be quick; take the -three men with you; there will be enough left to return with me. Mark -me! let him not escape with his bag, for if you do, you buy yourself a -halter."</p><p class="normal">"Which of them shall I take?" said the man. "There are Wandlesham and -Black John, who together stole the Prior of Merton's horse, and sold -it at Sandwich. They would have been burned i' the hand if your -worship had not refused the evidence. Then there is Simpkin, the -deer-stealer----"</p><p class="normal">"That will do," said Sir Payan, "that will do; 'tis said he set -Raper's barn on fire. But be quick; we waste time."</p><p class="normal">It was late the next day before the party of worthies whom Sir Payan -entrusted with the honourable little commission above stated returned -to his house at Elham Manor; but, to his no small satisfaction, they -brought the Duke of Buckingham's letter-bag along with them, which -Master Guilford deposited on the table before Sir Payan in his usual -sullen manner, and only waited till he had received his reward, which -was instantly paid; for the honest knight, well knowing by internal -conviction that rascality is but a flimsy bond of attachment, took -care to bind his serviceable agents to himself by the sure ties both -of hope and fear. If they were useful and silent, their hopes were -never disappointed; if they were negligent or indiscreet, their fears -were more than realised.</p><p class="normal">The moment he was alone, the knight put his dagger into the bag, and -ripped it open from side to side. This done, his eye ran eagerly over -the various letters it contained, and paused on that to Lord -Fitzbernard. In an instant the silk was cut, and the contents before -his eyes.</p><p class="normal">"Ha!" said Sir Payan, reading; "so here it is, the whole business; so, -so, my young knight, 'the real name to be told to nobody till the -king's good-will is gained.' But I will foil you, and blast your false -name before your real one is known. Good Duke of Buckingham, I thank -you! 'A villain!' If I am, you shall taste my villany. Oh! so he had -charge to 'conduct the Lady Katrine Bulmer to the court: his feats of -arms and manly daring shall much approve him with the king.' Ay, but -they shall damn him with the cardinal, or I'll halt for it! Now for -the rest!"</p><p class="normal">With as little ceremony as that which he had displayed toward the -letter addressed to Lord Fitzbernard, Sir Payan tore open all the -rest, but seemed somewhat disappointed at their contents, gnawing his -lip and knitting his brow till he came to the last, addressed to Sir -John Morton. "Ha!" exclaimed he, as he read, "Duke of Buckingham, you -are mine! Now, proud Edward Bohun, stoop! stoop! for out of so little -a thing as this will I work thy ruin. But what means he by this? Sir -Osborne Maurice! It cannot be him he speaks of. It matters not; it -shall tell well, too, and in one ruin involve them both. Sir Osborne -Maurice! I have it! I have it! Sure the disclosure of such a plot as -this may well merit Wolsey's thanks; ay, and even, by good favour, -some few acres off the broad estates of Constance de Grey. We shall -see. But first let us track this young gallant; we must know his every -step from Canterbury to Greenwich."</p><p class="normal">Proud in supreme villany, Sir Payan trod with a longer stride, -confidently calculating that he held all his enemies in his power; -but, subtle as well as bold, he did not allow his confidence to -diminish in the least his care; and calling to his aid one of his -retainers, upon whose cunning he could count with certainty, he laid -him upon the path of our hero like a hound upon the track of a deer, -with commands to investigate, with the most minute care, every step he -had taken from Canterbury to Greenwich.</p><p class="normal">"And now," said Sir Payan, "to-morrow for Greenwich; I must not fail -the party of Sir Thomas Neville. When enemies grow strong, 'tis time -to husband friends;" and springing on his horse, he proceeded to put -in train for execution some of those minor schemes of evil which he -did not choose to leave unregulated till his return.</p><br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XVIII.</h4><div class="poem0"> -<p class="center">Traffic is thy god.--<span class="sc">Timon</span>.</p></div><p class="normal">"By my faith!" cried the Earl of Darby, as soon as they found -themselves in the street, or rather lane, before the dwelling of Sir -Cesar, "I know not in the least where we are; and if I had known it -before, my brain is so unsettled with all this strange sight, that I -should have forgotten it now. Which way did we turn?"</p><p class="normal">"The other way! the other way!" cried Sir Osborne, "and then to the -right."</p><p class="normal">"Pray, sir, can you tell me where the devil I am?" demanded the earl, -when they had reached the bottom of the lane, addressing a man who was -walking slowly past.</p><p class="normal">"I'll tell you what, my young gallant," answered the man, "if you -don't march home with your foolery, I'll lock you up. I am the -constable of the watch."</p><p class="normal">"It is my <i>way</i> home that I want to know, friend constable," replied -the earl. "For, 'fore God! I know not where I am any more than a -new-born child, who, though he comes into the world without asking the -way, finds himself very strange when he is in it."</p><p class="normal">"Why, marry, thou art at the back of Baynard's Castle, sir fool," -replied the constable.</p><p class="normal">"Ay; then I shall find my road," said the earl. "Thank thee, honest -constable; thou art a pleasant fellow, and a civil, and hast risked -having thy pate broken to-night more than thou knowest. So, fare thee -well!" and turning away, he led his companion through various winding -lanes into a broader street, which at length conducted them to the -mansion of the Duke of Buckingham.</p><p class="normal">"Now, by my faith, Darnley, or Maurice, or whatever you please to be -called," said the earl, "if you have any hospitality in your nature, -you will give me board and lodging for a night. May you make so free -with the good duke's house?"</p><p class="normal">"Most willingly will I do it," said Sir Osborne, "and find myself now -doubly happy in his grace's request, to use his mansion as if it were -my own."</p><p class="normal">"Were I you," said Lord Darby, "and had so much of Buckingham's -regard, I would hear more of that strange man, if he be a man, Sir -Cesar; for 'tis said that the duke and Sir John Morton are the only -persons that know who and what he really is. God help us! we have seen -as strange a sight to-night as mortal eyes ever beheld."</p><p class="normal">"I have heard one of my companions in arms relate that a circumstance -precisely similar happened to himself in Italy," replied the knight. -"The famous magician, Cornelius Agrippa, showed him out of friendship -a glass, wherein he beheld the lady of his love reading one of his own -letters,<a name="div4Ref_10" href="#div4_10"><sup>[10]</sup></a> which thing she was doing, as he ascertained afterwards, -at the very minute and day that the glass was shown to him. I never -thought, however, to have seen anything like it myself."</p><p class="normal">It may be easily supposed that various were the remarks and -conjectures of the two young noblemen during the rest of the evening, -but with these it will be unnecessary to trouble the reader. Suffice -it that we have translated as literally as possible the account which -Vonderbrugius gives of the circumstances; nor shall we make any -comment on the facts, leaving it to the reader's own mind to form what -conclusion he may think right. Whether the whole was an artifice on -the part of Sir Cesar, aided by strongly-excited imagination on -theirs, each person must judge for himself; but certain it is that -they both firmly believed that they saw the same thing; and, as in the -well-known case of Lord Surrey, the argument is of avail, that the -magician had no object or interest in deceiving those to whom he -displayed his powers. The effect, however, upon the mind of Sir -Osborne was to give him new hope and courage; for so completely had -the former prediction of Sir Cesar been fulfilled, that though he -might still doubt, yet his very hesitation leant to the side of hope.</p><p class="normal">Lord Darby laughed, and vowed 'twas strange, 'twas passing strange, -and wrote it down in his tablets, lest he should not believe a word of -it the next morning. When the morning came, however, he found that his -belief had not fled; and before leaving Sir Osborne, he talked over -the business with more gravity than he could usually command. Many -arrangements also were necessary to be made in regard to the knight's -introduction to the court; but at length it was agreed that the earl -should account for his acquaintance with Sir Osborne by saying that -their parents had been friends, and that, having been educated in the -court of Burgundy, the knight was then in England for the first time -since his youth.</p><p class="normal">"All this is true," said Lord Darby, "for my father was well known to -yours, though, perhaps, they could hardly be called friends; but, -however, there are not above two grains of lie to an ounce of truth, -so it will poison no one."</p><p class="normal">When all their plans were finally settled, Lord Darby took leave of -the knight, and left him to make his preparations for the next -morning. As soon as he had departed, Sir Osborne called for his horse, -and, accompanied by Longpole, of whom he had seen little since his -arrival in London, set out for the house of the honest Flemish -merchant, William Hans, from whom, as we have said, he expected sundry -sums of money.</p><p class="normal">As they proceeded, the worthy custrel, who, for the purpose of showing -him the way, rode by his side (permitting him, nevertheless, to keep -about a yard in advance), did not fail to take advantage of their -proximity to regale the knight's ears with many a quaint remark upon -the great bee-hive, as he called it, in which they were.</p><p class="normal">"Lord! Lord!" said he, "to think of the swarm of honey-getting, or -rather money-getting insects, that here toil from morn to night, but -to pile up within their narrow cells that sweet trash which, after -all, is none of theirs; for ever and anon comes my good lord king, the -master of the hive, and smokes them for a subsidy. Look at yon fat -fellow, your worship! For God's sake, look at him! How proud he seems, -waddling forward under the majesty of his belly! Well, if a paunch -like that be the damnation attached to an alderman's gown, heaven -absolve me from city feasts, I say! And his lean follower; see! with -the quill behind his ear, and inkhorn at his button, so meagre, as if -he wished to mock his master's fatness. Oh! 'tis the way, 'tis the -way; the fat merchant seems to absorb all the lean clerk's portion. -Everything begets its like; fat gets fat, riches get riches, and even -leanness grows more lean, as it were, by living upon itself. Now to -the left, your worship, up that paved court."</p><p class="normal">The house of the merchant now stood before them, and Sir Osborne, -dismounting from his horse, advanced to the door of what seemed to be -a small dark counting-house, in which he found an old man, with many a -book and many a slate before him, busily employed in adding to the -multitude of little black marks with which the page under his eyes was -cumbered.</p><p class="normal">In answer to the knight's inquiry for Master William Hans, he replied -that he was in the warehouse, where he might find him if he wished to -see him. "Stay, stay! I will show you the way," cried he, with ready -politeness. "Lord, sir! our warehouse is a wilderness, wherein a man -might lose himself with blessed facility. Thanks be to God therefor; -for on May-day, three years last past, called 'Evil May-day,' we -should have lost our good master, when the prentices, and watermen, -and pick-purses, and vagabonds, broke into all the aliens' houses, and -injured many; but, happily, he hid himself under a pile of stockfish, -which was in the far end of the little warehouse, to the left of the -barrel-room, so that they found him not."</p><p class="normal">While he pronounced this oration, the old clerk locked carefully the -door of the counting-house, and led the knight into an immense vaulted -chamber, wherein were piled on every side all kinds of things, of -every sort and description that human ingenuity can apply to the -supply of its necessities or the gratification of its appetites. On -one side were displayed a thousand articles of foreign produce or -manufacture brought thither for the English market, and on the other -appeared the various productions of England, destined soon to be -spread over half the world. The objects that met the eye were not more -various than the smells that assailed the nose. Here was the delicious -odour of salted fish, there the delicate scent of whale oil; here dry -skins spread their perfume around, and there a cask of fresh tallow -wasted its sweetness on the warehouse air; while through the whole was -perceived, as a general medium for all the rest, the agglomerated -stink of a hundred unventilated years.</p><p class="normal">Making his way through all, Sir Osborne proceeded directly towards the -spot where a small window in the roof poured its light upon a large -barrel, the contents of which were undergoing inspection by the worthy -Fleming whom he sought. In Flanders the knight had known the good -burgess well, and had been sure to receive a visit from him whenever -business had called his steps from his adopted to his native country. -There might be both an eye to gratitude and an eye to interest in this -proceeding of Master William Hans; for the knight had twice procured -him a large commission for the army, and, what was still more in those -days, had procured him payment.</p><p class="normal">On perceiving his visitor in the present instance, the merchant caught -up his black furred gown, which he had thrown off while busied in less -dignified occupations, and having hastily insinuated his arms into the -sleeves, advanced to meet the knight with a bow of profound respect. -"Welcome back to England, my lord!" cried he, in very good English, -which could only be distinguished as proceeding from the mouth of a -foreigner by a slight accent and a peculiar intonation. "Coot now, my -lord, I hope you have not given up your company in Flanders. I have -such a cargo of beans in the mouth of the Scheldt, it would have -suited the army very well indeet."</p><p class="normal">"But, my good Master Hans," answered the knight, "the army itself is -given up since the peace. When I left Lisle, there were scarce three -companies left."</p><p class="normal">After a good deal more of such preliminary conversation, in the course -of which the knight explained to the merchant the necessity of keeping -his name and title secret for the present, they proceeded to the -arrangement of those affairs which yet remained unconcluded between -them. Conducting the knight back to the counting-house, William Hans -turned over several of his great books, looking for the accounts.</p><p class="normal">"Here it is, I think," he cried, at length. "No! that is the Lady de -Grey's."</p><p class="normal">"Lady Constance de Grey?" demanded Sir Osborne, in some surprise.</p><p class="normal">"Yes, yes!" answered the merchant. "I receive all the money for her -mother's estates, who was a French lady. Did for her father, too, till -the coot old lord died. Oh! it was hard work in the time of the war; -but I got a Paris Jew to transmit the money to a Flemish Jew, who sent -it over to me. They cot ten per cent. the thieves! for commission, but -that very thing saved the estates; for they would have been forfeited -by the old king Louis, if the Jew, who had given him money in his -need, had not made such a noise about it, for fear of losing his ten -per cent, that the king let it pass. Ah! here is the account. First, -we have not settled since I furnished the wine for the companie, when -they had the fever. Five hundred chioppines of wine, at a croat the -chioppine, make just twenty-five marks: received thirty marks; five -carried to your name. Then for the ransom of the Sire de Beaujeu: you -put him at a ransom of two thousand crowns, not knowing who he was, -but he has sent you six thousand; because, he says, he would not be -ransomed like an écuyer. Creat fool! Why the devil, when he could get -off for a little, pay a much?"<a name="div4Ref_11" href="#div4_11"><sup>[11]</sup></a></p><p class="normal">"No true knight but would do the same," replied Sir Osborne. "It was -only by my permission that he got away at all: therefore he was bound -in honour to pay the full ransom of a person of his condition."</p><p class="normal">"Well, then," said the Fleming, "here comes the ransom of two -esquires, gentlemen they call themselves, five hundred crowns each, -making in the whole seven thousand crowns, or two thousand six hundred -and twenty-five marks. Then there is against you, freight and carriage -of armour and goods, four marks; exchange and commission, three marks; -porterage, a croat; warehouse-room, two croats: balance for you, two -thousand six hundred and seventeen marks, five shillings, and two -croats, which I am ready to pay you, as well as to deliver the two -suits of harness and the packages."</p><p class="normal">"The money, at present, I do not want," replied Sir Osborne; "but I -will be glad if you would send the arms, and the rest of the packages, -to the manor of the Rose, in St. Lawrence Poultney."</p><p class="normal">"To the coot Duke of Buckingham's? Ah! that I will, that I will! But I -hope you will stay and take your noon-meal with me; though I know you -men of war do not like the company of us merchants. But I will say, I -have never found you any way proud."</p><p class="normal">"I would most willingly, Master Hans," answered the knight; "but I go -to the court to-morrow for the first time, and I have no small -preparation to make with tailors and broiderers."</p><p class="normal">"Oh! stay with me, stay with me, and I will fit you to your desire," -answered the Fleming. "There is a tailor lives hard by who will suit -you well. I am not going to give you a man who can make nothing but a -burgomaster's gown or a merchant's doublet. I know your coot -companions would laugh, and say you had had a merchant's tailor; but -this is a man who, if you like it, shall stuff out your breeches till -you can't sit down, make all the seams by a plumb-line, tighten your -girdle till you have no more waist than a wasp; and, moreover, he is -tailor to the Duke of Suffolk."</p><p class="normal">The knight found this recommendation quite sufficient; and agreeing to -dine with the honest Fleming, the tailor was sent for, who, with a -great display of sartorial learning, devised several suits, in which -Sir Osborne might appear at court, without being either so gaudy as -the butterflies of the day, or so plain as to call particular -attention. The only difficulty was to know whether the tailor could -furnish a complete suit for the knight, and one for each of his four -attendants, by the next morning; but after much calculation, and -summing up of all the friendly tailors within his knowledge, he -undertook to do it; and, what is wonderful for a tailor, kept his -word.</p><br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XIX.</h4><div class="poem0" style="margin-left:20%"> -<p class="ccontinue">What strange adventure do ye now pursue?<br> -Perhaps my succour or advisement meet<br> -Mote stead ye much.--<span class="sc">Spenser</span>.</p></div><p class="normal">A barber surgeon one day, bleeding a farrier, bound up his arm with a -piece of red tape, and pinned it. The farrier went the next day to -shoe one of the king of the country's horses; as he was driving the -nail, the pin pricked him, the nail went too near the quick, the -horse's foot grew tender, the king went out to hunt, the horse threw -him, the king was taken up dead, and was succeeded by his son, whom he -intended to have disinherited the next day for his cruel disposition. -The new king cut off his subjects' heads, made continual war upon all -the states around, conquered a great many countries, gained a great -many battles, robbed, murdered, and burned, and at last was -assassinated himself, when human nature could bear him no longer; and -at the end of his reign it was computed that a hundred millions of -treasure, and twenty millions of human lives, had been wasted, by a -barber pinning a piece of red tape, instead of tying it, like his -grandfather.</p><p class="normal">"The luckiest accident for you in the world has just happened!" cried -Lord Darby, entering Sir Osborne Maurice's apartment two full hours -before the time he had appointed. "Order your men to choose your best -suit of harness, to pack it on a strong horse, to lead your own -courser by the bridle, and to make all speed to the foot of the hill -at Greenwich, there to wait till they be sent for; and you come with -me: my barge waits at the duke's stairs."</p><p class="normal">"But what is the matter, my lord?" demanded Sir Osborne; "at least, -tell me if my horse must be barded."</p><p class="normal">"No, no; I think not," replied the earl; "at all events, we shall find -bards,<a name="div4Ref_12" href="#div4_12"><sup>[12]</sup></a> if we want them. But be quick, we have not a moment to -lose, though the tide be running down as quick as a tankard of bastard -over the throat of a thirsty serving-man; I will tell you the whole as -we go."</p><p class="normal">"Longpole," cried the knight to his follower, who, at the moment the -Earl entered, was in the room, putting the last adjustment to his -master's garments; "Longpole, quick! you hear what Lord Darby says. -Take the fluted suit----"</p><p class="normal">"Oh! the fluted, the fluted, by all means," interrupted the earl, "it -shows noble and knightly. So shall we go along as in a Roman triumph, -with flutes before, and flutes behind. The fluted by all means, good -Longpole, and lose no time on the road: for every flagon you do not -drink, you shall have two at Greenwich. Now, Maurice, are you ready? -By heaven! you make a gallant figure of it; your tailor deserves -immortality. 'Tis well! 'tis mighty well! But, to my taste, the cuts -in your blue velvet had been better lined with a soft yellow than a -white; the hue of a young primrose. The feather might have been the -same, but 'tis all a taste: white does marvellous well; the silver -girdle and scabbard too! But come; we waste our moments: let two of -your men come with us."</p><p class="normal">Lord Darby conducted his new friend to the barge, and as they -proceeded towards Greenwich with a quick tide, he informed him that -some knights, Sir Henry Poynings, Sir Thomas Neville, and several -others--having agreed to meet, for the purpose of trying some -newly-invented arms, the king had been seized with a desire of going -unknown to break a lance with them on Blackheath, and had privately -commanded the Earl of Devonshire to accompany him as his aid: but that -very morning, at his house in Westminster, the earl had slipped, and -had so much injured his leg, that his surgeon forbade his riding for a -month. "As soon as I heard it," continued Lord Darby, "I flew to his -lodging, and prayed him to let me be his messenger to the king, to -which petition he easily assented, provided I set off with all speed, -for his grace expects him early. Now, the moment that the king hears -that the earl cannot ride, he chooses him another aid, and I so hope -to manage, that the choice may fall upon you. If you break a lance to -his mind, you shall be well beloved for the next week at least; and -during that time you must manage to fix his favour. But first, let me -give you some small portraiture of his mind, so that by knowing his -humour, you may find means to find it."</p><p class="normal">The character which Lord Darby gave of Henry the Eighth shall here be -put in fewer words. He was then a very, very different being from the -bloated despot which he afterwards appeared. All his life had hitherto -been prosperity and gladness; no care, no sorrow, had called into -action any of the latent evil of his character, and he showed himself -to those around him as an affable and magnificent prince; proud -without haughtiness, and luxurious without vice. Endowed with great -personal strength, blessed with robust health, and flourishing in the -prime of his years, he loved with a degree of ostentation all those -manly and chivalrous exercises which were then at their height in -Europe; and placed, as it were, between the age of chivalry and the -age of learning, he in his own person combined many of the attributes -of each. In temper and in manner he was hasty but frank, and had much -of the generosity of youth unchilled by adversity. Yet he was ever -wilful and irritable, and in his history even at that time may be -traced the yet unsated luxurist, and the incipient tyrant, beginning a -career in splendour and pride that was sure to end in despotism and -blood.</p><p class="normal">It may well be supposed that the knight's heart beat quickly as the -boat came in sight of the palace at Greenwich. It had nothing, -however, to do with that agitation which men often weakly feel on -approaching earthly greatness. Accustomed to a court, though a small -one, if Sir Osborne had ever experienced those sensations, they had -long left him; but he felt that on what was to follow from the present -interview, perhaps on that interview itself, depended his father's -fortune and his own; more: his own happiness for ever.</p><p class="normal">Lord Darby's rowers had plied their oars to some purpose, and before -ten o'clock the barge was alongside the king's stairs at Greenwich. -"Come, Sir Osborne," cried the earl; "bearing a message which his -grace will think one of great consequence, I shall abridge all -ceremony, and find my way as quickly to his presence as I can."</p><p class="normal">The two young men sprang to the shore, followed by their attendants, -and passed the parade, which was quite empty, the king having taken -care to disperse the principal part of his court in various -directions, that his private expedition might pass unnoticed, feeling -a sort of romantic interest in the concealment and mystery of his -proceedings. The earl led the way across the vacant space to one of -the doors of the palace, which opened into a sort of waiting hall, -called the "Hall of Lost Steps," where the two friends left their -servants; and proceeding up a staircase that seemed well known to Lord -Darby, they came into a magnificent saloon, wherein an idle page was -gazing listlessly from one of the windows.</p><p class="normal">"Ha, Master Snell!" cried the earl; "may his grace be spoken with?"</p><p class="normal">"On no account whatever, my noble lord," replied the page, "I am -placed here expressly to prevent any one from approaching him: his -grace is at his prayers."</p><p class="normal">"Go then, good Master Snell," said the earl, "and bid our royal master -add one little prayer for the Earl of Devonshire, who has fallen in -his house at Westminster, and is badly hurt; and tell his grace that I -bear an humble message from the earl, who dared not confide it to a -common courier."</p><p class="normal">"I go directly, my noble lord," said the page. "The king will find -this bad news;" and making all haste, he left the room by a door on -the other side of the apartment.</p><p class="normal">"This is indeed a kingly chamber," said Sir Osborne, gazing around -upon the rich arras mingled with cloth of gold which covered the -walls. "How poor must the court of Burgundy have seemed to the king, -when he visited the Princess Regent at Lisle. And yet, perhaps, he -scarcely saw the difference."</p><p class="normal">Even while he spoke, the door by which the page had gone out was again -thrown open, and a tall, handsome man entered the apartment, with -haste and peevishness in his countenance. He was apparently about -thirty years of age, broad-chested and powerfully made, muscular, but -not fat, and withal there was an air of dignity and command in his -figure that might well become a king. He seemed to have been disturbed -half-dressed; for under the loose gown of black velvet which he wore -was to be seen one leg clothed in steel, while the other remained free -of any such cumbersome apparel. The rest of his person, as far as -might be discovered by the opening of the gown, was habited in simple -russet garments, guarded with gold, while on his head he wore a -small-brimmed black bonnet and a jewelled plume. Lord Darby and Sir -Osborne immediately doffed their hats as the king entered, the young -knight not very well pleased to see the irritable spot that glowed on -his brow.</p><p class="normal">"How now, lord? how now?" cried Henry, as they advanced. "What is this -the page tells me? Devonshire is hurt--is ill? What is it? what is it, -man? speak!"</p><p class="normal">"I am sorry to be the bearer of evil news to your grace," replied Lord -Darby, with a profound inclination; "but this morning, as my Lord of -Devonshire was preparing to set out to render his duty to your -highness, his foot slipped, heaven knows how! and his surgeons fear he -has dislocated one of the bones of the leg. He, therefore, being -unwilling to trust an ordinary messenger, begged me humbly, in his -name, to set forth his case before you, and to crave your gracious -pardon for thus unintentionally failing in his service."</p><p class="normal">"Tut! he could not help it," cried Henry. "The man broke not his bones -and wrenched not his leg to do me a displeasure; and yet in this is -Fortune cross-grained; for where now shall I find an aid who may -supply his place? But, how now! What is this? Who have you with you? -You are bold, young lord, to bring a stranger to my privy chamber! Ha! -how now! Mother of God, you are too bold!"</p><p class="normal">Hope sickened in Sir Osborne's bosom, and bending his head, he fixed -his eyes upon the ground, while Lord Darby replied, nothing abashed by -the king's reproof--</p><p class="normal">"Pardon me, my liege; but trusting to the known quality of your royal -clemency, which finds excuses for our faults, even when we ourselves -can discover none, I made bold to bring to your grace's presence this -famous knight, Sir Osborne Maurice, who, being himself renowned in -many courts in feats of arms, has conceived a great desire to witness -the deeds of our most mighty sovereign, whose prowess and skill, -whether at the tourney or in the just, at the barriers or with the -battle-axe, is so noised over Europe, that none who are themselves -skilful can refrain from coveting a sight of his royal daring. Allow -me to present him to your grace."</p><p class="normal">Sir Osborne advanced, and kneeling gracefully before the king, bent -his head over the hand that Henry extended towards him; while, pleased -with his appearance and demeanour, the monarch addressed him with a -smile: "Think not we are churlish, sir knight, or that we do not -welcome you freely to our court; but, by St. Mary! such young gallants -as these must be held in check, or they outrun their proper bounds. -But judge not of our poor doings by Darby's commendation: he has of a -sudden grown eloquent."</p><p class="normal">"On such a theme who might not be an orator?" said Sir Osborne, -rising. "Were I to doubt Lord Darby, I must think that Fame herself is -your grace's courtier, acting as your herald in every court, and -challenging a world to equal you."</p><p class="normal">"Fie, fie! I must not hear you," cried the king. "Darby, come hither: -I would speak with you. Come hither, I say!"</p><p class="normal">Sir Osborne drew a step back, and the king, taking the young earl into -the recess of a window, spoke to him for a moment in a low tone, but -still sufficiently loud for a great part of what he said to be audible -to the knight, especially towards the conclusion.</p><p class="normal">"A powerful man," said the king; "and, if he be but as dexterous and -valiant as he is strong, will prove a knight indeed. Think you he -would?"</p><p class="normal">"Most assuredly, my liege," replied the earl. "He is your grace's born -subject; only, his father having fallen into some unhappy error in the -reign of our last royal king, Sir Osborne has had his training at the -court of Burgundy, and received his knighthood from the sword of -Maximilian, the late emperor."</p><p class="normal">"Good, good!" said Henry: "I remember hearing of his father; 'twas -either Simnel, or Perkyn Warbeck, or some such treasonous cause he -espoused. But all that is past. Sir knight," he continued, turning to -Sir Osborne, "what if in my armoury we could find a harness that -would fit you? are you minded to break a lance as consort with the -king?--ha! This very morning--ay, this very hour? What say you?--ha!"</p><p class="normal">"That I should hold an honour never to be forgot, my liege," replied -the knight. "And for the arms, my own are here in Greenwich. They -might be brought in a moment."</p><p class="normal">"Quick, quick, then!" cried the king. "But we must be secret. Stop, -stop! You go, Lord Darby. Send for the arms quick. Is your horse here, -sir knight? By St. Mary, 'tis happy you came! Darby, bid them take the -knight's horse into the small court, and shut the gates. Quick with -his armour! Bid them put no bards on the horses, and be secret. I'll -go arm. You arm here, sir knight. Snell! stand firm at that door; let -no one pass but Lord Darby and the knight's armourer. Be quick, sir -knight! I charge you be quick: and, above all, let us be secret. -Remember, we will never raise our visors. These knights think of no -such encounter, but fancy they have it all amongst themselves. They -have kept their just mighty secret; but we will break their lances for -them--ha!"</p><p class="normal">The king now left Sir Osborne, who, delighted with the unexpected turn -which his humour had taken, waited impatiently for Lord Darby's -return, expecting every minute to see the other door open and Henry -re-appear before he had even received his armour. At length, however, -Lord Darby came, and with him our friend Longpole, who, as the page -would only allow one person to enter with the earl, received that part -of the armour which he did not carry himself from the attendant -without, and then flew to assist his lord. Sir Osborne lost no time, -and, expert by constant habit, he put on piece by piece with a -rapidity that astonished the young earl, who, accustomed alone to the -tilt-yard, was unacquainted with the facility acquired by the -unceasing exercises of the camp.</p><p class="normal">At length, while Longpole was buckling the last strap, the king -re-entered alone, completely armed, and with his beaver down.</p><p class="normal">"What! ready, sir knight?" cried he; "nay, 'faith, you have been -expeditious."</p><p class="normal">"Lord bless you, sir!" cried Longpole, never dreaming that he spoke to -the king, "my master puts on his arms as King Hal took Terouenne."</p><p class="normal">"How now!" cried Sir Osborne, afraid of what might coms next; but the -king held up his hand to him to let the man speak. "How is that, good -fellow?" demanded he.</p><p class="normal">"Why, he just puts his hand on it, and it is done," replied Longpole.</p><p class="normal">"Thou art a merry knave," said Henry, better pleased perhaps with the -unquestionable compliment of the yeoman than he would have been with -the more refined and studied praise of many an eloquent oration. "Thou -art a merry knave. Say, canst thou blow a trumpet?"</p><p class="normal">"Ay, that I can, to your worship's contentment," replied Longpole, who -began to see by the looks of Lord Darby and his master that something -was wrong. "I hope I have not offended."</p><p class="normal">"No, no," answered Henry, "not in the least. Snell, fetch him a -trumpet with a blanche banner. Now, fellow, take the trumpet that the -page will bring you, and, getting on your horse, follow us. When you -shall come to a place where you see lists up, blow me a defiance. Hast -thou never a vizard to put thy muzzle in? Darby, in that chamber you -will find him a masking vizard, so that we may not be recognised by -his face hereafter."</p><p class="normal">Longpole was soon furnished with one of the half masks of the day, the -long beard of which, intended to conceal the mouth and chin, as it had -been worn by the king himself, was composed of threads of pure gold, -so that the yeoman bore an ample recompense upon his face for the duty -the king put him on. He would fain have had his remark upon the -vizard; but beginning to entertain a suspicion of how the matter -really stood, he wisely forebore, and followed his master and Lord -Darby, who, preceded by the king, passed down a narrow back-staircase -into the smaller court, wherein stood the horses prepared for their -expedition.</p><p class="normal">All now passed in almost profound silence. The king and his aid -mounted, and, followed by Longpole with his trumpet, issued forth -through two gates into the park, where, taking the wildest and most -unfrequented paths, they made a large circuit, in order that their -approach might seem from any other quarter than the palace. After -gaining the forest on Shooter's Hill, the king led the way through one -of the roads in the wood, to what we may call the back of Blackheath, -on the very verge of which they might behold a group of gentlemen on -horseback, with a crowd of lookers-on afoot, disposed in such sort as -to show that their exercises were begun. The spot which they had -chosen was a very convenient one for their purpose: shaded on the -south by a grove of high elms, whose very situation has not been -traceable for more than two centuries, but which then afforded a width -of shade sufficient for several coursers to wheel and charge therein, -without the eyes of the riders being dazzled by the morning sunshine. -At the foot of these trees extended an ample green, soft, smooth, and -even, round which the tilters had pitched the staves and drawn the -ropes, marking the limits of the field; and at the northern end was -erected a little tent for them to arm in before, and rest after, the -course. The four knights themselves, who had met to try their arms, -together with several grooms, an armourer, a mule to bear the spears, -and two horses for the armour, with their several drivers, formed the -group within the lists, which, in the wide-extended plain whereon they -stood, looked but a spot, and would have seemed still less had it not -been for the crowd of idlers that hung about the ground, and the four -knightly pennons, which, disposed in a line, with a few yards' -distance between them, caught the eye as it wandered over the heath, -and attracted it to the spot by their flutter and their gaudy hues.</p><p class="normal">The king paused for a moment to observe them, and then beckoning -Longpole to come up, "Now, ride on, trumpet!" cried he; "blow a -challenge, and then say that two strange knights claim to break two -lances each, and pass away unquestioned."<a name="div4Ref_13" href="#div4_13"><sup>[13]</sup></a></p><p class="normal">At this command Longpole rode forward, and while Henry and his master -followed more slowly, blew a defiance on his trumpet at the entrance -of the lists, and then in a loud voice pronounced the message with -which the king had charged him.</p><p class="normal">As he finished, Henry and Sir Osborne presented themselves; and Sir -Thomas Neville, the chief of the other party, after some consultation -with his companions, rode up and replied: "Though we are here as a -private meeting, for our own amusement only, yet we will not refuse to -do the pleasure of the stranger knights; and as there are four of us, -we will each break a spear with one of the counter-party, which will -make the two lances a-piece that they require. Suffer the knights to -enter," he continued to the keeper of the barrier; and Henry, with the -young knight, taking the end of the ground in silence, waited till -their lances should be delivered to them.</p><p class="normal">Whether the tilters suspected or not who was the principal intruder on -their sport matters not, though it is indeed more than probable that -they did; for it was well known to everybody, that if Henry heard of -any rendezvous of the kind, he was almost certain to be present, -either privately or avowedly; and indeed on one occasion, recorded by -Hall, the chronicler of that day, this romantic spirit had almost cost -him dear, the sport being carried on so unceremoniously as nearly to -slay the gentleman by whom he was accompanied, and to bring his own -life into danger.</p><p class="normal">On the present occasion no words passed between the two parties, and -after a few minutes' conversation amongst the original holders of the -ground as to who should first furnish the course to the strangers, Sir -Thomas Neville presented himself opposite to the king, and Sir Henry -Poynings, one of the best knights of the day, prepared to run against -Sir Osborne. "Now do your best, my knight," said the king to his aid; -"you have got a noble opponent."</p><p class="normal">The spears were delivered, the knights couched their lances, and -galloping on against each other like lightning, the tough ash staves -were shivered in a moment against their adversaries' casques.</p><p class="normal">"Valiantly done!" said Henry to Sir Osborne, as they returned to their -place; "valiantly done! You struck right in the groove of the basnet, -and wavered not an inch. Who are these two, I wonder? They have their -beavers down."</p><p class="normal">While he spoke the spears were again delivered; and upon what impulse, -or from what peculiar feeling, would be difficult to say, but Sir -Osborne felt a strong inclination to unhorse his opponent; and -couching his lance with dexterous care, as far as possible to prevent -its splintering, he struck him in full course upon the gorget, just -above its junction with the corslet, and bore him violently backwards -to the ground, where he lay apparently deprived of sense.</p><p class="normal">By this time the king had shivered his lance, and some of the -attendants ran up to unlace the fallen man's helmet, when, to his -surprise, Sir Osborne beheld the countenance of Sir Payan Wileton. He -appeared to be much hurt by his fall; but that was a thing of such -common occurrence in those days, that no further notice was ever taken -of an accident of the kind than by giving the injured person all the -assistance that could be administered at the time.</p><p class="normal">However, it may well be supposed that Sir Osborne Maurice felt no -ordinary interest in the sight before him. By an extraordinary -coincidence, overthrown by his hand, though without intention, and -apparently nearly killed, lay the persevering enemy who had swallowed -up the fortunes of his house, and had sought so unceasingly to sweep -it for ever from the face of the earth; and while he lay there, -prostrate at his feet, with the ashy hue of his cheek paler than ever, -and his dark eye closed as if in death, Sir Osborne still thought he -could see the same determined malignity of aspect with which he had -declared that he would found his title to the lordship of Chilham -Castle on the death of its heir.</p><p class="normal">Still holding the lance in his hand, the knight bent over the bow of -his saddle, and through the bars of his volant-piece contemplated the -face of his fallen adversary, till he began to unclose his eyes and -look around him; when Sir Thomas Neville, thinking that the stranger -was animated merely by feelings of humanity, turned to him, saying -that Sir Payan had only been a little stunned, and would do very well -now.</p><p class="normal">"Gentlemen," continued he, addressing the king and Sir Osborne, "we -must, according to promise, let you pass away unquestioned; but I will -say, that two more valiant and skilful knights never graced a field, -nor is it possible to say which outdoes the other; but ye are worthy -companions and true knights both, and so fare ye well."</p><p class="normal">The king did not reply, lest he should be recognised by his voice; but -bending low, in token of his thanks, rode out of the lists, -accompanied by Sir Osborne and followed by Longpole.</p><p class="normal">"Now, by my fay, sir knight!" cried Henry, when they had once more -reached the cover of the wood, "you have far exceeded my expectations; -and I thank you heartily--good faith, I do!--for your aid. But I must -have you stay with me. Our poor court will be much graced by the -addition of such a knight. What say you? ha!"</p><p class="normal">"To serve your grace," replied Sir Osborne, "is my first wish; to -merit your praise my highest ambition. It is but little to say that -you may command me when you command all; but if my zeal to obey those -commands may be counted for merit, I will deserve some applause."</p><p class="normal">"Wisely spoken," answered the king; "we retain you for ours from this -moment; and that you may be ever near our person, we shall bid our -chamberlain find your apartments in the palace. How say you, sir -knight? are you therewith contented?"</p><p class="normal">"Your grace's bounty outstrips even the swift wings of Hope," replied -Sir Osborne; "but I will try to fly Gratitude against it; and though, -perhaps, she may not be able to overtop, she shall, at least, soar an -equal pitch."</p><p class="normal">The knight's allusion to the royal sport of falconry was well adapted -to the ears that heard it. Every one must have remarked, that whatever -impressions are intended to be produced on the mind of man are always -best received when addressed to his heart through its most common -associations. Whether we wish to explain, to convince, to touch, or to -engage, we must refer to something that is habitual and pleasing; and, -therefore, the use of figures in eloquence is not so much to enrich -and to deck, as to find admission to the soul of the hearer, by all -the paths which its own habits have rendered most easy of access.</p><p class="normal">Thus, Sir Osborne, without knowing it, drew his metaphor from a sport -in which the king delighted; and, more convinced of his zeal by these -few words than if the young knight had spoken for an hour, the king -replied, "I doubt ye not; 'faith, I doubt ye not. But this night we -give a mummery unto our lady queen, when I will bring you to her -knowledge: 'tis a lady full of graciousness, and though 'tis I who say -it, one that will love well all that I love. But now let us haste, for -the day wears; and as you shall be my masking peer, we must think of -some quaint disguise: Darby shall be another; and being all light of -foot, we will tread a measure with the fair ladies. You are a proper -man, and may, perchance, steal some hearts, wherein you shall have our -favour, if 'tis for your good advancement. But turn we down this other -path; in that I see some strangers. Quick! Mary Mother! I would not be -discovered for another kingdom!"</p><br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XX.</h4><div class="poem0" style="margin-left:15%"> -<p class="continue">Not rain she finds the charmful task,<br> -In pageant quaint, in motley mask.--<span class="sc">Collins</span>.</p></div><p class="normal">During this expedition of Henry and Sir Osborne, Lord Darby had acted -with more prudence than might have been expected from one so light and -volatile as himself. But, with all the levity of youth, he had a great -fund of shrewdness and good sense, which enabled him keenly to -perceive all the weaknesses of the king's character, and adapt his own -behaviour exactly to the circumstance, whenever he was brought -particularly in contact with the monarch.</p><p class="normal">In the present instance, seeing that the spirit of mystery had seized -upon Henry, he consented to forego all more active amusement; so that, -when the king and his young companion returned, they found the earl -seated in the saloon wherein Sir Osborne had been armed, never having -quitted it during their absence.</p><p class="normal">Henry was in high spirits. All had gone well with him: his expedition -had been both successful and secret, and he was not a little pleased -to find that the earl had not joined any of the gay parties of the -court while he had been away.</p><p class="normal">"Ha, my lord!" cried he, as he entered; "still here! You have done -well; you have done well. 'Tis a treasure you have brought me, this -good knight. Snell, unlace my casque; I must thank you for him as a -gift, for he is now mine own. He outdoes all expectation; nay, say not -against it, Sir Osborne; I should be able to judge of these matters: I -have broken spears enow, and I pronounce you equal to any knight at -this court. Call some one to undo these trappings. But, Darby, you -must not quit the court to-night. Dine here; 'tis time, i'faith; near -one o' the clock! and take Sir Osborne Maurice with you. Make him -known to the best of the court: say the king holds him highly. But -stay," he added, "I had forgot;" and sending for the sub-controller of -the household, he gave commands that the young knight should be -furnished with apartments in the palace from that moment, and receive -the appointment of a gentleman of the privy chamber. "The number is -complete," he continued, turning to Sir Osborne; "but, nevertheless, -you shall be rated as such, and yourself and men provided in the -palace. See it be done, Sir John Harvey. Darby, return hither -privately with your friend, at nine to-night. We have a masque and -revel afoot; but take no heed to send to London for disguise; we will -be your furnishers."</p><p class="normal">"I hope, sir," said the sub-controller, as the knight and his friend -followed him from the presence, "you are aware that only three -servants are allowed to a gentleman of the privy chamber."</p><p class="normal">"Three will be as much as I shall have occasion for," answered the -knight; "the other shall remain in London."</p><p class="normal">"If you will follow me, then," said the officer, "I will show you to -the apartment. Ho! send me a yeoman usher there," he continued, -speaking to a servant who passed. "This way, sir, we shall find the -rooms."</p><p class="normal">"What!" cried Lord Darby, after they had ascended a good many steps in -one of the wings of the building; "are you going to put my friend in a -third story? Think, Sir John Harvey, may not the king find it strange -when he hears that a knight he honours with his regard has been so -lodged?"</p><p class="normal">"I can assure you, my lord," answered the controller, "they are -absolutely the only ones in the palace vacant which are at all equal -to the knight's quality; and in truth, were it not for the height, are -among the best in the place. They are large and spacious; exactly the -same size as those which were appointed yesterday, by the queen's -command, for Lady Constance de Grey, and which are immediately -underneath."</p><p class="normal">"I was going to offer Sir Osborne the use of mine," said Lord Darby, -with a laughing glance towards the knight, "till you could find him -better; but if they are so very good as you say, maybe he will prefer -having his own at once. Ha! Sir Osborne?"</p><p class="normal">The controller looked solemn, seeing there was some joke, and not -understanding it; but, however, he was joined in a moment after by a -yeoman usher, bearing a bunch of keys, from which he selected one, -and opened the door at which they had been standing while the earl -spoke. A little ante-chamber conducted into three others beyond, all -very well furnished according to the fashion of the day, with a -beautiful view of the wild park from the windows of some of the -rooms, and of the river from the others; on which advantage the -worthy sub-controller descanted with much the tone and manner of a -lodging-house keeper at a watering-place; little knowing that one word -regarding the proximity of Constance de Grey would have been a higher -recommendation to the young knight than all the prospects in the -world, though he loved the beautiful and varied face of earth as much -as any one.</p><p class="normal">"Go to the wardrobe of beds, usher," said the officer, when he had -promenaded the knight and Lord Darby through the apartment; "go to the -wardrobe of beds, and tell the undermaster to come hither and garnish -this apartment with all speed. As I do not know the honourable -knight's face," continued he, "it is probable that he is new to this -court, and is not aware of the regulations, which, therefore, I will -make bold to tell him. Dinner and supper are served at the board of -estate, every day, at noon and at nightfall. No rere-suppers are -given, nunchions, beverages, or breakfast; but to each gentleman of -the privy-chamber his grace commands a livery every night."</p><p class="normal">"A livery!" said Sir Osborne; "pray, Sir John, what is that?"</p><p class="normal">"Its value, sir," said the controller, "depends upon the station of -the person to whom it is given. I have known it cost as much as ten -pounds; such was sent every night to the gentlemen who came to seek -the Princess Mary for the French king; but the livery given by his -grace the king to the gentlemen of the privy-chamber, and others -bearing the same rank, is a cast of fine manchet bread, two pots of -white or red wine at choice, one pound weight of sugar, four white -lights, and four yellow lights of wax, and one large staff torch, -which is delivered every evening at seven of the clock."</p><p class="normal">Without proceeding further with such discourse, we shall merely say -that the arrangement of Sir Osborne's apartment was soon completed, -himself unarmed, his servants furnished with what modern lacqueys -would call dog-holes, and with truckle-beds; and having, by -intercession with a gentleman wearing black velvet and a gold chain, -and calling himself the chief cook, obtained some dinner, for the -board of estate had long been cleared, Lord Darby and Sir Osborne -sauntered forth on the parade, where the young gallants of the court -were beginning to show themselves; some taking, as it were, a furtive -walk across, afraid to be seen there before the moment of fashion -sanctioned their appearance, and some, who, from either ignorance or -boldness, heeded no mode but their own convenience. Fashions are nine -times out of ten affectations; affectations in those who lead and in -those who follow; and as it is now, so was it in the days of Henry the -Eighth.</p><p class="normal">The presence of Lord Darby, however, who gradually gathered round him -a little multitude as he walked, soon rendered the parade more -populous. Sir Osborne was introduced to all who were worthy of his -acquaintance; and the same persons who three days before might hardly -have given him a courteous answer, if he had asked them a question, -were now mortified at not being numbered with his acquaintance. The -knight himself, however, was absent and inattentive, his eye -continually seeking Lady Constance de Grey through the crowd, and his -mind sometimes occupied with pleasing dreams of love, and hope, and -happiness to come, and sometimes pondering over his unexpected -encounter with Sir Payan Wileton, and its probable results.</p><p class="normal">So strange is the world, that this very abstractness of manner and -carelessness in regard to those about him had its grace in the eyes of -the court. They seemed to think that he who cared so little about -anybody, must be somebody of consequence himself; and when, after a -prolonged saunter, the two friends re-entered the palace, Sir -Osborne's name had acquired a degree of <i>éclât</i> which the most -attentive politeness would scarcely have obtained. Still no Constance -de Grey had he seen, and he sat down in the apartments of Lord Darby, -not peculiarly satisfied with their walk.</p><p class="normal">The young earl himself had also suffered a similar disappointment, for -in the midst of all the <i>nonchalant</i> gaiety which he had displayed to -the crowd, his eye had not failed to scan every group of ladies that -they met for the form of Lady Katrine Bulmer, and he felt a good deal -mortified at not having seen her. But very different was the manner in -which his feelings acted, from the deeper and more ardent love of -Darnley. He laughed, he sung, he jested his companion upon his -gravity, and in the end consoled him, by assuring him that they should -meet with both their lady-loves that night at the queen's, so that if -he were not in a very expiring state, he might hope to live to see her -once more.</p><p class="normal">The hours quickly flew, and a little before nine the knight and his -companion presented themselves at the door of the king's private -apartments, where they were admitted by a page. When they entered -Henry was reading, and pursued the object of his study without taking -any notice of their approach by word or sign. Nothing remained to be -done but to stand profoundly still before him, waiting his good -pleasure, which remained full a quarter of an hour unmanifested.</p><p class="normal">"Well, gentlemen both," cried the king at last, starting up and laying -down the book; "I have kept ye long--ha? But now, to make amends, I -will lead ye to the fair ladies. Oh, the disguises! the disguises! -Bring the disguises, Minton; the three I chose but now. You, Darby, -shall be a Muscovian; you, Maurice, a Polacco; and I an Almaine. Say, -Darby, did you see my good lord cardinal this morning ere you came? -Holds he his mind of going to York, as he stated yesterday?"</p><p class="normal">"I did not see the very reverend lord this morning," replied Lord -Darby, who was Wolsey's ward, as well as the chief lord of his -household. "But his master of the horse informed me that he still -proposed going at ten this morning. Your grace knows that he never -delays when business calls him; and in the present case he thinks that -his presence may quell the murmurers of Yorkshire, as well as Lord -Howard has put down the Rochester fools."</p><p class="normal">"Ah, 'twas a shrewd business that of Rochester," said the king. "Now -would I give a thousand marks to know who 'twas that set that stone -a-rolling. Be you sure, Darby, that the brute shipwrights would ne'er -have dreamed such a thing themselves. They were set on! They were set -on, man! Ha, the disguises! Quick! come into this closet, and we will -robe us. 'Tis late, and our lady has promised to give, as well as to -receive, a mask."</p><p class="normal">So saying, Henry led the way to a cabinet at the side of the saloon in -which they were; and here the two young lords offered to assist in -dressing him, but of this he would not permit, bidding them haste with -their own robes, or he would be ready first. The disguise assigned to -Sir Osborne was a splendid suit of gold brocade trimmed with fur, -intended to represent the dress of a Pole; having a sort of pelisse -with sleeves of rich gold damask and sables thrown over the back, and -held by a baldrick, crossing from the right shoulder under the left -arm. His head was covered with a square bonnet of cloth of gold, like -his dress, with an edge of fur; and his face concealed by a satin mask -with a beard of golden threads.</p><p class="normal">The dress of Lord Darby was not very dissimilar, with only this -difference, that in place of the pelisse, he was furnished with a robe -with short sleeves, and wore on his head a sort of turban, or toque, -with a high feather. In a very different style was the king's -disguise, being simply a splendid German dress of cloth of gold, -trimmed with crimson velvet, but certainly not so unlike his usual -garments as to afford any great degree of concealment. All being -masked and prepared, Henry sent the page to see if the torchbearers -were ready, and issuing out of the palace the three maskers, preceded -by half-a-dozen attendants, crossed the greater quadrangle, passed out -at the gate, and making a circuit round the building, came immediately -under the windows of the queen's great hall, from each of which a -broad blaze of light flashed forth upon the night, and cast a line of -twinkling splendour across the river, that otherwise flowed on, dark -and indistinct, under a clouded and moonless sky.</p><p class="normal">"Sir Osborne," said Henry, in a low voice, as they entered the open -doors, and turned into a suite of apartments anterior to the room -where the queen held her assembly--"Sir Osborne, your voice being -unknown, you shall be our orator, and in your fine wit seek a fair -compliment for our introduction."</p><p class="normal">Had his face been uncovered, perhaps the young knight might have -sought to excuse himself; but there is wonderful assurance in a mask; -and feeling a boldness in his disguise, which perhaps the eye of -Constance de Grey might have robbed him of, had he not been concealed -from its glance, he at once undertook the task, saying that he would -do his best.</p><p class="normal">As he spoke, a couple of hautboys, by which Henry was preceded, paused -at the entrance of the great hall, and placing themselves on each -side, began a light duet, to announce that some masks were coming. The -doors were thrown open, and a splendid scene burst on the view of Sir -Osborne, full of bright and glittering figures, fleeting about in the -blaze of innumerable lights, like the gay phastasms of a brilliant -dream. The knight instinctively paused, but Henry urged him on.</p><p class="normal">"Quick! quick!" whispered he; "to the lady, to the lady; you forget -your task."</p><p class="normal">Sir Osborne instantly recollected himself, and seeing a lady, who, -standing unmasked at the farther end of the hall, bore about her that -air of royalty, and that majestic beauty, scarcely touched by time, -for which the noble Catherine was famous, he advanced directly towards -her, and bent one knee to the ground. Nature had given him somewhat of -a poet's inspiration, which came now happily to his aid, and if his -verses were not very good, they were at least ready.</p> -<br> -<div style="margin-left:10%"> -<pre> - "Lady of beauty, queen of grace, - Strangers three have come to thee, - To gaze on thine unclouded face, - Where so many maskers be. - Oh! never shade that brow so high - With the mummers' painted wile. - Sure you keep that lip and eye, - Welcome on your slaves to smile." - -</pre></div> -<br> - -<p class="normal">"I thank you, fair sir; I thank you," replied the queen, with a -pleased and gracious smile: "be most welcome, you and your company. I -should know you, and yet I do not. But will you not dance? Choose your -fair ladies; and, chamberlain, bid the music sound."</p><p class="normal">Sir Osborne passed on, and the king and Lord Darby followed.</p><p class="normal">"Excellent well, my knight! excellent well!" whispered Henry. "Now -show your wit in choice of a fair dame. I'faith, one must be keen in -these same masks to tell the foul from the fair. However, let us -disperse and find the jewels, though they be hid in such strange -rinds."</p><p class="normal">At the word the three maskers took different paths amongst the various -figures with which the hall was now nearly filled; Lord Darby and the -knight, each in search of the object of his love; while Henry, as yet -unrecognised, glided through the apartment, it might be in quest of -some fair one also.</p><p class="normal">For some time Sir Osborne sought in vain, bewildered amongst the crowd -of quaint disguises with which he was surrounded. Now he thought he -beheld the form of Lady Constance here, and after following it for a -moment was called away by the sight of one that resembled her more. -That again he gave up, convinced by some turn or some gesture that it -was some other. Another presented itself, which perhaps he might have -mistaken, but the gay flutter of her manner at once showed that it was -not the person he sought. He saw that already Lord Darby had found his -partner; the tuning of the musical instruments was over, and mentally -cursing his own stupidity, or his own ill-fortune, he was proceeding -once more towards the part of the room where stood the queen, with his -heart beating between eagerness and vexation, when he beheld a lady, -dressed in silver brocade, with a plain satin mask, glide into the -hall, and passing by several who spoke to her, approach that spot, as -if to take a seat which stood near. Sir Osborne darted forward. He -felt that it was her; and, eager to prevent any one intercepting him, -almost startled her with the suddenness of his address.</p><p class="normal">"Fair mask," said the knight, in a voice that trembled with delight -and hope, "will you tread a measure with a stranger, for courtesy's -sake?"</p><p class="normal">"I should know your voice," said the lady, in a low tone; "but I can -scarce believe I see you here. But one word, to tell me who you are?"</p><p class="normal">"My motto," replied the knight, "is <i>Constanc-y</i>; my crest, a lady's -glove."</p><p class="normal">The lady instantly put her hand into his. "Darnley!" said she, in a -voice so low as to be inaudible to any one but himself, who, bending -his head over her, trembled to catch every accent.</p><p class="normal">"Ah! Constance," he replied, in the same subdued tone, "what is it I -have dared to say to you? what is it I have dared to hope? Friendless -and fortuneless as I am, can you ever pardon my boldness?"</p><p class="normal">"Hush!" she said, "for pity's sake speak not in that way. Now I know -you love me, that is enough. Friendless you are not, and fortuneless -you cannot he, when all that is Constance's is yours. But see! they -are going to dance; afterwards we will speak more. Do not think me -bold, Darnley, or too easily won; but were I to affect that reserve -which still perhaps might be right, we are so circumstanced that we -might be ruined before we understood each other."</p><p class="normal">The knight poured forth a thousand thanks, and strove to explain to -Lady Constance how deeply grateful he felt for that generous candour -which is ever the companion of the truest modesty; and, the music now -beginning, he led her through the dance with calm and graceful ease. -As soon as the measure was ended, the queen's chamberlain pronounced, -with a loud voice, that in the other halls the knights and ladies who -had danced would find cool air and shady bowers; and, gladly taking -advantage of this information, Sir Osborne led his partner into the -chamber beyond, which by the queen's device had been divided into a -thousand little arbours, where artificial trees and shrubs, mingled -with real ones, and often ornamented with gilt fruit or flowers, -formed a sort of enchanted garden, for the dancers to repose -themselves; not very exquisite in its taste, indeed, but very much to -the taste of the day.</p><p class="normal">Singling out the farthest of all the arbours, and the one which -permitted its occupants most easily to observe the approach of any -other party, Darnley led Lady Constance to one of the seats which it -contained, and placing himself by her side, paused for a moment in -silence, to enjoy the new delights that came thrilling upon his heart. -"Oh, Constance!" said he at length, looking up to the sweet hazel eyes -that gazed upon him through the meaningless mask; "never, never did I -think to know such happiness on earth! Could I have dreamed of this -when I left you for Flanders?"</p><p class="normal">"I do not know," replied Constance; "I have done nothing but think -ever since--ever since you took my glove; and I have fancied that my -dear father foresaw this, and wished it, as you tell me he was aware -who you were; for never, even at that age, was I permitted to know, -and converse with, and see intimately, any young cavalier but -yourself. And then, do not you remember, when you used to teach me to -shoot with the bow, how he would stand by and praise your shooting? -Oh! I can call to mind a thousand things to make me think so."</p><p class="normal">"Could I but believe it," said Darnley, "I should be even happier than -I am. But still, dear Constance, I hope, I trust, that in the end I -may be enabled to seek your hand, not as an outcast wanderer. Your -good cousin, Lord Darby, has brought me to the knowledge of the king, -whose favour I have been happy enough to gain. He has retained me as -one of the gentlemen of his privy chamber, appointed me apartments in -the palace, which are just above your own; and I hope so far to win -his regard by this opportunity, that he may be induced to hear my -cause against the villain who has seized our inheritance, and do -justice to us at last. And then, Constance, with rank, and fortune, -and favour, all restored, Darnley may hope."</p><p class="normal">"And what if not restored, Darnley?" said Lady Constance. "Do you -think that rank, or fortune, or favour, will make any difference in -the regard of Constance de Grey? No, Darnley: if--but I won't say -<i>if</i>---you love me, the cardinal may do what he will, but I will never -wed another. He may find means, as they hint, to forfeit my English -lands, yet he cannot take my French ones; and even if he did, I would -rather be beggar and free than married to a man I do not love. Not -that I do not love Darby as my cousin; he is kind, and generous, and -frank; but oh!! it is very, very different. But you say that he -introduced you to the king; I did not know you were even acquainted."</p><p class="normal">"It is a long story, dear Constance," replied the knight; "I will give -it you some other time; but now tell me, while we are yet -uninterrupted, how may I see you? To watch for you, even to catch a -word during the day, certainly were delight; but still 'tis hard, -situated as we are, not to be able to communicate together more -freely. May not I come to see you?"</p><p class="normal">"Certainly," replied Lady Constance; "but you know that I can hardly -have any private conversation with you even when you do; for good Dr. -Wilbraham is with me the greater part of the morning, and one of my -women always." She paused for a moment in thought, and, raising her -eyes to his, "Darnley," she said, "I never could love a man in whose -honour I could not entirely confide; therefore I do not think it shows -me either weak or wrong when I say that I will be entirely guided by -you. We are not situated as people in general, and therefore we cannot -act as people in general do. Tell me, then, what you think right, and -I will do it. But here are two of the maskers coming directly towards -us. Say what must I do?"</p><p class="normal">"It is necessary, Constance," said the knight quickly, "absolutely -necessary, that I should sometimes be allowed half-an-hour's -conversation alone, especially at the present moment. I will come -to-morrow early, very early, if it can be then. May I?"</p><p class="normal">"Yes," said Lady Constance, "I will see. But who are these? They are -coming to us."</p><p class="normal">"It is Lord Darby," said the knight, "and, if I mistake not, Lady -Katrine Bulmer."</p><p class="normal">"Dear Polacco!" cried Lord Darby, approaching with a lady, who, to use -an old writer's description, was wondrous gay in her apparel, with a -marvellous strange and rich tire on her head: "dear Polacco, I am but -now aware of how much I have to thank you for. What! you were near -tilting at the Rochester host, and broaching me half-a-dozen -plank-shavers on your spear in defence of a fair lady, and also took -my part even before you knew me? Now, will I guess who is this silver -fair one by your side? she's blushing through her mask as if I were -going to pronounce her name with the voice of a trumpet. Well, sweet -cousin! will you own that you have a wild and rattle-pated relation in -the good town of Westminster? and if so, though you cannot love him, -will you love a very loveable creature for his sake?"</p><p class="normal">"Hush, mad-cap! let me speak!" said the voice of Lady Katrine Bulmer. -"Lady," she continued, placing herself by the side of Lady Constance, -"will you hate one that would fain love you very much, and have your -love again?"</p><p class="normal">"Heaven forbid!" replied Lady Constance. "'Tis so sweet to be loved -ourselves, that feeling it, we can scarce refuse it again to those -that love us: with a reservation, though," she added.</p><p class="normal">"Granted the reservation, that there is still a one must be loved -best," said Lady Katrine; "we all four know it," and she glanced her -merry eyes round the circle. "Oh, what a happy thing is a mask! Here -one may confess one's love, or laugh at one's friends, or abuse one's -relations, without a blush; and surely, if they were worn always, they -would save a world of false smiles and a world of false tears. Oh, -strange economy! What an ocean of grimaces might be spared if man were -but to wear a pasteboard face!"</p><p class="normal">"I am afraid that he does so more than you think, lady," replied Sir -Osborne. "You will own that his countenance is hollow, and that its -smiles are painted: in short, that it is all a picture, though a -moving one."</p><p class="normal">"Listen to him!" cried Lady Katrine, raising her look to Lord Darby; -"think of his having the impudence to moralise in the presence of two -women! Would you have believed it?"</p><p class="normal">"Nay, fair lady! it was you who led the way," replied Sir Osborne. -"But what means that trumpet in these peaceful halls?"</p><p class="normal">"'Tis either a sound to supper," replied Lord Darby, "or the entrance -of one of those pageants of which our gracious king is so fond. At all -events, let us go and see."</p><p class="normal">Thus speaking, he led away Lady Katrine gaily to the door, towards -which all the other parties from the enchanted garden were now -proceeding. Sir Osborne and Lady Constance followed more slowly. -"Darnley," said the fair girl, as she leaned on his arm, "I know not -what sort of presentiment led me hither to-night, for I have been so -vexed and so distressed with much that has happened since my arrival -in London, that I can hardly call myself well. I am now much fatigued, -and if I can escape, I will hie me to my bed. When you come to-morrow, -you shall answer me a thousand questions that I have to ask. Oh! I see -I can pass round by that other door. Farewell for this night!"</p><p class="normal">"Oh, that I dared hope it had been a happy one to you, as it has been -to me!" said the knight, still holding her hand with a fond and -lingering pressure.</p><p class="normal">"It has, Darnley; it has!" replied Lady Constance; "it has been one -that I shall never forget. Farewell!" and turning away, she passed out -of the door at the side, which led to the apartments in that wing of -the building: not, however, without one look more into the room where -her lover stood gazing still, to catch the last glance of that -graceful figure ere it left his sight.</p><p class="normal">When she was gone, the young knight, with a high-beating heart, turned -to the door of the great hall, and entered with some of the last -lingerers, who were now changing their slowness into speed, in order -to get a place before the pageant entered. The thoughts of Sir -Osborne, however, were employed on so much more engrossing subjects, -that he took no pains to hasten his steps till he was fairly within -the chamber, when, seeing the whole of the guests arranged on the -farther side of the hall, with the queen in the centre, under her -canopy or cloth of estate, he felt the impropriety of standing there -alone, and hastened to seek a place.</p><p class="normal">At that moment he observed Henry, who, still disguised, was seated -amongst the rest, and who made him a sign to take a place beside him. -Notwithstanding his mask, however, it was very evident that the king -was known; for, on his sign to Sir Osborne, all around made way for -the young knight to approach the monarch. Scarcely had he taken his -seat when, through the great doors of the hall, a huge machine was -rolled in, before which extended a double cloth of arras, so arranged -as to hide every part of the gewgaw within, only leaving a twinkling -light here and there, seen through the crevices, like the lamps that, -through the cracks of the last scene in a pantomime, announce the -brilliant change that is soon to take place to the temple of Love or -Venus, or some other such sweet power, that deals in pasteboard and -spangles.</p><p class="normal">But such a thing can never be so well described as in the words of -those who saw it, and whose old stiff style harmonises admirably well -with the quaint and graceless show that they detail. We shall -therefore only so far modify the account which Hall, the chronicler, -gives of this very pageant, as to render him generally intelligible.</p><p class="normal">"Then," says he, "there was a device or pageant brought in, out of -which pageant issued a gentleman richly apparelled, that showed how, -in a garden of pleasure, there was an arbour of gold, wherein were -lords and ladies, much desirous to show pleasure and pastime to the -queen and ladies, if they might be licensed so to do; who was answered -by the queen, how sire and all other there were very desirous to see -them and their pastime, when a great cloth of arras, that did hang -before the same pageant, was taken away, and the pageant brought more -near. It was curiously made and pleasant to behold; it was solemn and -rich, for every post or pillar thereof was covered with frieze gold. -Therein were trees of hawthorn, eglantines, roses, vines, and other -pleasant flowers of divers colours, with gillofers and other herbs, -all made of satin, damask, silk, silver and gold, accordingly as the -natural trees, herbs, or flowers ought to be. In which arbour were six -ladies, all apparelled in white satin and green, set and embroidered -full of H. and K. of gold, knit together with laces of gold of damask, -and all their garments were replenished with glittering spangles gilt -over; and on their heads were bonnets all opened at the four quarters, -overfriezed with flat gold of damask. In this garden also were six -lords, apparelled in garments of purple satin, all of cuts with H. and -K. Every edge garnished with friezed gold, and every garment full of -posies, made in letters of fine gold in bullion, as thick as might be; -and every person had his name in like letters of massy gold. The -first, <i>Cœur Loyal</i>; the second, <i>Bonne Volure</i>; the third, <i>Bon -Espoir</i>; the fourth, <i>Valiant Désire</i>; the fifth, <i>Bonne Foi</i>; the -sixth, <i>Amour Loyal</i>. Their hose, caps, and coats, were full of posies -and H. K.'s of fine gold in bullion, so the ground could scarce -appear, and yet in every void place were spangles of gold. When time -was come, the said pageant was brought forward into presence, and then -descended a lord and lady by couples, and then the minstrels, which -were disguised, also danced, and the lords and ladies danced, that it -was a pleasure to behold."</p><p class="normal">Such is old Hall's description of the pageant which now entered: and -it may easily be imagined that Sir Osborne, accustomed to a less -luxurious court, was somewhat astonished at the splendour of the -scene, if he was not much gratified by the good taste of the device.</p><p class="normal">When the eye of Henry, pampered with such gaudy food from day to day, -had taken in enough of the pageant, he rose from his seat, and waving -his hand for the musicians to cease, "Thanks, gentle lords and ladies; -thanks!" he cried; and taking off his own mask, added, "Let us ease -our faces of their vizards."</p><p class="normal">As he spoke, every one rose and unmasked; and Henry, taking Sir -Osborne by the hand, led him forward to the queen, while all eyes -naturally fixed upon him.</p><p class="normal">"Fair lady mine," said the king, "I bring you a good knight, Sir -Osborne Maurice, who, as you see, has wit at will, and who, I can -vouch, is as keen a champion in the saddle as he is a graceful dancer -in the hall. In short, he is a very gentle perfect knight, whom you -must cherish and receive for my love."</p><p class="normal">While Sir Osborne knelt and kissed the hand that she extended to him, -Katherine replied, "Indeed, my lord, you have brought me one that I -have longed to see. This is the good knight who, on his journey -towards London, took charge of my giddy girl and namesake, Katrine -Bulmer, and defended her from the Rochester rioters. Come hither, -Kate, and in our presence thank the knight for all the trouble I am -sure he had with thee upon the road."</p><p class="normal">"Nay, your grace," said Lady Katrine, advancing, "I have thanked him -once already, and men are all too saucy and conceited to thank them -twice."</p><p class="normal">"'Tis thou art saucy, my fair mistress," said the king, laughing; and -then bending down his head to the queen, who was still seated, he -whispered something to her which made her smile and raise her eyes to -the knight and Lady Katrine. "A handsome pair, indeed!" said she, in -reply to what the king had whispered. "But the banquet is ready."</p><p class="normal">"Lords and ladies," said Henry, raising his voice, "our royal mistress -will not let us part without our supper. All, then, come in pairs, for -in the White Hall is prepared a banquet. Sir Osborne, lead in Lady -Katrine there; you shall be coupled for an hour at least."</p><p class="normal">Sir Osborne glanced his eye to Lord Darby; but the earl was perfectly -master of his countenance, and looking as indifferent as if nothing -had happened, led in some other lady, while the knight endeavoured to -entertain Lady Katrine as well as he might, labouring under the -comfortable assurance that she would very much have preferred another -by her side.</p><br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XXI.</h4><div class="poem0" style="margin-left:20%"> -<p class="continue">Would I a house for happiness erect,<br> -Nature alone should be the architect.--<span class="sc">Cowley</span>.</p><p class="continue">Light hath no tongue, but is all eye;<br> -If it could speak as well as spy,<br> -This were the worst that it could say,<br> -That being well I fain would stay.--<span class="sc">Donne</span>.</p></div><p class="normal">We must now pass over a brief space of time with but little -commemoration.</p><p class="normal">It was a bright and beautiful morning in the beginning of the month of -May, when the sky was of that soft, tender blue which it possesses in -the early year, ere the ardent rays of summer have dyed it with a -deeper tint; and yet there was nothing of that misty faintness of hue -which foretels that the blue eye of heaven may be filled with tears -before nightfall. It was clear, though it was soft; and the light -white clouds that, winged by the breeze, sped quickly over the wide -expanse, gave to the earth no trace of their passing, except the -fleeting shadows that followed them, which, hurrying rapidly over the -distant fields and woods, made each spot as they left it look brighter -than before. Every object that met the eye spoke of spring. The bright -green of the trees, and the fields, and the woods, clearly told that -they had not known the burning touch of summer, which, like manhood -and the world's experience, coming o'er the fresh dreams of youth, -withers while it ripens, and with its very first approach steals -somewhat of the refreshing hue of early nature. The wild singing of -the birds, rejoicing in the return of brightness to the earth, and -making the whole air vocal with the bursting happiness of their -renewed enjoyment; the busy hum of animated being rising up from hill, -and dale, and wood, and joining with their song upon the breeze; all -spoke of refreshed existence. Flowers painted the fields, and blossoms -hung upon the trees, and perfume shook its light wings in the morning -air and sprinkled it with balm.</p><p class="normal">It was one of those mornings when the heart opens, and when every vein -thrills with glad existence; when we feel, as it were, the Deity on -the morning's breath; when we hear Him in the voice of creation; when -we worship Him in his works, and adore Him in the temple He himself -has raised. The scene, too, was lovely. It was in a wide open park, -where the rich thick grass spread like velvet over every slope and -lawn; so rich, so thick, its elasticity almost raised the foot that -trod it. On its luxuriant bosom the wide old trees, scattered in -clumps, or gathered together in broad sweeping woods, cast a deep -shadow, defined and clear, making the glossy softness and the vivid -green shine out more strongly for the contrast. It was the elm and the -oak that principally tenanted that park, though occasionally a -hawthorn or a beech would interpose; and wherever they congregated in -a wood there was to be found every sort of shrub and brushwood -clinging round their roots. Many a glade, however, appeared, and many -a lawn between; and where the trees broke away, there a wide extended -view presented itself, showing a rich and fertile country beyond, full -of green hedgerows and fields, broken and diversified by the lines of -hamlets and villages, mingling an air of wealth, prosperity, and -living gladness, with the bright sweetness of the morning and the calm -tranquillity of the park itself.</p><p class="normal">At the foot, then, of one of the old oaks in Richmond Park sat Lady -Constance de Grey, while her woman Margaret stood at a little distance -with a page, and Sir Osborne Maurice leaned by her side. They had met -by chance--really by chance--at that early hour in that remote part of -the park; though it is more than probable that the same thoughts, -acting on hearts so nearly allied, had led them both forth to meditate -on their fate. And even after they had met, the stillness of the scene -seemed to have found its way to their souls, for they remained almost -in silence watching the clouds and gazing at the view, content to feel -that they enjoyed together the same sweet morning and the same lovely -scene.</p><p class="normal">It may be as well, however, before proceeding further, to give some -slight sketch of what had occurred since the close of the last -chapter; though were we to account for every day, it would be but -detail of just after just, tourney after tourney, revel upon revel, -wearisome from their repetition, and sickening from their vain -splendour. Suffice it that Sir Osborne still maintained his place in -the king's favour. His lance was always held by the judges of the -field as next to the king's: his grace in the hall, or at the court, -his dexterity in martial exercises, his clerkly learning, and his -lighter accomplishments, won him much admiration; while a sort of -unassumingness, which seemed to hold his own high qualities as light, -silenced much envy. In short, it became the fashion to praise him; and -it is so easy for courtiers to applaud or to decry, as the veering -breath of favour changes, that to believe the outward semblance, Sir -Osborne Maurice, next to the king himself, and Charles Brandon Duke of -Suffolk, was the god of the court's idolatry.</p><p class="normal">There was, however, many a curious whisper of--Who was he? Whence did -he come? What was his family? And some of the knights who had served -abroad, and had been with the king at Terouenne and Tournay, conferred -together, and shook the wise head; but still it was remarked that they -were amongst those who most praised and sought the young knight. Sir -Osborne marked with a keen and observing eye all that passed about -him; and seeing that he was recognised by more than one, he felt that -he must hasten to prevent his secret being communicated to the king by -any lips but his own; and now high in favour, he only waited a fitting -opportunity to hazard all by the avowal of his name and rank.</p><p class="normal">Wolsey had been absent for nearly a month in his diocese at York, and, -removed from the influence of his presence, Lord Darby and Lady -Katrine Bulmer, Sir Osborne and Constance de Grey, seemed to have -forgot his stern authority, and given course to the feelings of their -hearts. The knight had seen Lady Constance almost every day; and good -Mistress Margaret, her woman, with whom Sir Osborne was no small -favourite, took care not to exercise towards him that strict etiquette -which she practised upon all other visitors, leaving them full -opportunity to say all that the heart sought to communicate, as she -very well perceived what feelings were busy in their breasts.</p><p class="normal">Thus everything between them was explained, everything was known: -there was no coldness, there was no reserve, there was none of that -idle and base coquetry which delights in teasing a heart that loves. -Constance de Grey loved sincerely, openly, and she had too high an -esteem for the man she had chosen, to suppose that the acknowledgment -of that love could make it less worthy in his eyes. Happy indeed it -was for them both that the most perfect confidence did exist between -them, for Henry had conceived the project of marrying the young knight -to Lady Katrine; and though the queen, with the instinctive perception -of a woman in those matters, soon saw that such a plan would very ill -accord with the feelings of either party, and quickly discouraged it, -yet Henry, giving way to all his own impetuosity, hurried it on with -precipitation, took every occasion to force them together, and -declared that he would have them married as soon as the court returned -from the meeting with the French king at Guisnes.</p><p class="normal">The situation of Sir Osborne was not a little embarrassing, the more -especially as Lady Katrine, in her merry malice, often seemed to give -in entirely to the king's schemes, having a threefold object in so -doing, if object can be attributed to such heedless gaiety; namely, to -coquet a little with Sir Osborne, which she did not dislike with -anybody, to enjoy his embarrassment, and, at the same time, to tease -Lord Darby.</p><p class="normal">With these three laudable motives she might have contrived to make Sir -Osborne and Lady Constance unhappy, had not that mutual confidence -existed between them which set all doubts at defiance. Nor, indeed, -was it Lady Katrine's wish to do harm: whimsical, gay, and -thoughtless, she gave way to the impulse of the moment. If she was in -good humour, she was all liveliness and spirit, running as close to -the borders of direct flirtation as possible with whomsoever happened -to be near; but, on the contrary, if anything went wrong with her, she -would be petulant and irritable, showing forth a thousand little airs -of affected dignity and reserve which were not natural to her. No -one's good regard did she seek more than that of Lady Constance de -Grey; and yet she seemed to take every way to lose it. But Constance, -though so different herself, understood her character, appreciated the -good, made allowance for the faults, and secure in Darnley's -affection, forgave her little coquetry with her lover.</p><p class="normal">In regard to Lord Darby, he knew Lady Katrine too; and if ever he gave -himself a moment's uneasiness about her waywardness, he did not let it -appear. If she flirted, he flirted too; if she was gay, he took care -not to be a whit behind; if she was affectionate, he was gentle; and -if she was cross, he laughed at her. She never could put him out of -humour, though, to do her all manner of justice, she tried hard; and -thus finding her attempts to tease ineffectual, she gradually relaxed -in the endeavour.</p><p class="normal">In the mean time, the days of Sir Osborne and Lady Constance flew by -in a sweet calm, that had something ominous in its tranquillity. He -had almost forgotten Sir Payan Wileton; and in the mild flow of her -happiness, Constance scarcely remembered the schemes with which the -avaricious and haughty Wolsey threatened to trouble the stream of her -existence. But, nevertheless, it was to be expected that if the -dispensation had not yet arrived from Rome, it could not be delayed -more than a few days; and that, at the return of the minister from -York, the command would be renewed for her to bestow her hand upon -Lord Darby. Such thoughts would sometimes come across Constance's mind -with a painful sensation of dread; and then, with a spirit which so -fair and tender an exterior hardly seemed to announce, she would -revolve in her mind a plan for baffling the imperious prelate at all -risks, and yet not implicate her lover at the very moment that his -"fortunes were a-making."</p><p class="normal">Then, again, she would often hope that the extraordinary preparations -that were going forward for the speedy meeting of the two courts of -France and England, all the ceremonies that were to be arranged, and -the many important questions that were to be discussed, would divert -the mind of the cardinal from herself, at least till after that -meeting had taken place; during which interval chance might produce -many circumstances more favourable to her hopes. At all events, her -resolution was taken: she felt, too, that no power on earth was -adequate to combat that determination; and thus, with fixed purpose, -she turned her mind from the contemplation of future dangers to the -enjoyment of her present happiness.</p><p class="normal">The scene in Richmond Park, to which the court had now removed from -Greenwich, as well as the bright gentleness of the May morning in -which she met Sir Osborne there, was well calculated to nurse the most -pleasing children of hope; and yet there was something melancholy even -in the magnificent aspect of the day. I know not how, but often in -those grand shining mornings the soul seems to swell too powerfully -for the body; the spirit to feel galled, as it were, by the chain that -binds it to mortality. Whatever be the cause, there is still, in such -a scene, a pensiveness that steals upon the heart; a solemnity that -makes itself felt in those innermost recesses of the mind where -thought and sensation blend so intimately as to be hardly separable -from each other. Constance and Darnley both felt it; but still it was -not sorrow that it produced; for, mingling with their fervent love and -their youthful hope, it gave their feelings something of divine.</p><p class="normal">"This is very, very lovely, Darnley," said Lady Constance, after they -had long gazed in silence. "Oh, why are not all days like this! Why -must we have the storm, and the tempest, and the cloud!"</p><p class="normal">"Perhaps," replied the knight, "if all days were so fair, we might not -esteem them so much: we should be like those, Constance, who in the -world have gone on in a long course of uninterrupted prosperity, and -who have enjoyed so much that they can no longer enjoy."</p><p class="normal">"Oh, no, no!" cried she; "there are some pleasures that never cloy, -and amongst them are those that we derive from contemplating the -loveliness of nature. I cannot think that I should ever weary of -scenes like these. No! let me have a fairy sky, where the sunshine -scarcely knows a cloud, and where the air is always soft and sweet -like this."</p><p class="normal">At this moment Mistress Margaret approached, with some consternation -in her aspect. "Good now, lady!" cried she; "look! who is that coming? -Such a strange-looking little man, no bigger than an atomy! Oh! I am -glad the knight is with us; for it is something singular, I am sure."</p><p class="normal">"You are very right, Mistress Margaret," said Sir Osborne; "this is, -indeed, a most singular being that approaches. Constance, you have -heard the queen and her ladies speak of Sir Cesar, the famous -alchymist and astrologer. He is well known to good Dr. Wilbraham, and -seems, for some reason, to take a strange interest in all my -proceedings. Depend on it, he comes to warn us of something that is -about to happen, and his warning must not be slighted; for, from -wheresoever his knowledge comes, it is very strange."</p><p class="normal">Lady Constance and the knight watched the old man as he came slowly -over the green towards them, showing little of that vivacity of -demeanour by which he was generally characterised. On approaching -near, he bowed to Lady Constance with courtly ease, saluted the knight -in a manner which might be called affectionate; and, without apology -for his intrusion, seated himself at the lady's feet, and began a gay -and easy conversation upon the justs of the day before.</p><p class="normal">"There is no court in the world," said he, after a little--"and there -are few courts I have not seen--where such sports are carried to the -height of luxury that they are here. I never saw the tournaments, the -justs, the pageants of Henry the Eighth, King of England, excelled but -once."</p><p class="normal">"And when was that, may I ask?" demanded Lady Constance, whose -feelings towards the old man were strangely mingled of awe and -curiosity, so much had she heard of him and his strange powers during -her residence at the court.</p><p class="normal">"It was in Germany," replied Sir Cesar, "at the city of Ratisbon; and -it was conducted as all such displays should ever be conducted. Each -knight wore over his armour a motley suit, and on his casque a cap and -bells; the hilt of his sword was ornamented with a bauble, and as they -made procession to the lists, the court fools of all the electors in -the empire followed behind the knights, and whipped them on with blown -bladders."</p><p class="normal">"Nay, nay, you are a satirist," said Lady Constance; "such a thing, -surely, could never happen in reality."</p><p class="normal">"In truth it did, lady," answered Sir Cesar; "it was called the -<i>Tournament of Fools</i>, though I wot not to distinguish it from other -tournaments, which are all foolish enough. Osborne," he continued, -turning abruptly to the young knight, "you will ride no more at this -court."</p><p class="normal">"How mean you?" demanded Sir Osborne: "why should I not?"</p><p class="normal">"I mean," replied the old man, "that I come to forewarn you of -approaching evil. Perhaps you may turn it aside, but there is much -that threatens you. Are you not losing time? The king's regard is -gained; wherefore, then, do you delay? While Wolsey is absent--mark -me! while Wolsey is absent--or you are lost for the moment."</p><p class="normal">"Oh! say not so," cried Lady Constance, clasping her hands; "oh! say -not so, for I hear that he returns to-morrow."</p><p class="normal">"Fear not, lady," said Sir Cesar, who had now risen; "the danger will -last but for a time, and then pass away. So that, whatever happens to -either of you, let not your hearts sink; but be firm, steadfast, and -true. All the advice I can give you is but the advice of an ordinary -mortal like yourselves. Men judge rashly when they think that even -those who see clearest can yet see clear. All that I know, all that I -behold, is but a dim shadowing forth of what will be, like the -indistinct memory of long gone years; a circumstance without a form. I -see in both your fates an evil and a sorrowful hour approaching, and -yet I cannot tell you how to avoid it; but I can descry that 'twill be -but for a while, and that must console you."</p><p class="normal">"Good Sir Cesar," said the young knight, "I will ask you no questions, -for I have now learned that you were a dear friend of my father, and I -feel sure that you will give all knowledge that may be useful to me; -and if you will tell me what is good to do in this conjuncture, I will -follow it."</p><p class="normal">"Good, now!" said Sir Cesar, with a gratified look: "good! I see you -are overcoming your old fault, though you have been a long while about -it. Three thousand years! three thousand years to my remembrance."</p><p class="normal">Constance turned an inquiring look to her lover, who, however, was not -capable of giving her any explanation. "Think you," demanded he, -addressing Sir Cesar, "that it would be best to inform his grace of -everything at once?"</p><p class="normal">"I think it would," said the old man; "I think it would, but I -scarcely dare advise you. Osborne, there is a conviction pressing on -my mind, which I have perhaps learned too late. Can it be that those -who are permitted to read certain facts in the book of fate are -blinded to the right interpretation of that which they discover? -Perhaps it may be--I have reason to believe it. Nought that I have -ever calculated has proved false; but often, often it has been -verified in a sense so opposite to my expectations, yet so evident -when it did appear, that it seems as if heaven held the search -presumptuous, and baffled the searcher even with the knowledge he -acquired. Never more will I presume to expound aught that I may learn. -The fact I tell you: an evil and a bitter hour is coming for you both, -but it shall not last, and then you shall be happy--when I am no -more." And turning away without other farewell, he left them, and took -the way to the palace.</p><p class="normal">Lady Constance gazed on the face of her lover with a look of -apprehensive tenderness that banished all thought of himself. "Oh, my -Constance!" said he, "to think of your having to undergo so much for -me is too, too painful! But fear not, dear Constance; we are still in -a land where laws are above all power, and they cannot, they dare not -ill-treat you!"</p><p class="normal">"For myself, Darnley," replied Constance, "I have no fear. They may -threaten, they may wrong me, they may do what they will, but they can -never make me marry another. It is for you I fear. However, he said -that we should be happy at last, though he hinted that you would be -driven from the court. Oh, Darnley! if that be the case--if you find -there be the least danger--fly without loss of time----"</p><p class="normal">"And leave behind me," said Darnley, "all I love in the world! Oh, -Constance! would not the block and axe itself be preferable? It would, -it would, a thousand times preferable to leaving you for ever!"</p><p class="normal">"It might," said Constance; "I myself feel it might, if you feel as I -feel. But, Darnley, I tell you at once I boldly promise to follow."</p><p class="normal">"But still, Constance, dear, excellent girl!" said the knight, "would -it be right, would it be honourable, in me to accept such a -sacrifice?"</p><p class="normal">"Darnley," said Lady Constance, firmly, "my happiness is in your -hands, and what is right and honourable is not to throw that happiness -away. Now that my love is yours, now that my hand is promised to you, -you have no right to think of rank, or fortune, or aught else. If I -were obliged to fly, would you not follow me? and wheresoever you go, -there will I find means to join you. All I ask, all I pray in return -is, that if there be the least danger, you will instantly fly. Will -you promise me? If you love me you will."</p><p class="normal">"I will," said Sir Osborne. "What would I not do to prove that love! -But I trust, dear Constance, there may be no need of hasty flight. All -they can do will be to banish me the court, for I have committed no -crime but coming here under a feigned name."</p><p class="normal">"I know not; I know not," said the lady; "'tis easy, where no crime -is, to forge an accusation; and, if report speak truth, such has been -Wolsey's frequent policy, when any one became loved of our gracious -king; so that even the favour you have gained may prove your ruin. -But you have promised to fly upon the first threatening of danger, -and I hold as a part of that promise that you will stay for no -leave-taking."</p><p class="normal">"Well, well, Constance," replied the knight, "time will show us more. -But, at all events, I will try to anticipate Wolsey's return, and, by -telling Henry all, secure my fate."</p><p class="normal">"Do so, do so!" said Lady Constance; "and, oh! lose no time. Fly to -him, Darnley; he must be risen by this time. Farewell! farewell!"</p><p class="normal">Sir Osborne would fain have lingered still, but Constance would not be -satisfied till he went. At last then he left her, and proceeded with -quick steps to the palace; while she, with a slower pace, pursued -another path through the park, having been rejoined by Mistress -Margaret, who, not liking the appearance of old Sir Cesar, had removed -to a secure distance on his approach, and who now poured forth no -inconsiderable vituperation on his face, his figure, and his apparel.</p><br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XXII.</h4><div class="poem0" style="margin-left:5%"> -<p class="continue"><i>Gloucester</i>.--Talking of hawking--nothing else, my -lord.--<span class="sc">Shakspere</span>.</p></div><p class="normal">On arriving at the palace, Sir Osborne found that he had been sent for -by the king; and hurrying his steps towards the privy chamber, he was -met by Henry himself, bearing a hawk upon his hand, and armed with a -stout leaping-pole, as if prepared for the field. "Come, sir knight," -cried the king, "if you would see sport, follow quick. Bennet has just -marked a heron go down by the side of the river, and I am resolved to -fly young Jacob here, that his wings may not rust. Follow quick!"</p><p class="normal">Thus speaking, the king made all speed out of the palace; and cutting -partly across the park, and round the base of the hill, soon reached -the edge of the river, where slower progress became necessary, and he -could converse with the young knight without interrupting his sport. -Their conversation, however, was solely about hawking and its -accessories; and winding along by the side of the sedges with which -the bank was lined, they tried to raise the game by cries, and by -beating the rushes with the leaping-pole.</p><p class="normal">For a long way no heron made its appearance; and Henry was beginning -to get impatient, just in the same proportion as he had been eager in -setting out. Unwilling, however, to yield his sport, after persisting -some time in endeavouring, with the aid of Sir Osborne, to make the -prey take flight, he sent back the only attendant that had followed -him for a dog, and went on slowly with the knight, pursuing the course -of the river. When they had proceeded about two hundred yards, and had -arrived at a spot where the bank rose into a little mound, the knight -paused, while Henry, rather crossed with not having instantly met with -the amusement he expected, sauntered on, bending his eyes upon the -ground.</p><p class="normal">"Hist, your grace! hist!" cried Sir Osborne: "I have him!"</p><p class="normal">"Where, man? where?" cried Henry, looking round without seeing -anything. "'Odslife, where?"</p><p class="normal">"Here, your grace! here!" replied the knight. "Do you not see him, -with one leg raised and the claw contracted, gazing on the water as -intently as a lady in a looking-glass, by that branch of a tree that -is floating down?"</p><p class="normal">"Ha! yes, yes!" cried Henry. "The long neck and the blue back! 'Tis -he. Whoop! sir heron! whoop! Cry him up, Maurice! cry him up!"</p><p class="normal">Sir Osborne joined his voice to the king's; and their united efforts -reaching the ears of the long-legged fowl they were in search of, he -speedily spread his wings, stretched out his neck, and rose heavily -from the water. With a whoop and a cry the king slipped the jesses of -his falcon, and flew him after the heron, who, for a moment, not -perceiving the adversary that pursued him, took his flight over the -fields, instead of rising high. On went the heron, on went the falcon, -and on went Henry after them; till, coming to a little muddy creek, -which thereabouts found its way into the river, the king planted his -pole with his accustomed activity, and threw himself forward for the -leap. Unfortunately, however, at the very moment that his whole weight -was cast upon the pole, in the midst of the spring, the wood snapped, -and in an instant Sir Osborne saw the king fall flat on his face, and -nearly disappear in the ooze and water with which the creek was -filled. Henry struggled to free himself, but in vain; for the tenacity -of the mud prevented his raising his head, so that in another minute -he must inevitably have been drowned, had not Sir Osborne plunged in -to his aid, and lifted his face above the water, thus giving him room -to breathe. Short as had been the time, however, that respiration had -been impeded, the king's powers were nearly exhausted, and even with -the knight's assistance he could not raise himself from the position -in which he had fallen.</p><p class="normal">Though an unsafe experiment for both, considering the mud and slime -with which they were entangled, nothing remained for Sir Osborne but -to take the king in his arms, and endeavour to carry him to the bank; -and this at length he accomplished, sometimes slipping, and sometimes -staggering, from the uncertain nature of the footing and the heavy -burden that he carried; but, still supported by his vast strength, he -contrived to keep himself from falling, proceeding slowly and -carefully forward, and assuring himself of the firmness of each step -before he took another.<a name="div4Ref_14" href="#div4_14"><sup>[14]</sup></a></p><p class="normal">With a feeling of inexpressible gladness, he seated Henry on the bank, -and kneeling beside him expressed his hopes that he had received no -injury. "No," said the king, faintly; "no. But, Maurice, you have -saved my life. Thank God, and thank you!"</p><p class="normal">A pause now ensued, and the young knight endeavoured, as well as -circumstances would permit, to cleanse the countenance and hands of -the monarch from the effects of the fall. While he was thus employed, -the king gradually recovered his breath and strength, and from time to -time uttered a word or two of thanks or directions, till at last -Bennet, the attendant, was seen approaching with the dog.</p><p class="normal">"Stay, stay, Sir Osborne," said the monarch; "here comes Bennet. We -will send him for fresh clothes. Where is the falcon? By my faith, I -owe you much; ay, as much as life! Whistle for the falcon; I have not -breath."</p><p class="normal">Sir Osborne uttered a long falconer's whistle, and in a moment the -bird hovered above them, and perched upon the hand the monarch -extended to it, showing by its bloody beak and claws that it had -struck the prey. Nearly at the same time came up Bennet, who, as may -be supposed, expressed no small terror and surprise at beholding the -king in such a situation, and was preparing to fill the air with -ejaculations and lamentations, when Henry stopped him in the midst.</p><p class="normal">"No, Bennet, no!" cried he; "keep all that for when I <i>am</i> dead quite! -Ha, man! 'twill be time enough then. Thanks to Sir Osborne, I am not -dead at present. Here, take this bird. I have lost both hood and -jesses in that foul creek. Hie to the manor, Bennet, and fetch me a -large cloak with a hood, and another for Sir Osborne. We will not -return all draggled with the ooze; ha, Maurice! Quick, Bennet! But -mind, man; not a word of this misadventure, on your life!"</p><p class="normal">"Ah! your grace knows that I am discreet," replied the footman.</p><p class="normal">"Ay, as discreet as the babbling echo, or a jay, or a magpie," cried -Henry; "but get thee gone, quick! and return by the path we came, for -we follow slowly. Lend me your arm, Sir Osborne. We will round by yon -little bridge. A curse upon the leaping-pole, say I! By my fay, I will -have all the creeks in England stopped. I owe my life to you, but -hereafter we will speak of that: I will find means to repay it."</p><p class="normal">"I am more than repaid, your grace," said Sir Osborne, "by the -knowledge that, but for my poor aid, England might have lost her king, -and within a few hours the whole realm might have been drowned in -tears."</p><p class="normal">"Ay, poor souls! I do believe they would regret me," said the monarch; -"for, heaven knows, it is my wish to see them happy. A king's best -elegy is to be found in the tears of his subjects, Sir Osborne; and -every king should strive to merit their love when living and their -regret when dead."</p><p class="normal">Strange as it may seem, to those accustomed to picture themselves -Henry the Eighth as the sanguinary and remorseless tyrant which he -appeared in later years, such were the sentiments with which he set -out in his regal career, while youth, prosperity, and power were all -in their first freshness: 'twas the tale of the spoiled child, which -was always good-humoured when it was pleased. Now the first twelve -years of Henry's reign offered nought but pleasure, and during their -lapse he appeared a gay, light-hearted, gallant monarch, fit to rule -and win the hearts of a brave people; for nothing yet had arisen to -call into action the mighty vices that lay latent in his nature. -Gradually, however, luxury produced disease, and disease pain, and -pain called up cruelty; while long prosperity and uncontradicted sway -made him imperious, irascible, and almost frantic under opposition. -But such was not the case now, and it was only the close observer of -human nature that could at all perceive in the young and splendid -monarch the traits that promised what he would afterwards become.</p><p class="normal">Discoursing on the unlucky termination of their sport, Henry proceeded -with Sir Osborne into the park, and there awaited the coming of the -servant with their cloaks; feeling a sort of foppish unwillingness to -enter the palace in the state in which his fall had left him, his -whole dress being stiff with mud, and both face and hands in anything -but a comely condition. Many men might have taken advantage of Sir -Osborne's situation to urge their suit; but notwithstanding the very -great claim that the accident of the morning had given him upon Henry, -the knight was hardly satisfied that it had occurred. He deemed that, -in common decency, he should be obliged to delay the communication -which he had proposed to make that very evening, and thereby allow -Wolsey to arrive before the event was decided, which for every reason -he had hoped to avoid. Were he to press his suit now, it would seem, -he thought, surprising from the king's gratitude what his justice -might have denied, and indelicately to solicit a high reward for an -accidental service. His great hope, however, was that in the course of -the evening the king might himself renew the subject, and, by offering -some token of his thanks, afford him an opportunity of pleading for -justice for his father and himself.</p><p class="normal">The discomfited falconers waited not long in the park before they were -rejoined by the servant bearing the cloaks which the king had -commanded; but although they soon reached the palace, the clammy -wetness of his whole dress caused several slight shiverings to pass -over the limbs of Henry, and after some persuasion by Sir Osborne he -was induced to ask the counsel of his surgeon, who recommended him -instantly to bathe, and then endeavour to sleep.</p><p class="normal">This was, of course, a signal for the young knight to withdraw; and -taking leave of the king, he retired to his apartments to change his -own dress, which was not in a much more comfortable state than that of -the monarch. Our old friend Longpole soon answered to his call; and -while aiding him in his arrangements, without any comment upon the -state of his clothes, which he seemed to regard as nothing -extraordinary, the honest custrel often paused to give a glance at his -master's face, as one who has something to communicate, the nature of -which may not be very palatable to the hearer.</p><p class="normal">"Well, Longpole," said the knight, after observing several of these -looks, "when you have trussed these three points, you shall tell me -what is the matter, for I see you have something on your mind."</p><p class="normal">"I only wished to ask your worship," said the custrel, "if you had -seen him; for he's lurking about here, like a blackbird under a -cherry-tree."</p><p class="normal">"Seen whom?" demanded the knight.</p><p class="normal">"Why, the devil, your worship," replied Longpole. "I've seen him -twice."</p><p class="normal">"Indeed!" said Sir Osborne; "and pray what did his infernal highness -say to you when you did see him? Or rather, what do you mean?"</p><p class="normal">"Why, I mean, sir," replied the other, "that I have seen Sir Payan -Wileton twice here in the park during yesterday, if it was not his -ghost; for he looked deadly pale, and I fancied I could smell a sort -of brimstony smell. Now, I wot, a cunning priest would have told by -the flavour whether 'twas purgatory half and half, or unadulterated -hell: though, if he's not there, hell's empty."</p><p class="normal">"Hush!" said Sir Osborne; "speak not so lightly. When was this?"</p><p class="normal">"The first time I saw him, sir," answered the yeoman, "was yesterday -in the forenoon, soon after the justs, when I took a stroll out into -the park with Mistress Geraldine, the Lady Katrine's maid, for a -little fresh air after the peck of dust I had broken my fast upon in -the field. We had got, I don't know how, your worship, into that -lonely part under the hill, when beneath one of the trees hard by I -saw Sir Payan standing stock-still, with his hand in the bosom of his -doublet. His colour was always little better than that of a turnip, -but now it looked like a turnip boiled."</p><p class="normal">"Did he speak to you?" demanded Sir Osborne, "or give any sign that he -recognised you?"</p><p class="normal">"He did not speak," replied Longpole; "but when he saw me, he quietly -slipped his hand out of the bosom of his doublet, and getting it down -to the hilt of his poniard, kept fingering it with a sort of -affectionate squeeze, as much as to say, 'Dearly beloved, how I should -like to pluck you out of your leathern case, and furnish you with one -of flesh and blood!' He was ever fond of playing with his poniard; and -when he spoke to you, if it were but of sousing a toast, he would draw -it in and out of the scabbard all the time, as though he were afraid -of losing the acquaintance if he did not keep up the intimacy."</p><p class="normal">"You neither spoke nor took any notice, I hope," said Sir Osborne.</p><p class="normal">"Oh, no, your worship!" answered the custrel; "I did not even give him -<i>bon jour</i>, though he was fond of talking French to me when he wished -to say something privately. I only twitched Mistress Geraldine over to -the other side, and passed him by close; thinking to myself, 'If I see -your dagger in the air, I'll go nigh to sweep your head off with my -broadsword, if I have to run to France for it;' but seeing that I -looked him in the face, he turned him round upon his heel, with a draw -down of the corner of his mouth, which meant a great deal if it were -rightly read.</p><p class="normal">"Why, first, it meant--I hate you sufficiently to pretend to despise -you. Then--I'll murder you whenever I can do so safely; and again it -went to say--Give my best love to your master, and tell him he'll hear -more of me soon."</p><p class="normal">"By my faith! a good reading, and, I doubt not, a true one," replied -the knight; "but we must try and render his malice of no avail. And -now, tell me, when did you see him the second time?"</p><p class="normal">"The second time was after dinner, sir," said Longpole, "when his -grace the king, yourself, and the Duke of Suffolk kept the barriers -against all comers."</p><p class="normal">"He did not try the field, did he?" demanded Sir Osborne.</p><p class="normal">"Oh, no!" replied Longpole; "he stood looking on at a good distance, -wrapped up in a cloak, so that it needed sharp eyes to recognise him; -but I saw him all the time fix his eyes upon you, so like a cat before -a mouse-hole, that I thought every minute to see him overspring the -barrier and take you by the throat. Depend upon it that good and -honest knight, like his german-cousin, Satan, never travels for any -good, and we shall hear more of him."</p><p class="normal">"I doubt it not," answered Sir Osborne; "and we must guard against -him. But now, Longpole, a word or two to you. Did you give the packet, -as I directed you, to Mistress Geraldine, Lady Katrine's woman?"</p><p class="normal">"I did, your worship," answered Longpole, somewhat surprised at the -serious air that came over his lord's countenance: "I gave it -immediately I received it from your hands."</p><p class="normal">"That was right," replied Sir Osborne. "And now, let me say to you, my -good Heartley, that I have remarked you often with this same girl -Geraldine, and it seems to me that you are seeking her love."</p><p class="normal">"Oh! good now! your worship," cried Longpole; "if you prohibit me from -making love, it's all over with me. Indeed, your worship, I could not -do without it. It is meat, drink, and sleep to me; better than a -stirrup-cup when I rise in the morning, or a sleeping cup when I go to -bed at night. 'Faith I could not sleep without being in love. There, -when I was with Sir Payan, where there was nothing to fall in love -with but the portrait of his grandmother against the wall, I could not -sleep o' nights at all, and was forced to take to deer-stealing, just -for amusement. 'Odslife! your worship is hard on me. There, you have -a bellyful of love, all day long, from the highest ladies of the -court, and you would deny me as much as will lie in the palm of a -serving-woman."</p><p class="normal">"Nay, nay, Longpole!" said Sir Osborne, laughing; "you have taken me -up too hastily. All I meant to say was, merely, that seeing you are -evidently seeking this poor girl's love, you must not play her false. -I do not wish to imply that you would wrong her virtue: of that I am -sure you are incapable; but I mean you must not win her love, and then -leave her for another."</p><p class="normal">"Dear heart, no!" cried Longpole; "I would not for the world. Poor -little soul! she has suffered enough; so I'm now consoling her, your -worship. It's wonderful how soon a broken heart is patched up with a -little of the same stuff that broke it. It is the very reverse of -piecing a doublet; for in love you mend old love with new, and it's -almost as good as ever. However, some day soon we intend to ask your -worship's leave and the priest's blessing, and say all those odd -little words that tie two folks together."</p><p class="normal">"My leave and good wishes you shall have, Longpole," replied the -knight, "and all I can do to assist your purse. Hark! is not that the -trumpet to dinner? Give me my bonnet; I will down and dine at the -board of estate to-day, as I was not there yesterday."</p><p class="normal">On descending to the hall, Sir Osborne was instantly assailed by a -thousand questions respecting the accident which had befallen the -king; for, what between the diligent exertions of the attendants and -those of the surgeon, the news had already spread through the whole -court. In reply, the knight gave as brief and exact an account of the -whole occurrence as possible, endeavouring to stop the lying tongue of -Rumour by furnishing her with the truth at least. After dinner he -returned to his own apartments, and only left them once for a -momentary visit to Constance de Grey, remaining in hopes all the -evening that the king might send for him when he arose. Such hopes, -however, were in vain: day waned and night fell, and the knight's suit -was no farther advanced than when Sir Cesar warned him to hasten it in -the morning.</p><br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XXIII.</h4><div class="poem0" style="margin-left:20%"> -<p class="continue">A spirit fit to start into an empire,<br> -And look the world to law.<br> -He, full of fraudful arts,<br> -This well-invented tale for truth imparts--<span class="sc">Dryden</span>.</p></div><p class="normal">We must now for a while change our place of action, and endeavour to -carry the mind of the reader from the sweeter and more tranquil scenes -of Richmond Park, one of the most favoured residences of Henry the -Eighth, to York Place, the magnificent dwelling of that pampered child -of fortune, Cardinal Wolsey.</p><p class="normal">His progress, his power, and his fall; his arrogance, his splendour, -and his vices; all the many changes that may be traced to his -government of the realm, or to his artifices with the king, and of -which to this day we feel the influence--changes which, though -beneficial in their effects, like many of our most excellent -institutions, originated in petty passions or egregious errors; in -short, all his vast faults and his vast powers have so often called -the eyes of the world to the proud prelate, that he seems hardly one -of those remote beings which the cloud of past centuries has shadowed -with misty indistinctness. His image, as well as his history, is -familiar to the mind's eye. He lives, he moves before us, starting out -from the picture of the times of old to claim acquaintance with our -memory, as something more tangibly real than the vague, undefined -forms that float upon the sea of history. Such skilful pens also have -depicted him in every scene and situation, that it becomes almost -unnecessary, and, perhaps, somewhat presumptuous, to say more -concerning him than that which strictly interweaves itself with the -web of this tale.</p><p class="normal">York Place, which, as every one knows, was afterwards called -Whitehall, though it offered an appearance very different from the -building at present known by that name, stood nearly on the same spot -which it now occupies. Surrounded by splendid gardens, and ornamented -with all that the arts of the day could produce of luxurious or -elegant, so far from yielding in any degree to the various residences -of the king, it surpassed them all in almost every respect. The -combination, also, of ecclesiastical pomp with the magnificence of a -lay prince, created in the courts and round the gates of the palace a -continual scene of glitter and brilliancy. Whether it were deputations -from abbeys and monasteries, the visits of other bishops, the -attendance of noblemen and gentlemen come to pay their court, the halt -of military leaders with their armed bands, prepared for service and -waiting for command, still bustle, activity, and splendour were always -to be met with in the open space before the building on every morning -when the fineness of the weather permitted such display. There were to -be seen passing to and fro the rich embroidered robes of the clergy, -in all the hues of green and purple and of gold; the splendid liveries -of the cardinal's own attendants, and of the followers of his -visitors; the white dresses of the soldiery, traversed with the broad -red cross of England; the arms of the leaders, and the many-coloured -housings of the horses; while above the crowd was often displayed the -high-wrought silver cross or the glittering crook of bishop or mitred -abbot, borne amongst banners, and pennons, and fluttering plumes.</p><p class="normal">It was on a morning when the scene before the palace was full of more -than usual life, owing to the arrival of the cardinal the night before -from York (which was, be it remarked, one day earlier than he had been -expected), that Sir Payan Wileton rode through the crowd to the grand -entrance. He was followed by ten armed attendants, the foremost of -whom were Cornishmen, of that egregious stature which acquired for -their countrymen in the olden time the reputation of sprouting out -into giants. These two Sir Payan had sent for expressly from his -estates in Cornwall, not without a purpose; and now, having dressed -them in splendid liveries, he gave orders for his train to halt at -such a distance as to be plainly visible from the windows of the -palace.</p><p class="normal">Dismounting from his horse at the door, he gave him to his page, and -entering the hall passed through the crowd of attendants with which it -was tenanted, and mounted the grand staircase with that sort of slow, -determined step which is almost always to be found in persons whose -reliance on their own powers of mind is founded in long experience and -success.</p><p class="normal">The number of people whom he met running up and down the wide -staircase, with various papers in their hands, announced at once the -multitude of affairs which the cardinal was obliged to despatch after -his long absence at York, and foreshowed some difficulty in obtaining -an audience. Here was a sandalled monk, slowly descending from what -seemed some disappointed suit; there, a light courtier hurrying -forward in fear of being too late; now, the glad look of a satisfied -applicant; now, the vexed mien of one whose expectations were delayed; -while, ever between, the familiar servants of the place glided to and -fro on their various errands, passing coldly amongst that crowd of -throbbing bosoms as beings apart, whose feelings had no community with -the hopes, the fears, the wishes, and all the thronged emotions which -were then excited or destroyed.</p><p class="normal">Following one of these into the waiting-hall at the top of the -staircase, Sir Payan found it crowded almost to suffocation with -persons staying for an audience, either from Wolsey himself or from -one of his secretaries. Above their heads appeared a misty atmosphere -of condensed human breath, and all around was heard the busy buzz of -many voices murmuring in eager but whispered consultation.</p><p class="normal">The hall was a large chamber, cutting directly through the centre of -the house, with a high Gothic window at each end, to the right and -left of which, at both extremities, appeared a door. The one opposite -to that by which Sir Payan entered stood open, though a small wooden -bar prevented the entrance of the crowd into the room beyond, which -was occupied by six or seven ordinary clerks, busily employed in -filling up various papers, and speaking from time to time to the -persons who presented themselves on business. At each of the doors, at -the other end of the room, stood an usher with his rod and a marshal -with his staff, opposing the ingress of any but such as the highest -rank or personal interest entitled to enter beyond the porch of the -temple; for there the right-hand path led to the privy chambers of -Wolsey himself, and the left to the offices of his principal -secretaries. It was round this left-hand door that the crowd took its -densest aspect; for many, who were hopeless of obtaining a hearing -from the cardinal himself, fondly flattered themselves that their -plaint or petition might reach his ear through his secretary, if, -either by bribe or flattery, they could secure the interest of the -secondary great man.</p><p class="normal">Winding in and out through the meandering path left by the various -groups in the hall, Sir Payan approached the door which led to the -cardinal's apartments, and demanded admission. There was something in -his tone which implied right, and the usher said, if he would give his -name he would inquire, though an applicant who had remained long -unlistened to audibly murmured his indignation, and claimed to be -admitted first.</p><p class="normal">Sir Payan turned to look at him while the usher was gone, and at once -encountered the eyes of a near neighbour of his own, who, under his -fostering care, had dwindled from a rich landholder to a poor farmer, -and thence had sunk to beggary, while his possessions, one by one, had -merged into the property of Sir Payan, which, like the Norwegian -whirlpool, seemed to absorb everything that came within its vortex. No -sooner did the old man's eyes fall upon his countenance, and behold -who it was that kept him from the light, than, giving way to his rage, -he clasped his hands, and, stamping upon the ground, cursed him before -all the multitude, with the energy of despair.</p><p class="normal">Sir Payan cast upon him a cold look, mingled of pity and contempt, and -passed through the door, which the usher now held open for his -entrance. The room at which he arrived was a large ante-room, occupied -by various groups of lords and gentlemen attached to the household of -the cardinal, who, prouder than royalty ever needs to be, would at -least be equal with the king himself in the rank of his various -officers. These were scattered about in various parts of the room -talking with the select visitors whom the ushers had permitted to -enter, or staring vacantly at the figures on the rich tapestry by -which they were surrounded, wherein, though scrutinised a thousand -times, they still found sufficient to occupy their idle eyes, while -waiting till the minister should go forth. With almost every one he -saw Sir Payan was in some degree acquainted; but in their bow or -gratulation, as he passed, there was none of the frank, cordial -welcome of regard or esteem: it was simply the acknowledgment of a -rich, powerful man, whose only title to reverence was in his influence -and his wealth.</p><p class="normal">About the centre stood Lord Darby, and to him Sir Payan approached -with a "Good morrow, my good lord!"</p><p class="normal">"Sir!" said the earl, looking him steadfastly in the face for a -moment; then, turning on his heel, he walked to the other end of the -room. Nothing abashed, Sir Payan kept his ground, tracing the young -lord with his eyes, in which no very amicable expression was visible; -and then, after a moment, he approached a small table, near the door -of the minister's cabinet, whereat was seated a clerk, whom, as it so -happened, Sir Payan himself had recommended to the cardinal.</p><p class="normal">"Can his grace be spoken with, Master Taylor?" demanded the knight, as -the clerk bowed low at his approach.</p><p class="normal">"He is busied, honoured sir," replied the man, with a second profound -reverence, "in conversation with the prior of his abbey of St. Albans -on matters of deep importance----" A loud laugh from the chamber -within reached Sir Payan's ear, through the door by which he stood; -but he took no notice of this comment on the important business which -Wolsey was transacting, and the clerk went on. "I am sorry to say, -sir, also, that there are five or six persons of distinction who have -waited on his grace's leisure for near an hour."</p><p class="normal">"But the cardinal sent for me," said Sir Payan; "and besides----" And -he whispered something to his former servant which seemed convincing. -In a minute or two after, the door opened, and the prior of St. Albans -issued forth. Rustling up to the table in his rich silk robes, he said -to the clerk, in a low and important voice, "His grace commands you to -send in the person of the highest rank that came next."</p><p class="normal">"Well, holy father," said the clerk rising; and then, appearing to -search the room with his eyes, he waited till the prior was gone, -when, turning to Sir Payan, he added in a loud voice, "Sir Payan -Wileton, the lord cardinal is waiting for you."</p><p class="normal">The knight instantly proceeded to the door, which was opened by one of -the ushers who stood near; and passing on, he found himself directly -in the presence of the cardinal, who, seated in a chair of state, -waited the next comer, with a countenance prepared to yield a good or -bad reception, according to his rank and purpose.</p><p class="normal">He was, at that time, not apparently much above fifty-five; tall, -erect, and dignified; with a face replete with thought and mind, and a -carriage at once haughty and graceful. His dark eye was piercing and -full of fire; and lurking about the corners of his mouth might be seen -the lines of unbounded pride, striven against and repressed, but still -existing with undiminished force. The robes of bright scarlet satin, -which he wore without any other relief than a tippet of rich sables, -made his cheek look almost ashy pale; and the shade of the broad hat -which covered his brow gave an air of pensive solemnity to his -features, which, joined with the fire of his eye, the pride of his -lip, and the knowledge of his power, invested his presence with an -impressiveness not devoid of awe.</p><p class="normal">As Sir Payan entered, Wolsey's brow gradually contracted into a frown; -and fixing his glance full upon him, he let him stand for several -moments before he motioned him to a seat. At length, however, he -spoke.</p><p class="normal">"Sir Payan Wileton," said he, "I have sent for you to speak on many -subjects that may not be very agreeable for you to discuss. However, -as they concern the welfare of society and the fame of the king's -justice, they must be inquired into; nor must any man's rank or wealth -shelter him from the even eye of equity."</p><p class="normal">"Your grace hardly does me justice," replied Sir Payan, resolving to -keep to vague professions till he had ascertained, as far as possible, -what was passing in Wolsey's mind. "Had I been unwilling to discuss -any part of my conduct with your grace, should I have importuned your -gates every day for the last week in hopes of your return? and if, on -the most minute investigation, I found any of my acts which would not -meet the eye of equity itself, should I voluntarily present myself -before the Cardinal of York?"</p><p class="normal">"You were sent for, Sir Payan," replied Wolsey. "Last night the -messenger set out."</p><p class="normal">"By your grace's pardon," said the knight, "if you but calculate, you -will find that I could not have come from a far part of Kent in so -short a space of time. It is true that I have received the packet, but -that was only by sending last night to know if you had then returned. -My servant met your messenger at the very door, and received the -letter intended to be sent to Chilham. But every day, as I have told -your grace, since I have risen from a bed of sickness, where a cross -accident had thrown me, I have not ceased to seek your presence on -business of some import."</p><p class="normal">Wolsey, long accustomed to encounter every species of wily art, was -not to be led away by the exhibition of a new subject; and pursuing -his first object, he proceeded:--</p><p class="normal">"We will speak of that anon. At present, it is my task to inform you, -sir, that various are the complaints, petitions, and accusations -against you, that daily reach my hand. And many prayers have been -addressed to his royal grace the king, by the very best and noblest of -the land, to induce him to re-establish the house of Fitzbernard in -the lordship and estates of Chilham Castle. All these things have -led me to inquire--as indeed is but my duty as chancellor of this -kingdom--into the justice of your title to these estates, when I find -that the case stands thus: the Earl of Fitzbernard, in the last year -of his late majesty's reign, was accused by those two infamous -commissioners, Empson and Dudley, and was, upon the premises, -condemned to the enormous fine of one hundred thousand pounds, under -the penal statutes; and, as a still further punishment for some words -lightly spoken, the king, then upon his death-bed, recalled the -stewardship of Dover Castle, which involved, as was supposed, the -forfeiture of Chilham Castle and its lands. Was it not so?"</p><p class="normal">"It was so far, your grace," replied Sir Payan; "but allow me to -observe----"</p><p class="normal">"Hush!" said the cardinal, waving his hand; "hear me, and then your -observations, if you please. Such being the case, as I have said, and -the wide barony of Chilham supposed to be vacant, the stewardship of -Dover Castle, with those estates annexed, is bestowed upon you: how, -or why, is not very apparent, though the cause alleged is service -rendered in the time of Perkyn Warbeck. Now it appears, from some -documents placed in the hands of Lord Dacre, of the north, by the Duke -of Buckingham, that Chilham Castle was granted to Fulbert de Douvre, -at a period much subsequent to the grant of the stewardship of Dover; -that it was totally distinct, and held by tenure of chivalry, in fee -and unalienable, except under attainder or by breach of tenure. What -say you now, Sir Payan?"</p><p class="normal">"Why, simply this, your grace," replied Sir Payan, boldly: "that the -good Duke of Buckingham--the noble Duke of Buckingham, as the commons -call him--seems to be nearly as much my good friend as he is to the -king, his royal master, or to your grace;" and, knitting his brow and -clenching his teeth, he fixed his eyes upon the rose in his shoe, -remaining sternly silent, to let what he had said, and what he had -implied, work fully on the mind of the cardinal.</p><p class="normal">Wolsey's hatred to the princely Buckingham was well known, and Sir -Payan easily understood that hatred to be the most maddening kind, -called jealousy; so that not a word he had said but was meted to the -taste and appetite of the cardinal with a skilful hand. The minister's -cheek flushed while the knight spoke; and when, after implying by -tone, and look, and manner, that he could say more, Sir Payan suddenly -stopped, and bent his eyes upon the ground, Wolsey had nearly burst -forth in that impatient strain of question which would have betrayed -the deep anxiety he felt to snatch at any accusation against his noble -rival. Checking himself, however, the politic churchman paused, and -seemed to wait for some further reply, till, finding that Sir Payan -still maintained his silent attitude of thought, he said--</p><p class="normal">"Have you any reason, sir, to suppose that the duke is ill-disposed -towards his grace the king? Of myself I speak not. His envy touches me -not personally; but where danger shows itself towards our royal -master, it becomes a duty to inquire. Your insinuations, Sir Payan, -were strong: you should be strongly able to support them."</p><p class="normal">"I know not, your grace," replied the knight, with the unhesitating -daring that characterised all his actions, "how far a man's loyalty -should properly extend; but this I know, that I am not the tame and -quiet dog that fawns upon the hand that snatches its mess from before -its muzzle. What I know, I know; what I suspect remains to be proved; -but neither knowledge, nor suspicion, nor the clue to guide judgment -through the labyrinth of wicked plotting, will I furnish to any one, -with the prospect before my eyes of being deprived, for no earthly -fault, of my rightful property, granted to me by the free will of our -noble king Henry the Seventh."</p><p class="normal">An ominous frown gathered upon Wolsey's brow, and fain would he have -possessed the thunder to strike dead the bold man who dared thus to -withhold the information that he sought, and oppose him with -conditions in the plenitude of his power.</p><p class="normal">"You are gifted with a strange hardihood, sir," cried he, in a voice, -the slight trembling of whose tone told the boiling of the soul -within. "Did you ever hear of misprision of treason--say?"</p><p class="normal">"I have, your grace," replied Sir Payan, whose bold and determined -spirit was not made to quail even before that of Wolsey. Acting, -however, coolly and shrewdly, he was moved by no heat as was the -cardinal; and though calculating exactly the strength of his position, -he knew that it was far from his interest to create an enemy in the -powerful minister, who, sooner or later, would find means to avenge -himself. At the same time, he saw that he must make his undisturbed -possession of Chilham Castle the price of any information he could -give, or that he might both yield his secret and lose his land. "I -have heard, your grace," he said, "of misprision of treason, but I -know not how such a thing can affect me. First, treason must be -proved; then it must be shown that it was concealed with full -knowledge thereof. Doubts and suspicions, your grace knows, are not -within the meaning of the law."</p><p class="normal">Sir Payan paused, and Wolsey remained in silence, as if almost -disdaining to reply. The knight clearly saw what was passing in his -mind, and continued, after an affectation of thought, to give the -appearance of a sudden return of affectionate submission to what he -was about to say.</p><p class="normal">"But why, your grace, why," cried he, "cast away from you one of your -most faithful servants? Why must it be, when I have waited at your -door day after day, to give you some information, much for the state's -and for your grace's benefit to know, that the very first time I am -admitted to your presence, I find my zeal checked and my affection -cooled by an express intention to deprive me of my estates?"</p><p class="normal">"Nay, Sir Payan," said Wolsey, glad of an opportunity of yielding, -without compromising either pride or dignity, "no such intention was -expressed. You have mistaken entirely: I only urged these reasons, -that you might know what had been urged to me; and I was about to put -it to you what I could do if the young Lord Darnley came over to this -country and claimed these estates; for, probably, the old earl will -not have energy enough to make the endeavour. What could I do, I say?"</p><p class="normal">"Let him proceed by due course of law, my lord," replied Sir Payan, -the calculation in whose mind was somewhat to the following effect, -though passing more rapidly than it could when embodied in -words:--"Before his claim is made in law (thought he) he shall taste -of the axe of the Tower, or I am mistaken. However, I will not let -Wolsey know who he is, for then my interest in the business would be -apparent, and I could claim no high recompense for ridding myself of -my own enemy. No; I will crush him as Osborne Maurice, a perfect -stranger to me: then will my zeal seem great. Pride will prevent him -from owning his name till the death; and if he does own it, his coming -here concealed, joined to the crimes that I will find means to prove -against him, shall but make him appear the blacker." Such was the -train of thought that passed instantly through his mind; while, with -an affectation of candour, he replied, "Let him proceed by due course -of law, my lord; then, if he succeed, let him have it, in God's name. -All I ask is, that your grace will not moot the question; for one word -of the great Wolsey throws more weight into one or other of the scales -of justice than all the favour of a dozen kings."</p><p class="normal">Wolsey was flattered, but not deceived. However, it was his part not -to see, at least for the time; and though he very well understood that -Sir Payan would take special means to prevent the young lord from -seeking justice by law, he replied, "All that I could ever -contemplate, Sir Payan, was to do equal right to any one that should -bring his cause before me. It is not for me to seek out occasions for -men to plunge themselves in law; and be you very sure, that unless the -matter be brought before me in the most regular manner, I shall never -agitate the question, which is one that, even should it be discussed, -would involve many, many difficulties. From what I say now you may -see, sir, that your haste has hurried you into unnecessary disrespect, -which, heaven knows, I feel not as regards my person, but as it -touches my office I am bound to reprove you."</p><p class="normal">"Most deeply do I deplore it," replied Sir Payan, "if I have been -guilty of any disrespect to one whom I reverence more than any other -on the earth; but I think that the information which I have to -communicate will at least be some atonement. I have then, my lord," he -proceeded, lowering his voice--"I have then discovered, by a most -singular and happy chance, as dangerous a conspiracy as ever stained -the annals of any European kingdom; and I hold in my hand the most -irrefragable proofs thereof, together with the names of the principal -persons, the testimony of several witnesses which bears upon the -subject, and various letters which are in themselves conviction. I -will now, with your grace's leave----"</p><p class="normal">At that moment one of the ushers opened the door of the cabinet, and -with a profound reverence informed Wolsey that the Earl of Knolles -desired to know when he could have an audience, as he had been waiting -long without.</p><p class="normal">"Ha! What!" exclaimed the cardinal, his eye flashing, and his lip -quivering with anger at the interruption; "am I to be disturbed each -moment? Tell him I cannot see him; I am busy; I am engaged; occupied -on more important things. Were he a prince I would not see him. And -you, beware how you intrude again! Now, Sir Payan, speak on. This is -matter of moment indeed. What was the object of this conspiracy?"</p><p class="normal">"Nothing less, I can conceive, my lord, than to make the commons -dissatisfied with the government under which they live; to incite them -to various insurrections, and, if possible, into general rebellion, -under favour of which my Lord Duke of Buckingham might find his way to -the throne: at least, there are fixed his eyes."</p><p class="normal">"Ha, ha! my proud Lord of Buckingham!" cried Wolsey, with a triumphant -smile. "What! hast thou wired thine own feet? But you say you have -proofs, Sir Payan. We must have full proof; but you are not a man to -tread on unsteady ground: your proofs are sure?" he reiterated, with a -feverish sort of anxiety to ascertain that his rival was fully in his -power.</p><p class="normal">"In the first place, read that, my lord," said Sir Payan, putting in -his hand one out of a bundle of papers that he had brought with him. -"That is the first step."</p><p class="normal">"Why, what is this?" cried Wolsey. "This is but 'the deposition of -Henry Wilson, of Pencriton, in the duchy of Cornwall, who maketh oath -and saith, that the prisoner Osborne Maurice, <i>alias</i> Sir Osborne -Maurice, is the man whom he saw at the head of the Cornish miners in -insurrection, on the 3rd of January last, and who incited them, by -cries and words, to burn and destroy all that came in their way, till -they should have satisfaction in everything that they required; but -for the further acts of the said Osborne Maurice, he, the deponent, -begs leave to refer to his former depositions, taken before Sir John -Balham, knight, of the city of Penzance, in Cornwall; only upon oath -he declareth, that the said Osborne Maurice, now present, is the -ringleader or conductor of the mob mentioned in his former deposition, -in witness whereof----' Ha!" said Wolsey, thoughtfully; "there is one, -I find, of this same name, Sir Osborne Maurice, who, during my -absence, has crept into the king's favour. Surely it may be the same!"</p><p class="normal">"On my life, my lord, the very same!" replied Sir Payan. "'Twas but -the morning before last, that, at the justs at Richmond, I saw him -with our noble king, his chosen companion, with the Duke of Suffolk, -to keep the barriers against all comers; and there he ruffled it -amongst the best, swimming, as 'twere, on the top of the wave."</p><p class="normal">"Then will we lay this on his head," said Wolsey, placing his -forefinger emphatically on the paper, "and that shall sink him. But -how does this touch the Duke of Buckingham?"</p><p class="normal">"Your grace shall hear," replied Sir Payan. "This Wilson, who made -the deposition you there hold, came to me one day in the last of -March--you must know he is my bailiff--and told me a sad story of his -woeful plight; how in a cottage hard by he had met the man whom he had -seen burn down his father's house in Cornwall, and who was there -employed in the same devilish attempt to instigate the peasants to -revolt. Wilson, it seems, accused him; whereon, being a most powerful -and atrocious traitor, he struck the bailiff to the ground, and left -him for dead. This being sworn on oath before me, as a magistrate, I -sent forth and had the villain arrested, after a most desperate -struggle. With the intention of sending him to Cornwall, I had him -committed to the strong room of the manor; but somehow, during the -night, he contrived to escape through a window, and made his way to -the court----"</p><p class="normal">"But still, Sir Payan," interrupted the cardinal, "this does not -implicate the Duke of Buckingham, who, as I have good reason to -believe, is but a scant lover of our royal king, and towards myself -bears most inveterate malice. I have heard many a rumour of his plots -and schemes. But it is proof, Sir Payan; it is proof that we must -have."</p><p class="normal">"And proof your grace shall have," replied the knight, counting the -hatred that Wolsey bore towards the duke as his own gain, and enjoying -the inveteracy of his malice not only with the abstract satisfaction -of fellow-feeling, but as a fisherman delights to see the voracious -spring of the trout at the fly he casts before his snout. "Let your -grace listen to me; for my story, though somewhat long, is -nevertheless conclusive. This Osborne Maurice, in his escape, left -behind him the leathern horsebags with which he rode when he was -taken, and, in my capacity as magistrate, I made free to open -them----"</p><p class="normal">"You did right, you did right!" cried Wolsey, almost forgetting his -dignity in eagerness. "What did you find? Say, Sir Payan! What did you -find?"</p><p class="normal">"I found several letters from his grace the Duke of Buckingham," -answered Sir Payan, "being principally written to bring this Sir -Osborne Maurice to the knowledge of persons about the court, -recommending him as one that <i>may be trusted</i>. Your grace will mark -those words, '<i>may be trusted</i>.' But amongst the rest was one which -shows for <i>what</i> he may be trusted. Behold it here, my lord! You know -the duke's hand and style;" and he presented the letter to Wolsey.</p><p class="normal">The cardinal snatched it eagerly; but remembering himself, he turned -more composedly to the address, and read, "'Sir John Morton.' Ah!" -cried he. "So! an old Perkyn Warbeckist! the last I believe -alive. But for the contents: '<i>Trusty and well-beloved friend!</i> -'--um--um--um--'<i>everlasting friendship!</i>--of course, one traitor -loves another. But let us see. How! the daring villain! '<i>to -inform you, that before another year arrive, my head shall be the -highest in the realm, at least so promises Sir Osborne Maurice, whose -promises, as you know, are not such as fail!</i>' Ha, Sir Payan! ha! Did -you read it? This is treason, is it not? By my life, the duke's own -hand! But what says he farther? Ha! '<i>The butcher's cur Wolsey has -long wanted the lash, and he shall have it soon</i>.' See you how rank is -his malice! We will read no farther. This condemns him; and as for Sir -Osborne Maurice, to-night he shall have his lodging in the Tower."</p><p class="normal">"Though other proof might be deemed superfluous," said Sir Payan, -"yet, my lord, when I came to the part where he calls your grace a -butcher's cur" (and the knight dwelt somewhat maliciously on the -words), "my zeal and affection for your grace's service made me -instantly resolve to track this Osborne Maurice on his journey, after -escaping from prison. In person I could not do it, for a fall from my -horse laid me in my bed for three weeks. But I took care that it -should be done, and found that he returned straight to my Lord of -Buckingham's; from thence he went to the Benedictine Abbey at -Canterbury, where he seems to have been sent to escort a Lady Katrine -Bulmer to the court. Then, passing by Rochester, he had an interview -with the chief of the rioters at Hilham Green. Your grace will be at -no loss to know how, and by whom, that memorable tumult was -instigated. There he pretended to save a good simple priest from the -mob; but, by the clergyman's own account, they gave him up at a single -word from this Maurice, which shows what was his influence with them; -for they were, the moment before, about to hang the man they yielded -so quietly after. The priest is at my lodging here. This was the -traitor's last adventure before arriving at the court, where, either -by some sorcery or other damned invention, he has bewitched the better -judgment of the king, so that none is so well loved as he. Perhaps he -waits but an opportunity to put his dagger in our royal master."</p><p class="normal">"Heaven forbid!" cried Wolsey. "We will instantly set off for -Richmond. Without there! Let the barge be prepared directly: Sir -Payan, you have saved the realm, and may claim a high reward."</p><p class="normal">"The reward I most affect," replied the knight, in a well-acted tone -of moderation, "is simply to remain in quiet possession of that which -I have. Life is now wearing with me, your grace, and I covet not -greater charges than those which I enjoy. Let me but be sure of them."</p><p class="normal">"Rest tranquil on that point," replied Wolsey. "I will look thereto."</p><p class="normal">"There are, indeed," continued Sir Payan, "some hereditary estates, -which, though they should be mine, are held by another; and on that -score I may claim your grace's assistance before I endeavour to -recover them; for I put my whole actions in your grace's hands, that, -like a mere machine, I may move but as you please."</p><p class="normal">"What estates are these, Sir Payan?" demanded Wolsey, with something -very nearly approaching to a smile, at the peculiar line of the -knight's cupidity. "If they be truly yours, doubt not but you shall -have them."</p><p class="normal">"They are those estates in Cornwall," replied the knight, "lately held -by my cousin, the Earl de Grey, which have since passed to Constance, -his daughter; though, by all custom of succession, according to their -tenure, I hold them to pass directly in the male line."</p><p class="normal">"Nay, nay, Sir Payan," cried Wolsey, with a curl of his lip; "this is -too much! Constance de Grey is my ward, and shall not lose her estates -lightly. She is, indeed," added he, thoughtfully, and speaking to -himself more than to the knight, though not a word was lost to his -attentive ears; "she is, indeed, somewhat wilful. That letter, in -which she refuses to wed her cousin, though calm and humble, was full -of rank obstinacy. The fear of losing her estates, however----. But we -shall see. Sir Payan, I must hold my opinion suspended till such time -as you lay before me some proofs of the matter. And now tell me: think -you, in this plot of Buckingham's, is there any other person of high -rank implicated? Indeed there must be, for he would never undertake -such daring schemes without some sure abettors. Sir Payan, these lords -are all too proud. We must find means to humble them. It may be as -well to let this arch-traitor Buckingham proceed for some short time, -till we find who are his accomplices. But, for this Sir Osborne -Maurice, he shall to the Tower to-night, for therein is the king's -life affected."</p><p class="normal">"Might it not be better, in your grace's good judgment," said Sir -Payan, "to take the duke's person at once? For assuredly, as soon as -he hears that his minion is committed, he will become alarmed, and -find security in some foreign land."</p><p class="normal">"He shall be so well watched," said Wolsey, closing his hand tightly, -as if he grasped his enemy, "that were he no larger than a meagre -ermine, he should not escape me. No; we must let him condemn himself -full surely. But, Sir Payan, are you prepared to accompany me to -Richmond?"</p><p class="normal">"If by any chance this Maurice were to see me with your grace," -replied Sir Payan, "he would lose no time, but fly instantly, before -you had speech of his grace the king. If you think it necessary, my -lord, that I should attend you, it may be well to arrest the traitor -immediately on your arrival."</p><p class="normal">"Nay, nay, nay!" said Wolsey, shaking his head. "You know not Henry, -Sir Payan; he is hard and difficult to rule, and, were I to arrest Sir -Osborne, would take for insult what was meant as a service. But you -shall not go: there is, indeed, no need. These papers are quite -enough, with the testimony of the priest. Let him be sent down -post-haste to Richmond after me."</p><p class="normal">"He shall, my lord," replied Sir Payan. "But one word more, your -grace. If the Duke of Buckingham be condemned, his estates, of course, -are forfeited to the crown. Near me lies his beautiful manor of the -Hill, in Kent, and I know your grace will not forget your faithful -servants." Wolsey paused, and Sir Payan went on. "To show how -constantly present your grace is to all my thoughts, you told me some -time ago that you desired to have two of the tallest men in the realm -for porters of the gate. Cast your eyes through that window, my lord, -and I think you will see two that no prince in Europe can match in his -hall."</p><p class="normal">No service that Sir Payan could have rendered, either to the state or -to himself, would have given half so much pleasure to Wolsey as the -possession of the two gigantic Cornishmen we have before mentioned; -for, amongst all his weaknesses, his passion for having tall men about -him was one of the most conspicuous. As soon as for a moment or two he -had considered them attentively through the window, and compared them -with all the pigmy-looking race around, he thanked Sir Payan with -infinite graciousness for his care; and hinted, though he did not -promise, that Buckingham's manor in Kent might be the reward. While he -yet spoke, a gentleman-usher entered, to announce that the barge was -ready; and, giving some more directions to Sir Payan, in regard to -sending the priest, Wolsey rose to proceed on his journey. The -procession, without which he never moved, was already arranged in the -ante-chamber, consisting of marshals and gentlemen-ushers, with two -stout priests bearing the immense silver crosses of his archbishopric -and his legacy; and the moment he moved towards the door, the ushers -pressed forward, crying, "On before, my lords and masters! on before! -Make way for the lord cardinal! Make way for my lord's grace! On -before! on before!"</p><p class="normal">Wolsey immediately followed, and proceeded to his barge; while Sir -Payan returned to his own house in Westminster, and despatched the -priest to Richmond, after which he sat himself down to write. What he -did write consisted of but a few lines, but they were of some import; -and as soon as they were finished, he entrusted them to one of his -shrewdest and most assured servants, with many a long direction, and -many an injunction to speed.</p><br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XXIV.</h4><div class="poem0" style="margin-left:20%"> -<p class="continue">This hour's the very crisis of your fate:<br> -Your good or ill, your infamy or fame,<br> -And all the colour of your life depends<br> -On this important <i>now</i>.--<span class="sc">The Spanish Friar</span>.</p></div><p class="normal">If any one will look at the almanac for the year 1520, he will find -marked, opposite the 4th day of May, the following curious piece of -information: "High-water at London Bridge at half-past three;" and, if -he calculate rightly, he will discover that as Wolsey set out from -what was then called the Cardinal's Bridge<a name="div4Ref_15" href="#div4_15"><sup>[15]</sup></a> at high noon, he had -the most favourable tide in the world for carrying him to Richmond. -His rowers, too, plied their oars with unceasing activity; and his -splendid barge, with its carved and gilded sides, cut rapidly through -the water, but still not rapidly enough for his impatience.</p><p class="normal">Siting under an awning, with a table before him, at which was placed a -clerk, he sometimes read parts of the various papers that had been -presented during the morning, and sometimes dictated to the secretary; -but more frequently gave himself up to thought, suffering his mind to -range in the wild chaos of political intrigue, which was to him like -the labyrinth a man makes in his own garden, in which a stranger might -lose his way, but where he himself walks for his ease and pleasure. -Not that Wolsey's mind was one that soared above the pains of -political life; for his were all the throbbing anxieties of precarious -power, his was all the irritation of susceptible pride and insatiable -vanity; while jealous envy, avarice, and ambition, at once made the -world a desert, and tormented him with unquenchable thirst.</p><p class="normal">No surer road to Wolsey's hatred existed than the king's favour; and -since his return to London, though but one evening had passed, yet -often had his heart rankled at hearing from those who watched for him -in his absence, that a young stranger, named Sir Osborne Maurice, had -won the king's regard and become the sharer of all his pleasures. The -information given him by Sir Payan Wileton had placed in his hand arms -against this incipient rival, as he deemed him, which were sure to -crush him; and, with a sort of pride in the conquest he anticipated, -he muttered to himself, as he saw the narrowing banks of the river, -approaching towards Richmond, "Now, Sir Osborne Maurice! now!"</p><p class="normal">The boat touched the shore; and while the chief yeoman of the barge, -as his privilege, supported the arm of the cardinal, the two stout -priests bearing the crosses hurried to land with the other attendants, -and ranged themselves in order to proceed before him. Two of his -running footmen sped on to announce his approach, and the rest, with -the form and slowness of a procession, traversed the small space that -separated them from the court, reached the gate, and entering the -palace, Wolsey, more like an equal prince than a subject, passed -towards the king's privy-chamber, amidst the profound bows and -reverences of all the royal attendants, collected to do honour to his -arrival.</p><p class="normal">Many had been the rumours in the palace during the morning respecting -the king's health, and it was generally reported that the accident of -the day before had thrown him into a fever. This, however, was -evidently not the case; for a little before noon Sir Osborne Maurice -had received a message by one of the royal pages, to the effect that -at three o'clock the king would expect him in his privy-chamber. That -hour had nearly approached, and the young knight was preparing to obey -Henry's commands, when a note was put into his hands by Mistress -Margaret, the waiting-woman of Lady Constance de Grey. It was a step -which Sir Osborne well knew she would not have taken had it not been -called for by some particular circumstance, and with some alarm he -opened the paper and read--</p><p class="normal">The lord cardinal is here: remember your promise. Tarry not rashly, if -you love Constance.</p><p class="normal">As Wolsey had ever been a declared enemy to his father, and a steady -supporter of Sir Payan Wileton, Sir Osborne felt that the prospect was -certainly in some degree clouded by his arrival; and while at the -court, he had heard enough of the jealousy that the favourite -entertained towards all who often approached the king, to make him -uneasy with regard to the future. But yet he could not imagine that -the regard of Henry would be easily taken from him, nor the service he -he had rendered immediately forgotten; and strong in the integrity of -his own heart, he would not believe that any serious evil could befall -him; yet the warning of Sir Cesar still rung in his ears, and made an -impression which he could not overcome.</p><p class="normal">It would be very easy to represent our hero as free from every failing -and weakness, even from those of the age he lived in; easy to make him -as perfect as ever man was drawn, and more perfect than ever man was -known: but then we should be writing a romance, and not a true -history. Sir Osborne was not perfect; and living in an age whose -weakness it was to believe implicitly in judicial astrology, he shared -in that weakness, though but in a degree; and might, indeed, have -shared still less, had not the very man who seemed to take such an -interest in his fate acquired in the court where he lived a general -reputation for almost unerring perception of approaching events. No -one that the young knight met, no one that he heard of, doubted for a -moment that Sir Cesar possessed knowledge superhuman: to have doubted -of the possibility of acquiring such knowledge, would have been in -those times a piece of scepticism fully equal in criminality to -doubting the sacred truths of religion; and therefore we cannot be -surprised that he felt a hesitation, an uneasiness, a sort of -presentiment of evil, as he approached the privy chamber of the king.</p><p class="normal">At the door of the ante-chamber, however, he found stationed a page, -who respectfully informed him that the king was busy on affairs of -state with the cardinal lord chancellor, and that his grace had bade -him say, that as soon as he was at leisure he would send for him to -his presence.</p><p class="normal">Sir Osborne returned to his own apartment, and after calling for -Longpole, walked up and down the room for a moment or two, while some -curious, vague feelings of doubt and apprehension passed through his -mind.</p><p class="normal">"'Tis very foolish!" said he, at length; "and yet 'tis no harm to be -prepared. Longpole, saddle the horses, and have my armour ready. 'Tis -no harm to be prepared;" and quitting his own chambers, he turned his -steps towards those of Lady Constance, which here, not like the former -ones in the palace at Greenwich, were situated at the other extremity -of the building. His path led him again past the royal lodgings; and -as he went by, Sir Osborne perceived that the page gave entrance to a -priest, whose figure was in some degree familiar to his eye. Where he -had seen him he did not know; but, however, he staid not to inquire, -and proceeded onward to the door of Lady Constance's apartments. -One of her women gave him entrance, and he soon reached her -sitting-chamber, where he found her calmly engaged in embroidery. But -there, also, was good Dr. Wilbraham, who of late had shrewdly begun to -suspect a thing that was already more than suspected by half the -court; namely, that Sir Osborne Maurice was deeply in love with -Constance de Grey, and that the lady was in no degree insensible to -his affection. Now, though the good doctor had thought in the first -instance that Lady Constance's marriage with Lord Darby would be the -very best scheme on earth, he now began to think that the present -arrangement would be a great deal better: his reasoning proceeding in -the very inverse of Wolsey's, and leading him to conclude that as Lord -Darby had quite enough of his own, it would be much better for Lady -Constance to repair, with her immense wealth, the broken fortunes of -the ancient house of Fitzbernard, and at the same time secure her own -happiness by marrying the best and the bravest of men. Notwithstanding -all this, he could not at all comprehend, and never for a moment -imagined, that either Constance or her lover might in the least wish -his absence; and therefore, with great satisfaction at beholding their -mutual love, he remained all the time that Sir Osborne dared to stay, -and conducted him to the door with that affectionate respect which he -always showed towards his former pupil. While the old clergyman stood -bidding Sir Osborne farewell, a man habited like a yeoman approached, -inquiring for the lodging of Lady Constance de Grey; and on being told -that it was before him, he put a folded note into the hands of Dr. -Wilbraham, begging him to deliver it to the lady, which the chaplain -promised to do.</p><p class="normal">And now, leaving the good clergyman to perform this promise, and Sir -Osborne to return to his apartment, somewhat mortified at not having -had an opportunity of conversing privately with Constance, even for a -moment, we will steal quietly into the privy-chamber of the king, and -seating ourselves on a little stool in the corner, observe all that -passes between him and his minister.</p><p class="normal">"God save your royal grace!" said Wolsey, as he entered, "and make -your people happy in your long and prosperous reign!"</p><p class="normal">"Welcome back again, my good lord cardinal," replied the king; "you -have been but a truant of late. We have in many things wanted your -good counsel. But your careful letters have been received, and we have -to thank you for the renewed quiet of the West Riding."</p><p class="normal">"Happily, your grace, all is now tranquil," replied the cardinal, "and -the kingdom within itself blessed with profound peace; but yet, my -lord, even when this was accomplished, it was necessary to discover -the cause and authors of the evil, that the fire of discord and -sedition might be totally extinguished, and not, being only smothered, -burst out anew where we least expected it. This has been done, my -liege. The authors of all these revolts, the instigators of their -fellow-subjects' treason, have been discovered; and if your grace have -leisure for such sad business, I will even now crave leave to lay -before you the particulars of a most daring plot, which, through the -activity of good Sir Payan Wileton, I have been enabled to detect."</p><p class="normal">"Without there!" cried the king, somewhat impatiently. "See that we -are not interrupted. Tell Sir Osborne Maurice that we will send for -him when we are free. Sit, sit, my Wolsey!" he continued. "Now, by the -holy faith, it grieves me to hear such things! I had hoped that, -tranquillity being restored, I should have sped over to France to meet -my royal brother Francis, with nothing but joy upon my brow. However, -you are thanked, my good lord, for your zeal and for your diligence. -We must not let the poisonous root of treason spread, lest it grow too -great a tree to be hewn down. Who are these traitors? Ha! Have you -good proof against them?"</p><p class="normal">"Such proof, my liege, that, however willing I be to doubt, -uncertainty, the refuge of hope, is denied me, and I must needs -believe. When we have nourished anything with our grace, fostered it -with kindly care, taught it to spread and become great, heaped it with -favours, loaded it with bounty, we naturally hope that, having sowed -all these good things, our crop will be rich in gratitude and love; -but sorry I am to say, that your grace's royal generosity has fallen -upon a poisoned soil, and that Edward Duke of Buckingham, who might -well believe himself the most favoured man in the realm, now proves -himself an arrant traitor."</p><p class="normal">"By heaven!" cried the king, "I have lately much doubted of his -loyalty. He has, as you once before made me observe, much absented -himself from the court, keeping, as I hear, an almost royal state in -the counties; and lately, on the pretence that he is sick, that his -physicians command him quiet, he refuses to accompany us to Guisnes. I -fear me, I fear me, 'tis his loyalty is sick. But let me hear your -reasons, my good lord cardinal. Fain would I still behold him with an -eye of favour; for he is in many things a noble and a princely peer, -and by nature richly endowed with all the shining qualities both of -the body and the mind. 'Tis sad, indeed 'tis sad, that such a man -should fall away and lose his high renown! But your reasons, Wolsey! -Give me the history."</p><p class="normal">It were needless in this place to recapitulate all that we have seen, -in the last chapter, advanced by Sir Payan Wileton to criminate the -Duke of Buckingham. Suffice it that Wolsey related to the king the -very probable tale that had been told him by the knight: namely, that -Buckingham, aspiring to the throne, affected an undue degree of -popularity with the commons, and by his secret agents rendered them -dissatisfied with the existing government, exciting them to various -tumults and revolts, of which he cited many an instance; and that, -still further, he had contrived to introduce one of the most active -agents of his treason into the court, and near to the king's own -person.</p><p class="normal">"Whom do you aim at?" cried the king. "Quick! give me his name. I know -of no such person. All about me are men of trust."</p><p class="normal">"Alas! no, my liege," answered Wolsey: "the man I mean calls himself -Sir Osborne Maurice."</p><p class="normal">"Ha!" cried Henry, starting; and then, after thinking for a moment, he -burst into a fit of laughter. "Nay, nay, my good Wolsey," he said, -shaking his head: "nay, nay, nay; Sir Osborne saved my life no longer -ago than yesterday, which looks not like treason;" and he related to -the cardinal the accident that had befallen him while hawking.</p><p class="normal">Wolsey was somewhat embarrassed; but he replied, "We often see that, -taken by some sudden accident, men act not as they proposed to do; and -there is such a nobility in your grace's nature, that he must be a -hardened traitor indeed who could see you in danger, and not by mere -impulse hasten to save you. Perhaps such may have been the case with -this Sir Osborne, or perhaps his master's schemes may not yet be ripe -for execution: at all events, my liege, doubt not that he is a most -assured traitor."</p><p class="normal">"I cannot believe it!" cried Henry, striking the table with his hand. -"I will not believe it! By heaven! the very soul of honour sparkles in -his eye! But your proofs, lord cardinal! your proofs! I will not have -such things advanced against my faithful subjects, without full and -sufficient evidence."</p><p class="normal">The more eagerness that Henry showed in defending his young friend, -the more obnoxious did Sir Osborne become to Wolsey, and he laid -before the king, one by one, the deposition of Wilson, Sir Payan's -bailiff; several letters which Buckingham had written in favour of the -young knight; and lastly, the duke's letter to Sir Thomas Morton, -where, either by a forgery of Sir Payan Wileton's, or by some strange -chance, it appeared that Sir Osborne Maurice had promised that within -a year the duke's head should be the highest in the realm.</p><p class="normal">While he read, Henry's brow knit into a heavy frown, and, biting his -lip, he went back to the beginning, and again read over the papers. -"Cardinal," said he, at length, "bid the page seek Pace, my secretary, -and ask him for the last letter from the Duke of Buckingham."</p><p class="normal">Wolsey obeyed; and, while waiting for the return of the page, Henry -remained with his eyes averted, as if in deep thought, beating the -papers with his fingers, and gnawing his lip in no very placable mood; -while the cardinal wisely abstained from saying a word, leaving the -irritation of the king's mind to expend itself, without calling it -upon himself. As soon as the letter was brought, Henry laid it side by -side with those that Wolsey had placed before him, and seemed to -compare every word, every syllable, to ascertain the identity of the -handwriting. "True, by my life!" cried he, casting down the papers. -"The writing is the same; and now, my lord cardinal, what have you -farther to say? Are there any farther proofs, ha?"</p><p class="normal">"Were there none other, your grace," replied Wolsey, "than the duke's -handwriting, and the deposition of a disinterested and respectable -witness, who can have no enmity whatever against this Sir Osborne -Maurice, and who probably never saw him but on the two occasions he -mentions, I think it would be quite sufficient to warrant your grace -in taking every measure of precaution. But there is another witness, -whom, indeed, I have not seen, but who can give evidence, I -understand, respecting the conduct of the person accused towards the -Rochester rioters. Knowing how much your grace's wisdom passeth that -of the best in the realm, I have dared to have this witness (a most -honourable priest) brought hither, hoping that the exigency of the -case might lead you to examine him yourself, when, perhaps, your royal -judgment may elicit more from him than others could do."</p><p class="normal">"You have done wisely, my good lord cardinal," replied Henry, whose -first irritation had now subsided. "Let him be called, and bid your -secretary take down his deposition, for 'tis not fitting that mine be -so employed."</p><p class="normal">At the command of Wolsey, one of the pages went instantly to seek the -priest, who, by the care and despatch of Sir Payan, had been sent down -with all speed, and was now waiting with the cardinal's attendants in -no small surprise and agitation, not being able to conceive why he was -thus hurried from one place to another, and breathing also with some -degree of alarm in the unwonted atmosphere of a court. On being -ushered into the royal presence, the worthy man fell down upon both -his knees before Henry, and, clasping his hands, prayed for a blessing -on his head with such fervour and simplicity that the monarch was both -pleased and amused.</p><p class="normal">"Rise, rise, good man!" said the king, holding out his hand for him to -kiss: "we would speak with you on a business of import. Nay, do not be -alarmed. We know your worth, and purpose to reward you. Place yourself -here, master secretary, and take down his replies. Sit, my good lord -cardinal; we beg you to be seated."</p><p class="normal">As soon as Wolsey had taken a low seat near the king, and the -secretary, kneeling on one before the table, was prepared to write, -Henry again proceeded, addressing the priest, who stood before him the -picture of a disquieted spirit.</p><p class="normal">"Say, do you know one Sir Osborne Maurice?" demanded the king.</p><p class="normal">"Yes, surely, please your royal grace," replied the priest. "At least -that was the name which his attendants gave to the noble and -courageous knight that saved me from the hands of the Rochester -shipwrights."</p><p class="normal">"First," said Wolsey, "give us your name, and say how you came to fall -into the hands of these rebellious shipwrights."</p><p class="normal">"Alas! your grace," answered the priest, "I am a poor priest of -Dartford, my name John Timeworthy; and hearing that these poor -misguided men at Rochester were in open rebellion against the -government, from lack of knowledge and spiritual teaching, I resolved -to go down amongst them and preach to them peace and submission. I -will not stay to say how and where I found them; but getting up upon a -bench that stood hard by, under an apple-tree, I gathered them round -me like a flock of sheep, and began my discourse, saying, 'Woe! woe! -woe! Woe unto ye, shipwrights of Rochester, that you should arm -yourselves against the king's grace! You are like children, that must -fain eat hot pudding, and burn their mouths withal; for ye will cry, -and ye will cry, till the sword fall upon you; and then, when Lord -Thomas comes down with his men-at-arms, ye will turn about and fly; -and the spears will stick in your hinder parts, and ye shall be put to -shame: for though he have but hundreds, and ye have thousands, his are -all men of the bow and of the spear, and ye know no more of either -than a jackass does of the harp and psaltery.' And thereupon, your -grace, they that I took for strayed sheep showed themselves to be a -pack of ravening wolves, for they haled me down from the bench, and -beat me unmercifully, and putting a halter round my neck, led me along -to hang me up, as they vowed, in sight of Rochester Castle; when, just -as they were dragging me along, more dead than alive, across a little -green, the knight, Sir Osborne Maurice, came up, and, as I said, -rescued me; and for a surety he is a brave and generous knight, and -well deserving your grace's favour."</p><p class="normal">"By my faith, I have always thought so," said Henry. "What say you -now, cardinal? Question him yourself, man."</p><p class="normal">Wolsey eagerly snatched at the permission, for he plainly saw that the -matter was not proceeding to his wish. "Pray, my good Master -Timeworthy," said he, "how was it that this Sir Osborne rescued you? -Did he put his lance in rest, and charge the whole multitude, and -deliver you from their hands?"</p><p class="normal">"Not so! not so!" cried the priest. "He did far more wisely, for there -would have been much blood spilt; but he sent forward one, who seemed -to be his shield-bearer, who shook hands with the chief of the -rioters, and spoke him fair; and then the knight came forward himself, -and spoke to him; and the chief of the rioters cried with a loud voice -to his people, that this was not Lord Thomas, as they had thought, but -a friend and well-beloved of the good Duke of Buckingham; and it was -wonderful how soon the eloquence of that young man worked upon the -multitude, and made them let me go. He was, indeed, a youth of a -goodly presence, and fair to look upon, and had something noble and -commanding in his aspect; and his words moved the rioters in the -twinkling of an eye, and made them wholly change their purpose."</p><p class="normal">Henry's brow, which had cleared during the former part of the priest's -narration, now grew doubly dark and cloudy; and he muttered to -himself, "Too clear! too clear!" while Wolsey proceeded to question -the priest more closely.</p><p class="normal">"Indeed, your grace," replied he, in answer to the cardinal's more -minute questions, "I can tell you no more than I have told; for, as I -said, I was more dead than alive all the time, till they gave me up to -the knight, and did not hear half that passed."</p><p class="normal">"And what did you remark after you were with the knight?" demanded -Wolsey. "Was there no particular observation made on the whole -transaction?"</p><p class="normal">"Not that I can call to mind," answered the priest. "All I remember -is, that they seemed a very merry party, and laughed and joked about -it; which I, being frightened, thought almost wicked, God forgive me! -for it was all innocency and high blood of youth."</p><p class="normal">"Well, sir," said Wolsey, "you may go. Go with him, secretary; and see -that he be well tended, but allowed to have speech of no one."</p><p class="normal">The priest and the secretary withdrew in silence; and no sooner were -they gone, than, abandoning his kingly dignity, Henry started from his -seat, and strode up and down the room in one of those fits of passion -which, even then, would sometimes take possession of him. At length, -stopping opposite Wolsey, who stood up the moment the king rose, he -struck the table with his clenched hand. "He shall die!" cried he; "by -heaven, he shall die! Let him be attached, my Wolsey."</p><p class="normal">"My sergeant-at-arms is with me, your grace," replied the cardinal, -"and shall instantly execute your royal will. Better arrest him -directly, lest he fear and take flight."</p><p class="normal">"Whom mean you?" cried the king. "Ha! I say attach Edward Bohun, Duke -of Buckingham."</p><p class="normal">"In regard to the Duke of Buckingham, my liege," replied Wolsey, less -readily than he had before spoken, "will you take into your royal -consideration whether it may not be better to suffer him to proceed a -while with his treasonous schemes? for I question if the evidence we -have at present against him would condemn him with the peers."</p><p class="normal">"But he is a traitor," cried Henry; "an evident traitor; and, by my -faith! shall suffer a traitor's death."</p><p class="normal">"Most assuredly he is a black and heinous traitor," answered Wolsey. -"And yet your grace will think what a triumph it would be for him if -his peers should pronounce him innocent. He has store of friends among -them. Far better let him proceed yet a while, and, with our eyes upon -him, watch every turn of his dark plot, and seize him in the midst, -when we shall have such proof that even his kindred must, for very -shame, pronounce his guilt. In the mean time, I will ensure that he be -so strictly guarded that he shall have power to do no evil."</p><p class="normal">"You are right, my Wolsey; you are right!" cried the king, seating -himself, and laying his hand upon the papers; "let it be conducted as -you say. But see that he escape not, for his ingratitude adds another -shade to what is black itself. As to this Sir Osborne Maurice, 'tis a -noble spirit perverted by that villain Buckingham. I have seen and -watched the seeds of many virtues in him."</p><p class="normal">"It must be painful, then, for your grace to command his arrest," said -Wolsey; "and yet he is so near your royal person, and his treason is -so manifest, that the very love of your subjects requires that he -should suffer death."</p><p class="normal">"And yet," replied Henry, fixing his eye upon the cardinal, and -speaking emphatically; "and yet, even now I feel the warm blood of the -English kings flowing lightly in my veins, which but for him would -have been cold and motionless: and shall I take his life that has -saved mine? No, Wolsey, no! It must not be! He has been misled, but is -not wicked."</p><p class="normal">"Still, your grace's justice requires," said Wolsey (pardon me my -boldness), "that he should undergo his trial. Then, if condemned, -comes in your royal mercy to save him; saying to him, You are judged -for having been a traitor, you are pardoned for having saved your -king."</p><p class="normal">"But be assured, my Wolsey," replied Henry, "that if his trial were to -take place now, the great traitor Buckingham will take alarm, and -either endeavour to do away all evidence of his treason, or take to -flight and shelter himself from justice."</p><p class="normal">"No need that his trial be immediate," answered the cardinal; "if your -grace permits, he shall be committed privately to the Tower, and there -await your return from France; by which time, depend on it, the Duke -of Buckingham will have given further tokens of his mad ambition, and -both may be tried together. Then let the greater traitor suffer and -the lesser find grace, so that your royal justice and your clemency be -equally conspicuous."</p><p class="normal">"Be it so, then," said the king; "though in truth, good cardinal, it -grieves me to lose this youth. He is, without exception, the best -lance in Christendom, and would have done our realm much credit in our -journey to France: I say it grieves me! Ay, heartily it grieves me!"</p><p class="normal">"Nay, your grace," said Wolsey, "you will doubtless find a thousand as -good as he."</p><p class="normal">"Not so! not so, lord cardinal!" cried Henry; "these are things not so -easily acquired as you churchmen think. I never saw a better knight. -When his lance breaks in full course, you shall behold his hand as -steady as if it held a straw: nor knee, nor thigh, nor heel shall -shake; and when the toughest ash splinters upon his casque, he shall -not bend even so much as a strong oak before a summer breeze. But his -guilt is clear, so the rest is all nought."</p><p class="normal">"Then I have your grace's commands," said Wolsey, "to commit him to -the Tower. He shall be attached directly by the sergeant-at-arms, and -sent down by the turn of the tide."</p><p class="normal">"Hold, hold!" cried the king; "not to-night, good Wolsey. Before we -fly our hawk we cry the heron up, and he shall have the same grace. -To-morrow, if he be still found, arrest him where you will; but for -to-night he is safe, nor must his path be dogged. He shall have free -and fair start, mark me, till tomorrow at noon; then slip your -greyhounds on him, if you please."</p><p class="normal">"But, your grace," cried Wolsey, "if you let him----"</p><p class="normal">"It is my will," said the king, his brow darkening. "Who shall -contradict it? Ha! See that it be obeyed exactly, my lord!"</p><p class="normal">"It shall, your grace," said Wolsey, bending his head with a profound -inclination. "Your will is law to all your faithful servants; but only -let your noble goodness attribute to my deep love for your royal -person the fear I have that this traitorous agent of a still greater -traitor may be tempted in despair, if he find that he is discovered, -to attempt some heinous crime against your grace."</p><p class="normal">"Fear not, man! fear not!" replied the king. "He, that when he might -have let me die, risked his own life to save mine, will never arm his -hand against me: I fear not, cardinal. So be you at ease. But return -to London; see that Buckingham be closely watched; and be sure that no -preparation be wanting for the meeting with Francis of France. Be -liberal, be liberal, lord cardinal! I would not that the nobles of -France should say they had more gold than we. Let everything be -abundant, be rich, and in its flush of newness; and as to Sir Osborne -Maurice, arrest him to-morrow, if he be still here. Let him be fairly -tried, and if he come out pure, well. Yet still, if he be condemned, -his own life shall be given him as a reward for mine. However, till -tomorrow let it rest. It is my will!"</p><p class="normal">Though Wolsey would have been better pleased to have had the knight -safely in the Tower, yet, even in case of his making his escape before -the next morning, his great object was gained, that of banishing from -the court for ever one whose rapid progress in the king's regard bade -fair, with time, to leave every one behind in favour. He therefore -ceased to press the king upon the subject, especially as he saw, by -many indubitable signs, that Henry was in one of those imperious moods -which would bear no opposition. A few subjects of less import still -remained to be discussed, but the monarch bore these so impatiently, -that Wolsey soon ceased to importune him upon them; and resolving to -reserve all further business for some more auspicious day, he rose, -and taking leave with one of those refined, yet high-coloured, -compliments which no man was so capable of justly tempering as -himself, he left the royal presence, and proceeded to another part of -the palace on business whose object is intimately allied to the -present history, as we shall see hereafter.</p><br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XXV.</h4><div class="poem0" style="margin-left:20%"> -<p class="continue">And knowing this, should I yet stay,<br> -Like such as blow away their lives,<br> -Enamoured of their golden gyves?--<span class="sc">Ben Jonson</span>.</p><p class="continue">Away! though parting be a fretful corrosive,<br> -It is applied to a deathful wound.--<span class="sc">Shakspere</span>.</p></div><p class="normal">Who would be a king if he could help it? When Wolsey had left him, -Henry once more raised the papers which lay upon the table, and read -them through; then leant his head upon his hand, and passed some -moments in deep and frowning meditation. "No!" said he, "no! I will -not show them to him, lest he warn the traitor Buckingham. Ho, -without! Tell Pace to come to me;" and again falling into thought, he -remained musing over the papers with bent brows and an absent air, -till the secretary had time to obey his summons. On his approach, the -good but timid Pace almost trembled at the angry glow he saw upon the -king's face; but he was relieved by Henry placing in his hands the -papers which Wolsey had left, bidding him have good care thereof.</p><p class="normal">Pace took the papers in respectful silence, and waited an instant to -see whether the king had further commands; but Henry waved his hand, -crying, "Begone! leave me, and send the page."</p><p class="normal">The page lost not a moment in appearing; for the king's hasty mood was -easily discernible in his aspect, and no one dared, even by an -instant's delay, to add fuel to the fire which was clearly burning in -his bosom; but still Henry allowed him to wait for several minutes. -"Who waits in the ante-chamber?" demanded he, at length.</p><p class="normal">"Sir Charles Hammond, so please your grace," replied the page.</p><p class="normal">"And where is Denny?" asked the king. "Where is Sir Anthony Denny, -ha?"</p><p class="normal">"He has been gone about an hour, your grace," replied the page.</p><p class="normal">"They hold me at nought!" cried Henry. "Strike his name from the list! -By my life, I will teach him to wait! Go call Sir Osborne Maurice to -my presence," and rising from his seat, he began again to pace the -apartment.</p><p class="normal">The page, as he conducted the young knight to the hall in which Henry -awaited him, took care to hint that he was in a terrific mood, with -that sort of eagerness which all vulgar people have to spread evil -tidings. The knight, however, asked no question and made no comment, -and passing through the door which he had seen give admission to the -priest about an hour before, he entered the ante-chamber, in which was -seated Sir Charles Hammond, who saluted him with a silent bow. -Proceeding onward, the page threw open the door of the privy-chamber, -and Sir Osborne approached the king, in the knitting of whose brow, -and in the curling of whose lip, might be plainly seen the inward -irritation of his impetuous spirit. As he came near, Henry turned -round, and fixed his eye upon him; and the knight, not knowing what -might be the cause or what the consequence of his anger, bent his knee -to the ground, and bowing his head, said, "God save your grace!"</p><p class="normal">"Marry, thou sayest well!" cried Henry. "We trust he will, and guard -us ever against traitors! What say you?"</p><p class="normal">"If ever there be a man so much a traitor to himself," replied Sir -Osborne, "as to nourish one thought against so good a king, oh, may -his treason fall back upon his own head, and crush him with the -weight!"</p><p class="normal">"Well prayed again," said Henry, more calmly. "Rise, rise, Sir -Osborne; we must speak together. Give me your arm. We cannot sit and -speak when the heart is so busy. We will walk. This hall has space -enough," and with a hurried pace he took one or two turns in the -chamber, fixing his eyes upon the ground, and biting his lip in -silence. "Now, by our Lady!" cried he at length, "there are many men -in this kingdom, Sir Osborne Maurice, who, seeing us here, holding -your arm and walking by your side, would judge our life in peril."</p><p class="normal">Sir Osborne started, and gazed in Henry's face with a look of no small -surprise.</p><p class="normal">"Did I but know of any one," said he, at length, "who could poison -your royal ear with such a tale, were it other than a churchman or a -woman, he should either confess his falsehood or die upon my sword. -But your grace is noble, and believes them not. However," he -continued, unbuckling his sword and laying it on the table as far away -as possible, "on all accounts I will put that by. There lays the sword -that was given me by an emperor, and here is the hand that saved a -king's life; and here," he continued, kneeling at the king's feet, "is -a heart as loyal as any in this realm, ready to shed its best blood if -its king command it. But tell me, only tell me, how I have offended."</p><p class="normal">"Rise, sir knight," said the king. "On my life, I believe you so far, -that if you have done wrong, you have been misled; and that your heart -is loyal I am sure: yet listen. You came to this court a stranger; in -you I found much of valour and of knightly worth. I loved you, and I -favoured you; yet now I find that you have in much deceived me. Speak -not, for I will not see in you any but the man who has saved my life; -I will know you for none other. Say, then, Sir Osborne, is not life a -good return for life? It is? ha?"</p><p class="normal">"It is, my liege," replied Sir Osborne, believing his real name -discovered. "Whatever I have done amiss has been but error of -judgment, not of heart, and surely cannot be held as very deep offence -in eyes so gracious as my noble king's."</p><p class="normal">"We find excuses for you, sir, which rigorous judges might not find," -replied the monarch; "yet there are many who strive to make your -faults far blacker than they are, and doubtless may urge much against -you; but hitherto we stand between you and the law, giving you life -for life. But see you use the time that is allowed you well, for -to-morrow, at high noon, issues the warrant for your apprehension, and -if you make not speed to leave this court and country, your fate upon -your head, for you have warning."</p><p class="normal">Sir Osborne was struck dumb, and for a moment he gazed upon the king -in silent astonishment. "I know not what to think," he cried, after a -while; "I cannot believe that a king famous for his clemency, can see -in my very worst crime aught but an error. Your grace has said that -many strive to blacken me; still humbly at your feet let me beseech -you to tell me of what they do accuse me."</p><p class="normal">"Of many rank offences, sir!" replied the king, somewhat impatiently; -"offences of which you might find it hard to wash yourself so clear as -not to leave enough to weigh you down. However, 'tis our will that you -depart the court, without further sojourn; and if you are wise, you'll -speed to leave a country where you may chance to find worse -entertainment and a harder lodging if you stay. Go to the keeper of -our private purse, who will give a thousand marks to clear your -journey of all cost; and God befriend you for the time to come!"</p><p class="normal">"Nay, your grace," replied Sir Osborne, "poor as I came I'll go; but -thus far richer, that for one short month I won a great king's love, -and lost it without deserving; and if to this your grace will add the -favour to let me once more kiss your royal hand, you'll send me -grateful forth."</p><p class="normal">Henry held out his hand towards him. "By my faith," cried he, "I do -believe him honest! But the proofs! the proofs! Go, go, Sir Osborne; I -judge not harshly of you. You have been misled; but fly speedily, I -command you; for your own sake, fly!"</p><p class="normal">Sir Osborne raised himself, took his sword from the table, and, with a -low obeisance to the king, quitted the room, his heart far too full to -speak with any measure what he felt.</p><p class="normal">His hopes all broken, his dream of happiness dispelled like a wreath -of morning mist in the sunshine, the young knight sought his chamber, -and casting himself in a seat, leant his head upon his hands, in an -attitude of total despondency. He did not think; for the racking -images of despair that hurried through his brain were very different -from the defined shapes of the most busy thought. His bosom was a -chaos of dark and gloomy feelings, and it was long before reason lent -him any aid to arrange and disentangle his ideas. As it did so, -however, the thought of whither he should fly presented itself, and -his first resolution was to go to his father in Wales; but then, to be -the bearer of such news! it was more than he could undertake. Besides, -as he reflected, he saw that, use what speed he might, his course -would be easily tracked in that direction, and that the facilities -which the messengers of the government possessed of gaining fresh -horses would soon enable them to overtake and arrest him if the -warrant were issued the next day at noon, as the king had said, and -followed up with any degree of alacrity. That it would be so he had no -reason to doubt, attributing, as he did, the whole of his misfortune -to the hatred and jealousy of Wolsey; whose haste to ruin him had been -sufficiently evinced by his having begun and completed it within one -day after his arrival from York. These thoughts brought on others; and -not knowing the stinging impulse of a favourite's jealousy, he -pondered over the malice of the cardinal, wondering whether in former -days his father might have offered the then rising minister either -offence or injury, and thus entailed his evil offices on himself and -family. But still the question, whither he should fly, returned; and -after much consideration he resolved that it should be to Flanders, -once more to try the fortune of his sword; for though peace nominally -subsisted between the French king and the new emperor, it was a peace -which could be but of short duration, and it was even then interrupted -by continual incursions upon each other's territories, and incessant -violation of the frontier by the various garrisons of France and -Burgundy. Once arrived, he would write, he thought, to his father, who -would surely join him there, and they would raise their house and name -in a foreign land. But Constance de Grey--could she ever be his? He -knew not; but at her very name Hope relighted her torch, and he began -to dream again.</p><p class="normal">As he thought thus, he raised his eyes, and perceived his faithful -attendant Longpole watching him with a look of anxious expectation, -waiting till his agitated reverie should end. "How! Longpole!" said -he. "You here? I did not hear you come in."</p><p class="normal">"I have been here all the time, your worship," replied the yeoman. -"And I've made some noise in the world, too, while you have been here, -for I let all the armour fall in that closet."</p><p class="normal">"I did not hear you," said the knight. "My thoughts were very busy. -But, my good Heartley, I am afraid the time is come that we must -part."</p><p class="normal">"By my faith, it must be a queer time, then, your worship!" answered -Longpole; "for it is not every-day weather that will make me quit you, -especially when I see you in such a way as you were just now."</p><p class="normal">"But, my good Longpole," answered the knight, "I am ruined. The king -has discovered who I really am; Wolsey has whetted his anger against -me, and he has banished me his court, bidding me fly instantly, lest I -be to-morrow arrested, and perhaps committed to the Tower. I must -therefore quit this country without loss of time, and take my way to -Flanders, for my hopes here are all at an end. Wolsey is too powerful -to be opposed."</p><p class="normal">"Well, then, my lord," said Longpole, "I will call you by your real -name now; and so I'll go and saddle our horses, pack up as much as I -can, and we'll be off in a minute."</p><p class="normal">"But, my good Longpole," said his master, "you do not think what you -are doing. Indeed, you must not leave your country and your friends, -and that poor girl Geraldine, to follow a man ruined in fortune and -expectations, going to travel through strange lands, where he knows -not whether he may find friends or enemies."</p><p class="normal">"More reason he should have a companion on the road," replied -Longpole. "But, my lord, my determination is made. Where you go, there -will I go too; and as to little Mistress Geraldine, why, when we've -made a fortune, which I am sure we shall do, I'll make her trot over -after me. But, as I suppose there is but little time to spare, I will -go get everything into order as fast as possible. <i>Carpe diem</i>, as -good Dr. Wilbraham used to say to me when I was lazy. There is your -lordship's harness. If you can manage to pop on the breast and back -pieces, I will be back directly."</p><p class="normal">"Nay," said the knight, "there is yet one person I must see. However, -be not long, good fellow, for I shall not stay. Give me that wrapping -cloak with the hood."</p><p class="normal">Longpole obeyed; and enveloping himself in a large mantle, which he -had upon a former occasion used to cover his armour, in one of those -fanciful justs where every one appeared disguised, the knight left his -own apartments, and proceeded to those of Lady Constance de Grey. Many -were the sounds of mirth and merriment which met his ears as he passed -by the various ranges of apartments, jarring harshly with all his own -sorrowful feelings, and in the despondency of his mind he marvelled -that any but idiots or madmen could indulge in laughter in a world so -full of care. Hurrying on to avoid such inharmonious tones, he -approached the suite of rooms appropriated to Lady Constance, and was -surprised at finding the door open. Entering, nothing but confusion -seemed to reign in the ante-chamber, where her maids were usually -found employed in various works. Here stood a frame for caul-work, -there one for embroidery; here a cushion for Italian lace thrown upon -the ground; there a chair overturned; while two of the maids stood -looking out of the window (to make use of the homely term), crying -their eyes out.</p><p class="normal">"Where is your mistress?" demanded Sir Osborne, as he entered; the -agitation of his own feelings, and the alarm he conceived from the -strange disarray of the apartment, making him stint his form of speech -to the fewest words possible.</p><p class="normal">"We do not know, sir," replied one of the desolate damsels. "All that -we know is, that she is gone."</p><p class="normal">"Gone!" cried Sir Osborne. "Gone! In the name of heaven, whither is -she gone? Who is gone with her?"</p><p class="normal">"Jesu Maria, sir! don't look so wild," cried the woman, who thought -herself quite pretty enough, even in her tears, to be a little -familiar. "Dr. Wilbraham is with the Lady Constance, and so is -Mistress Margaret, and therefore she is safe enough, surely."</p><p class="normal">"But cannot you say whither she is gone?" cried the knight. "When did -she go? How?"</p><p class="normal">"She went but now, sir," replied the woman. "She was sent for about an -hour or more ago to the little tapestry-hall, to speak with my lord -cardinal; and after that she came back very grave and serious, and -made Mistress Margaret pack up a great parcel of things, while she -herself spoke with Dr. Wilbraham; and when that was done, they all -three went away together; but before she went she gave each of us -fifty marks a-piece, and said that she would give us news of her."</p><p class="normal">"Did she not drop any word in regard to her destination?" demanded Sir -Osborne. "Anything that might lead you to imagine whither she was -gone?"</p><p class="normal">"Mistress Margaret said they were going to London," said the other -girl, turning round from the window, and speaking through her tears. -"She said that they were going because such was my lord cardinal's -will. But I don't believe it, for she said it like a lie; and I'm sure -I shall never see my young lady again. I'm sure I shan't! So now, sir -knight, go away and leave us, for we can tell you nothing more."</p><p class="normal">The knight turned away. "Oh, Constance! Constance!" thought he, as he -paced back to his apartments; "will you ever be able to resist all the -influence they may bring against you? When you hear, too, of your -lover's disgrace! Well, God is good, and sometimes joy shines forth -out of sorrow, like the sun that dispels the storm." As he thought -thus, the prediction of Sir Cesar, that their misfortune should be but -of short duration, came across his mind. "The evil part of his -prophecy," thought he, "is already on my head. Why should I doubt the -good? Come, I will be superstitious, and believe it fully; for hope is -surely as much better than fear as joy is better than sorrow. Will -Constance ever give her hand to another? Oh, no, no! And surely, -surely, I shall win her yet."</p><p class="normal">Of all the bright gifts with which heaven has blessed our youth, there -is none more excellent than that elasticity of spirit which rebounds -strongly from the depressing load of a world's care, and after the -heaviest weight of sorrow, or the severest stroke of disappointment, -raises us lightly up, and gives us back to hope and to enjoyment. It -is peculiar to youth, and it is peculiar to good conduct; for the -reiterated burdens that years cast upon us as they fly gradually rob -the spring of expectation of its flexibility, and vice feels within -itself that it has not the same right to hope as virtue. Sir Osborne's -spirit was all rebound; and though surrounded with doubts, with -difficulties, and with dangers, it was not long before he was ready to -try again the wide adventurous world, with unabated vigour of -endeavour, though rebuffed in his first endeavours and disappointed in -his brightest expectations.</p><p class="normal">On returning to his apartment he found his faithful attendant ready -prepared; and there was a sort of easy, careless confidence in the -honest yeoman's manner, that well seconded the efforts of reviving -hope in his master's breast. It seemed as if he never thought for a -moment that want of success was possible; and, besides, he was one of -those over whom Fortune has little power. He himself had no extraneous -wants or wishes. Happy by temperament, and independent by bodily -vigour, he derived from nature all that neither Stoic nor Epicurean -could obtain by art. He was a philosopher by frame; and more than a -philosopher, as the word is generally used, for he had a warm heart -and a generous spirit, and joined affection for others to carelessness -about himself.</p><p class="normal">Such was the companion, of all others, fitted to cheer Sir Osborne on -his way; far more so than if he had been one of equal rank or equal -refinement, for he was always ready to assist, to serve, to amuse, or -advise, without sufficient appreciation of finer feelings to -encourage, even by understanding them, those thoughts upon which the -knight might have dwelt painfully in conversation with any one else.</p><p class="normal">At the same time, Longpole was far above his class in every respect. -He had some smattering of classical knowledge, which was all that -rested with him of the laborious teaching which good Dr. Wilbraham had -bestowed upon his youth; he not only could read and write, but had -read all the books he could get at, while a prisoner in France, and -had, on more than one occasion, contrived to turn a stanza, though -neither the stuff nor the workmanship was very good; and he had, -moreover, a strange turn for jesting, which he took care to keep in -perpetual exercise. To these he joined all the thousand little -serviceable qualifications of an old soldier, and an extraordinary -fluency in speaking French, which had proved very useful to him in -many instances. Thus equipped inwardly, he now stood before Sir -Osborne, with his outward man armed in the plain harness of a custrel, -or shield-bearer, with casque and corslet, cuissards, brassards, and -gauntlets; and considering that he was nearly six feet three inches in -height, he was the sort of man that a knight might not be sorry to see -at his back in the <i>mêlée</i> or the skirmish.</p><p class="normal">"Longpole," said the knight, "give me my armour; I will put it on -while you place what clothes you can in the large horsebags. But, my -good custrel, we must put something over our harness: give me that -surcoat. You have not barded my horse, I trust?"</p><p class="normal">"Indeed I have, my lord," replied he; "and depend on it you may have -need thereof. Remember how dear the barding of a horse is: I speak of -the steel, which is, in fact, the true bard, or bardo, as the Italians -call it, for the cloth that covers it is not the bard; and if you -carry the steel with you, you may as well have the silk too."</p><p class="normal">"But 'twill weary the horse," said Sir Osborne; "however, as 'tis on, -let it stay: only it may attract attention, and give too good a track -to any that follow; though, God knows, I can hardly determine which -way to turn my rein."</p><p class="normal">"To London! to London, to be sure, your worship," cried Longpole; -"that is the high road to every part on the earth, and off the earth, -and under the earth. If a man want to go to heaven, he will there find -guides; if he seek hell, he will find plenty going the same road; and -if he love this world better, there shall he meet conveyance to every -part of it. What would you think of just paying a visit to good Master -William Hans, the merchant, to see if he cannot give us a cast over to -Flanders? A thousand to one he has some vessel going, or knows some -one that has."</p><p class="normal">"Well bethought," answered Sir Osborne, slowly buckling on his armour. -"It will soon grow dusk, and then our arms will call no attention. My -hands refuse to help me on with my harness: I am very slow. Nay, good -Longpole, if you have already finished, take a hundred marks out of -that bag, which will nearly empty it, and seek the three men the Duke -of Buckingham gave me. Divide it between them for their service; and, -good Longpole, when you have done that, make inquiries about the -palace as to what road was taken by Lady Constance de Grey and Dr. -Wilbraham. Do not mention the lady; name only Dr. Wilbraham, as if I -sought to speak with him."</p><p class="normal">Longpole obeyed, and after about half-an-hour's absence returned, -tolerably successful in his inquiries; but, much to his surprise and -disappointment, he found his young lord very nearly in the same -situation in which he had left him, sitting in his chair, half armed, -with his casque upon his knee, his fine head bare, and his eye fixed -upon the fading gleams of the evening sky, where some faint clouds -just above the distant trees seemed as if lingering in the beams of -the sun's bright eye, like man still tenacious of the last ray of -hope.</p><p class="normal">"Well, Longpole," cried he, waking from his reverie, "what news? Have -you heard anything of Lady Constance?" and, as if ashamed of his -delay, he busied himself to finish the arrangement of his armour.</p><p class="normal">"Let me aid you, my lord," said Longpole, kneeling down, and soon -completing, piece by piece, what his master had left unfinished, -replying at the same time to his question. "I have spoken with the man -who carried the baggage down to the boat, my lord; and he says that -Dr. Wilbraham, Lady Constance, and one of her women, took water about -half-an-hour after the lord cardinal, and seemed to follow his barge."</p><p class="normal">Sir Osborne fell into another reverie, from which, at last, he roused -himself with a sigh. "Well, I can do nothing," said he; "like an angry -child I might rage and struggle, but I could do no more. Were I to -stay, 'twould but be committing me to the Tower, and then I must be -still perforce----"</p><p class="normal">Longpole heard all this with an air of great edification; but when he -thought that his master had indulged himself enough, he ventured to -interrupt him by saying, "The sun, sir, has gone to bed; had not we -better take advantage of his absence, and make our way to London? -Remember, sir, he is an early riser at this time of year, and will be -up looking after us tomorrow before we are well aware."</p><p class="normal">"Ay, Longpole, ay!" replied the knight; "I will linger no longer, for -it is unavailing. The trumpet must have sounded to supper by this -time; has it not? So we shall have no idlers to gaze at our -departure."</p><p class="normal">"The trumpet sounded as I went down but now," said Longpole, "and I -met the sewer carrying in a brawn's head so like his own, that I could -not help thinking he had killed and cooked his brother: they must be -hard at his grace's liege capons even now."</p><p class="normal">"Well, I am ready," said the knight; "give me the surcoat of tawny -velvet. Now; no more feathers!" he continued, plucking from his casque -the long plume that, issuing from the crest in graceful sweeps, fell -back almost to his girdle, taking care, however, at the same time, to -leave behind a small white glove wrought with gold, that had -surrounded the insertion of the feather, and which he secured in its -place with particular attention. "Some one will have rare pillage of -this apartment," he added, looking round. "That suit of black armour -is worth five hundred marks; but it matters not to think of it: we -cannot carry them with us. The long sword and baldrick, Longpole, and -the gold spurs: I will go as a knight, at least. Now, take the bags. I -follow. Farewell, King Henry! you have lost a faithful subject!"</p><p class="normal">Thus saying, he proceeded down the stairs after Longpole, and -following a corridor, passed by one of the small doors of the great -hall, through the partial opening of which were to be heard the rattle -and the clatter of plates, of dishes, and of knives, and the buzz of -many busy jaws. A feeling of disgust came over Sir Osborne as he heard -it, he scarce knew why, and stayed not to inquire, but striding on, -came speedily to the stable-yard, and was crossing towards the -building in which his horses stood, when he observed a man loitering -near the door of the stable, whom he soon discovered to be one of the -yeomen given him by the Duke of Buckingham.</p><p class="normal">"On, Longpole!" cried the knight; "on, and send him upon some errand, -for I am in no fit mood to speak with him now." While Sir Osborne drew -back into the doorway, Longpole advanced, and in a moment after the -man was seen traversing the court in another direction. The knight -then proceeded, the horses were brought forth, and springing into the -saddle, Sir Osborne, with a sigh given to the recollection of lost -hopes, touched his charger with the spur, and rode out of the gates. -Longpole followed, and in a few minutes they were on the high road to -London.</p><br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XXVI.</h4><div class="poem0" style="margin-left:25%"> -<p style="text-indent:4em">He is a worthy gentleman,<br> -Exceedingly well read, and profited<br> -In strange concealments.--<span class="sc">Henry IV</span>.</p></div><p class="normal">It was hardly night when Sir Osborne departed; a faint and diminishing -blush still tinged the eastern sky; the blackbird was still singing -his full round notes from every thicket; and not a star had yet -veivntured forth upon the pathway of the sun, except one, that, bright -and sweet even then, seemed like a fond and favoured child to the -monarch of the sky, following fearlessly on his brilliant steps, while -others held aloof. The calm of the evening sank down gently on the -young adventurer's heart: it was so mild, so placid; and though, -perhaps, pensive and tinged with melancholy, yet there was a sort of -promise in that last smile of parting day, which led Hope forward, and -told of brighter moments yet to come. For some time the knight -indulged in vague dreams, made up, as indeed is the whole dream of -human life, of hopes and fears, expectation and despondency; then -giving up thought for action, he spurred forward his horse, and -proceeded as fast as he could towards London. Longpole followed in -silence; for, in spite of all his philosophy, he felt a sort of qualm -at the idea of the long period which must intervene ere he could hope -to see his pretty Geraldine, that took away several ounces of his -loquacity.</p><p class="normal">London, at length, spread wide before them, and after some needless -circumambulation, owing to the knight's total ignorance of the -labyrinthian intricacies of the city, and the dangerous littleness of -Longpole's knowledge thereof, they at length reached Gracious Street, -and discovered the small, square paved court, long since built over, -and I believe now occupied by a tea-dealer, but which then afforded a -sort of area before the dwelling of the Flemish merchant, William -Hans. On the left hand, nearest the river, was situated the -counting-house; and to the front, as well as to the right, stretched a -range of buildings which, from their Polyphemus-like appearance, -having but one window or aperture in the front (except the door), the -knight concluded to be those warehouses whose indiscriminate maw -swallowed up the produce of all parts of the earth. Over the -counting-house, however, appeared several smaller windows, principally -glazed, and through one of these shone forth upon the night the light -of a taper, giving notice that some one still waked within. While -Longpole dismounted, and knocked with the hilt of his dagger against a -little door by the side of that which led to the counting-house, the -knight watched the light in the window; but he watched and Longpole -knocked in vain; for neither did the light move nor the door open, -till Sir Osborne bethought him of a stratagem to call the merchant's -attention.</p><p class="normal">"Make a low knocking against the windows of the counting-house, -Longpole," said he, "as if you were trying to force them. I have known -these money-getters as deaf as adders to any sound but that which -menaced the mammon."</p><p class="normal">Longpole obeyed, and the moment after the light moved. "Hold! hold!" -cried the knight, "he hears;" and the next moment the casement window -was pushed open, through which the head of the good merchant protruded -itself, vociferating, "Who's tere? What do you want? I'll call te -watch. Watch! Watch!"</p><p class="normal">"<i>Taisez-vous!</i>" cried the knight, addressing him in French, not being -able to speak the Brabant dialect of the merchant, and yet not wishing -to proclaim his errand aloud in English. "<i>Nous sommes amis</i>; -<i>descendez, Guillaume Hans: c'est le Sire de Darnley</i>."</p><p class="normal">"Oh! I'll come down, I'll come down," cried the merchant "Run, -Skippenhausen, and open te door. I'll come down, my coot lord, in a -minute."</p><p class="normal">The two travellers had not now long to wait; for in a moment or two -the little door at which Longpole had at first in vain applied for -admission was thrown open by a personage, the profundity of whose -nether garments, together with his long waistcoat, square-cut blue -coat, with the seams, and there were many, all bound with white lace, -induced Sir Osborne immediately to write him down for a Dutch -navigator. Descending the stairs, immediately behind this first -apparition, came the merchant himself, with his black gown, which had -probably been laid aside for the night, now hurried on, not with the -most correct adjustment in the world, for it looked very much as if -turned inside out, which might well happen to a robe, the sleeves of -which were not above six inches long. Sir Osborne, however, did not -stay to investigate the subject very minutely; but explaining to the -good merchant that he had something particular to say to him, he was -conducted into the counting-house, where he informed him as succinctly -as possible of what had occurred and what he desired. Good Master Hans -was prodigal of his astonishment, which vented itself in various -exclamations in Flemish, English, and French; after which, coming to -business, as he said, he told the knight that he could put up his -horses in the same stable where he kept his drays, and that after that -they would talk of the rest. "But on my wort, my coot lord," said he, -"I must go with your man myself, for there is not one soul in the -place to let him in or out of the stable, which is behind the house."</p><p class="normal">The most troublesome part of the affair for the moment was to take off -the bard or horse armour that covered the knight's charger, as it -could not be left in the stable till the next morning, when the -merchant's carters would arrive; and poor William Hans was desperately -afraid that the round of the watch would pass while the operation was -in execution, and suppose that he was receiving some contraband goods, -which might cause a search the next day.</p><p class="normal">The business, however, was happily accomplished by the aid of the -Dutch captain, who, seeing that there was something mysterious going -forward, and having a taste that way, gave more active assistance than -either his face or figure might have taught one to expect.</p><p class="normal">He also it was who, while the good merchant, with the candle in his -hand, led our friend Longpole with the horses to the stable, conducted -the knight up-stairs into the room where they had first discovered the -light, and invited him, in extremely good English, to be seated. By -the appearance of the chamber it seemed that Master Hans had been -preparing to make great cheer for his captain; for various were the -flagons and bottles that stood upon the table, together with trenchers -and plates unused, and a pile of manchet and spice bread, with other -signs and prognostications of a rere-supper; not to mention an immense -bowl which stood in the midst, and whose void rotundity seemed -yearning for some savoury mass not yet concocted.</p><p class="normal">It was not long before the merchant re-appeared, accompanied by -Longpole, who, according to the custom of those days, when many a -various rank might be seen at the same board, seated himself at the -farther end of the table, after having taken his master's casque, and -soon engaged the Dutch captain in conversation, while the knight -consulted with William Hans regarding the means of quitting England as -speedily as possible.</p><p class="normal">"It is very unlucky you did not let me know before," said the -merchant, "for we might easily have cot the ship of my coot friend -Skippenhausen there ready to-day, and you could have sailed to-morrow -morning by the first tide. You might trust him; you might trust him -with your life. Bless you, my coot lord! 'tis he that brings me over -the Bibles from Holland."</p><p class="normal">"But cannot we sail the day after to-morrow," said the knight, "if one -day will be sufficient to complete his freight?"</p><p class="normal">"Oh, that he can!" answered the merchant; "but what will you do till -then?" he added, with a melancholy shake of the head; "you will never -like to lie in warehouse like a parcel of dry goods."</p><p class="normal">"Why, it must be so, I suppose," said the knight, "if you have any -place capable of concealing me."</p><p class="normal">"Oh, dear life, yes!" cried William Hans; "a place that would conceal -a dozen. I had it made on purpose after that evil May-day, when the -wild rabblement of London rose, and nearly murdered all the strangers -they could find. I thought what had happened once might happen again; -and so I had in some of my own country people, and caused it to be -made very securely."</p><p class="normal">The matter was now soon arranged. It was agreed that the knight and -Longpole should lie concealed at the merchant's till the ship was -ready to sail, and that then Master Skippenhausen was to provide them -a safe passage to some town in Flanders; which being finally settled -between all parties, it only remained to fix the price of their -conveyance with the Dutchman. "I am an honest man," said he, on the -subject being mentioned, "and will not rob you. If you were in no -hurry to go, and could go quietly, I would charge you ten marks a ton; -but as you are in distress, I will only charge you fifteen."</p><p class="normal">"Faith!" burst forth Longpole, "you are very liberal! Why, do you -charge us <i>more</i>, not <i>less</i>, because we are in distress?"</p><p class="normal">"Certainly," answered the Dutchman, with imperturbable tranquillity; -"nine men out of ten would charge you five times as much when they -found you wanted to go very bad, now I only charge you one-half more."</p><p class="normal">"I believe you are right," said Sir Osborne. "However, I do not object -to your price; but tell me, what do you mean by fifteen marks a ton? -Do you intend to weigh us?"</p><p class="normal">"To be sure," answered the Dutchman; "why not? All my freight is -weighed, and why not you, too? No, no. I'll have nothing on board that -is not weighed: it's all put in the book."</p><p class="normal">"Well," said the knight, with a smile, "it does not much matter. Can -you take my horses too by weight?"</p><p class="normal">"Certainly," replied the other, "I can take anything; but I am -responsible for nothing. If your horses kick themselves to death in -the hold, that is not my fault."</p><p class="normal">"I will take care of that," said the knight. "Here, Longpole, help me -to put off my harness: I cannot sit in it all night."</p><p class="normal">While the custrel was thus employed in aiding his lord to disarm, -the door opened, and in bustled a servant-maid of about two or -three-and-thirty, whose rosy cheeks had acquired a deeper tinge by the -soft wooing of a kitchen fire, and whose sharp eyes shot forth those -brilliant rays generally supposed to be more animated by the wrathful -spirit of cookery and of ardent coals than by any softer power or -flame. Immediately that she beheld two strangers, forth burst upon the -head of William Hans the impending storm. She abused him for telling -her that there would only be himself and the captain; she vowed that -she had not cooked half salmon enough for four; she declared that she -had only put down plates and bread for two; and she ended by -protesting that she never in her life had seen anybody so stupid as he -himself, William Hans.</p><p class="normal">To the mind of Sir Osborne, the lady somewhat forgot the respect due -to her master; but, however, whether it was from one of those strange, -mysterious ascendancies which cooks and housekeepers occasionally -acquire over middle-aged single gentlemen, or whether it was from a -natural meekness of disposition in the worthy Fleming, he bore it with -most exemplary patience; and when want of breath for a moment pulled -the check-string of the lady's tongue, he informed her that the two -strangers had come unexpectedly. Thereupon, muttering to herself -something very like "Why the devil did they come at all!" she set down -on the table a dish of hot boiled salmon; and, after flouncing out of -the room, returned with the air of the most injured person in the -world, bringing in a platter-full of dried peas, likewise boiled.</p><p class="normal">These various ingredients (the salmon was salted) William Hans -immediately seized upon, and emptied them into the great bowl we have -already mentioned. Then casting off his gown, and tucking up the -sleeves of his coat, he mashed them all together; adding various -slices of some well-preserved pippins, a wooden spoon's capacity of -fine oil, and three of vinegar. Fancy such a mess to eat at eleven -o'clock at night, and then go to bed and dream! Boiled salmon and -peas! apples and oil! and vinegar to crown it!</p><p class="normal">However, Sir Osborne resisted the tempting viands, and contented -himself with some of the plain bread, although both the merchant and -the captain pressed him several times to partake; assuring him, while -the oil and vinegar ran out at the corners of their mouths, that it -was "very coot; very coot indeed; excellent!" And so much did they -seem to enjoy it, that the unhappy Longpole was tempted for his sins -to taste the egregious compound, and begged a small quantity at the -hands of good Master Hans. The bountiful merchant shovelled a -waggon-load of it upon his plate, and the yeoman, fancying himself -bound in common politeness to eat it, contrived to swallow three whole -mouthfuls with a meekness and patience that in the succeeding reign -would have classed him with the martyrs; but at the fourth his -humanity rebelled, and thrusting the plate from him with a vehemence -that nearly overturned all the rest, "No!" cried he. "No, by----! -there is no standing that!"</p><p class="normal">The merchant and his countryman chuckled amazingly at poor Longpole's -want of taste, and even the knight, albeit in no very laughter-loving -mood, could not help smiling at his custrel's discomfiture. But as all -things must come to an end, the salt salmon and peas were at length -concluded, and some marmalades and confections substituted in their -place, which proved much more suitable to the taste of such of the -company as were uninitiated in the mysteries of Flemish cookery.</p><p class="normal">With the sweatmeats came the wines, which were all of peculiar rarity -and excellence; for in this particular, at least, William Hans was a -man of no small taste, which he kept indeed in continual practice. Not -that we would imply that he drank too much or too often, but still the -god of the gilded horns had been gently fingering his nose, and with a -light and skilful pencil had decorated all the adjacent parts with a -minute and delicate tracery of interwoven rosy lines.</p><p class="normal">As the wine diffused itself over his stomach, it seemed to buoy up his -heart to his lips. Prudence, too, slackened her reins, and on went his -tongue, galloping as a beggar's horse is reported to do, on a way that -shall be nameless. Many were the things he said which he should not -have said, and many were the things he told which would have been -better left untold. Amongst others, he acknowledged himself a -Lutheran, which in that age, if it tended to find out bliss in the -other world, was very likely to bring down damnation in this. He -averred that he looked upon the Bishop of Rome, as he called the pope, -in the light of that Babylonish old lady whose more particular -qualification is not fit for ears polite; and he confessed that when -Dr. Fitz-James, the Bishop of London, had bought up all the -translations of the Bible he could find, and burnt them all at Paul's -Cross, he had furnished the furious Romanist with a whole cargo of -incomplete copies. "So that," continued he, "the bishop damned his own -soul the more completely by burning God's Word, and paid the freight -and binding of a new and complete set into the bargain." And he -chuckled and grinned with mercantile glee at his successful -speculation, and with puritanic triumph over the persecutors of his -sect.</p><p class="normal">Sir Osborne soon began to be weary of the scene, and begged to know -where he should find his chamber, upon which Master Hans rose to -conduct him, with perfect steadiness of limb, the wine having affected -nothing but his tongue. Lighting a lamp, he preceded the knight with -great reverence; and while Longpole followed with the armour, he led -the way up a little narrow stair to a small room, the walls of which, -though not covered with arras, were hung with painted canvass, after a -common fashion of the day, representing the whole history of Jonah and -the whale; wherein the fish was decidedly cod, and the sea undoubtedly -butter and parsley, notwithstanding anything that the scientific may -say to such an assemblage. The ship was evidently one that would have -sunk in any sea except that she was in: she could not have sailed -across Chancery Lane in a wet day without foundering; and, as if to -render her heavier, the artist had stowed her to the head with -Dutchmen, rendering her, like the <i>dinde à la Sainte Alliance</i> (viz. a -turkey stuffed with woodcocks), one heavy thing crammed full of -another.</p><p class="normal">The whole of the room, however, was cleanliness itself: the little bed -that stood in the corner with its fine linen sheets, the small deal -table, even the very sand upon the floor, all were as white as snow. -"I am afraid, my coot lord," said the merchant, who never lost his -respect for his guest, "that your lordship will be poorly lodged; but -these three chambers along in front are what I keep always ready, in -case of any of my captains arriving unexpectedly, and it is all clean -and proper, I can assure you. I will now go and bring you a cushion -for your head, and what the French call the <i>coupe de bonne nuit</i>, and -will myself call your lordship to-morrow, before any one is up, that -you may take your hiding-place without being seen."</p><p class="normal">The knight was somewhat surprised to find his host's recollection so -clear, notwithstanding his potations; but he knew not what much habit -in that kind will do, and still doubted whether his memory would be -active enough to remind him that he was to call him when the next -morning should really come.</p><p class="normal">However, he did Master Hans injustice; for without fail, at the hour -of five, he presented himself at the knight's door; and soon after -rousing Longpole, he conducted them both down to the warehouses, -through whose deep obscurity they groped their way, amidst tuns, and -bags, and piles, and bales, with no other light than such straggling -rays as found their way through the chinks and crevices of the boards -which covered the windows for the night.</p><p class="normal">At length an enormous butt presented itself, which appeared to be -empty; for without any great effort the old merchant contrived to move -it from its place. Behind this appeared a pile of untanned hides, -which he set himself to put on one side as fast as possible, though -for what purpose Sir Osborne did not well understand, as he beheld -nothing behind them but the rough planks which formed the wall of the -warehouse. As the pile diminished, a circumstance occurred which made -all the parties hurry their movements, and despatch the hides as fast -as possible. This was nothing else than a loud and reiterated knocking -at the outer door, which at first induced Master Hans to raise his -head and listen; but then, without saying a word, he set himself to -work again harder than ever, and with the assistance of the knight and -Longpole, soon cleared away all obstruction, and left the fair face of -the boarded wall before them.</p><p class="normal">Kneeling down, the merchant now thrust his fingers under the planks, -where the apparently rude workmanship of the builder had left a chink -between them and the ground, then applied all his strength to a -vigorous heave, and in a moment three of the planks at once slid up, -being made to play in a groove, like the door of a lion's den, and -discovered a small chamber beyond, lighted by a glazed aperture -towards the sky.</p><p class="normal">"In, in, my coot lord!" cried the merchant; "don't you hear how they -are knocking at the door? They will soon rouse my maid Julian, though -she sleeps like a marmot. What they want I don't know."</p><p class="normal">Sir Osborne and Longpole were not tardy in taking possession of their -hiding-place; and having themselves pulled down the sliding door by -means of the cross-bars, which in the inside united the three planks -together, they fastened it with a little bolt, whereby any one within -could render his retreat as firm, and, to all appearance, as -immoveable as the rest of the wall. They then heard the careful -William Hans replace the hides, roll back the butt, and pace away; -after which nothing met their ear but the unceasing knocking at the -outer door, which seemed every minute to assume a fiercer character, -and which was perfectly audible in their place of refuge.</p><p class="normal">The merchant appeared to treat the matter very carelessly, and not to -make any reply till it suited his convenience; for during some minutes -he let the knockers knock on. At length, however, that particular -sound ceased, and from a sort of rush and clatter of several tongues, -the knight concluded that the door had been at length opened. At the -same time the voice of the Fleming made itself heard, in well-assumed -tones of passion, abusing the intruders for waking him so early in the -morning, bringing scandal upon his house, and taking away his -character.</p><p class="normal">"Seize the old villain!" cried another voice; "we have certain -information that they are here. Search every hole and corner; they -must have arrived last night."</p><p class="normal">Such, and various other broken sentences, pronounced by the loud -tongue of some man in office, reached the ears of Sir Osborne, -convincing him, notwithstanding Henry's assurance that till noon of -that day he should remain unpursued, that Wolsey, taking advantage of -the king's absence at Richmond, had lost no time in issuing the -warrant for his arrest.</p><p class="normal">Sitting down on a pile of books, which was the only thing that the -little chamber contained, he listened with some degree of anxiety to -the various noises of the search. Now it was a direction from the -chief of the party to look here or to look there; now the various -cries of the searchers when they either thought they had discovered -something suspicious or were disappointed in some expectation; now the -rolling of the butts, the overturning of the bales, the casting down -of the skins and leathers; now the party was far off, and now so near -that the knight could hear every movement of the man who examined the -hides before the door of his hiding-place. At one time, in the -eagerness of his search, the fellow even struck his elbow against the -boarding, and might probably have discovered that it was hollow -underneath, had not the tingling pain of his arm engaged all his -attention, passing off in a fit of dancing and stamping, mingled with -various ungodly execrations.</p><p class="normal">At length, however, the pursuers seemed entirely foiled; and -after having passed more than two hours, some in examining the -dwelling-house and some the warehouse, after having tumbled over every -article of poor William Hans's goods, their loud cries and insolent -swaggering dwindled away to low murmurs of disappointment; and growing -fainter and fainter as they proceeded to the door, the sounds at -length ceased entirely, and left the place in complete silence. Not -long after, the workmen arrived and began their ordinary occupations -for the day; and Sir Osborne and Longpole thanked their happy stars, -both for having escaped the present danger, and for their enemy's -search being now probably turned in some other direction.</p><br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XXVII.</h4><div class="poem0" style="margin-left:15%"> -<p style="text-indent:2em"><i>Norfolk</i>.--What, are you chafed?<br> -Ask God for temperance; that's the appliance only<br> -Which your disease requires.--<span class="sc">Shakspere</span>.</p></div><p class="normal">As the day passed on, Sir Osborne grew more and more impatient under -his confinement. He felt a sort of degradation in being thus pent up, -like a wild beast in a cage; and though with invincible patience he -had lain a thousand times more still in many an ambuscade, he felt an -almost irresistible desire to unbolt the door, and assure himself that -he was really at large, by going forth and exercising his limbs in the -free air. But then came the remembrance that such a proceeding would -almost infallibly transfer him to a still stricter prison, where, -instead of being voluntary and but for one day, his imprisonment would -be forced and long-continued. The thought, too, of Constance de Grey, -and the hope of winning her yet, gave great powers of endurance; and -he contented himself with every now and then marching up and down the -little chamber, which, taken transversely, just afforded him space for -three steps and a-half, and at other times with speaking in a whisper -to Longpole, who, having brought the armour down with him, sat in one -corner, polishing off any little dim spots that the damp of the night -air might have left upon it.</p><p class="normal">"This is very tiresome," said the knight.</p><p class="normal">"Very tiresome, indeed, my lord!" replied Longpole. "I've been -fancying myself a blackbird in a wicker cage for the last hour. May I -whistle?"</p><p class="normal">"No, no," cried the knight. "Give me the casque; I will polish that by -way of doing something. Don't you think, Longpole, if underneath the -volant-piece a stout sort of avantaille were carried down, about an -inch broad and two inches long, of hard steel, it would prevent the -visor from being borne in, as I have often seen, by the blow of a -solid lance?"</p><p class="normal">"Yes," answered Longpole; "but it would prevent your lordship from -blowing your nose. Oh! I do hate improvement, my lord. Depend upon it, -'tis the worst thing in the world. Men improve, and improve, and -improve, till they leave nothing that's original on the earth. I would -wager your lordship a hundred marks, that, by two or three hundred -years hence, people will have so improved their armour that there will -be none at all."</p><p class="normal">"Zounds, Bill!" cried a voice in the warehouse, "don't you hear some -folks talking?"</p><p class="normal">"It's some one in the street," answered another voice. "Yet it sounded -vastly near, too."</p><p class="normal">This, however, was quite sufficient warning for the knight to be -silent; and taking up one of the books upon which he had been sitting, -he found that it was an English version of the Bible, with copies of -which it appears that Master William Hans was in the habit of -supplying the English protestants. Our mother Eve's bad old habit of -prying into forbidden sources of knowledge affects us all more or -less; and as the Bible was at that time prohibited in England, except -to the clergy, Sir Osborne very naturally opened it and began reading. -What effect its perusal had upon his mind matters little: suffice it -that he read on, and found sufficient matter of interest therein to -occupy him fully. Hour after hour fled, and day waned slowly; but -having once laid his hand upon that book, the knight no longer felt -the tardy current of the time, and night fell before the day which he -anticipated as so tedious seemed to have half passed away.</p><p class="normal">A long while elapsed, after the darkness had interrupted Sir Osborne -in his study, before the warehouse was closed for the night; which, -however, was no sooner accomplished than good Master Hans, accompanied -by his friend Skippenhausen, came to deliver them from their -confinement.</p><p class="normal">"He! he! he!" cried the merchant, as they came forth. "Did you hear -what a noise they made, my coot lord, when they came searching this -morning? They did not find them, though, for they were all in beside -you."</p><p class="normal">"What do you mean?" demanded the knight. "Who were in beside us? -Nobody came here."</p><p class="normal">"I mean the Bibles; I mean the Word of God," cried the merchant; "the -bread of life, that those villains came seeking this morning, which, -if they had got, they would have burnt most sacrilegiously, as an -offering to the harlot of their idolatry."</p><p class="normal">"Then I was wrong in supposing that they searched for me?" said the -knight, with a smile at his own mistake.</p><p class="normal">"Oh, no; not for you at all!" replied the merchant. "It was the Bibles -that Skippenhausen brought over from Holland, for the poor English -protestants, who are here denied to eat of the bread or drink of the -water of salvation. But now, my lord, if you will condescend to be -weighed, you will be ready to sail at four in the morning; for your -horses and horse-armour are all weighed and aboard, and the cargo will -be complete when your lordship and your gentleman are shipped."</p><p class="normal">Finding that Master Skippenhausen was bent upon ascertaining his -weight, Sir Osborne consented to get into the merchant's large scales; -and being as it were lotted with Longpole, his horse-bags, and his -armour, he made a very respectable entry in the captain's books. After -this, Master Hans led him into his counting-house, and displayed his -books before him; but as the items of his account might be somewhat -tedious, it may be as well merely to say, that the young knight found -he had expended, in the short time he had remained in Henry's -luxurious court, more than two thousand five hundred marks; so that of -the two thousand seven hundred which he had possessed in the hands of -the Fleming, and the thousand which he had won at the Duke of -Buckingham's, but one thousand two hundred and a trifle remained.</p><p class="normal">Sir Osborne was surprised; but the accurate merchant left no point in -doubt, and the young knight began to think that it was lucky he had -been driven from the court before all his funds were completely -expended. He found, however, to his satisfaction, that a great variety -of arms and warlike implements, which he had gathered together while -in Flanders, and had left in the warehouses of the merchant since he -had been in England, had been shipped on board Skippenhausen's vessel, -whose acknowledgment of having received them William Hans now put into -his hand; and having paid him the sum due, and received an -acquittance, he led him once more upstairs into the scene of the last -night's revel.</p><p class="normal">We shall pass over this second evening at the merchant's house without -entering into any details thereof, only remarking that it passed more -pleasantly than the former one, there being at the supper-table some -dishes which an Englishman could eat, and which his stomach might -probably digest. At an early hour Sir Osborne cast himself upon his -bed, and slept, though every now and then the thoughts of his -approaching voyage made him start up and wonder what was the hour; and -then, as Skippenhausen did not appear, he would lie down and sleep -again, each half-hour of this disturbed slumber seeming like a whole -long night.</p><p class="normal">At length, however, when he just began to enjoy a more tranquil rest, -he was awakened by the seaman; and dressing himself as quickly as -possible, he followed to William Hans's parlour, where the worthy -merchant waited to drink a parting cup with his guests and wish them a -prosperous voyage.</p><p class="normal">As the easiest means of carrying their harness, Sir Osborne and -Longpole had both armed themselves; and as soon as they had received -the Fleming's benediction in a cup of sack, they donned their casques -and followed the captain towards the vessel.</p><p class="normal">It was a dull and drizzly morning, and many was the dark foul street, -and many the narrow tortuous lane, through which they had to pass. -Wapping, all dismal and wretched as it appears even now-a-days to the -unfortunate voyager, who, called from his warm bed in a wet London -morning, is rolled along through its long, hopeless windings, and -amidst its tall, spiritless houses, towards the ship destined to bear -him to some other land; and which, with a perversion of intellect only -to be met with in ships, stage-coaches, and other woodenheaded things, -is always sure to set out at an hour when all rational creatures are -sleeping in their beds; Wapping, I say, as it stands at present, in -its darkness and its filth, is gay and lightsome to the paths by which -worshipful Master Skippenhausen conducted Sir Osborne and his follower -towards his vessel. Sloppy, silent, and deserted, the streets boasted -no living creature besides themselves, unless, indeed, it was some -poor mechanic, who, with his shoulders up to his ear's, and his hands -clasped together to keep them warm, picked his way through the dirt -towards his early toil. The heavens frowned upon them, and the air -that surrounded them was one of those chill, wet, thick, dispiriting -atmospheres which no other city than London can boast in the month of -May.</p><p class="normal">There is a feeling of melancholy attached to quitting anything to -which we have, even for a time, habituated our hopes and wishes, or -even our thoughts: however dull, however uninteresting, a place may be -in itself, if therein we have familiar associations and customary -feelings, we must ever feel a degree of pain in leaving it. I am -convinced there is a sort of glutinous quality in the mind of man, -which sticks it to everything it rests upon; or is it attraction of -cohesion? However, the knight had a thousand sufficient reasons for -feeling melancholy and depressed, as he quitted the capital of his -native land. He left behind him hopes, and expectations, and -affection, and love; almost all those feelings which, like the various -colours mingled in a sunbeam, unite to form the light of human -existence, and without which it is dull, dark, and heavy, like heaven -without the sun. And yet, perhaps, he would have felt the parting less -had the morning looked more brightly on him; had there been one gleam -of light to give a fair augury for willing hope to seize. But, no; it -was all black and gloomy, and the very sky seemed to reflect the -feelings of his own bosom. Thus, as he walked along after the captain, -there was a stern, heavy determination in his footfall, unlike either -the light step of expectation or the calm march of contentment. What -he felt was not precisely despair: it was the bitterness of much -disappointment; and he strode quickly onward, as if at once to conquer -and to fly from his own sensations.</p><p class="normal">At length a narrow lane brought them to the side of the river, where -waited a boat to convey them to the Dutchman's ship, which lay out -some way from the bank. Beside the stairs stood a man apparently on -the watch, but he seemed quite familiar with Master Skippenhausen, who -gave him a nod as he passed, and pointing to his companions said, -"This is the gentleman and his servant."</p><p class="normal">"Very well," said the man; "go on!" and the whole party, taking their -places in the boat without further question, were speedily pulled -round to the vessel by the two stout Dutchmen who awaited them. As -soon as they were on board, the captain led the knight down into the -cabin, which he found in a state of glorious confusion, but which -Skippenhausen assured him would be the safest place for him, till they -had got some way down the river; for that they might have visiters on -board, whom he could not prevent from seeing all that were upon the -deck, though he would take care that they should not come below.</p><p class="normal">"Ay, Master Skippenhausen," cried Longpole; "for God's sake fetter all -spies and informers with a silver ring, and let us up on deck again as -soon as possible, for I am tired of being hid about in holes and -corners, like a crooked silver groat in the box of a careful maid; and -as for my lord, he looks more weary of it than even I am."</p><p class="normal">The master promised faithfully, that as soon as the vessel had passed -Blackwall he would give them notice, and then proceeded to the deck, -where, almost immediately after, all the roaring and screaming made -itself heard which seems absolutely necessary to get a ship under way. -In truth, it was a concert as delectable as any that ever greeted a -poor voyager on his outset: the yelling of the seamen, the roaring of -the master and his subordinates, the creaking and whistling of the -masts and cordage, together with volleys of clumsy Dutch oaths, all -reached the ears of the knight, as he sat below in the close, foul -cabin, and, joined to his own painful feelings, made him almost fancy -himself in the Dutch part of Hades. Still the swinging of the vessel -told that, though not as an effect, yet at least as an accompaniment -to all this din, the ship was already on her voyage; and after a few -minutes, a more regular and easy motion began to take place, as she -glided down what is now called the Pool.</p><p class="normal">However, much raving, and swearing, and cursing, to no purpose, still -went on, whenever the vessel passed in the proximity of another; and, -as there were several dropping down at the same time, manifold were -the opportunities which presented themselves for the captain and the -pilot to exercise their execrative faculties. But at length the -disturbance began to cease, and the ship held her even course down the -river, while the sun, now fully risen, dispelled the clouds that had -hung over the early morning, and the day looked more favourably upon -their passage.</p><p class="normal">Sir Osborne gazed out of the little window in the stern, noticing the -various villages that they passed on their way down, till the palace -at Greenwich, and the park sweeping up behind, met his eye, together -with many a little object associated with hopes, and feelings, and -happiness gone by, recalling most painfully all that expectation had -promised and disappointment had done away. It was too much to look -upon steadily; and turning from the sight, he folded his arms on the -table, and burying his eyes on them, remained in that position till -the master descending told him that they were now free from all -danger.</p><p class="normal">On this information, the knight gladly mounted the ladder, and paced -up and down the deck, enjoying the free air, while Longpole jested -with Master Skippenhausen, teasing him the more, perhaps, because he -saw that the seaman had put on that sort of surly, domineering air -which the master of a vessel often assumes the moment his foot touches -the deck, however gay and mild he may be on shore. Nevertheless, as we -are now rapidly approaching that part of this book wherein the events -become more thronged and pressing, we must take the liberty of leaving -out all the long conversation which Vonderbrugius reports as having -taken place between Skippenhausen and Longpole, as well as a very -minute and particular account of a sail down the river Thames, -wherewith the learned professor embellishes his history, and which, -though doubtless very interesting to the Dutch burgomasters and their -wives, of a century and a half ago, would not greatly edify the -British public of the present day, when every cook-maid steps once -a-year into the steam-packet, and is paddled down to Margate, with -less trouble than it took an Englishman of the reign of Harry the -Eighth to go from Charing cross to Lombard Street.</p><p class="normal">The wind was in their favour, and the tide running strongly down, so -that passing, one by one, Woolwich, Purfleet, Erith, Gravesend, and -sundry other places, in a few hours they approached near the ocean -limits of the English land; while the river, growing mightier and -mightier as it rolled on, seemed to rush towards the sea with a sort -of daring equality, rather a rival than a tributary, till, meeting its -giant sovereign, it gave vent to its pride in a few frothy waves; and -then, yielding to his sway, poured all its treasures in his bosom.</p><p class="normal">Before they had reached the mouth of the river, they beheld a vessel -which had preceded them suddenly take in sail and lie-to under the lee -of the Essex shore; the reason of which was made very evident the -moment after, by the vane at the mast-head wheeling round, and the -wind coming in heavy squalls right upon their beam. The Dutchman's -ship was not one at all calculated to sail near the wind; and paying -little consideration to the necessity of Sir Osborne's case, he -followed the example of the vessel before him, and gave orders for -taking in sail and lying-to, declaring that the gale would not last. -The knight remonstrated, but he might as well have talked to the wind -itself. Skippenhausen was quite inflexible, not even taking the pains -to answer a word, and, contenting himself with muttering a few -sentences in high Dutch, interspersed with various objurgatory -addresses to the sailors.</p><p class="normal">Whether the worthy Hollander's conduct on this occasion was right, -proper, and seaman-like, we must leave to some better qualified -tribunal than our own weak noddle to determine, professing to be most -profoundly ignorant on nautical affairs; but so the matter stood, that -the knight was obliged to swing one whole night in an uncomfortable -hammock in an uncomfortable ship, in the mouth of the river Thames, -with a bitter fancy resting on his mind, that this waste of time was -quite unnecessary, and that with a little courage and a little skill -on the part of the master, he might before the next morning have been -landed at Dunkirk, to which city he was to be safely carried, -according to his agreement with the Dutchman.</p><p class="normal">By daybreak the next morning the wind was rather more favourable, and -at all events by no means violent, so that the vessel was soon once -more under way. Still, however, they made but little progress; and -even the ship that was before them, though a faster sailer and one -that could keep nearer the wind, made little more way than themselves. -While in this situation, trying by a long tack to mend their course, -with about the distance of half-a-mile between them and the other -vessel, they perceived a ship-of-war apparently run out from the Essex -coast some way to windward, and bear down upon them with all sail set.</p><p class="normal">"Who have we here, I wonder?" said the knight, addressing -Skippenhausen, who had been watching the approaching vessel -attentively for some minutes.</p><p class="normal">"'Tis an English man-of-war," replied the master, "Coot now, don't you -see the red cross on her flag? By my life, she is making a signal to -us! It must be you she is wanting, my lord; for on my life I have -nothing contraband but you aboard. I will not understand her signal, -though; and as the breeze is coming up, I will run for it. Go you down -in the cabin and hide yourself."</p><p class="normal">"I will go down," replied the knight. "But hide myself I will not; I -have had too much of it already."</p><p class="normal">Skippenhausen, who, as we before hinted, had by the long habit of -smuggling in a small way acquired a taste for the concealed and -mysterious, tried in vain to persuade the knight to hide himself under -a pile of bedding. On this subject Sir Osborne was as deaf as the -other had been the night before, in regard to proceeding on their -voyage; and all the concession that the master could obtain was that -the two Englishmen would go below and wait the event, while he tried, -by altering his course and running before the wind, to weary the -pursuers, if they were not very hearty in the cause.</p><p class="normal">"Well, Longpole," said Sir Osborne, "I suppose that we must look upon -ourselves as caught at last."</p><p class="normal">"Would your worship like us to stand to our arms?" demanded the -yeoman. "We could make this cabin good a long while in case of -necessity."</p><p class="normal">"By no means," replied the knight. "I will on no account resist the -king's will. Besides, it would be spilling good blood to little -purpose; for we must yield at last."</p><p class="normal">"As your lordship pleases," answered the custrel; "but knowing how -fond you are of a good downright blow of estoc at a fair gentleman's -head, I thought you might like to take advantage of the present -occasion, which may be your last for some time."</p><p class="normal">"Perhaps it may be a mistake still," answered the knight, "and pass -away like the search for the Bibles when we were concealed in the -warehouse. However, we shall soon see: at all events, till it comes I -shall take no heed about it;" and casting himself into a seat, with a -bitter smile, as if wearied out with Fortune's caprices, and resolved -to struggle no longer for her favour, he gazed forth from the little -stern window upon the wide expanse of water that rolled away towards -the horizon. The aperture of this window, not being more than six -inches either in height or width, and cut through the thick timbers of -the Dutch vessel for considerably more than a foot in depth, was in -fact not much better than a telescope without a glass, so that the -knight's view was not a little circumscribed in respect to all the -nearer objects, and he was only able to see, as the ship pitched, the -glassy green waves, mingled with white foam, rushing tumultuously from -under her stern as she now scudded before the wind, leaving a long, -glistening, frothy track behind, to mark where she had made her path -through the midst of the broad sea. As he looked farther out, however, -the prospect widened; and at the extreme verge, where the sea and the -sky, almost one in unity of hue, showed still a faint line of light to -mark their boundary, he could perceive, rising up as it were from the -bosom of the deep, the light tracery of masts and rigging belonging to -far distant vessels, whose hulls were still concealed by the convexity -of the waters. Nearer, but yet within the range that the narrowness of -the window allowed his sight, appeared the vessel that had dropped -down the river just before them, and the English ship-of-war, which, -crowding all sail before the wind, seemed in full chase, not of their -companion, but of themselves; for the other, in obedience to the -signal, had hauled her wind and lay-to.</p><p class="normal">Sir Osborne now watched to ascertain whether the man-of-war gained -upon them, but an instant's observation put an end to all doubt. She -evidently came nearer and nearer, and soon approached so close as -scarcely to be within range of his view, being lost and seen -alternately at every motion of the ship. At length, as the vessel -pitched, she disappeared for a moment, then came in sight again; a -quick flash glanced along her bow, and the moment after, when she was -no longer visible to his eye, the sullen report of a cannon came upon -the wind.</p><p class="normal">By a sudden change in the motion of the vessel, together with various -cries upon the deck, the knight now concluded that the Dutchman had at -length obeyed this peremptory signal and lay-to, which was in fact the -case; for passing over to the window on the other side, he again got a -view of the English ship, which sailed majestically up, and then, when -within a few hundred yards, put out and manned a boat, which rowed off -towards them. Sir Osborne had not long an opportunity of observing the -boat in her approach, as she soon passed out of the small space which -he could see; but in a few minutes after, the voice of some one, -raised to its very highest pitch, made itself heard from a distance, -hardly near enough for the knight to distinguish the words, though he -every now and then caught enough to perceive that the whole consisted -of a volley of curses discharged at Master Skippenhausen for not -having obeyed the signal.</p><p class="normal">The Dutchman replied, in a tone of angry surliness, that he had not -seen their signal; and in a minute or two more, a harsh grating rush -against the vessel told that the boat was alongside.</p><p class="normal">"I will teach you, you Dutch son of a dog-fish, not to lie-to when one -of the king's ships makes the signal," cried a loud voice by the side. -"Have you any passengers on board?"</p><p class="normal">"Yes, five or six," answered the Dutchman.</p><p class="normal">"Stop! I will come on board," cried the voice, and then proceeded, as -if while climbing the ship's side, "have yon one Sir Osborne Maurice -with you?"</p><p class="normal">"No!" answered Skippenhausen, stoutly.</p><p class="normal">"Well, we will soon see that," cried the other; "for I have orders to -attach him for high treason. Come, bustle! disperse, my boys! You, -Wilfred, go forward; I will down here and see who is in the cabin; and -if I find him, Master Dutchman, I will slit your ears."</p><br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XXVIII.</h4><div class="poem0" style="margin-left:3em"> -<p class="center">My conscience will serve me to run from this Jew.</p><p style="text-indent:60%"><i><span class="sc">Merchant of Venice</span></i>.</p></div><p class="normal">We will now return to Lady Constance de Grey, whose fate must no -longer be left in uncertainty; and taking up the thread of our -narrative at the moment Sir Osborne quitted her, on the eventful -evening which destroyed all his fond expectations, we will, in our -homely way, record the events that followed.</p><p class="normal">It may be remembered, that at the very instant the knight parted from -good Dr. Wilbraham at the door of the young lady's apartment in the -palace at Richmond, a letter was put into the clergyman's hands, to be -delivered to the heiress of De Grey, for such was the style of the -address. No time was lost by Dr. Wilbraham in giving the letter into -his lady's hands; and on being opened, it proved to be one of those -anonymous epistles which are seldom even worth the trouble of -deciphering, being prompted always by some motive which dares not avow -itself.</p><p class="normal">However, as Lady Constance was very little in the habit of receiving -letters from any one, and certainly none to which the writer dare not -put his name, mere curiosity, if nothing else, would have prompted her -to read it through; the more especially as it was written in a fine -and clerkly hand, and in a style and manner to be acquired alone by -high and courtly education. Although the letter is still extant, we -shall not copy it, having already given one specimen of the -compositions of that day, and not at all wishing to depreciate the -times of our hero and heroine in the estimation of our more cultivated -readers. Let it be considered as sufficient, then, that we merely say, -the letter professed to be a warning from a friend, and informed the -young lady that the most rigorous measures were about to be adopted -towards her, in case of her still refusing to comply with Wolsey's -command in respect to her marriage with Lord Darby. The writer then -hinted that perpetual seclusion in a convent, together with the -forfeiture of all her estates, would be the consequence, if she could -not contrive to fly immediately; but that, if she could, her person at -least would be at liberty, and that a friend would watch over her -property; and, as a conclusion, he advised her to leave Richmond by -water, as the means which would leave the least trace of her course.</p><p class="normal">So singularly did this letter anticipate not only her own fears, but -also her own plans, that it instantly acquired, in the eyes of Lady -Constance, an authenticity which it did not otherwise possess; and -placing it in the hands of Dr. Wilbraham, she asked his opinion upon -its contents.</p><p class="normal">"Pshaw!" cried the clergyman when he had read it; "pshaw! lady, it is -all nonsense! The very reverend lord cardinal will never try to make -you marry against your will. Do not frighten yourself about it, my -dear lady; depend on it, 'tis all nonsense. Let me see it again." But -after he had read it over once more, Dr. Wilbraham's opinion seemed in -some degree to change. He considered the letter, and reconsidered it, -with very thoughtful eyes, and then declared it was strange that any -one should write it unless it were true; and yet he would not believe -that either. "Pray, lady, have you any idea who wrote it?" demanded -he.</p><p class="normal">"I can imagine but one person," said Lady Constance, "who could -possess the knowledge and would take the pains. Margaret, leave us," -she continued, turning to the waiting-woman. "I have heard, my dear -Dr. Wilbraham," she proceeded, as soon as they were alone, "that you -were in former times acquainted with an old knight called Sir Cesar. I -met him yesterday when I was out in the park." Lady Constance paused, -and a slight blush came into her cheek, as she remembered that the -good clergyman knew nothing of the affection which subsisted between -herself and Darnley; and feeling a strong repugnance to say that he -was with her at the moment, she hesitated, not knowing how to proceed.</p><p class="normal">Dr. Wilbraham relieved her, however, by exclaiming, the instant she -stopped, "Oh, yes, lady; in truth I know him well. He was the dearest -and the best friend of my Lord Fitzbernard; and though unhappily given -to strange and damnable pursuits--God forgive him!--I must say he was -a friend to all the human race, and a man to be trusted and esteemed. -But think you this letter came from him?"</p><p class="normal">"He is the only one," replied Constance, "on whom my mind could for a -moment fix as having written it."</p><p class="normal">"It is very likely," answered the clergyman: "it is very likely; and -if it comes from him, you may believe every word that it contains. His -knowledge, lady, is strange, is very strange, and is more than good, -but it is sure. He is one of those restless spirits that must ever be -busy; and, human knowledge not being sufficient for his eager mind, he -has sought more than he should seek, and found more than is for the -peace of his soul."</p><p class="normal">"But if he make a good use of his knowledge," said Constance, "surely -it cannot be very wicked, my dear sir."</p><p class="normal">"It is presumptuous, lady," replied the clergyman; "it is most -presumptuous to seek what God has concealed from our poor nature."</p><p class="normal">"But if this letter be from him," said the lady, "and the bad tidings -that it brings be true, what ought I to do? You, whom my dear father -left with me, asking you never to quit me---you must be my adviser, -and tell me what to do in this emergency; for sure I am that you will -never advise me to marry a man whom I do not love, and who does not -even love me."</p><p class="normal">"No, no, heaven forbid! especially when you would rather marry -Osborne," said the good clergyman with the utmost simplicity, looking -upon it quite as a matter of course, which required no particular -delicacy of handling: "and a much better thing too, lady, in every -respect," he continued, seeing that he had called up a blush in -Constance's cheek, and fancying that it arose from a fear of his -disapproving her choice. "If you will tell the lord cardinal all the -circumstances, depend upon it he will not press you to do anything you -dislike. Let him have the whole history, my dear lady; tell him that -you do not love Lord Darby, and that he loves another; and then show -him how dearly Darnley loves you, and how you love him in return; and -then----"</p><p class="normal">"Oh, hush, hush! my dear Dr. Wilbraham!" cried the lady, with the -blood glowing through her fair clear skin, over neck, and face, and -forehead. "Impossible, indeed; quite impossible! You forget."</p><p class="normal">"Oh! yes, yes, I did forget," replied the chaplain. "Osborne does not -wish his name to be known; I did forget. Very true! That is -unfortunate. But cannot you just insinuate that you do love some one -else, but do not like to mention his name?"</p><p class="normal">Lady Constance now endeavoured to make the simple clergyman -understand, that under any circumstances she would be obliged to limit -her reply to the cardinal to a plain refusal to wed Lord Darby; and -though he could not enter into any feelings of reluctance on her part -to avow her regard for Darnley, yet he fully comprehended that she was -bound to hold undivulged the confidence of others. However, he did not -cease to lament that this was the case, fully convinced in his own -mind, that if she had been able to inform Wolsey of everything, the -prelate, whom he judged after his own heart, would have unhesitatingly -accorded his sanction to all her wishes, whereas, at present, her -refusal might be attributed to obstinacy, being unsupported by any -reasons; and thus, indeed, he observed, Sir Cesar's prediction might -be fulfilled, and she obliged to fly to screen herself from the -consequences. Dr. Wilbraham having admitted that there might be a -necessity for flight, the mind of Constance was infinitely quieted, -that being a point on which she had long, long wished to ascertain his -opinion, yet had timidly held back, believing him to be unacquainted -with the most powerful motive that actuated her. Nothing now remained -but to learn whether he would so far sanction her proceedings as to -accompany her; and she was considering the best means of proposing it -to him, when she received a message to inform her that the cardinal -waited her in the little tapestried hall.</p><p class="normal">The moment which was to decide her fate she plainly perceived to be -now arrived; but, with all the gentle sweetness of her character, a -fund of dauntless resolution had descended to her from a long line of -warlike ancestors, which failed not to come to her aid in moments of -danger and extremity; and though she had long dreaded the interview to -which she was now called, she prepared to undergo it with courage and -firmness. In obedience to the cardinal's command, then, she descended -to the hall, accompanied by two of her women, who, though neither -likely to suffer anything themselves, nor informed of their mistress's -situation, yet felt much more alarm at the thoughts of approaching the -imperious Wolsey than even she herself did, burthened as her mind was -with the certainty of offending a man the limit of whose power it was -not easy to define.</p><p class="normal">At the door of the hall stood two of the cardinal's ushers, by whom -she was introduced into the chamber to which Wolsey had retired after -leaving the king, and where, seated in a chair of state, he waited her -approach with many an ensign of his pomp and power about. As she -entered, he fixed his eye upon her, scarcely rising from his seat, but -still slightly bending his head in token of salutation. The high blood -of De Grey, however, though flowing in a woman's veins, and one of the -gentlest of her sex, was not made to humble itself before the upstart -prelate; and moving forward unbidden, Lady Constance calmly seated -herself in a chair opposite to that of the cardinal, while her women -placed themselves behind her; and thus, in silence, she waited for him -to speak.</p><p class="normal">"Lady," said Wolsey, when she was seated, "at the time I saw you last, -I proposed to you a marriage, which in point of rank, of fortune, and -of every other accessory circumstance, is one which may well be -counted amongst the best of the land, and for which I expected to have -your thanks. Instead thereof, however, I received, at the moment of my -departure for York, a letter wherein, with a mild obstinacy and an -humble pride, you did reject what was worthy of your best gratitude. A -month has now waned since then, and I trust that calm reflection has -restored you to your sense of what is right; which being the case, all -that is past shall be pardoned and forgot."</p><p class="normal">"Your proposal, my lord cardinal," replied Lady Constance, "was -doubtless intended for my happiness, and therein you have my most -sincere gratitude; but yet I see not how I can have merited either -reproof or pardon, in a matter which, alone concerning myself, no one -can judge of but myself."</p><p class="normal">"You speak amiss, lady," said Wolsey, haughtily; "ay, and very boldly -do you speak. Am not I your guardian by the English law? and are you -not my ward? Say, lady, say!"</p><p class="normal">"I am your ward, my lord," replied Lady Constance, her spirit rising -under his oppression, "but not your slave; you are my guardian, but -not my master."</p><p class="normal">"You are nice in your refinements, lady," said the cardinal; "but if I -am your guardian, I am to judge what is good for you, till such time -as the law permits you to judge for yourself."</p><p class="normal">"That time is within one month, my lord," answered Constance; "and -even were it longer, I never yet did hear that a guardian could force -a ward to wed against her will, though I at once acknowledge his right -to forbid her marriage where he may judge against it."</p><p class="normal">"Nay!" exclaimed Wolsey, "this is somewhat too much. This bold spirit, -lady, becomes you not, and must be abated. Learn, that though I in -gentleness rule you but as a ward, and for your own good control your -stubborn will, the king, your sovereign, may act with a stronger hand, -and, heedless of your idle fancies, compel you to obey."</p><p class="normal">"Then to the king, my sovereign, I appeal," said Constance, "sure that -his justice and his clemency will yield me that protection which, God -help me! I much need."</p><p class="normal">"Your appeal is in vain, proud girl!" cried the cardinal, rising -angrily, while the fiery spirit flashed forth from his dark eye. "I -stand here armed in this case with the king's power, and commissioned -to speak his will; and 'tis in his name that I command you, on -Thursday next, at God's altar, to give your hand to your noble cousin, -Lord Darby; ay, and gratefully to give it, without which you may fall -to beggary and want; for know, that all those broad lands which now so -swell your pride are claimed by Sir Payan Wileton, in right of male -descent, and may pass away like a shadow from your feeble hand, -leaving you nought but your vanity for dowry."</p><p class="normal">"Then let them pass," said Constance, firmly; "for I would sooner a -thousand times be landless, friendless, hopeless, than wed a man I do -not love."</p><p class="normal">"And end your days in a nunnery, you should have added to the -catalogue of woes you call upon your head," said the cardinal, -sternly; "for, as I live, such shall be your fate. Choose either to -give your vows to your cousin or to heaven, lady; for no other choice -shall be left you. Till Thursday next I give you to decide; and while -you ponder, York Place shall be your abode. Lady, no more!" he added, -seeing her about to speak; "I have not time to argue against your fine -wit. To-night, if I reach Westminster in time, I will send down your -litter; if not, to-morrow, by eight of the clock; and be you prepared. -I have done."</p><p class="normal">Constance would not trust her voice with any reply; for the very -efforts she had made to conceal her agitation had but served to render -it more overpowering, and it was now ready to burst forth in tears. -Repressing them, however, she rose, and bending her head to the -cardinal, returned to her own apartments. Here Dr. Wilbraham awaited -her in no small anxiety, to know the event of her conference with -Wolsey, which, as it had been so short, he judged must be favourable. -Lady Constance soon undeceived him, however; and shocked and indignant -at the cardinal's haughty and tyrannical conduct, he at once agreed -with the lady that she had no resource but flight.</p><p class="normal">"It is very strange! very strange, indeed!" cried the good man. "I -have often heard that the lord cardinal is haughty and cruel, and -indeed men lay to his charge that he never does anything but for his -own interests; but I would never believe it before. I thought that God -would never have placed so much power in the hands of so bad a man; -but His ways are inscrutable, and His name be praised! Now, my dear -lady, what is to be done? Where are we to go? Had not I better go and -tell Osborne, in order that he may know all about it?"</p><p class="normal">"On no account," replied Constance; "however painful it may be, my -good friend--and painful indeed it is, I acknowledge"--and while she -spoke, the long-repressed tears burst forth, and rolled rapidly over -her face; "I must go without even bidding him adieu. I would not for -the world involve him at this time in a business which might bring -about his ruin. He shall be innocent even of the knowledge of my -flight, so that Wolsey shall have no plea against him. When his fate -is fixed and the storm is blown away, I will let him know where I am; -for I owe him that at least. Even for you, my good Dr. Wilbraham, I -fear," she continued. "If you fly with me, may it not bring down upon -your head some ecclesiastical censure? If so, for heaven's sake, let -me go with Margaret alone."</p><p class="normal">"Why, it may, indeed," answered the chaplain thoughtfully. "I had -forgot that. It may indeed. What can be done?"</p><p class="normal">"Then you shall stay," replied Lady Constance, with some degree of -mournfulness of accent at the thought of the friendless loneliness -with which she was going to cast herself upon the wide, inhospitable -world. "Then you shall stay indeed."</p><p class="normal">"What! and leave you to wander about alone, I know not whither?" cried -the young clergyman. "No, my child, no! Did all the dangers in the -world hang over my head, where you go, there will I go too. If I -cannot protect you much--which, God help me! is not in my power--at -least I can console you under your sorrows, and support you during -your pilgrimage, by pointing continually to that Being who is the -protector of the widow and the orphan, the friend of the friendless -and the desolate. Lady, I will go with you. All the dangers in the -world shall not scare me from your side."</p><p class="normal">A new energy seemed to have sprung up in the bosom of the clergyman; -and by his advice and assistance Lady Constance's plans and -arrangements for her flight were very soon completed.</p><p class="normal">It was agreed that herself, Dr. Wilbraham, and Mistress Margaret, the -waiting-woman, should immediately take boat, and proceed by water to -the little village of Tothill, from whence a walk of five minutes -would bring them to the house of the physician Dr. Butts, who, as the -old chaplain observed, was, though his nephew, a man of an active and -piercing mind, and would probably find some means to facilitate their -escape to France. By landing some little way from his house, they -hoped to prevent their route from being traced afterwards, and thus to -evade pursuit, as to be overtaken and brought back would involve far -more danger than even to remain where they were and dare the worst.</p><p class="normal">All this being determined between Lady Constance and the clergyman, -Mistress Margaret was called in, and informed of as much of the plan -as was necessary to enable her to make up her mind whether she would -accompany her young lady or not. Without a moment's hesitation, she -decided upon going, and having received her orders, proceeded to -arrange for their journey such articles of apparel as were absolutely -necessary, together with all her lady's money and jewels. She also was -deputed to inform the other servants that Lady Constance thought it -best to follow the lord cardinal to York Place immediately, instead of -waiting for the litter which he had promised to send, and that she -only permitted herself and Dr. Wilbraham to accompany her.</p><p class="normal">Everything being ready, a man was sought to carry the two large bags -to which their luggage was restricted; and Constance prepared to put -in execution the very important step on which she had determined. Her -heart sank, it is true, and her spirit almost failed, as Dr. Wilbraham -took her by the hand to lead her to the boat; but remembering to what -she would expose herself if she staid, she recalled her courage and -proceeded on her way.</p><p class="normal">In the ante-chamber, however, she had a painful scene to go through; -for her women, not deceived by Mistress Margaret's tale, clung round -their lady for what they deemed might be a last farewell. All of them, -born upon her father's lands, had grown up as it were with her; and -for some good quality, called from amongst the other peasantry to the -honour of serving the heiress of De Grey, had become attached to her -by early habit, as well as by the affection which her gentle manners -and sweet disposition were certain to produce in all those by whom she -was surrounded. Many a bitter tear was shed by the poor girls as they -saw their lady about to leave them: and Constance herself, unable to -refrain from weeping, thereby not only encouraged their grief, but -confirmed their fears. Angry with herself for giving way to her -feelings when she felt the absolute necessity of governing them -strictly, Constance gently disengaged herself from her maids, and -promising to let them hear of her soon, proceeded to the water-side, -where they easily procured a boat to convey them down the river.</p><p class="normal">The irrevocable step was now taken, and Constance and the chaplain -both sat in silence, contemplating the vague future, and striving, -amidst all the dim, uncertain shapes that it presented, to ascertain, -even as far as probability went, what might be their fate. But the -dark, impenetrable curtain, drawn ever between to-day and to-morrow, -still barred their view, leaving only room for hope and fear to range -within the wide circle of unceasing doubt.</p><p class="normal">Long before arriving at Tothill, the sun had gone down; and the cold -wind, blowing from the river, chilled Lady Constance as she sat in the -open boat without any other covering than a long veil added to her -ordinary apparel. Notwithstanding this, she judged it best to bid -their two rowers continue their course as far as Westminster, fearing -that the little knowledge of the localities possessed either by Dr. -Wilbraham or herself might cause them to lose their way if they -pursued their original intention of landing at Tothill, and hoping -that the darkness, which was now coming thick upon them, would at -least conceal their path from the boat to the house of Dr. Butts. To -ensure this, as soon as they had landed. Mistress Margaret took one of -the bags, and the good clergyman the other, and having satisfied the -boatmen for their labour, the whole party began to thread the narrow, -tortuous lanes and streets constituting the good town of Westminster. -After various turnings and windings, however, they discovered that -they were not on the right track, and were obliged to ask their way of -an old locksmith, who was just shutting up his shop. The direction -they received from the worthy artificer was somewhat confused, and -contained so many <i>rights</i> and <i>lefts</i>, that by the time they had -taken two more turnings, each person of the three had got a different -reading of the matter, and could in no way agree as to their farther -proceeding.</p><p class="normal">"He said we were to go on, in this street, till we came to a lantern, -I am sure," said Dr. Wilbraham.</p><p class="normal">"No, no, sir," cried Mistress Margaret; "it was the next street after -we had turned to the left. Did he not say, Take the first street to -the right, and then the first again to the right, and then the second -to the left, and then go on till we came to a lantern?"</p><p class="normal">Dr. Wilbraham denied the position, and the matter was only terminated -by Constance proposing that they should proceed to the second turning -at least. "Then, if we see a light in the street to the left," she -continued, "we may reasonably suppose that that is the turning he -meant, unless before that we find a lantern here too, and then we can -but ask again. But make haste, my dear Dr. Wilbraham, for there is a -man behind who seems as if he were watching us!"</p><p class="normal">This last observation quickened all their motions, and proceeding as -fast as possible, they found that Mistress Margaret was in the right; -for immediately in the centre of the second turning to the left -appeared a lantern, shedding its dim, small light down the long -perspective of the street; which, be it remarked, was highly favoured -in having such an appendage, few and scanty being the lights that, in -that age, illuminated the streets of London after dark, and those, as -in the present instance, being the boon of private individuals. -Pursuing their way, then, towards this brilliant luminary, with many a -look behind to ascertain whether they were followed, which did not -appear to be the case, they found another street, diverging to the -right, which shared in the beneficent rays of the lantern, and which -also conducted into a known latitude, namely, a sort of little square, -that was instantly recognised by the chaplain as being in the -immediate proximity of his nephew's dwelling.</p><p class="normal">The house of Dr. Butts now soon presented itself; and entering the -little court before it, the clergyman was just about to knock against -a door which fronted them, when some one, entering the court from the -street, laid hold of his arm, saying, "Stop, stop, if you please! you -must come with me to my lord cardinal."</p><br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XXIX.</h4><div class="poem0" style="margin-left:10em"> -<p class="continue">Come with words as medicinal as true,<br> -Honest as either.--<span class="sc">Shakspere</span>.</p></div><p class="normal">Now, there are many people who would here leave their reader in -suspense, and, darting off to some other part of the tale, would not -give the most remote hint of Lady Constance's fate, till they had -drawled through two or three long chapters about a frog and a roasted -apple, or any other thing, if possible still more irrelevant. But far -be such disingenuous dealing from me, whose sole aim, intent, and -object, is to give my reader pleasure; and by now and then detailing -some little accident or adventure, to keep him just enough awake to -prevent the volume falling out of his hand into the fire; to win -sometimes a smile, and sometimes a sigh, without aspiring either to -laughter or tears; tickling his soul, as it were, with the point of a -feather, so as neither to rouse nor to lull; and to leave him in such -a state, that when he lays down the book he knows not whether he has -been reading or dreaming.</p><p class="normal">Such are the luxurious aspirations of Vonderbrugius, who is recorded -to have himself written more than one volume in his sleep, and to have -even carried them to the printer in a state of somnambulency. After -this, without more ado, he proceeds to relate, that the worthy Dr. -Wilbraham, finding somebody take him by the arm, turned round in a -state of vexation and worry, if I may use the word, which overcame the -natural gentleness of his disposition, and made him demand, rather -sharply, what the stranger wanted with him.</p><p class="normal">"Why, doctor," replied the man, "you must come instantly to my lord -cardinal, who has been struck with the pestilent air in returning from -Richmond, and desires to consult with you on the means of preventing -its bad effects."</p><p class="normal">"Pshaw!" cried the good chaplain, pettishly; "I'm not Dr. Butts! How -could you frighten me so? We come to see the doctor ourselves."</p><p class="normal">"Stand out of the way, then, if you are not him," cried the man, -changing his tone, and rudely pushing between the clergyman and Lady -Constance. "The cardinal must be served first, before such as you, at -least;" and knocking loudly against the door, he soon brought forth a -page, who informed him that the physician was at the house of old Sir -Guy Willoughby, farther down in the same street.</p><p class="normal">On this news, the messenger immediately set off again, leaving Dr. -Wilbraham to discuss what matters he liked with the page, now that his -own insolent haste was satisfied. The servants instantly recognised -their master's uncle, and permitted him, with his fair companions, to -enter and take possession of his book-room, while awaiting his return; -and the rosy maid, whom Sir Osborne had found scrubbing crucibles, now -bustled about with good-humoured activity to make the lady -comfortable.</p><p class="normal">Long seemed the minutes, however, to the mind of poor Constance till -the physician's return. Her path was now entirely amidst -uncertainties, and at each step she knew not whether it would lead her -to safety or destruction. Such a proceeding as that in which she was -engaged does not strike one, when calmly related, as full of half the -anxiety and alarm that really accompanied it. Let it be remembered, -that not only her fortune, but her liberty for life, and the whole -happiness of her existence, were involved; and it may be then -conceived with what trembling fear she awaited each incident that -might tend to forward her escape or to betray her flight.</p><p class="normal">Though it seemed to her an age, Dr. Butts was not really long in -returning; but no language can depict the astonishment of his -countenance when he beheld Lady Constance with his uncle. "'Odslife!" -cried he, "what is this? Lady, are you ill, or well, or wise? Uncle, -are you mad, or drunk, or foolish?"</p><p class="normal">The good clergyman informed him that he was in none of the -predicaments to which he alluded, and then proceeded to relate the -circumstances and motives which had induced them to resolve upon -leaving the court of England and flying to France, to claim the -protection of the French king, who was, in fact, the lady's sovereign -as far as regarded her maternal estates.</p><p class="normal">"It's a bad business!" cried Dr. Butts, who still stood in the middle -of the floor, rubbing his chin, and not yet recovered from his -surprise; "it's a bad business! I always thought it would be a bad -business. Nay, nay, lady, do not weep," continued the kind-hearted -mediciner, seeing the tears that began to roll silently over -Constance's cheek; "it is not so bad as that. Wolsey will doubtless -claim you at the hands of the French king; but Francis is not a man to -give you up. However, take my advice: retire quietly to one of your -châteaux, and live like a nun till such time as this great friendship -between the two courts is past. It will not last long," he added, with -a sententious shake of the head: "it will not last long. But, -nevertheless, you keep yourself in France, as secretly as may be, -while it does last."</p><p class="normal">"But how to get to France is the question," said Dr. Wilbraham: "we -shall do well enough when we are there, I doubt not. It is how to get -to France that we must think of."</p><p class="normal">"Oh! we will manage that," replied Dr. Butts; "we will manage that: -though, indeed, these are not things that I like to meddle with; but, -nevertheless, I suppose I must in this case. Nay, nay, my dear lady, -do not grieve. 'Slife! you a soldier's daughter, and afraid! Nay, -cheer up, cheer up! It shall all go right, I warrant."</p><p class="normal">The doctor seated himself, and observing that Constance looked pale -and cold, he insisted on her swallowing a Venice glass of mulled sack -and going to bed. As to the sack, he said, he would ensure it for the -best in Europe; and in regard to the beds in his house, he could only -say, that he had once entertained the four most famous alchymists of -the world, and they were not men to sleep on hard beds. "Taste the -sack, lady; taste the sack;" he continued. "Believe me, it is the best -medicine in the pharmacy, and certainly the only one I ever take -myself. Then while you go and court your pillow, I will, devise some -scheme with this good uncle of mine to help you over to the -Frenchman's shore."</p><p class="normal">The physician's rosy maid was now called, and conducted Lady Constance -and Mistress Margaret to a handsome bedchamber, where we shall leave -them for the present; and without prying, into Dr. Butts's household -furniture, return to the consultation that was going on below.</p><p class="normal">"Well, uncle," said the physician, as soon as Lady Constance had left -them, "you have shown your wisdom truly, in running away with an -heiress for another man. On my life, you have beaten the man who was -hanged for his friend, saying that he would do as much for him another -time! Why, do you know, you can never show your face in England -again?"</p><p class="normal">"My good nephew," replied Dr. Wilbraham quietly, "for all your fine -words, if you had been in my situation you would have done just as I -have done. I know you, Charles."</p><p class="normal">"Not I, i'faith," cried Dr. Butts; "I would not have budged a foot."</p><p class="normal">"What! when you saw her cast upon the world, friendless and helpless," -cried the old man, "with nobody to advise her, with nobody to aid her, -with nobody to console her? So sweet a girl, too! such an angel in -heart, in mind, in disposition; all desolate and alone in this wide -rough world! Fie, Charles, fie! you would have gone with her."</p><p class="normal">"Perhaps I might; perhaps I might," replied the physician: "however, -let us now think of the best means of serving her. What can be done?"</p><p class="normal">As usual in such cases, fifty plans were propounded, which, on -examination, were found to be unfeasible. "I have it!" cried Dr. -Butts, at last, after discarding an infinite variety. "There was a -nun's litter came up yesterday to the inn hard by; it will hold three, -and you shall set off to-morrow by daybreak as nuns."</p><p class="normal">"But how?" cried Dr. Wilbraham, with horror and astonishment depicted -in his face. "You don't mean me to go as a nun?"</p><p class="normal">"Faith, but I do!" replied the physician; "it would be fully as bad -for you to be discovered as for Lady Constance. Now, there is no dress -in the world that I know of but a nun's that will cover your face and -hide your beard. Oh! you shall be a nun, by all means. I will get the -three dresses this very night from a frippery in Pool Street; I will -knock them up, and you shall be well shaved to-morrow morning, and -will make as fine an old Sister Monica as the best of them."</p><p class="normal">Dr. Wilbraham still held out stoutly, declaring that he would not so -disguise himself and disgrace his cloth on any account or -consideration; nor was it till the physician showed him plainly, that -by this means alone Lady Constance's safety could be ensured, that he -would at all hear of the travesty thus proposed.</p><p class="normal">"Where, then, do you intend us to go?" asked Dr. Wilbraham, almost -crying with vexation at the bare idea of being so metamorphosed. "I -cannot, and I will not, remain long in such a dress."</p><p class="normal">"Why, you must go down to Sandwich," answered the physician. "There is -a religious house there, under a sub-prioress, about a mile out of the -town, looking out over the sea. I know the dame, and a little money -will do much with her. Nay, look not shocked, good uncle. I mean not -to say that she is wicked, and would endanger her soul's repose for -mammon; but she is one of those that look leniently on small faults, -and would not choke at such an innocent sin as helping you out of the -cardinal's power. The time is lucky, too, for the cold wind last night -has given his haughty lord cardinalship a flow of humours to the head, -and he is as frightened about himself as a hen before a dray horse; so -that, perhaps, he may not think of sending to Richmond so soon as he -proposed.</p><p class="normal">"But, Charles," said Dr. Wilbraham, whose abhorrence of the nun's -dress was not to be vanquished, and who would have been right glad to -escape the infliction on any excuse, "will not your servants, who have -seen us come in one dress, think it very strange when they see us go -away in another? and may they not betray us?"</p><p class="normal">"Pshaw!" cried Dr. Butts; "they see a thousand odder things every day -in a physician's house. Do you think I let my servants babble? No, no! -They know well that they must have neither eyes, ears, nor -understanding for anything that passes within these doors. If I were -to find that they even did so much as to recollect a person they had -once seen with me, they should troop. But stay; go you to bed and -rest; I will away for these dresses, and bespeak the litter for -to-morrow at five. At Sandwich you are sure to find a bark for -Boulogne."</p><p class="normal">The next morning Dr. Wilbraham was awakened before it was light by the -physician entering his room with a candle in his hand, and followed by -a barber, who, taking the good priest by the nose, shaved him most -expeditiously before he was out of bed, having been informed by Dr. -Butts that the person under his hands was a poor insane patient, who -would not submit to any very tedious tonsorial operation.</p><p class="normal">When this was done, much to the surprise of the chaplain, who was in -truth scarcely awake, the barber was sent away, and the physician -produced the long black dress of a Benedictine nun, into which, after -much entreaty, he persuaded Dr. Wilbraham to get; not, however, -without the rest of his clothes, for no argument would induce him to -put on the woman's dress without the man's under it. First, then, he -was clothed with his ordinary black vest and silk hose, above which -came a full and seemly cassock; and then, as a superstructure, was -placed at the top of all the long black robes of the nun, which -swelled his bulk out to no inconsiderable size. This, however, was not -a disadvantage; for being tall and thin, he had great need of some -supposititious contour to make his height seem less enormous when -conjoined with his female habiliments. Upon the whole, with the rope -tied round his middle, and the coif and veil, he made a very -respectable nun; though there was in the whole figure a certain -long-backed rigidity of carriage, and straggling wideness of step, -that smacked infinitely of the masculine gender.</p><p class="normal">When all was completed, the physician led his transformed uncle down -to a little hall, to which Lady Constance and Mistress Margaret had -already found their way, habited in similar garments to those which -Dr. Butts had furnished for the chaplain.</p><p class="normal">In point of beauty Constance had never, perhaps, looked better than -now, when her small, exquisite features, and clear, delicate -complexion, slightly shaded by the nun's cap, had acquired an -additional degree of softness, which harmonised well with the pensive, -melancholy expression that circumstances had communicated to her -countenance. However, she was, perhaps, even more sad and agitated -than the night before, when haste had in some degree superseded -thought. She had now passed a nearly sleepless night, during the long -hours of which a thousand fears and anxieties had visited her pillow; -and on rising, the necessity of quitting her customary dress and -assuming a disguise impressed more strongly than ever upon her mind -the dangers of her situation.</p><p class="normal">The only person that seemed fully in her element was Mistress -Margaret, who, though, with the exception of a little selfishness, a -most excellent being, could not be expected to have fulfilled for -several years the high functions of lady's-maid without having -acquired some of the spirit of the office. God knows! in Lady -Constance's service she had possessed small opportunity of exercising -in any way her talents for even the little <i>intrigue d'ante-chambre</i>; -and though, in the case of Sir Osborne, she had done her best to show -her tact by retiring <i>à propos</i>, the present was the first occasion on -which she could enjoy a real, bustling, energetic adventure; and, to -do her justice, she enacted the nun to the life. With a vastly -consequential air she hurried about, till the rustling of her black -serge and the rattling of her wooden cross and rosary were quite -edifying; and finding herself, by dress at least, on an equality with -her mistress, she took the bridle off her tongue and let it run its -own course, which it did not fail to do with great vigour and -activity.</p><p class="normal">On the entrance of Dr. Wilbraham, with his face clad in rueful -solemnity, and his long strides at every step spreading out the -petticoats with which his legs were environed, like the parachute of a -balloon when it begins to descend, Mistress Margaret laughed outright; -and even Lady Constance, while reproving her for her ill-placed -gaiety, could hardly forbear a smile.</p><p class="normal">"My dear Dr. Wilbraham," said Constance, seeing the chagrin that sat -upon his countenance, "for how much, how very much have I to thank -you! And believe me, I feel deeply all the regard you must have for -me, to induce you to assume a disguise that must be so disagreeable to -you."</p><p class="normal">"Well," said Dr. Butts, "you are a sweet creature, and to my mind it -would not be difficult to make a man do anything to serve you. -However, sit you down, lady: here is something to break your fast; and -as it must serve for dinner and supper too, I will have you eat, -whether you are hungry or not; for there must be as little stopping on -the road as possible, and no chattering, Mistress Margaret; mind you -that."</p><p class="normal">Mistress Margaret vowed that she was silence itself; and the meal -which the good doctor's foresight had taken care to provide for them -being ended, he led them forth by a different door from that which had -given them entrance, not choosing to trust even the servants, of whose -discretion he had boasted the night before. Day had now dawned, and in -the court-yard of the inn they found a large litter, or sort of long -box swung between two horses, one before and the other behind, and -accompanied by a driver on horseback, who, smacking his whip, seemed -tired of waiting for them.</p><p class="normal">"Come, get in, get in!" cried he, "I have been waiting half-an-hour. -There's room enough for you, sure!" he proceeded, seeing some little -difficulty occur in placing the travellers; "why, I brought four just -like you up from Gloucester in it, three days ago. Here, come over to -this side, Mother Longshanks." This address to Dr. Wilbraham had again -very near overset Mistress Margaret's gravity; but at length, all -being placed, in spite of the chaplain's long legs, which were rather -difficult to pack, the travellers took leave of the physician, and -commenced their journey to the sea-coast.</p><p class="normal">All passed on tranquilly enough during the forenoon; and at a little -watering-house, where they stopped on the road, they were enabled -quietly to rehearse their parts, as Sister Wilbraham, Sister Margaret, -and Sister Grey. The good clergyman declared that his part should be -to keep down his veil and hold his tongue, and Mistress Margaret -willingly undertook to be the talker for the whole party, while -Constance, not yet at all assured of safety, listened for every sound -with a beating heart, and trembled at every suspicious look that she -beheld, or fancied that she beheld, in the people around her.</p><p class="normal">As soon as the horses were sufficiently refreshed, they again began -their journey, and had proceeded some way when the galloping of a -horse made itself heard behind them, and through the opening of the -curtains they could perceive a sergeant-at-arms, with full cognizance, -and accompanied by two followers, pass by the side of their vehicle. -In a moment after he stopped on overtaking their driver, who was a -little in advance, and seemed to question him in a hasty tone. "Three -nuns!" cried he, at length. "I must see that."</p><p class="normal">Constance, almost fainting, drew back in the corner of the litter. Dr. -Wilbraham shrunk himself up to the smallest space possible; and, in -fact, Mistress Margaret was the only one who preserved her presence of -mind. "If it were the lord cardinal himself," whispered she to her -lady, "he would never know you, my lady, in that dress."</p><p class="normal">In the mean time, the sergeant-at-arms rode up, and drew back the -curtain of the litter. "Your pardon, ladies," said he, giving a look -round, which seemed quite satisfactory; "I ask your pardon; but as I -am sent in pursuit of some runaways, I was obliged to look in."</p><p class="normal">Here the matter would have terminated, had not Mistress Margaret, -desirous of showing off a total want of fear, replied, "Quite welcome, -fair sir, quite welcome. We are travelling the same road." The officer -replied; and this brought on a long allegory on the part of Mistress -Margaret, who told him that they were nuns of Richborough, who had -been to London for medical advice for poor sister Mary, there, in the -corner (pointing to Dr. Wilbraham), who was troubled with the falling -sickness. The sergeant-at-arms recommended woodlice drowned in vinegar -as a sovereign cure, which the pretended nun informed him they had -tried; and though it must be owned that the abigail played her part -admirably well, yet, nevertheless, she contrived to keep her lady and -the chaplain in mortal fear for half-an-hour longer than was -necessary.</p><p class="normal">At length, however, the officer, taking his leave, rode away, and then -descended upon the head of Mistress Margaret the whole weight of good -Dr. Wilbraham's indignation. Not for many years had he preached such -an eloquent sermon upon the duty of adhering strictly to the truth -as on the present occasion; and he pointed out clearly to the -waiting-woman that she had told at least two-and-thirty lies more than -the circumstances required. Mistress Margaret, however, was obstinate -in her error, and would not see the distinction, declaring angrily -that she would either tell no lies at all, and let it be known who -they were, or she would tell as many as she thought proper.</p><p class="normal">"Margaret," said Lady Constance, in a calm, reproachful tone, that had -more effect than a more violent reproof, "you forget yourself." The -abigail was silent; but nevertheless she determined, in her own mind, -to give the good doctor more truth than he might like, on the very -first occasion; and such an opportunity was not long in occurring.</p><p class="normal">With the usual hankering which drivers and postilions always have for -bad inns, the master of the litter did not fail to stop for the night -at one of the smallest, meanest, and most uncomfortable little -alehouses on the road; and on getting out of the vehicle, the three -nuns were all shown into one room, containing two beds, one large and -one small one. It may easily be supposed such an arrangement did not -very well suit the circumstances of the case; and Constance looked at -Dr. Wilbraham, and Dr. Wilbraham at Constance, in some embarrassment. -On inquiring whether they could not have another room, they were -informed that there was indeed such a thing in the house, but that it -was always reserved for guests of quality. The hostess was surprised -at nuns giving themselves such airs: the room they had would do very -well for three people; and, in short, that they should have no other.</p><p class="normal">During all this time Mistress Margaret remained obstinately silent; -but at length, seeing the distress of her mistress, she brought up her -forces to the charge, and turned the tide of battle. Attacking the -hostess full tilt, she declared that there should be another room -found directly, informing her that the young lady was not a simple -nun, but noble and rich, and just named prioress of the Lord knows -where; that Sister Mary, <i>i.e</i>. Dr. Wilbraham, was badly troubled with -a night-cough, which would keep the prioress awake all night; and in -short, that Sister Mary must and should have a room to herself, for -which, however, they would willingly pay.</p><p class="normal">This latter hint overcame the hostess's objections, and the matter -being thus settled, they were allowed to repose in peace for the -night. Fatigue, anxiety, and want of sleep, had now completely -exhausted Constance; and weariness, acting the part of peace, closed -her eyes in happy forgetfulness till the next morning, when they again -set out for Sandwich.</p><p class="normal">Without any new adventure they arrived at that town; and after passing -through it, quickly perceived the convent rising on a slight elevation -to the left. As soon as this was in sight, so that he could not miss -his way, Dr. Wilbraham got out of the litter, for the purpose of -pulling off his nun's dress under some hedge, in order that, by -following a little later than themselves, he might appear at the gate -of the nunnery in his true character, without the change being -remarked by the driver of the litter, to whom he said on descending -that he would follow on foot.</p><p class="normal">After this, Constance and Mistress Margaret proceeded alone, and in a -few minutes reached the convent, where, presenting Dr. Butts's letter -to the prioress, they were received with all kindness and attention, -and found themselves comparatively free from danger. Dr. Wilbraham was -not long in arriving, restored to his proper costume; and being -admitted to the parlour, entered into immediate consultation with the -superior and Constance, as to the best means of concluding their -flight as happily as it had commenced.</p><br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XXX.</h4><div class="poem0" style="margin-left:30%"> -<p class="continue"> -So catchers<br> -And snatchers<br> -Do toil both night and day,<br> -Not needie,<br> -But greedie,<br> -Still prolling for their prey.</p></div><p class="normal">However a poor novelist may like to pursue the even tenor of his way -in peace and quietness, it is quite impossible for him to do so if he -take a true story for the basis of his tale. Circumstance is always -jumping about; and if he would follow nature, he must join in the game -of leap-frog too. Here is the palace of Fortune, with its glitter, and -its splendour, and its show; and there the cottage of Want, with its -care, and its foulness, and its misery. In one house, new-born Life is -coming into the world, all joyous; in the next, stern Death leads man -away to eternity; weeping Sorrow and laughing Joy sit mocking each -other at every step; and smiles and tears are still running after each -other on the high road, though little formed to bear company together. -Then, since the world is full of oppositions and of jumps, he that -copies it must sit upon his hind legs and play the kangaroo also.</p><p class="normal">I found it necessary to put forth this excuse before proceeding with -Vonderbrugius, who, without offering any reason for so doing, suddenly -flies back to scenes that we have not long quitted, and brings the -reader once more to London, where he shall be detained as short a time -as possible, on the word of a scribe.</p><p class="normal">All those who have read the history of that little, powerful nook of -island-earth called Great Britain, must very well know that the -imperious minister of Henry the Eighth was not one to receive -contradiction with patient resignation: what then was his rage on -hearing that Lady Constance de Grey was not to be found at Richmond! -True to what he threatened, Wolsey had not failed, immediately on -arriving in London, to send a horse-litter down to Richmond for his -fair ward, notwithstanding the lateness of the hour and the cold he -had himself experienced on the water; and towards eleven the same -night his messengers returned, informing him that the lady was not to -be found in the palace; adding, also, that a man belonging to the gate -had been employed to carry some luggage for her down to a two-oared -boat, which had received her at the stairs, and rowed off towards -Westminster.</p><p class="normal">This was the sum of all the news they had obtained, but it was -sufficient to guide Wolsey on the search which he instantly prepared -to institute for the fugitive. Before going to rest, he took every -precaution for preventing her leaving the kingdom; ordered messengers -to set out early the next morning for every port where she was likely -to embark; and commanded an officer to post to Richmond that very -night, and, stationing himself at the palace-stairs, to await the -arrival of the men who rowed the boat which had conveyed her away, -giving him at the same time an order for their arrest.</p><p class="normal">In regard to the couriers to the various ports, we shall leave them to -their fate, not embarrassing ourselves with a search half over the -realm, but shall pursue the movements of the other messenger, from -whose operations very important results were obtained.</p><p class="normal">Though heartily wishing the cardinal and Lady Constance well scourged, -the one as the proximate, the other as the remote cause of his -night-ride, the officer got into his saddle, and accompanied by two -followers, set out for Richmond, where they arrived towards two -o'clock in the morning.</p><p class="normal">Men of a curious and philosophic mind have remarked, that there is -always a pot-house near a waterman's stairs; and the same fact was -observable in the present instance. Nearly opposite to the landing on -the left-hand side stood the hospitable mansion of a beer-retailer, -who dealt out the British nectar to all those who had the means of -paying for it; and in his window, even at the hour of two o'clock, was -shining a lamp, whereat the officer marvelled, as the neighbourhood of -the palace enjoined order and sobriety amongst the multitude. Riding -up, however, he dismounted; and pushing open the door, perceived that -the tap-room was occupied by a single individual of the waterman -species, whose sleepy head, nodding backwards and forwards, often -approached so near the lamp upon the table as to threaten his red nose -with a conflagration. Without any regard for the rites of Morpheus, -the officer shook the sleeper heartily by the shoulder, whereupon he -started up, crying--</p><p class="normal">"Well, I'm ready; how long you've been! I've been a-waiting this -hour."</p><p class="normal">"Waiting for whom?" demanded the officer; "not for me, I'm sure, or -with my will you'd waited long enough."</p><p class="normal">"Lord bless us, sir! I beg your worship's pardon!" said the man, -rubbing his eyes; "I thought you were the two yeomen that hired my -boat to take the young lady to Lunnun. Curious folks they were not to -let me row my own boat! They promised to be back by one, and so Master -Tapster lets me sit up here for 'em. I thought you were them two -indeed."</p><p class="normal">"No. I'm a single man, and never was two in my life," answered the -officer. "But about these two yeomen? At one o'clock you say they were -to come? Pray, how came you to let them your boat?"</p><p class="normal">"Lord! because they asked me, sure," replied the waterman; "that's -how."</p><p class="normal">"But how do you know they will ever bring it back again?" demanded the -officer.</p><p class="normal">"Because they left me ten marks as a pledge," answered the other. "No, -no; I wasn't to be outwitted. I saw they wanted the boat very bad, so -I let them have it for a mark by the day; but I made them leave me ten -others; so, if the boat be lost or hurt, I've got double its worth in -my own pocket."</p><p class="normal">"And what did they say they were going to do with it?" demanded the -officer.</p><p class="normal">"Oh! I didn't ask," said the waterman; "but walking about I saw them -lie there at the stairs for near an hour, till presently comes down a -young lady, and an old priest, and a waiting-woman, as I judged, and -in they get, and away rows the boat toward Lunnun. They were lusty -rowers, I warrant you, and good at the trade. But your worship seems -mighty curious about them."</p><p class="normal">"Ay, and so curious," answered the officer, "that they shall both come -with me to London if they come hither to-night; and you, too, Master -Waterman; so hold yourself ready. Ho, Thomas! come in and stay with -this worthy. See that he does not budge. You, Will, put up the horses, -and then come down to me at the stairs."</p><p class="normal">The excellent tipstaff now, after cutting short the remonstrance of -the boatman, proceeded to the water-side, and crossing his arms, -waited, with his eyes fixed upon the bright river, as it flowed on, -rippling like waves of silver in the moonshine. In a few minutes he -was joined by his follower, and before long a black spot appeared -moving up the midst of the stream, while the plashing of distant oars -began to make itself heard. As the boat came nearer, two men were -plainly to be seen rowing it towards the landing-place, one of whom, -raising his head when they were within a few yards' distance, -exclaimed--</p><p class="normal">"Is that you, Master Perkins?"</p><p class="normal">"Ay, ay!" answered the officer, imitating, as well as he could, the -gruff halloo of a waterman, and walking about with his hands in his -breeches pockets, as if to keep himself warm.</p><p class="normal">Without more ado, the boat pulled to the shore, and one of the men -jumped out, whereupon the officer instantly caught him by the collar, -exclaiming--</p><p class="normal">"In the king's name I charge you go with me!"</p><p class="normal">"Pull off! pull off!" cried the man to his companion; "by the Lord, he -has grabbed me! Pull off, boy!"</p><p class="normal">The other rower without scruple pushed from the shore before the -tipstaff's man could secure the bow of the boat, and seeing his -companion caught beyond the power of extrication, he snatched up the -other oar, and pulled away down the river as hard as he could.</p><p class="normal">"And now, what the devil do you want with me'" cried the man, -sturdily, turning to the officer. "Come, off with your hands! Don't be -fingering my collar so hard, or I'll crack your nutshell for you." And -at the same time he struggled to shake off the other's grasp; but the -officer, who seemed accustomed to deal with persons that did not -particularly relish his ministry, very soon settled the question with -his prisoner, by striking him a blow over the head with a staff he -carried, in such sort as to level him with the ground. It is wonderful -how soothing to the prisoner's feelings this mild treatment seemed to -be; for without any further effort he suffered himself to be led away -to the alehouse, from whence he was safely removed the next morning to -Westminster, the original owner of the boat being carried along with -him as a witness. And here let me beg all constables, Bow Street -officers, scarlet runners, street-keepers, constables of the night, -and watchmen, who may read this excellent and instructive history, to -take example by the prudence of this officer, who, having acquired all -the information he could from other sources, wisely abstained from -asking his prisoner any questions whatsoever, leaving his examination -to be taken by competent persons.</p><p class="normal">Carrying his game directly to York House, the worthy and exemplary -tipstaff, whose name I should not fail to record, had not -Vonderbrugius unfeelingly omitted it; this prince of tipstaves, I say, -placed his charge in a place of security, and, on the cardinal's -return from Westminster Hall, informed him of all that he had done to -fulfil the mission with which he had honoured him. The cardinal -praised the tipstaff's zeal, and beginning to suspect that there was -some mystery in the business, more than the mere course which -Constance had taken, he ordered the prisoner and the evidence to be -brought instantly before him; and proceeded himself to investigate the -matter, and to see whether his fingers would be neat enough to pick -the needle out of the bottle of hay: a delicate operation, for which -there is but one method, which may be called the Alexandrine: namely, -burn the hay, and you are sure to get the needle.</p><p class="normal">Something similar was the proceeding which the cardinal proposed to -adopt; for no sooner was the prisoner brought before him, rather pale -with fright, and somewhat nervous with his night's entertainment, than -he pronounced a most eloquent oration upon the necessity of meeting -death with firmness, warning the unhappy man, at the same time, that -he had nothing to hope in this world, and bidding him to prepare for -the next. Through the whole, however, he suffered to appear, implied, -though not expressed, the possibility that a free confession of all -the culprit knew concerning Lady Constance de Grey and her evasion -might take the sting out of his offence, and disencumber his windpipe -of the pressing familiarity with which it was threatened by a hempen -cord.</p><p class="normal">In those times rights were but little defined, and the extent of the -great civil and political powers hardly ascertained even to the minds -of the cultivated and reflecting, much less to people in the rank of -the person who now stood before the prelate, surrounded by all those -impressive insignia which then, indeed, implied vast though borrowed -power. Without going into the metaphysics of the business, it will be -sufficient for my purpose to say, that the poor fellow was desperately -frightened, especially as he had upon his conscience more than one -hearty crime, which he well knew might at any time prove a sufficient -excuse for sending him part of the way to heaven, whether he ever made -the whole journey out or not. Therefore, having no great interest in -concealing anything he knew, and every interest in the world in -telling it, he fell down upon his knees, declaring that he would -reveal all, if the cardinal would make a solemn promise that he should -have the king's free pardon and the church's for every sin, crime, and -misdemeanour he had committed up to that day.</p><p class="normal">It cost him nothing but a bit of parchment and a little yellow wax, -and so the cardinal promised; whereupon the culprit, still upon his -knees, began as follows:--</p><p class="normal">"My master, Sir Payan Wileton----"</p><p class="normal">"Sir Payan Wileton is your master, then?" cried Wolsey "So, so! Go -on."</p><p class="normal">"My master, Sir Payan Wileton, my gracious lord," continued the man, -"after he had been with your grace yesterday morning, returned home -full speed to his house by the water's edge, near Tothill, and -suddenly dispatched one of our yeomen down to Richmond with a poor -foolish priest, saving your grace's presence, who had been with him -some days. After that, he wrote a note, and giving it to me, bade me -take with me Black John, and gallop down to the court like mad. -Whenever we got there, I was to speak with Hatchel Sivard, whom he had -set to spy all that passed at the palace, and who would help me to -hire a boat for the day. After that was done, I was to seek the Lady -de Grey, and give her the note; and then, leaving our horses at the -baiting-house, I and my fellow were to wait in the boat till the lady -came, and to row her whithersoever she directed; but, above all, to -seem like common watermen, and to take whatever payment she gave us. -And if by chance she didn't come, we were to give up the boat and -return."</p><p class="normal">As may be supposed, Wolsey was not a little surprised at the intrigue -which this opened to his view. "So!" said he. "So! Hatchel Sivard, the -page of the queen's ante-chamber, is a pensioned spy of Sir Payan -Wileton. Good! very good! Of course you carried the lady to her -relation's house, ha?"</p><p class="normal">"Not so, may it please your lordship's grace," replied the man. "At -first, she made as if she would have stopped at Tothill, but then she -bade us row on to Westminster, where she landed."</p><p class="normal">"But you saw whither she went?" cried Wolsey, his brow darkening. -"Mind, your life depends upon your speaking truth! Let me but see a -shade of falsehood, and you are lost!"</p><p class="normal">"As I hope for mercy, my lord, I tell you the whole truth," replied -the servant. "When she was landed, I got out and followed; but, after -turning through several streets, I saw that they marked me watching, -so I was obliged to run down a narrow lane, hoping to catch them by -going round; but they had taken some other way, and I found them not -again."</p><p class="normal">Wolsey let his hand drop heavily upon the table, disappointed in his -expectations. "You say <i>them</i>, fellow! Whom do you mean?" he demanded. -"Who was with her?"</p><p class="normal">"Her waiting-woman, your grace," answered the man, "and an old priest, -who Sivard says is her chaplain."</p><p class="normal">"Ah!" said Wolsey thoughtfully; "Dr. Wilbraham! This is very strange! -A staid good man, obedient to my will, coinciding in the expediency of -the marriage I proposed. There must be some deeper plot here of this -Sir Payan Wileton. The poor girl must be deceived, and perhaps not so -much obstinate as misled. I see it; I see it all. The wily traitor -seeks her estates, and would fain both stop her marriage and bring her -within my displeasure. A politic scheme, upon my honour! but it shall -not succeed. Secretary, bid an usher speed to Sir Payan Wileton, and, -greeting him sweetly, request his presence for a moment here."</p><p class="normal">It was the latter part of the above speech only that met the ears of -those around, the rest being muttered to himself in a low and almost -inaudible tone. "Pray, pray your lordship's grace!" cried the man, -clasping his hands in terror as soon as he heard Wolsey's command; "do -not let Sir Payan have me. I shall not be alive this time two days, if -you do. Indeed I shan't. Your grace does not know him. There is -nothing stops him in his will; and I shall be found dead in my bed, or -drowned in a pond, or tumbled out of window, or something like; and -then Sir Payan will pretend to make an investigation, and have the -crowner, and it will be found all accident. If it is the same to your -lordship's grace, I would rather be hanged at once, and know what I'm -about, than be given up to Sir Payan, to die no one can tell how."</p><p class="normal">"Fear not, fool!" said Wolsey; "but tell the whole truth, and you -shall be safe; ay, and rewarded. Conceal anything, and you shall be -hanged. Take him away, secretary, and examine him carefully. Make him -give an exact account of everything he has seen in the house of Sir -Payan Wileton, and after putting it in writing, swear him to it; and -then, hark you"--and he whispered something to the secretary--adding, -"let him be there well used."</p><p class="normal">The man was now removed from the cardinal's presence; and waiting till -the messenger returned from Sir Payan's, Wolsey remained in deep -thought, revolving in his keen and scrutinising mind all the parts of -the shrewd plot he had just heard developed, and thinking over the -best means of punishing Sir Payan Wileton in such a manner as to make -his fall most bitter. While thus engaged, one of his secretaries -entered, and bowing low stood silent, as if waiting for permission to -speak.</p><p class="normal">"What is it?" said Wolsey; "is it matter of consequence?" The -secretary bowed low again, and replied, "It is the herald's opinion, -my lord, upon the succession of the old Lord Orham of Barneton, the -miser, who left the two chests of gold, as well----"</p><p class="normal">"I know, I know!" said Wolsey. "How do they give it? I trust not to -that base churl, William Orham, who struck my officer one day."</p><p class="normal">"Oh, no! your grace," replied the secretary; "there are two nearer -than he is. But they say the succession is quite clear. Charles Lord -Orham, the great-grandfather of the last, had three sons, from one of -whom descends William Orham; but the eldest son, succeeding, had two -sons and a daughter, all of whom married, and had issue; the eldest -son, Thomas Lord Orham, him succeeded, who had only issue the last -lord. The daughter had five sons, and the second son, Hugh Orham, had -one only daughter, who married Arthur Bulmer, Earl of Wilmington, who -died, leaving issue one only daughter, Mistress Katrine Bulmer, by -courtesy the Lady Katrine Bulmer, whom your grace may remember the -queen took very young, when it was found that Lord Wilmington's -estates went in male descent. She is the undoubted heiress."</p><p class="normal">"Ha!" said Wolsey, "that changes much. Well, well! go see that it be -clearly made out. Now, what says Sir Payan Wileton?" he continued, -turning to the messenger, who had just returned.</p><p class="normal">"The house is empty, so please your grace," replied the usher, "all -but one old porter, who says that Sir Payan and his train set out for -Chilham yesterday morning, after visiting your reverend lordship. He -affirms, moreover, that the knight never got off his horse, but only -gave orders that the priest should be sent down to Richmond with all -speed, and then rode away himself for Kent."</p><p class="normal">"So!" said the cardinal, his lip curling into a scornful sneer, "he -finds his miscreant is caught, and thinks to deceive me with a tale -that would not cloud the eyesight of an old woman. But let him stay; -he shall lull himself into a fool's paradise, and then find himself -fallen to nothing. That will do." The usher fell back, and for a -moment Wolsey, as was often his wont, continued muttering to himself, -"The Lady Katrine: she was Darby's fool passion. If it lasts he shall -have her: 'tis better than the other. Besides, the other girl is away, -and he must have gold to bear out his charges at this meeting at -Ardres; so shall it be. Well, well! Send in whoever waits without," he -added, speaking in a louder voice, and then applied himself to other -business.</p><br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XXXI.</h4><div class="poem0" style="margin-left:15%"> -<p class="continue">Three sides are sure inbarred with craggs and hills,<br> -The rest is easy, scarce to rise espy'd;<br> -But mighty bulwarks fence the plainer part:<br> -So art helps nature, nature strengtheneth art.--<span class="sc">Fairfax</span>.</p><p style="text-indent: 3em">Sir knight, if knight thou be,<br> -Abandon this forestalled place as erst,<br> -For fear of farther harm.--<span class="sc">Fairy Queen</span>.</p></div><p class="normal">It may well be supposed, that under the circumstances in which we last -left Sir Osborne, his feelings could not be of the most tranquil or -gratifying nature, when, after having heard all that passed upon deck, -he distinguished the steps of the officer sent to arrest him coming -down the ladder. Longpole, for his part, looked very much as if he -would have liked to display cold iron upon the occasion; but the -knight made him a sign to forbear, and in a moment after, a gentleman -splendidly dressed, as one high in military command, entered the -cabin, followed by two or three armed attendants.</p><p class="normal">"Well, sir," said the knight, not very well distinguishing the -stranger's features by the light in which he stood, "I suppose----" -But he had not time to finish his sentence, for the officer grasped -him heartily by the hand, exclaiming, "Now heaven bless us! Lord -Darnley, my dear fellow in arms! how goes it with you these two -years?"</p><p class="normal">"Excellent well, good Sir Henry Talbot," replied the knight, frankly -shaking the hand of his old companion. "But say, does your business -lie with me?"</p><p class="normal">"No, no, good faith!" replied Sir Henry; "I came upon a very different -errand. Since I was with Sir Thomas Peechy and yourself in Flanders, -by my good Lord Surrey's favour I have obtained the command of one of -the king's great ships, and as I lay last night off the mouth of the -river, a pursuivant came down from London, with orders to stop every -vessel that I saw, and search for a traitor who is endeavouring to -make his escape to the Continent."</p><p class="normal">The knight's cheek burned, and for a moment he hesitated whether to -avow himself at once, and repel the opprobrious epithet thus attached -to the name he had assumed, and under which, he felt full sure, he had -never merited aught but honour. A moment's thought, however, showed -him the madness of such a proceeding, and he replied, "I believe you -will find no greater traitor here, Sir Henry, than myself."</p><p class="normal">The officer smiled. "If that be the case," replied he, "I may as well -row back to the ship. Perhaps he may be in the other vessel that -lies-to there, about a mile to windward. But come, Darnley, leave this -filthy Dutch tub, come with me aboard, and after we have searched the -other, I will land you in any port to which you are going, if it be -between Middlebourg and Boulogne."</p><p class="normal">Although the knight did not feel himself bound, even by the most -chivalrous principles of honour, to betray his own secret to Sir Henry -Talbot, yet he did not consider himself at liberty to take advantage -of his offer, and thus make one of the king's own ships the means of -conveying him away from pursuit. He therefore replied, that as he was -going to Dunkirk in some haste, and the Dutchman was steering straight -thither, he thought it would be best to proceed without changing his -ship, though he felt extremely obliged by the offer.</p><p class="normal">The officer received his excuses in good part, and bidding him -farewell with many hearty wishes for his future prosperity, he mounted -again to the deck, called his men together, abused the Dutchman -vigorously for a few minutes, and getting into the boat, rowed away -for his own vessel.</p><p class="normal">It is hardly necessary here to inform the reader, that the distinction -which at present exists between the naval and military services has -not been known above a hundred and fifty years; and that, -consequently, the fact of Sir Henry Talbot's having distinguished -himself on land, so far from being a disqualification, was one of the -highest recommendations to him in the sea service! Vonderbrugius takes -no notice of the circumstance, as probably the same practice existed -in his time, although the latest instance that I can call to mind is -that of General Monk, who, after having lived on land all his life, -grew amphibious at the age of fifty.</p><p class="normal">However that may be, deceiving himself as we have seen, Sir Henry -Talbot left the young knight to meditate over the conduct of Wolsey, -who would indeed have committed an egregious piece of folly in sending -to arrest him by the name of Sir Osborne Maurice alone, if he had -known him to be Lord Darnley, as Sir Osborne thought. Attributing it, -however, to one of those accidental omissions which often disconcert -the best-arranged proceedings, the knight was congratulating himself -on his good fortune, when Master Skippenhausen descended to offer his -felicitations also, exclaiming, "My Cot! where did you hide yourself? -Under that pile of hammocks, I'll warrant."</p><p class="normal">"No, you man of salt herrings! No, you cousin-german to a tub of -butter!" exclaimed Longpole, whose indignation at the captain for -having by his delay of the night before put them in such jeopardy now -broke forth irresistibly. "No, you dyke-begotten son of a swamp and a -canal! If it had not been for you we should never have run any risk, -and don't flatter yourself that either you or your dirty hammocks -either had any hand in saving us."</p><p class="normal">"How did I make you run any risk, pray?" exclaimed the master. "You -would have made me and my ship run a risk if you had been found in it; -but I made you run none."</p><p class="normal">"Stockfish, you lie!" cried the custrel. "Did you not lie in the mouth -of the river all last night, when, if the blood in your veins had been -anything but muddy Dutch puddle, of the heaviest quality, you would -have had us over to Dunkirk by this time? Deny it if you dare, -Dutchman, and I will prove it upon your body, till I leave you no more -shape than one of your own cheeses."</p><p class="normal">The Dutchman bore the insolence of Longpole with all that calm -magnanimity for which his nation is famed (says Vonderbrugius). -However, Sir Osborne desired his attendant to be silent, and merely -begging Master Skippenhausen to carry them to their destination as -soon as possible, the matter ended.</p><p class="normal">It was night before they arrived at Dunkirk; and, without troubling -the reader with all the details of their disembarkation, we shall -merely beg him to look into the little hall of the Flemish inn, and -see the knight and Longpole seated at the same table, according to the -custom of the day, which we have before alluded to, while the host, -standing behind the chair of Sir Osborne, answers the various -questions which from time to time are addressed to him; and that -black-eyed, smooth-faced, dingy serving-boy, who one might swear was a -true sun of Hans Holbein, filches away the half-finished tankard of -raspis from Longpole's elbow, and supplies its place with an empty -one.</p><p class="normal">"And is Sir Albert of Koënigstein gone to Ratisbon too?" demanded Sir -Osborne, pursuing the inquiries which he was engaged in making -concerning his old comrades, amongst whom a sad dispersion had taken -place during his absence.</p><p class="normal">"Indeed I cannot tell, sir knight," replied the landlord; "but very -likely he is with the Count of Shoenvelt, at Cassel."</p><p class="normal">"What does Shoenvelt at Cassel?" asked the knight thoughtfully.</p><p class="normal">"He is collecting adventurers, they say, sir, under a commission from -the emperor," replied the host. "Some think, to go against the Moors; -but most people judge, to protect the frontier against Robert de la -Mark."</p><p class="normal">"But Koënigstein would not serve under him," said Sir Osborne, -meditating over what he heard. "He is a better captain a thousand -times, and a nobler spirit."</p><p class="normal">"Well, sir," answered the landlord, "I tell you only what I heard. -Somebody told me so, I am sure. Perhaps they command together. Boy, -give his worship another tankard; don't you see that is out?"</p><p class="normal">"Odds fish!" cried Longpole; "what! all gone? Your measures, mine -host, are not like that certain knight's purse that was no sooner -empty than full again. It seems to me they are no sooner full than -empty."</p><p class="normal">"At Cassel did you say he is?" demanded Sir Osborne.</p><p class="normal">"Not exactly at Cassel, sir knight," replied the host, glad to pass -away from the subject of the tankard; "but you know Mount St. Hubert, -about a league from Cassel. Your worship will find him there."</p><p class="normal">Sir Osborne made no reply; and, after a while, the host and his legion -cleared the table of its encumbrances, and left the knight and his -follower to pursue their own thoughts undisturbed. We can hardly -wonder that, though now free from all danger of pursuit, the heart of -the young knight was sad, and that his brow was clouded with many -melancholy imaginings. It may be said, indeed, that he was not now -worse in situation than when he was formerly in Flanders, at which -time he had been happy and cheerful; but he was far worse, inasmuch as -he had since entertained hopes and expectations which were now broken -and passed away; inasmuch as he had known scenes, and tasted joys, -that he had now lost, and which might never be his again. Every -enjoyment of the human heart is like a tree planted deeply in the -soil, which, when rooted out, leaves not the earth as it was before, -but tears it up and scatters it abroad, and makes a yearning void, -difficult to be filled again.</p><p class="normal">However, there was one thing which he had gained: an object in life. -Formerly his natural disposition, the chivalrous spirit of the age, -the ardour of high health, and the strong impulsive bias given by -early associations, had impelled him onward on the only path of renown -then open to a daring spirit. But now he had a still more inspiring -motive, a more individual incitement, to press forward to the goal of -fame. Constance de Grey was ever present to his thoughts, furnished -the spring of all his actions, and directed his every endeavour. -Renown in arms was his already; but fortune, station, he felt he must -gain at the sword's point, and he only sought a good cause wherein to -draw it.</p><p class="normal">The report that Albert of Koënigstein, his old friend and companion in -arms, had joined the adventurers which the Count of Shoenvelt was -collecting at Cassel, led him to imagine that the cause in which they -would be engaged was one that he could himself embrace with honour, -although Shoenvelt's name had not been hitherto very famous for the -better qualities of chivalry. He doubted not, also, from the high -station which he himself had filled in the armies of Burgundy, he -should easily obtain that rank and command which he was entitled to -expect amongst the troops thus assembled.</p><p class="normal">The history of the various bands of adventurers of that day offers us -some of the most curious and interesting particulars of a curious and -interesting age. These companies, totally distinct from the regular -armies of the time (if regular armies they might be called), were -generally levied by some enterprising feudal lord; and commencing, -most frequently, amongst his own vassals, afterwards swelled out into -very formidable bodies by a junction with other bands, and by the -continual accession of brave and veteran soldiers, cast upon the world -by the sovereigns they had served, when peace rendered their swords no -longer necessary. Of course, the numbers in these companies varied -very much according to circumstances, as well as their regulations and -deportment. Sometimes they consisted of thousands, sometimes of simple -tens. Sometimes, with the strictest discipline and the most -unshrinking valour, they entered into the service of kings, and -decided the fate of empires; sometimes they were little better than -roving bands of robbers, that lived by rapine and hardly acknowledged -law. Most frequently, however, in the age of which we treat, they -volunteered their support to the armies of their own sovereign or his -own allies, and often proved more active than the body they came to -aid.</p><p class="normal">However, if Theseus had played at pitch-and-toss with Ariadne's clue, -he would never have slain the Minotaur; and, therefore, we must go on -with the thread of our own story, notwithstanding a strong inclination -to pause and sport with the subject of the adventurers. Nevertheless, -thus much we will say: if our readers wish a treat, let them read the -delightful old Mémoires of Fleuranges--"<i>L'Aventurier</i>," as he calls -himself--which for simplicity, and, if I may use the term, bonhommie -of style, for curious incident and romantic adventure, is far superior -to any romance that ever was written. Many curious particulars, also, -concerning the appearance and conduct of the adventurers, may be found -in the letters of Clement Marot to Marguerite de Valois.</p><p class="normal">But to proceed. The next morning, by day-break, Sir Osborne and his -companion were once more on horseback, and on their way to Mount -Cassel, the knight having determined to learn, in the first place, the -views of Shoenvelt, and to examine the real state of his troops, -before he offered himself as a companion in the adventure. In case he -found their object such as he could not himself seek, his mind was -hardly made up whether to offer his services to the emperor, or to -Francis King of France. His old habits, indeed, tended to make him -prefer the imperial army; but, from all he had heard of the new chief -of the German confederacy, there was a sort of cold-blooded, -calculating policy in his every action, that little accorded with the -warm and chivalrous feelings of the young knight; while, at the same -time, there was in the whole conduct of Francis a noble, candid -generosity of heart: a wild, enthusiastic spirit of daring and -adventure, that wonderfully attracted Sir Osborne towards him.</p><p class="normal">Journeying on with a quick pace, Mount Cassel soon rose to the -traveller's sight, starting out of the vast plains in which it stands, -like some high spirit towering above the flat multitude.</p><p class="normal">Sweeping round its base, the knight turned his horse towards a lesser -hill, at about two miles' distance, the top of which was in that day -crowned by the castle of Shoenvelt. From the plain below, as the eye -wandered up the side of the mountain, amidst the wood and broom that -covered the rock in large masses, might be seen peeping forth wall, -and bastion, and outwork, while higher up, in zigzag lines upon the -clear background of the sky, appeared the towers and battlements of -the castle, with the tall donjon rising above them all, and the banner -of Shoenvelt, bearing sable a saltier gules, floating in the sunshine.</p><p class="normal">A broad, fair road offered itself for the travellers' horses, winding -along a narrow rocky ridge, which was the only part that, slowly -descending, joined the hill gradually to the plain. All the rest was -steep and precipitous, and too well guarded by nature to be liable to -attack; while overhanging this sole approach might be seen on every -side many a frowning defence, well prepared against any hostile -footstep. Gradually, as the road wound upwards, it grew narrower and -more narrow, confined between two high banks, commanded by the towers -of the castle, while the road itself was completely raked by the guns -of the barbican.</p><p class="normal">Sir Osborne remarked it all with a soldier's eye, looking on it as a -mechanist does on some fine piece of art, and observing the purpose of -every different part. Pressing on, however, he soon arrived at the -gate, and demanded if Sir Albert of Koënigstein was in the castle.</p><p class="normal">Though it was a time of peace, no gate was opened, and the sole -response of the soldier to whom he spoke was, "Who are you?" uttered -through the grille of the barbican. The knight gave his name, and the -man retired without making any further answer.</p><p class="normal">"This looks like precaution, Longpole," said the knight. "Methinks -they would run no great danger in letting two men pass the gate, -though they may be armed at all points."</p><p class="normal">"I suppose the custom of this castle is like the custom of a -rat-hole," replied Longpole, "to let but one in at a time. But I hope -you won't stay here, my lord. I have an invincible hatred at being -built up. As much of the camp and fair field as you like, but Lord -deliver me from stone and mortar! Besides, this place smacks -marvellously of a den of free companions. Look at that fellow with the -pike on his shoulder; neither his morion nor his corslet has known -sand and the rubbing-stick since his great ancestor was drowned with -Pharaoh; and 'twas then his harness got so rusty, depend on it."</p><p class="normal">"In a Red Sea, I am afraid," said Sir Osborne. "But here comes the -janitor."</p><p class="normal">As he spoke, the guardian of the gate approached with a bunch of keys, -and soon gave the knight the means of entrance. Sir Osborne, however, -still held his bridle in, and demanded once more if Sir Albert of -Koënigstein was in the castle.</p><p class="normal">"I cannot tell you, sir," replied the soldier. "I know not the titles -of all the knights here. All I can say is, that I gave your name and -errand to my lord, who sits at table in the great hall, and that he -greets you heartily and invites you in."</p><p class="normal">At this moment a group of gentlemen appeared, coming through the gate -of the inner ballium, and Sir Osborne, not doubting that they had been -sent by the count to conduct him to the hall, saw that he could not -now avoid entering, whether the officer he sought was there or not. -Riding through the gate, then, he dismounted, and giving his horse to -Longpole, met the party he had seen advancing, the principal of whom, -with much reverence and courtesy, prayed the Sire de Darnley, on the -part of Count Shoenvelt, to enter and quaff a cup of wine with him. -Sir Osborne expressed his willingness to do so in the same strain, and -then repeated his inquiry for his friend.</p><p class="normal">"We are unhappy in not having his company," replied the gentleman; -"but I believe the count expects him here in a few days."</p><p class="normal">He was a young man who spoke, and there was a sort of flush came over -his cheek, as he announced the probable coming of Koënigstein, which -induced Sir Osborne to imagine that his report was not very correct; -and fixing his eye upon him, he merely said, "Does he?" with a slight -degree of emphasis.</p><p class="normal">"Yes, sir, he does," said the youth, colouring still more highly. "Do -you mean to say he does not?"</p><p class="normal">"Not in the least," said Sir Osborne, "as you may see by my seeking -him here; and I am sure that so gallant a squire as yourself would -never swerve from truth."</p><p class="normal">The young man bent down his eyes, and began playing with his -sword-knot, while Sir Osborne, now perfectly convinced that the whole -tale was a falsehood, followed on in silence, prepared to act -according to this opinion. In a few minutes they passed through the -portal of the keep, and entered at once into the great hall, up the -midst of which was placed a long table, surrounded by the chief of -Shoenvelt's adventurers, with various pages and varlets, serving the -meats and pouring out the wine. Round upon the walls hung the arms of -the various guests, cumbering every hook or peg that could be found; -and where these had been scanty, they were cast upon the ground behind -the owners' seats, together with saddles and bards, and other horse -caparisons; while in the corner leaned several scores of lances, -mingled amongst which were one or two knightly pennons, and many a -sheaf of arrows, jostled by the upstart weapons destined in the end to -banish them from the stage, such as hackbuts, hand-guns, and other -newly-invented fire-arms.</p><p class="normal">At the farther end of the table, digging deeply with his dagger in a -chine of wild-boar pork, which had been just placed before him, sat -the Count of Shoenvelt himself, tall, strong-limbed, and grisly, with -a long, drooping, hooked nose, depressed at the point, as if some one -had set his thumb on it, at the same time squeezing it down, and -rather twisting it on one side. This feature was flanked, if one may -use the term, by a pair of small, keen, hawk's eyes, which expressed -more active cunning than vigorous thought; while a couple of immense -ears, sticking out on each side of his head, and worn into various -irregular callosities by the pressure of his helmet, gave a singular -and brute-like appearance to his whole visage, not easy to be -described. He was dressed in a hacqueton, or close jacket of buff -leather, laced with gold, on which might be seen, especially towards -the arms, sundry daubs and stains, to the number of which he had just -added another, by dashing all the gravy over his sleeve, in his -furious hacking of the large and stubborn piece of meat before him. -This accident had called into his face not the most angelic -expression, and as he sat he would have made a good picture of an -inferior sort of devil; the whole effect being heightened by a strong -ray of light passing through a purple pane of the stained glass -window, and falling with a ghastly lustre upon his dark, ferocious -countenance.</p><p class="normal">The moment, however, that he perceived Sir Osborne, his brow was -smoothed, and rising from his seat, he advanced towards him with great -expression of joy. "My dear Lord of Darnley!" cried he, taking him in -his arms and pressing him to his bosom with a hug that the knight -would willingly have dispensed with; "welcome! a thousand times -welcome to St. Hubert's Castle! Whether you come to stay with us as a -companion, or whether you are but a passing guest, your visit is an -honour and a delight to all within these walls. Knights and -gentlemen," continued he, "pledge me all a cup to the health of the -Sire de Darnley."</p><p class="normal">To the party by whom he was surrounded, such a proposal was what -nobody felt at all inclined to reject, and consequently there was -instantly a loud rattling of cups and tankards, and no one complained -that his bowl was too full. All pledged Lord Darnley, and he could not -refuse to do them justice in a cup of wine. After which, taking the -seat that Shoenvelt assigned him by his side, the knight gazed over -the various grim and war-worn faces which were gathered round the -table, some of which he knew merely by sight, and some who, having -exchanged a word or two with him in the various reciprocations of -military service, now looked as if they claimed some mark of -recognition. Sir Osborne was not the man to reject such appeal, and he -gave the expected bow to each, though amongst them all he saw no one -who had greatly distinguished himself for those high feelings and -generous virtues that ever marked the true knight.</p><p class="normal">Many were the questions that were asked him; many the conjectures that -were propounded to him for confirmation, respecting the designs of -France and England, and of Germany; and it was some time before he -could cut them short, by informing his interrogators that he had been -for the last three months in his own country, so deeply occupied by -his private affairs that he had given no attention to the passing -politics of the day. The whole party seemed greatly disappointed, -entertaining apparently a much more violent thirst for news than even -that which is commonly to be met with in all small communities, cut -off from general information, and unoccupied by greater or better -subjects of contemplation.</p><p class="normal">As soon as the meal, which was drawing towards its end when Sir -Osborne entered, was completely concluded, Shoenvelt rose, and begged -to entertain him for a few minutes in private; which being agreed to, -he led him forth into a small space enclosed with walls, wherein the -provident chatelain had contrived to lay up, against the hour of need, -a very sufficient store of cabbages, turnips, carrots, and other -<i>canaille</i> of the vegetable kingdom, which might be very serviceable -in case of siege. Here, walking up and down a long path that bordered -the beds, with Sir Osborne on his right, and a knight named Wilsten -(whom he had invited to the conference) on his left, Shoenvelt -addressed Lord Darnley somewhat to the following effect; generally, -while he did so, fixing his eyes upon vacancy, as a man does who -recites awkwardly a set speech, but still from time to time giving a -quick sharp glance towards the knight's countenance, to see the -impression he produced:--</p><p class="normal">"Valiant and worthy knight--ahem! ahem!" said Shoenvelt. "Every one, -whether in Germany or France, England or Spain, or even here in our -poor duchy of Burgundy--ahem! ahem! Every one, I say, has heard of -your valorous feats and courageous deeds of arms; wherefore it cannot -be matter of astonishment to you, that wherever there is a captain -who, having gathered together a few hardy troops--ahem! ahem! is -desirous of signalizing himself in the service of his -country--ahem!--wherever there is such a one, I say, you cannot be -surprised that he wishes to gain you to his aid." Here Shoenvelt gave -a glance at Wilsten, to see if he approved his proem; after which he -again proceeded:--"Now you must know, worthy knight, that I have -here in my poor castle, which is a strong one, as you may -perceive--ahem!--no less than five hundred as good spearmen as ever -crossed a horse, which I have gathered together for no mean purpose. A -purpose," he continued, mysteriously, "which, if effected, will not -only enrich all persons who contribute their aid thereto, but will -gain them the eternal thanks of our good and noble emperor--ahem! -ahem! I could say more--ahem!"</p><p class="normal">"Tonder, man! tell him all," cried Wilsten, who had served with Sir -Osborne, and had the reputation of being a brave and gallant knight, -though somewhat addicted to plunder; "or let me tell him, for your -bedevilled 'hems' take more time than it would to storm a fort. This -is the case, sir knight. A great meeting is to take place between the -King of France and the King of England at the border, and all the -nobility of France are in motion through Picardy and the frontier -provinces, covered with more gold than they ever had in their lives -before. Even Francis himself, like a mad fool, is running from -castle to castle, along the frontier, sometimes with not more than -half-a-dozen followers. Now, then, fancy what a rich picking may be -had amidst these gay French gallants; and if Francis himself were to -fall into our hands, we might command half a kingdom for his ransom."</p><p class="normal">"But I thought that the two countries were at peace," said the knight, -with a coldness of manner sufficiently marked, as he thought, to -prevent any further communication of the kind.</p><p class="normal">Wilsten, however, was not to be stopped, and replied, "Ay, a sort of -peace; a peace that is no peace on the frontiers. Don't let that -frighten you: we can prove that they were the first aggressors. Why, -did not they, less than ten days ago, attack the garrison of St. -Omers, and kill three men in trying to force the gate? Have they not -ravaged half Hainault? But, however, as I said, be not startled at -that. Shoenvelt saw the emperor about two months ago, who gave him to -understand that we could not do him a better service than either to -take Francis alive or give him a stroke with a lance. And fear not -that our plans are well laid: we have already two hundred men -scattered over the frontier; every forest, every village, has its ten -or twelve, ready to join at a moment's notice, when we sound to the -standard: two hundred more follow to-night, and Shoenvelt and I -to-morrow, in small parties, so as not to be suspected. Already we -have taken a rich burgher of Beauvais, with velvets and cloths of gold -worth a hundred thousand florins. But that is nothing: the king is our -great object, and him we shall have, unless some cursed accident -prevents it; for we do not hunt him by report only: we have our -gaze-hound upon him, who never loses sight. What think you of that, -sir knight? Count William of Firstenberg, Shoenvelt's cousin, who is -constantly with Francis, ay, and well-beloved of him, is our sworn -companion, and gives us notice of all his doings. What think you of -that, sir knight--ha?"</p><p class="normal">"I think him a most infernal villain!" cried Sir Osborne, his -indignation breaking forth in spite of his better judgment. "By -heaven! before I would colleague with such a traitor, I'd have my hand -struck off."</p><p class="normal">"Ha!" cried Shoenvelt, who had marked the knight's coldness all along, -and now burst into fury. "A traitor! Sir knight, you lie! Ho! shut the -gates there! By heaven! he will betray us, Wilsten! Call Marquard's -guard; down with him to a dungeon!" and laying his hand upon his -sword, he prepared to stop the knight, who now strode rapidly towards -the gate. "Nay, nay," cried Wilsten, holding his companion's arm. -"Remember, Shoenvelt, 'tis your own hold. He must not be hurt here; -nay, by my faith he shall not. We will find a more fitting place: -hold, I say!"</p><p class="normal">While Shoenvelt, still furious, strove to free himself from Wilsten, -Sir Osborne passed the gate of the garden, and entered the space of -the outer ballium, where Longpole had pertinaciously remained with the -two horses, as close to the barbican, the gate of which had been left -open when they entered, as possible, seeming to have had a sort of -presentiment that it might be necessary to secure possession of the -bridge.</p><p class="normal">The moment the knight appeared without any conductors, the shrewd -custrel conceived at once that something had gone wrong, sprang upon -his own horse, gave a glance round the court to see that his retreat -could not be cut off, and perceiving that almost all the soldiers were -near the inner wall, he led forward his lord's charger to meet him.</p><p class="normal">Sir Osborne had his foot in the stirrup when Shoenvelt, now broken -away from Wilsten, rushed forth from the garden, vociferating to his -men to shut the gate and to raise the drawbridge; but in a moment the -knight was in the saddle; and spurring on, with one buffet of his hand -in passing, he felled a soldier who had started forward to drop the -portcullis, and darted over the bridge.</p><p class="normal">"On to the other gate, Longpole!" cried he. "Quick! Make sure of it;" -and turning his own horse, he faced Shoenvelt, who now seeing him gone -beyond his power, stood foaming under the arch. "Count of Shoenvelt!" -cried he, drawing off his glove, "thou art a liar, a traitor, and a -villain, which, when you will, I will prove upon your body. There lies -my gage!" and casting down his gauntlet, he galloped after Longpole, -who stood with his sword drawn in a small outer gate, which had been -thrown forward even beyond the barbican.</p><p class="normal">"Up! archers, up!" cried Shoenvelt, storming with passion; "up, lazy -villains! A hundred crowns to him who sends me an arrow through his -heart. Draw! draw, slaves! Draw, I say!"</p><p class="normal">In a moment an arrow stuck in Sir Osborne's surcoat, and another -lighted on his casquet; but, luckily, as we have seen, the more easily -to carry his harness or armour, he rode completely armed, and the -missiles from the castle fell in vain.</p><p class="normal">However, lest his horse should suffer, which, not being sufficiently -covered by its bard to insure it from a chance arrow, might have been -disabled at the very moment he needed it most, the knight spurred on -as fast as possible, and having joined Longpole, descended the narrow -way by which they had mounted.</p><p class="normal">Still for some way the arrows continued to fall about them, though -with less assured aim and exhausted force; so that the only danger -that remained might be apprehended either from the guns of the castle -being fired upon them, or from Shoenvelt sending out a body of -spearmen in their pursuit. Neither of these, however, took place, the -inhabitants of the country round, and the commander of Cassel, being -too jealous and suspicious of Shoenvelt already for him to do anything -which might more particularly attract their attention; and to this -cause, and this cause only, was Sir Osborne indebted for his unpursued -escape.</p><br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XXXII.</h4><div class="poem0" style="margin-left:20%"> -<p class="continue">How blest am I by such a man led,<br> -Under whose wise and careful guardship<br> -I now despise fatigue and hardship!</p></div><p class="normal">As soon as they were out of reach of immediate annoyance, the knight -reined in his horse, and turned to see if Shoenvelt showed any -symptoms of an inclination to follow. But all was now quiet: the gates -were shut, the drawbridge was raised, and not even an archer to be -seen upon the walls. Sir Osborne's eye, however, ran over tower, and -bartizan, and wall, and battlement, with so keen and searching a -glance, that if any watched him in his progress, it must have been -from the darkest loophole in the castle, to escape the notice of his -eye.</p><p class="normal">Satisfied at length with his scrutiny, he again pursued his journey -down the steep descent into the vast plain of Flanders, and turned his -horse towards Mount Cassel, giving Longpole an account, as he went, of -the honourable plans and purposes of the good Count of Shoenvelt.</p><p class="normal">"'Odslife! my lord," said Longpole, "let us go into that part of the -world too. If we could but get a good stout fellow or two to our back, -we might disconcert them."</p><p class="normal">"I fear they are too many for us," replied the knight, "though it -seems that Shoenvelt, avaricious of all he can get, and afraid that -aught should slip through his hands, has divided his men into tens and -twelves, so that a few spears well led might do a great deal of harm -amongst them. At all events, Longpole, we will buy a couple of lances -at Cassel; for we may yet chance to meet with some of Shoenvelt's -followers on our road."</p><p class="normal">Conversing of their future proceedings, they now mounted the steep -ascent of Mount Cassel, and approached the gate of the town, the iron -grate of which, to their surprise, was slowly pushed back in their -faces as they rode up. "Ho! soldier, why do you shut the gate?" cried -Sir Osborne; "don't you see we are coming in?"</p><p class="normal">"No, you are not," replied the other, who was a stiff old Hainaulter, -looking as rigid and intractable as the iron jack that covered his -shoulders; "none of Shoenvelt's plunderers come in here."</p><p class="normal">"But we are neither friends nor plunderers of Shoenvelt's," said the -knight: "we are his enemies, and have just made our escape from St. -Hubert's."</p><p class="normal">"Ah! a fine tale! a fine tale!" replied the soldier, through the -barred gate, which he continued slowly and imperturbably to fasten -against them. "We saw you come down the hill, but you don't step in -here to-night; so you had better ride away, before the captain sends -down to make you. We all know that you can lie as well as rob."</p><p class="normal">"By my life! if I were in, I'd split your morion for you," said the -knight, enraged at the cool <i>nonchalance</i> of the Hainaulter.</p><p class="normal">"Doubtless," replied he, in the same sort of indifferent snuffling -tone; "doubtless: you look like it, and that's one reason why I shall -keep you out."</p><p class="normal">Sir Osborne wasted no more words on the immoveable old pikeman, but, -angrily turning his horse, began to descend the hill. A little way -down the steep, there was even then, as now, a small hamlet serving as -a sort of suburb to the town above; and towards this the knight took -his way, pausing to gaze, every now and then, on the vast, -interminable plain that lay stretched at his feet, spread over which -he could see a thousand cities and villages, all filled with their own -little interests and feelings, wherein he had no part nor sympathy, -and a thousand roads leading away to them, in every direction, without -any one to guide his choice, or to tell him on which he might expect -prosperity or disaster.</p><p class="normal">"To Aire," said he, after he had thought for some time. "We will go to -Aire. I hear that the Count de Ligny, whom I fought at Isson, is -there, and the Chevalier Bayard, and many other gallant knights and -gentlemen, who, perhaps, may welcome me amongst them. Is not that the -smoke of a forge, Longpole? Perhaps we may find an armourer. Let us -see."</p><p class="normal">As the knight had imagined, so it proved, and on their demanding two -strong lances, the armourer soon brought them forward a bundle of -stiff ash staves, bidding them choose. After some examination to -ascertain the soundness of the wood, their choice was made; and the -Fleming proceeded to adjust to the smaller end of each two -handsbreadths of pointed iron, which being fastened and clenched, the -knight and his follower paid the charge, and taking possession of -their new weapons rode away, directing their course towards -Hazebrouck, in their way to Aire.</p><p class="normal">Their progress now became necessarily slow; for though both horses -were powerful in limb and joint, and trained to carry great burdens -and endure much fatigue, yet the weight of a heavy iron bard, together -with that of a tall strong man armed at all points, was such that in a -long journey it of course made itself felt. Evidently perceiving by -the languor of his motions that the charger which bore him was -becoming greatly wearied, Sir Osborne ceased to urge him, and proposed -to stop for the evening at the very first village that could boast of -an inn. Nevertheless, it was some time before they met with such a -one, most of the hamlets on the road being too poor and insignificant -to require or possess anything of the kind. At length, however, a -small, neat house, with a verdant holly-bush over the door, invited -their steps, and entering, Sir Osborne was saluted heartily by the -civil host, who, with brandished knife and snowy bib, was busily -engaged in cooking various savoury messes for any guest that -Providence might send him. Some specimens of his handiwork were placed -before the knight and Longpole, as soon as their horses had been taken -care of; and an excellent bottle of old wine, together with some -fatigue, induced them to linger a little at the table.</p><p class="normal">The lattice, which was open, looked out across the road to the little -village green, where was to be seen many a schoolboy playing in the -fine May evening, and mocking, in his childish sports, the sadder -doings of the grown-up children of the day. Here, horsed upon their -fellows' backs, were two that acted the part of knights, tilting at -each other with broomsticks; and there, marshalled in fair order by a -youthful captain, marched a body of young lansquenets, advancing and -retreating, wheeling and charging, with no small precision. Sir -Osborne watched them for a while, in somewhat of a moralizing mood, -till his musing was disturbed by the trotting of a horse past the -window, and in a moment after he heard the good-humoured voice of the -host addressing the person who arrived.</p><p class="normal">"Ah! Master Frederick," he said, "what! back again so soon! I told you -you would soon be tired of soldiering."</p><p class="normal">"Nay, nay, Regnault," answered a voice that Sir Osborne thought he had -heard before, "I am not tired of soldiering, and never shall be; but I -am tired of consorting with a horde of plunderers, for such are -Shoenvelt and all his followers. But while I lead my horse to the -stable, get me something to eat, good Regnault; for I do not want to -go back to the hall till I have dented my sword at least."</p><p class="normal">"What! are you going to it again?" cried the host; "stay at home, -Master Frederick! stay at home! Take care of the house your father has -left you. If you are not so rich as the baron, you have enough, and -that is better than riches, if one knew it."</p><p class="normal">"My father was a soldier," answered the young man, "and distinguished -himself; and so will I, before I sit down in peace."</p><p class="normal">Here the conversation ceased; and the host, entering the room in which -sat the knight and his follower, began to lay out one of the small -tables with which it was furnished. "That is as good a youth," said -he, addressing Sir Osborne, while he proceeded with his preparations; -"that is as good a youth as ever breathed, if he had not taken this -fit of soldiering. His father was a younger brother of old Count -Altaman, and after many years' service came to our village, and bought -a piece of ground, where he built a house: your worship may see it -from here, over the side of the hill, with the wood behind it. He has -been dead now a year, and his wife near three; and so Master Frederick -there must needs go soldiering. They say it is all love for the -baron's daughter. But here he comes."</p><p class="normal">As he spoke, the young man entered the room, presenting to Sir -Osborne, as he had expected, the face of the youth who had been sent -by Shoenvelt to welcome him on his arrival at the castle. An ingenuous -blush overspread the young Hainaulter's countenance when he saw Sir -Osborne, and taking his seat at the table prepared for him, he turned -away his head and began his meal in silence.</p><p class="normal">"Had you not better take off your corslet, Master Frederick?" demanded -the host.</p><p class="normal">"No, no, Regnault," replied the youth; "I do not know that I shall -stay here all night. Never mind! give me some wine, and leave me."</p><p class="normal">Thus repulsed, the innkeeper withdrew, and Sir Osborne continued to -watch the young soldier, who, whether it was a feeling of shame at -meeting the knight, and degradation at having been made, even in a -degree, a party to Shoenvelt's attempt to deceive him, or whether it -was bitterness of spirit at returning to his native place -unsuccessful, seemed to have his heart quite full; and it appeared to -be with pain that he ate the food which was placed before him.</p><p class="normal">Sir Osborne could feel for disappointed hopes, and after regarding him -for a moment or two in silence, he crossed the room and laid his hand -upon his shoulder.</p><p class="normal">The young man turned round with a flushed cheek, hardly knowing -whether from anger at the familiarity to vent the feelings of his -heart, or to take it in good part, and strive to win the esteem of a -man whom he had been taught to admire.</p><p class="normal">But there was a frankness in the knight's manner, and a noble kindness -of intent in his look, that soon removed all doubt. "So, young -gentleman," said he, "you have left Count Shoenvelt's company. I -thought you were not made to stay long amongst them; but say, was it -with his will?"</p><p class="normal">"I staid not to ask, my lord," replied the young man. "I was bound to -Shoenvelt in no way, and the moment the gates were opened after you -were gone, I rode out and came away."</p><p class="normal">Sir Osborne shook his head. "When a soldier engages with a commander," -said he, "his own will and pleasure must not be the terms of his -service. But of all things, he ought not to quit his leader's banner -without giving notice that he intends to do so."</p><p class="normal">"But, thank God," cried the young Hainaulter, "I had not yet taken -service with Shoenvelt. He wanted to swear me to it, as he does the -rest; but I would not do so till I saw more of him and of his plans; -and so I told him."</p><p class="normal">"That makes the matter very different," replied the knight with a -smile. "I am heartily glad to hear it, for I dare pronounce him a -traitorous ruffian, and no true knight. But one more question, young -sir, if I urge not your patience. How came you to seek Shoenvelt at -first, who never bore a high renown but as a marauder?"</p><p class="normal">The youth hesitated. "It matters not, sir knight," replied he, after a -moment's pause, "to you or to any one, what reasons I might have to -seek renown as speedily as possible, and why the long, tedious road to -knighthood and to fame, first as page, and then as squire, and then as -man-at-arms, was such as I could not bear; but so it was: and as -Shoenvelt gave out that he had high commissions from the emperor, and -was to do great deeds, I hoped that with him I might find speedy means -of signalizing myself. After being two days in the castle, I -discovered that his whole design was plunder, which was not the way to -fame; and this morning he made me deliver you a message, which I knew -to be a falsehood, which was not the road to honour: so I determined -to leave him; and as the spearmen are always dropping out of the -castle by five or six at a time, to go down to the frontier, I soon -found the means of getting away."</p><p class="normal">"Yours is an error, my good youth," said Sir Osborne, "which I am -afraid we are all wont to entertain in the first heat of our early -days; but we soon find that the road to fame is hard and difficult of -access, and that it requires time, and perseverance, and labour, and -strength, even to make a small progress therein. Those who, with a gay -imagination, fancy they have made themselves wings to fly up to the -top, soon, like the Cretan of old, sear their pinions in the sun, and -drop into the sea of oblivion. However, are you willing to follow a -poor knight, who, though he cannot promise either fame or riches, will -lead you, at least, in the path of honour?"</p><p class="normal">The enthusiastic youth caught the knight's hand, and kissed it with -inexpressible delight. "What! follow you?" cried he; "follow the Lord -Darnley, the Knight of Burgundy, whose single arm maintained the -bridge at Bovines against the bravest of the Duke of Alençon's horse! -Ay, that I will, follow him through the world. Do you hear that, -Regnault?" he cried to the innkeeper, who now entered; "do you hear -that? Instead of the base Shoenvelt, I am going to follow the noble -Lord of Darnley, who was armed a knight by the emperor himself."</p><p class="normal">The honest innkeeper congratulated Master Frederick heartily upon the -exchange; for the knight was now in that part of the country where his -name, if not his person, was well known; and in that age, the fame of -gallant actions and of noble bearing spread rapidly through all ranks, -and gained the meed of applause from men whom we might suppose little -capable of appreciating it.</p><p class="normal">All preliminaries were speedily arranged, and the next morning Sir -Osborne set out by dawn for the small town of Hazebrouck, which lay at -about two leagues' distance, where he took care to furnish his new -follower with a lance, and several pieces of defensive armour that -were wanting to his equipment; and then, to ascertain what reliance -might be placed on his support in case of emergency, he excited him to -practise various military exercises with himself, as they rode along -towards Aire. To his no small surprise and pleasure, he found that the -young Hainaulter, though somewhat rash and hasty, was far more skilful -in the use of his weapons and the management of his horse than he -could have conceived; and with such an addition to his party, he no -longer scrupled to cast himself in the way of some of Shoenvelt's -bodies of marauders, to keep his hand in, as Longpole quaintly -expressed it, when he heard his lord's determination.</p><p class="normal">"Come, Frederick," said the knight, "I will not go on to Aire, as I -had determined; but, in order to gratify your wish for renown, we will -lie about on the frontier, like true errant knights of old, at any -village or other place where we may find shelter; and if we meet with -Shoenvelt, or any of his, mind you do honour to your arms. We shall -always have the odds of eight or nine against us."</p><p class="normal">"No, no, sir knight!" cried the young soldier; "do not believe that. -It is one of his falsehoods; there are not above ten in any of the -bands, and most of them are five or six. I know where most of them -lie."</p><p class="normal">"Hush, hush!" cried Sir Osborne, raising his finger; "you must tell me -nothing; so that, if you should chance to break a lance with him, your -hand may not tremble at thinking you have betrayed his counsel. Nay, -do not blush, Frederick. A man who aspires to chivalry must guide -himself by stricter rules than other men. It was for this I spoke. -Here is the fair river Lys, if I remember right."</p><p class="normal">"It is so, sir knight," replied the other; "there is a bridge about a -mile lower down."</p><p class="normal">"What! for a brook like this?" cried Sir Osborne, spurring his horse -in. "Oh, no; we will swim it. Follow!"</p><p class="normal">The young Hainaulter's horse did not like the plunge, and shied away -from the brink. "Spur him in, spur him in!" cried Longpole. "If our -lord reaches the other bank first, he will never forgive us. He swims -like an otter himself, and fancies that his squires ought to be -water-rats by birthright."</p><p class="normal">"Down with the left rein!" cried the knight, turning as his horse -swam, and seeing the situation of his young follower. "Give him the -spur, bring him to a demivolte, and he must in."</p><p class="normal">As the knight said, at the second movement of the demivolte, the -horse's feet were brought to the very brink of the river, and a slight -touch of the mullet made him plunge over; so that, though somewhat -embarrassed with his lance in the water, Frederick soon reached the -other bank in safety.</p><p class="normal">One of the beautiful Flemish meadows, which still in many parts skirt -the banks of the Lys, presented itself on the other side; and beyond -that, a forest that has long since known the rude touch of the heavy -axe, which, like some fell enchanter's wand, has made so many of the -loveliest woods in Europe disappear, without leaving a trace behind. -The one we speak of was then in its full glory, sweeping along with a -rich undulating outline by the side of the soft green plain that -bordered the river, sometimes advancing close to the very brink, as if -the giant trees of which it was composed sought to contemplate their -grandeur in the watery mirror, sometimes falling far away, and leaving -a wide open space between itself and the stream, covered with thick -short grass, and strewed with the thousand flowers wherewith Nature's -liberal hand has fondly decorated her favourite spring. Every here and -there, too, the wood itself would break away, discovering a long glade -penetrating into the deepest recesses of its bosom, filled with the -rich, mellow forest light, that, streaming between every aperture, -chequered the green, mossy path below, and showed a long perspective -of vivid light and shade as far as the eye could reach.</p><p class="normal">It was up one of these that Sir Osborne took his way, willing to try -the mettle of his new follower, and to initiate him into the trade of -war, by a few of its first hardships and dangers, doubting not that -Shoenvelt had taken advantage of that forest, situated as it was -between Lillers and Aire, to post at least one party of his men -therein. From what the youth had let drop, as well as from what he had -himself observed, the knight was led to believe that the adventurer -had greatly magnified the number of his forces; and he also concluded -that, to avoid suspicion, he had divided his men into very small -troops, except on such points as he expected the King of France -himself to pass; and even there, Sir Osborne did not doubt that thirty -men would be the extent of any one body, Francis's habit of riding -almost unattended, with the fearless confidence natural to his -character, being but too well known on the frontier.</p><p class="normal">To meet with Shoenvelt himself, and if possible to disappoint his -schemes of plunder, was now the knight's castle in the air; and though -the numbers of his own party were so scanty, he felt the sort of -confident assurance in his own courage, his own strength, and his own -skill, which is ever worth a host in moments of danger. Longpole, he -was also sure, would be no inefficient aid; and though the young -Hainaulter might not be their equal in experience or skill, Sir -Osborne did not fear that, in time of need, his enthusiastic courage -and desire to distinguish himself would make him more than a match for -one of Shoenvelt's company.</p><p class="normal">Under these circumstances, the knight would never have hesitated to -attack a body of double, or perhaps treble, his own number; and yet he -resolved to proceed cautiously, endeavouring in the first place to -inform himself of the situation of Shoenvelt's various bands, and to -ascertain which that marauder was likely to join himself.</p><p class="normal">Wilsten having let drop that he and the count, as the two leaders of -their whole force, were to set out the next morning, Sir Osborne saw -that no time was to be lost in reconnoitring the ground, in order to -ascertain the real strength of the adventurers. He resolved, -therefore, to take every means to learn their numbers; and if he found -the amount more formidable than he imagined, to risk nothing with so -few, but to provide for the king's safety, by giving notice to the -garrison of Aire that the monarch was menaced by danger; and then to -aid with his own hand in ridding the frontier of such dangerous -visitors, though he felt a great degree of reluctance to share with -any one an enterprise full of honourable danger. It was likewise -necessary to ascertain where Francis I. was; for Shoenvelt might have -been deceived, or the king might have already quitted the frontier, or -he might be accompanied by a sufficient escort to place his person in -security; or, in short, a thousand circumstances might have happened, -which would render the enterprise of the adventurers abortive, and his -own interference unnecessary, if not impertinent.</p><p class="normal">Revolving all these considerations in his mind, sometimes proceeding -in silence, sometimes calling upon his companions for their opinion, -Sir Osborne took his way up one of the deep glades of the forest, -still keeping a watchful ear to every sound that stirred in the wood, -so that not a note of the thrush or the blackbird, nor the screaming -of a jay, nor the rustle of a rabbit, escaped him; and yet nothing met -his ear which might denote that there were other beings hid beneath -those green boughs besides themselves and the savage tenants of the -place: the stag, the wild boar, and the wolf.</p><p class="normal">The deep ruts, formed by heavy wood-carts in the soft, mossy carpet of -the glade, told that the route they were pursuing was one which most -probably communicated with some village, or some other road of greater -thoroughfare; and after following it for about a mile, they perceived -that, now joined to another exactly similar to itself, it wound away -to the left, leaving nothing but a small bridle-way before them, which -Sir Osborne judged must lead to some spot where the wood had been -cleared.</p><p class="normal">As their horses were now rather fatigued, and the full sun shining -upon the forest rendered its airless paths very oppressive, the knight -chose the little path before him, hoping it would lead to a more open -space where they might repose for a while, and at the same time keep a -watch upon the roads they had just quitted. His expectations were not -deceitful; for after having proceeded about two hundred yards, they -came to a little grassy mound in the wood, which in former times might -have monumented the field of some Gallic or Roman victory, piled up -above the bones of the mighty dead. Even now, though the forest had -grown round and girt it in on every side, the trees themselves seemed -to hold it in reverence, leaving it, and even some space round it, -free from their grasping roots; except, indeed, where a group of idle -hawthorns had gathered impudently on its very summit, flaunting their -light blossoms to the sun, and spreading their perfume on the wind.</p><p class="normal">It was the very spot suited to Sir Osborne's purpose; and, -dismounting, the three travellers leaned their lances against the -trees, and letting their horses pick a meal from the forest grass, -prepared to repose themselves under the shadow of the thorns. Previous -to casting himself down upon the bank, however, the knight took care -to examine the wood around them; and seeing a sort of yellow light -shining between the trees beyond, he pursued his way along what seemed -a continuation of the little path which had brought them thither. -Proceeding in a slanting direction, apparently to avoid the bolls of -some enormous beeches, it did not lead on for above ten or twelve -yards, and then opened out upon a high road cut through the very -wildest part of the forest, at a spot where an old stone cross and -fountain of clear water commemorated the philanthropy of some one long -dead, and offered the best of Nature's gifts to the lip of the weary -traveller. Sir Osborne profited by the occasion, and communicated his -discovery to his companions, who took advantage of it to satisfy their -thirst also. They then lay down in the shade of the hawthorns on the -mound; and, after some brief conversation, the heat of the day so -overpowered the young Hainaulter that he fell asleep. Such an example -was never lost upon Longpole, who soon resigned himself to the drowsy -god; and Sir Osborne was left the only watcher of the party.</p><p class="normal">Whether from his greater bodily powers, on which fatigue made but -slight impression, or from deeper feelings and thoughts that would not -rest, sleep came not near his eyelids; and, lying at his ease in the -fragrant air, a thousand busy memories came thronging through his -brain, recalling love, and hope, and joy, and teaching to believe that -all might yet be his.</p><p class="normal">While thus indulging waking visions, he thought he heard a distant -horn, and listening, the same sound was again borne upon the wind from -some part of the forest. It was, however, no warlike note, but -evidently proceeded from the horn of some huntsman, who, as Sir -Osborne concluded from the time of the year, was chasing the wolf, to -whom no season gives repose.</p><p class="normal">Falling back into the position from which he had risen to listen, Sir -Osborne had again given himself up to thought, when he was once more -roused by the sound of voices and the trampling of horses' feet on the -road hard by. Rising silently, without disturbing his companions, he -glided part of the way down the path leading to the fountain, and -paused amidst some oaks and shrubs, through the leaves of which he -could observe what passed on the highway, without being seen himself.</p><p class="normal">Nearly opposite to the cross already mentioned appeared two horsemen, -one of whom allowed his beast to drink where the water, gurgling over -the basin of the fountain, formed a little streamlet across the road, -while the other held in his rein about a pace behind, as if waiting -with some degree of respect for his companion. As soon as the horse -raised its head, the first cavalier turned round, and presented to Sir -Osborne's view a fine and princely countenance, whose every feature, -whose every glance, bespoke a generous and noble spirit.</p><p class="normal">In complexion the stranger was of a deep tanned brown, with his eyes, -his hair, and his mustachio nearly black; his brow was broad and -clear; his eyes were large and full, though shaded by the dark -eyelashes that overhung them; his nose was straight, and perhaps -somewhat too long; while his mouth was small, and would have been -almost too delicate, had it not been for a certain marked curl of the -upper lip, which gave it an expression, not of haughtiness nor of -sternness, but of grave, condescending dignity. His dress was a rich -hunting suit, which might well become a nobleman of the day, -consisting of a green pourpoint laced with gold and slashed on the -breast, long white hose half covered by his boots, and a short green -cloak not descending to his horse's back. His hat was of velvet, with -the broad brim slightly turned up round it, and cut in various places -so as somewhat to resemble a moral crown, while from the front, thrown -over to the back, fell a splendid plume of ostrich feathers which -almost reached his shoulder. His only arms appeared to be a dagger in -his girdle, and a long heavy sword, which hung from his shoulder in a -baldrick of cloth of gold. The other stranger was habited nearly like -the first, very little difference existing either in the fashion or -the richness of their apparel. Both also were tall and vigorous men, -and both were in the prime of their days; but the countenance of the -second was very different from that of his companion. In complexion he -was fair, with small blue eyes and rather sandy hair; nor would he -have been otherwise than handsome, had it not been for a certain -narrowness of brow and wideness of mouth, which gave a gaunt and eager -expression to his face, totally opposed to the grand and open -countenance of the other.</p><p class="normal">As we have said, when his horse had done drinking, the first traveller -turned towards the spot where Sir Osborne stood, and seemed to listen -for a moment. At length he said, "Hear you the hunt now, Count -William?"</p><p class="normal">"No, your highness," replied the other; "it has swept away towards -Aire."</p><p class="normal">"Then, sir," rejoined the first, "we are alone!" and drawing his sword -from the scabbard, he laid it level before his companion's eyes, -continuing abruptly, "what think you of that blade? is it not a good -one?" At the same time he fixed his eye upon him with a firm, -remarking glance, as if he would have read into his very soul. The -other turned as pale as death, and faltered something about its being -a most excellent weapon.</p><p class="normal">"Then," continued the first, "I will ask you, sir count, should it not -be a bold man, who, knowing the goodness of this sword, and the -strength of this arm, and the stoutness of this heart, would yet -attempt anything against my life? However, Count William of -Firstenberg, let me tell you, that should there be such a man in this -kingdom, and should he find himself alone with me in a wild forest -like this, and fail to make the attempt he meditated, I should look -upon him as coward as well as traitor, and fool as well as villain." -And his dark eye flashed as if it would have struck him to the ground.</p><p class="normal">Count William<a name="div4Ref_16" href="#div4_16"><sup>[16]</sup></a> faltered, trembled, and attempted to reply, but his -speech failed him; and, striking his hand against his forehead, he -shook his bridle-rein, dug his spurs into his horse's sides, and -darted down the road like lightning.</p><p class="normal">"Slave!" cried the other, as he marked him go; "cowardly slave!" and, -turning his horse, without further comment he rode slowly on the other -way.</p><br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XXXIII.</h4><div class="poem0" style="margin-left:15%"> -<p class="continue">The battle fares like to the morning's war,<br> -When dying clouds contend with growing light.--<span class="sc">Shakspere</span>.</p><p class="continue">Thine is th' adventure, thine the victory;<br> -Well has thy fortune turned the die for thee.--<span class="sc">Dryden</span>.</p></div><p class="normal">Sir Osborne immediately turned into the forest, and, rousing his -companions, called them to horse; but, however, though confessedly the -hero of our story, we must leave him for a little time and follow the -traveller we have just left upon the road.</p><p class="normal">For a considerable way he rode on musing, and if one might judge from -his countenance, his meditations were somewhat bitter; such as might -become the bosom of a king on finding the treachery of the world, the -hollowness of friendship, the impossibility of securing affection, or -any other of the cold lessons which the world will sometimes teach the -children of prosperity. At length he paused, and, looking to the -declining sun, saw the necessity of hastening his progress; whereupon, -setting spurs to his horse, he galloped along the road without much -heeding in what direction it led him, till, coming to one of those -openings called <i>carrefours</i> by the French, where a great many roads -met, he stopped to consider his farther route. In the midst, it is -true, stood a tall post, which doubtless in days of yore pointed out -to the inquisitive eye the exact destination to which each of the -several paths tended; but old Time, who will be fingering everything -that is nice and good, from the loveliest feature of living beauty to -the grandest monument of ancient art, had not spared even so -contemptible a thing as the finger-post, but, like a great mischievous -baby, had scratched out the letters with his pocketknife, leaving no -trace of their purport visible.</p><p class="normal">The traveller rode round it in vain, then paused and listened, as if -to catch the sound of the distant hunt; but all was now silent. As a -last resource, he raised his hunting-horn to his lips, and blew a long -and repeated call; but all was hushed and still: even babbling Echo, -in pure despite, answered not a word. He blew again, and had the same -success. There was an ominous sort of quietness in the air, which, -joined with the sultriness of the evening, the expecting taciturnity -of the birds, and some dark heavy clouds that were beginning to roll -in lurid masses over the trees, gave notice of an approaching storm.</p><p class="normal">Some road he must choose, and, calculating as nearly as he could by -the position of the sun, he made his election, and spurred along it -with all speed. A dropping sound amongst the green leaves, however, -soon showed that the storm was begun, and once having commenced, it -was not slow in following up its first attack: the rain came down in -torrents, so as to render the whole scene misty, and the lightning, -followed by its instant peal of thunder, flickered on every side with -flash after flash, dazzling the traveller's sight, and scaring his -horse by gleaming across his path, while the inky clouds overhead -almost deprived them of other light. In vain he every now and then -sought some place of shelter, where the trees seemed thickest; the -verdant canopy of the leaves, though impervious to the summer sun, and -a good defence against a passing shower, were incapable of resisting a -storm like that, and wherever he turned the rain poured through in -torrents, and wet him to the skin. Galloping on, then, in despair of -finding any sufficient covering, he proceeded for nearly half-an-hour -along the forest road, before it opened into the country; and where it -did so, instead of finding any nice village to give him rest, and -shelter, and food, and fire, the horseman could distinguish nothing -but a wide, bare expanse of country, looking dismal and desolate in -the midst of the gray deluge that was falling from the sky. About -seven or eight miles farther on, he could, indeed, see faintly through -the rain the spire of some little church, giving the only sign of -human habitation; except where, to the left, in the midst of the heath -that there bordered the forest, he perceived the miserable little hut -of a charcoal-burner, with a multitude of black hillocks before the -door, and a large shed for piling up what was already prepared.</p><p class="normal">To this, then, as the nearest place of shelter, the stranger took his -way, very different in appearance from what he had been in the -morning; his rich dress soaked and soiled, his velvet hat out of all -shape or form, his high plume draggled and thin, with all the feather -adhering closely to the pen; and, in short, though still bearing the -inalienable look of gentleman, yet in as complete disarray of apparel -as the very worst wetting can produce. Without ceremony he rode up to -the door, sprang off his horse, and entered the cabin, wherein -appeared a good woman of about forty, busily piling up with fresh fuel -a fire of dry boughs, over which hung a large pot of soup for the -evening meal. The traveller's tale was soon told, and the dame readily -promised him shelter and food, in the name of her husband, who was -absent, carrying charcoal to the distant village; and seeing that the -storm was likely to last all night, he tied his horse under the shed, -placed himself by the side of the fire, aided the good woman to raise -it into a blaze, and frankly prepared to make himself as comfortable -as circumstances would permit. Well pleased with his easy good-humour, -the good dame soon grew familiar, gave him a spoon to skim the pot, -while she fetched more wood, and bade him make himself at home. In a -short time the husband himself returned, as dripping as the traveller -had been, and willingly confirmed all that his wife had promised. Only -casting himself, without ceremony, into the chair where the stranger -had been sitting--and which, by-the-way, was the only chair in the -place, all the rest of the seats being joint-stools--he addressed him -familiarly, saying, "I take this place by the fire, my good gentleman, -because it is the place where I always sit, and this chair, because it -is mine; and you know the old proverb--</p> - -<p style="margin-left:10%">"By right and by reason, whatever betide,<br> -A man should be master by his own fireside."<a name="div4Ref_17" href="#div4_17"><sup>[17]</sup></a></p> - - -<p class="normal">"Faith, you are in the right," cried the traveller, laughing; "so I -will content myself with this settle. But let us have something for -supper; for, on the word of a--knight, my ride has taught me hunger."</p><p class="normal">"Give us the soup, dame," cried the charcoal-burner. "Well I wot, sir -traveller, that you might be treated like a prince, here on the edge -of the wood, did not those vile forest laws prevent a poor man from -spearing a boar as well as a rich one. In truth, the king is to blame -to let such laws last."</p><p class="normal">"Faith, and that is true," cried the traveller; "and heartily to -blame, too, if his laws stand between me and a good supper. Now would -I give a link of this gold chain for a good steak of wild boar pork -upon those clear ashes."</p><p class="normal">The cottager looked at his wife, and the cottager's wife looked at her -husband, very like two people undecided what to do. "Fie, now!" cried -the stranger; "fie, good dame! I will wager a gold piece against a cup -of cold water, that if I look in that coffer, I shall find wherewithal -to mend our supper."</p><p class="normal">"Hal ha! ha!" roared the charcoal-burner; "thou hast hit it. Faith, -thou hast hit it! There it is, my buck, sure enough! Bring it forth, -dame, and give us some steaks. But, mind," he continued, laying his -finger on his lip, with a significant wink; "mind, mum's the word! -never fare well and cry roast beef."</p><p class="normal">"Oh! I'm as close as a mouse," replied the stranger in the same -strain; "never fear me: many a stout stag have I overthrown in the -king's forests, without asking with your leave or by your leave of any -man."</p><p class="normal">"Ha! ha! ha!" cried the cottager; "thou'rt a brave one! Come, let us -be merry while the thunder rolls without. It will strike the king's -palace sooner than my cottage, though we are eating wild boar -therein."</p><p class="normal">In such sort of wit passed the evening till nightfall; and the storm -still continuing in its full glory, the traveller was fain to content -himself with such lodging as the cottage afforded for the night. -Though his dress bespoke a rank far higher than their own, neither the -cottager nor his wife seemed at all awe-struck or abashed, but quietly -examined the gold lacing of his clothes, declared it was very fine, -and seemed to look upon him more as a child does upon a gilded toy -than in any other light. When night was come, the good dame strewed -out one corner of the hut with a little straw, piled it high with dry -leaves, and the stranger, rolling up his cloak for a pillow, laid it -under his head, stretched himself on the rude bed thus prepared, and -soon fell into a profound sleep.</p><p class="normal">Taking advantage of his nap, we will now return to Sir Osborne, who -with all speed roused his companions from their slumbers, and bade -them mount and follow. With military alacrity, Longpole was on his -horse in a moment, and ready to set out; but for his part, the young -Hainaulter yawned and stretched, and, somewhat bewildered, looked as -if he would fain have asked whither the knight was going to lead him. -A word, however, from Longpole hurried his motions, and both were soon -upon the track of Sir Osborne, who was already some way on the little -bridle-path by which they had arrived at the grassy mound where they -had been sleeping. When he reached the road they had formerly left, he -paused, and waited their coming up.</p><p class="normal">"Now, Longpole," cried he, "give me your judgment: does this road lead -to any crossing or not? Quick! for we must not waste a moment."</p><p class="normal">"Most certainly it does, my lord," replied the shield-bearer: "most -probably to the spot where they all meet in the heart of the wood."</p><p class="normal">"Perhaps he may tell us with more certainty," said the knight; and -changing his language to French, for the ear of the young Hainaulter, -he asked the same question.</p><p class="normal">"Oh, yes, certainly," replied Frederick: "it leads to the great -carrefour; I have hunted here a hundred times."</p><p class="normal">"Then, are we on French ground or Flemish?" demanded the knight.</p><p class="normal">"The French claim it," replied the youth; "but we used to hunt here in -their despite."</p><p class="normal">"Quick, then! let us on!" cried Sir Osborne; "and keep all your eyes -on the road before, to see if any one crosses it."</p><p class="normal">"He has something in his head, I'll warrant," said Longpole to their -new companion, as they galloped after Sir Osborne. "Oh! our lord knows -the trade of war, and will snuff you out an enemy, without ever seeing -him, better than a beagle dog with bandy legs and a yellow spot over -his eyes."</p><p class="normal">"Halt!" cried the knight, suddenly reining in his horse as they came -within sight of the carrefour we have already mentioned. "Longpole, -keep close under that tree! Frederick, here by my side; back him into -the wood, my good youth; that will do. Let every one keep his eyes -upon the crossing, and when you see a horseman pass, mark which road -he takes. How dark the sky is growing! Hark! is not that a horse's -feet?"</p><p class="normal">They had not remained many minutes when the cavalier we have spoken of -appeared at the carrefour, examined in vain the finger-post, sounded -his horn once or twice, as we have described, and then again took his -way to the left.</p><p class="normal">"Whither does that road lead?" demanded the knight, addressing the -young Hainaulter.</p><p class="normal">"It opens out on the great heath between the forest and Lillers, my -lord," answered Frederick.</p><p class="normal">"Is there any village, or castle, or house near?" asked Sir Osborne -quickly.</p><p class="normal">"None, none!" replied Frederick; "it is as bare as my hand: perhaps a -charbonier's cottage or so," he added, correcting himself.</p><p class="normal">"Let us on, then," replied the knight. "We are going to have a storm, -but we must not mind that;" and putting his horse into a quick pace, -he led his followers upon the track of the traveller, taking care -never to lose sight of him entirely, and yet contriving to conceal -himself, whenever any turn of the road might have exposed him to the -view of the person he pursued. The rain poured upon his head, the -lightning flashed upon his path; but still the knight followed on -without a moment's pause, till he had seen the traveller take refuge -in the cottage of the charcoal-burner. Then, and not until then, he -paused, spurred his horse through some thick bushes on the edge of the -wood, and obtained as much shelter as the high beeches of the forest -could afford; nor did he pause at the first or the thickest trees he -came to, but took particular pains to select a spot where, though -concealed by a high screen of underwood, they could yet distinguish -clearly the door of the hut through the various breaks in the -branches. Here, having dismounted with his followers, he stationed -Frederick at a small opening, to watch the cottage, while he and -Longpole carefully provided for the security and refreshment of their -horses, as far as circumstances would admit, although the long -forest-grass was the only food that could be procured for them, and -the storm still continued pouring through the very thickest parts of -the wood. To obviate this, the knight and his shield-bearer plied the -underwood behind them with their swords, and soon obtained a -sufficient supply of leafy branches to interweave with the lower -boughs of the trees overhead, and thus to secure themselves against -the rain.</p><p class="normal">While thus employed, Frederick gave notice, as he had been commanded, -that some one approached the cottage, which proved to be the -charbonier himself, returning with his mule; and after his arrival, -their watch remained undisturbed by the coming of any visitor till -nightfall.</p><p class="normal">As soon as it was dark, Sir Osborne allotted to his followers and to -himself the portion of the night that each was to watch, taking for -his own period the first four hours; after which Longpole's turn -succeeded; and lastly, towards morning, came the young Hainaulter's.</p><p class="normal">With his eye fixed upon the light in the cottage, and his ear eager -for every sound, Sir Osborne passed the time till the flame gradually -died away, and, flashing more and more faintly, at last sank entirely. -However, the dark outline of the hut was still to be seen, and the ear -had now more power; for the storm had gradually passed away, and the -only sounds that it had left were the thunder rolling faintly round -the far limits of the horizon, and the dropping of the water from the -leaves and branches of the forest. Towards midnight, Sir Osborne -roused Longpole, and recommending him to watch carefully, he threw -himself down by the young Hainaulter and was soon asleep.</p><p class="normal">Somewhat tired with the fatigues of the day, the knight slept soundly, -and did not wake till Frederick, who had replaced Longpole on the -watch, shook him by the arm; and starting up, he found that it was -day.</p><p class="normal">"Hist, hist! my lord," cried the youth; "here are Shoenvelt and his -party."</p><p class="normal">Sir Osborne looked through the branches in the direction the young man -pointed, and clearly distinguished a party of seven spearmen, slowly -moving along the side of the forest, at about five hundred yards' -distance from the spot where they lay. "It is Shoenvelt's height and -form," said the knight, measuring the leader with his eye, "and that -looks like Wilsten by his side; but how are you sure?"</p><p class="normal">"Because I know the arms of both," replied Frederick, "See! they are -going to hide in the wood, close by the high road from Lillers to -Aire."</p><p class="normal">As he spoke, the body of horsemen stopped, and one after another -disappeared in the wood, convincing Sir Osborne that the young -Hainaulter was right.</p><p class="normal">"Then, nerve your arm and grasp your lance, Frederick," said the -knight with a smile; "for if you do well, even this very day you may -win your golden spurs. Wake Longpole there; we must be all prepared."</p><p class="normal">The youth's eyes gleamed with delight, and snatching up his casque, he -shook Longpole roughly, and ran to tighten his horse's girths, while -Sir Osborne explained to the yeoman that they were upon the eve of an -encounter.</p><p class="normal">'"Odslife!" cried Longpole, "I'm glad to hear it, my lord. I find it -vastly cold sleeping in a steel jacket, and shall be glad of a few -back-strokes to warm me. You say there are seven of them. It's an -awkward number to divide; but you will take three, my lord; I will do -my best for two and a-half, and then there will be one and a-half for -Master Frederick here. We could not leave the poor youth less, in -honesty; for I dare say he is as ready for such a breakfast as we -are."</p><p class="normal">The bustle of preparation now succeeded for a moment or two; and when -all was ready, and the whole party once more on horseback, the knight -led the way to a gap, from whence he could issue out upon the plain -without running the risk of entangling his horse in the underwood. -Here stationing himself behind the bushes to the left, he gave orders -to Longpole and Frederick not to stir an inch, whatever they saw, till -he set the example; and then grasping his lance, he sat like marble, -with his eyes fixed upon the cottage.</p><p class="normal">In about a quarter of an hour the door of the hut opened, and the -cottager, running to the shed, brought up the traveller's horse. By -this time, he seemed to have discovered that his guest was of higher -rank than he imagined; for when the stranger came forth, he cast -himself upon his knees, holding the bridle, and remained in that -situation till the other had sprung into the saddle.</p><p class="normal">Dropping some pieces of gold into his host's hand, the traveller now -shook his rein; and, putting his horse into an easy pace, took his way -over the plain, at about three hundred yards' distance from the -forest, proceeding quietly along, totally unconscious of danger. A -moment, however, put an end to his security; for he had not passed -above a hundred yards beyond the spot where the knight was concealed, -when a galloping of horse was heard, and Shoenvelt's party, with -levelled lances and horses in charge, rushed forth from the wood upon -him.</p><p class="normal">In an instant Sir Osborne's vizor was down, his spear was in the rest, -and his horse in full gallop. "Darnley! Darnley!" shouted he, with a -voice that made the welkin ring. "Darnley to the rescue! Traitor of -Shoenvelt, turn to your death!"</p><p class="normal">"Darnley! Darnley!" shouted Longpole, following his lord. "St. George -for Darnley! down with the traitors!"</p><p class="normal">The shout was not lost upon either Shoenvelt or the traveller. The one -instantly turned, with several of his men, to attack the knight; the -other, seeing unexpected aid at hand, fell back towards Darnley, and -with admirable skill and courage defended himself, with nothing but -his sword, against the lances of the marauders, who--their object -being more to take him living than to kill him--lost the advantage -which they would have otherwise had by his want of armour.</p><p class="normal">Like a wild beast, raging with hate and fury, Shoenvelt charged -towards the knight, his lance quivering in his hand with the angry -force of his grasp. On, on bore Sir Osborne at full speed towards him, -his bridle in his left hand, his shield upon his breast, his lance -firmly fixed in the rest, and levelled in such a manner as to avoid -its breaking. In a moment they met. Shoenvelt's spear struck Sir -Osborne's shield, and, aimed firmly and well, partially traversed the -iron; but the knight, throwing back his left arm with vast force, -snapped the head of the lance in twain. In the mean while, his own -spear, charged at the marauder's throat with unerring exactness, -passed clean through the gorget-piece and the upper rim of the -corslet, and came bloody out at the back. You might have heard the -iron plates and bones cranch as the lance rent its way through. Down -went Shoenvelt, horse and man, borne over by the force of the knight's -course.</p><p class="normal">"Darnley! Darnley!" shouted Sir Osborne, casting from him the spear, -which he could not disengage from the marauder's neck, and drawing his -sword. "Darnley! Darnley to the rescue! Now, Wilsten! now!" and -turning, galloped up to where the traveller, with Longpole and -Frederick by his side, firmly maintained his ground against the -adventurers.</p><p class="normal">Wilsten's lance had been shivered by Longpole; and now, with his sword -drawn, on the other side of the <i>mêlée</i>, he was aiming a desperate -blow at the unarmed head of the traveller, who defended himself from a -spearman in front; but at that moment the knight charged the -adventurer through the midst, overturning all that came in his way, -and shouting loud his battle-cry, to call his adversary's attention, -and divert him from the fatal blow which he was about to strike. The -plan succeeded. Wilsten heard the sound; and seeing Shoenvelt dead -upon the plain, turned furiously on Darnley. Urging their horses -between all the others, they met in the midst, and thus seemed to -separate the rest of the combatants, who, for a moment or two, looked -on inactive; while the swords of the two champions played about each -other's heads, and sought out the weaker parts of their harness. Both -were strong, and active, and skilful; and though Sir Osborne was -decidedly superior, it was long before the combat appeared to turn in -his favour. At length, by a quick movement of his horse, the knight -brought himself close to the adventurer's side, and gaining a fair -blow, plunged the point of his sword through his corslet into his -bosom.</p><p class="normal">At that moment, the combat having been renewed by the rest, one of the -marauders struck the knight from behind so violently on the head, that -it shook him in the saddle, and breaking the fastenings of his helmet, -the casque came off and rolled upon the plain. But the blow was too -late to save Wilsten, who now lay dead under his horse's feet; and Sir -Osborne well repaid it by a single back-stroke at this new opponent's -thigh.</p><p class="normal">By this time only two of the marauders remained on horseback, so well -had Longpole, the traveller, and Frederick, done their devoir; and -these two were not long in putting spurs to their steeds and flying -with all speed, leaving the knight and his companions masters of the -field. Looking round, however, Sir Osborne missed the gallant young -Hainaulter, while he saw his horse flying masterless over the plain.</p><p class="normal">"Where is Frederick?" cried the knight, springing to the ground. "By -my knighthood! if he be dead, we have bought our victory dear!"</p><p class="normal">"Not dead, monseigneur, but hurt," said a faint voice near; and -turning, he beheld the poor youth fallen to the earth, and leaning on -one arm, while with the other he was striving to take off his casque, -from the bars of which the blood dripped out fast upon the greensward. -Darnley hastened to his aid; and having disencumbered him of his -helmet, discovered a bad wound in his throat, which, however, did not -appear to him to be mortal; and Longpole, with the stranger, having -dismounted and come to his aid, they contrived to stanch the bleeding, -which was draining away his life.</p><p class="normal">When this was done, the noble traveller turned towards Darnley.</p><p class="normal">"Sir knight," said he, with the calm, dignified tone of one seldom -used to address an equal, "how you came here, or why, I cannot tell; -but it seems as if heaven had sent you on purpose to save my life. -However that may be, I will say of you, that never did a more famous -knight wield sword; and, therefore, as the best soldiers in Europe may -be proud of such a companion, let me beg you to take this collar, till -I can thank you better;" and he cast over the knight's neck the golden -chain of the order of St. Michael, with which he was decorated.</p><p class="normal">"As for you, good squire," he continued, addressing Longpole, "you are -worthy of your lord; therefore kneel down."</p><p class="normal">"Faith, your worship," answered the yeoman, "I never knelt to any man -in my life, and never will to any but a king, while I'm in this -world!"</p><p class="normal">"Fie, fie! Heartley!" cried Sir Osborne; "bend your knee. It is the -king, man! Do you not understand? It is King Francis!"</p><p class="normal">"Oh! that changes the case," cried Longpole; "I crave your highness's -pardon. I did not know your grace;" and he bent his knee to the king.</p><p class="normal">Francis drew his sword, and laid it on the yeoman's shoulder; then -striking him three light blows, he said, "In the name of God, our -Lady, and St. Denis, I dub thee knight. <i>Avance, bon chevalier!</i> Noble -or not noble, from this moment I make you such."</p><p class="normal">Longpole rose, and the king turned to the young Hainaulter, who, -sitting near, and supporting himself by his sword, had looked on with -longing eyes. "No one of my gallant defenders must be forgotten," said -Francis. "Knighthood, my good youth, will hardly pay your wound."</p><p class="normal">"Oh, yes, yes!" cried Frederick, eagerly; "indeed it will, your -highness, more than repay it."</p><p class="normal">"Then be it so," replied the king, knighting him. "However, remember, -fair knights, that Francis of France stints not here his gratitude, or -you may think him niggard of his thanks. We will have you all go with -us, and we will find better means to repay your timely aid. I know -not, sir," he continued, turning to Sir Osborne, and resuming the more -familiar first person singular, "whether I heard your battle-cry -aright, and whether I now see the famous Lord Darnley, the knight of -Burgundy, who, in wars now happily ended, often turned the tide of -battle in favour of the emperor." Sir Osborne bowed his head. "Then, -sir," continued Francis, "I will say, that never did monarch receive -so much injury or so much benefit from the hand of one noble -adversary."</p><br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XXXIV.</h4><div class="poem0"> -<p class="center">We talk, in ladies' chambers, love and news.--<span class="sc">Cowley</span>.</p></div><p class="normal">All was bustle and preparation at the court of England; for the two -most magnificent monarchs of the world were about to contend with each -other, not with the strife of arms, nor by a competition of great -deeds, but in pomp, in pageant, and in show; in empty glitter and -unfruitful display. However that may be, the palace and all its -precincts became the elysium of tailors, embroiderers, and -sempstresses. There might be seen many a shadowy form gliding about -from apartment to apartment, with smiling looks and extended shears, -or armed with ell-wands more potent than Mercury's road, driving many -a poor soul to perdition, and transforming his goodly acres into -velvet suits with tags of cloth of gold.</p><p class="normal">The courts of the king's palace of Bridewell rang from morning till -night with the neighing of steeds, the clanking of harness, and the -sound of the trumpet; and the shops and warehouses of London were -nearly emptied of gold, jewels, and brocade. Men and women were all -wild to outdo their French equals in splendour and display; and, in -short, the mad dog of extravagance seemed to have bitten all the -world.</p><p class="normal">In a small room in the palace, not far from the immediate apartments -of the queen, sat a very lovely girl, whom the reader has not spoken -to for a long time: no other than Lady Katrine Bulmer, who, with a -more pensive air than was usual with her, sat deep in the mysteries of -bibs and tuckers, chaperons and fraisies, mantuas and hanging sleeves, -which last had, for the moment, regained their ascendancy in the -public taste, and were now ornamented with more extraordinary -trimmings than ever.</p><p class="normal">By her side sat her two women, Geraldine and Bridget, whose fingers -were going with the rapidity of lightning, quickened into excessive -haste by the approaching removal of the court to Calais, which was to -take place in the short space of one week, while their mistress's -dresses were not half-finished, and their own not begun.</p><p class="normal">What it was that occupied Lady Katrine's thoughts, and made her gay -face look grave, is nothing to any one. Perhaps it might be, that she -had not as many dresses as Lady Winifred Stanton; perhaps she had seen -a jewel that she could not afford to buy; perhaps Higglemeasure, the -merchant, had brought her a brocade that the queen would not let her -wear; perhaps she was vexed at not having seen Lord Darby for eight -days, the last time having been on the same morning that Sir Osborne -Maurice had been driven from the court. Perhaps she was angry with -herself for having parted from him with an affectation of indifference -which she did not feel.</p><p class="normal">Well aware that, now Wolsey had returned, the pleasure of seeing her -lover almost daily must cease; and that stiff and formal interviews, -in presence of the whole court, or a few brief sentences at a mask or -pageant, were all they could hope to attain; Lady Katrine did indeed -repent that she had suffered her own caprices to mingle any bitter in -the few happy hours that Fate had sent her.</p><p class="normal">Though she had some vanity, too, she had not enough to prevent her -seeing and regretting that she had been in fault; and she made those -resolutions of amendment which a light spirit often forms every hour, -and breaks before the next: and thus sewing and thinking, and thinking -and sewing, and stitching in excellent determinations with every seam -as she went along, she revolved in her own mind all the various events -that had lately happened at the court.</p><p class="normal">It may well be supposed, that the sudden disappearance of Sir Osborne -Maurice, at the same time as that of Lady Constance de Grey, had given -rise to many strange rumours, none of which, of course, did Lady -Katrine believe; and, to do her justice, although perhaps she was not -at all sorry that Constance had judged it right to put an end to any -further proceedings regarding her marriage with Lord Darby, by -removing herself from the court, yet Lady Katrine suffered no one to -hint a doubt in her presence regarding her friend's conduct. But that -which was much more in Constance's favour was the good word of the -queen herself, who at once silenced scandal by saying, that she would -take upon herself to assert, that Lady Constance de Grey had never -dreamed of flying from the court with Sir Osborne Maurice. It was very -natural, she observed, that a young heiress of rank, and wealth, and -proud family, should take refuge anywhere, rather than contract a -marriage to which she had always expressed her repugnance; and without -meaning offence to the lord cardinal, she could not think but that -Constance was right.</p><p class="normal">Notwithstanding this, many were the tales that were circulated by the -liemongers of the court; and it hurt the really generous heart of Lady -Katrine to hear them. Meditating, then, over all these circumstances, -nearly in the same desultory way in which they are here written down, -she took little notice when one of the servants of the palace called -her maid Geraldine out of the room. After a short while, Geraldine -came back and called out Bridget, and still Lady Katrine continued to -work on. After a moment or two she ceased, and leaning her head on her -hand, gave herself up to still deeper thought, when suddenly the door -opened and Lord Darby presented himself.</p><p class="normal">Too much taken by surprise to give herself any airs, Lady Katrine -looked up with a smile of unaffected delight, and Darby, reading his -welcome in her eyes, advanced, and casting his arm round her, -imprinted a warm kiss on the full arching lips that smiled too -temptingly for human philosophy to resist. Luckily did it happen that -he did so within the first minute; for, had he waited later, Lady -Katrine might not so easily have pardoned his boldness. However, her -only remark was, "Well, Darby, you seem to think it so much a matter -of course, that I suppose I too must let it pass as such. But don't -look so happy, man, lest I should take it into my head to make you -look otherwise before you go."</p><p class="normal">"Nay, nay, Katrine," said Lord Darby; "not so, when I come solely for -the purpose of asking you to make me happy."</p><p class="normal">The earl spoke seriously, tenderly, and there was so much hope, and -affection, and feeling in his glance, that Lady Katrine felt there -must be some meaning in his words. "If you love me, Darby," cried she, -"tell me what you mean; and make haste, for my maids will be back, and -you know you must not stay here."</p><p class="normal">"Yes, I may, Katrine," replied he; "no one but you can now send me -away. In a word, dear girl, to put an end to suspense, I have the -king's and the cardinal's consent to ask your hand, and the queen's to -seek you here. Will you refuse me?"</p><p class="normal">Lady Katrine looked at him for a moment, to be sure, quite sure, that -what she heard was true; then dropping her head upon his shoulder, she -burst into a violent flood of tears. So sudden, so delightful was the -change in all her feelings, that she was surprised out of all her -reserve, all her coquetry, and could only murmur, "Refuse you? no!" -But starting up, at length she cried, "I have a great mind that I -will, too. Don't think that I love you. No, I hate you most bitterly -for making me cry: you did it on purpose, beyond doubt, and I won't -forgive you easily. So, to begin your punishment, go away and leave me -directly."</p><p class="normal">"Nay, Katrine, I must disobey," replied the earl, "for I have other -news to tell you: your relation, Lord Orham, is dead."</p><p class="normal">"My relation?" cried Lady Katrine, whose tears were ever dried as soon -as shed. "Oh, yes! I remember: he was my great-grandfather's -seventieth cousin by the mother's side. One was descended from Shem, -and the other from Japheth, in the time of the flood, or before, for -aught I know. Well, what of my antediluvian relative? Oh! he is dead, -you say? May he rest with Noah!"</p><p class="normal">"But you must take mourning for him," said Lord Darby, laughing; -"indeed you must."</p><p class="normal">"Certainly," replied Lady Katrine: "a coif and a widow's hood. But I -won't be teased, Darby: I will tease everybody, and nobody shall tease -me. As to going into mourning for the old miser just now, when all my -finery is ready made, to show myself at Guisnes and captivate all -hearts, and make you fight fifty single combats--I won't do it. There, -go and ask my singing-bird to moult in the month of May, or anything -else of the same kind; but don't ask me to leave one single row of -lace off my sleeve for the miser. I disown him."</p><p class="normal">"Hush! hush! hush!" cried the earl; "take care he does not come back -and disown you, for otherwise you are his heiress."</p><p class="normal">"I!" exclaimed Lady Katrine; "am I his heiress? Now, Mistress Fortune, -I am your very humble servant! Bless us! how much more important a -person Katrine Bulmer will be, with all the heavy coffers of her late -dear cousin, than when she was poor Katrine Bulmer, the queen's woman! -Darby, I give you notice: I shall not marry you. I could wed a duke -now, doubtless: who shall it be? All the dukes have wives, I do -believe. However, there is many a peer richer than you are, and though -you do not count cousinship with kings, gold is my passion now; so I -will sell myself to him who has the most."</p><p class="normal">Though she spoke in jest, still Lord Darby was mortified; for what he -could have borne and laughed at in the poor and fortuneless girl who -had captivated his heart, his spirit was too proud to endure where a -mercenary motive could be for a moment attributed to him. "Nay, -Katrine," said he, "if the fortune that is now yours give you any wish -for change, your promises are to me null: I render them back to you -from this moment."</p><p class="normal">"Why, they <i>were made</i> under very different circumstances, you must -allow, Lord Darby," replied she, assuming a most malicious air of -gravity, and delighted at having found, for the first time in her -life, the means of putting her lover out of humour.</p><p class="normal">"They were, Lady Katrine," answered the earl, much more deeply hurt -than she imagined, "and therefore they are at an end. I have nothing -further to do then but to take my leave."</p><p class="normal">"Good-bye, my lord; good-bye!" cried she. "Heaven bless and prosper -you!" and with the utmost tranquillity she watched him approach the -door. "Now, shall I let him go or not?" said she. "Oh woman! woman! -you are a great fool! Darby! Darby!" she added in a soft voice, "come -back to your Katrine."</p><p class="normal">Lord Darby turned back and caught her in his arms. "Dear teasing -girl!" cried he; "why, why will you strive to wring a heart that loves -you?"</p><p class="normal">"Nay, Darby, if things were rightly stated, it is I who have cause to -be offended rather than you," answered the lady. "What right had you, -sir, to think that the heart of Katrine Bulmer was so base, so mean, -as to be changed by the possession of a few paltry counters? Own that -you have done me wrong this instant, or I will never forgive you. Down -upon your knee! a kneeling confession, or you are condemned beyond -hope of grace."</p><p class="normal">Lord Darby was fain to obey his gay lady's behest, and bending his -knee, he freely confessed himself guilty of all the crimes she thought -proper to charge him withal; in the midst of which, however, he was -interrupted by the entrance of an attendant sent by the queen to call -Lady Katrine to her presence.</p><p class="normal">The lady laughed and blushed at being found with Lord Darby at her -feet; and the earl, not particularly well pleased at the interruption, -turned to the usher, saying, with the sort of <i>nonchalant</i> air which -he often assumed, "Well, sir, before you go, tell the lady when it was -you last found me on my knees to any of the fair dames of the court."</p><p class="normal">"Never, my lord, so please you, that I know of," answered the man, -somewhat surprised.</p><p class="normal">"Well, then," rejoined Darby, "next time knock at the door, for fear -you should. In which case, you might chance to be thrown down stairs -by the collar."</p><p class="normal">"Hush, hush, Darby!" cried Lady Katrine; "I must go to her highness. -Doubtless we shall not meet again for a long while; so fare you well!" -and tripping away after the usher, without other adieu, she left her -lover to console himself in her absence as best he might.</p><p class="normal">On entering the queen's apartment, she found her royal mistress alone -with the king, and, according to the etiquette of that day, was -drawing back instantly, when Katherine called her forward. "Come -hither, my wild namesake," said the queen; "his grace the king wishes -to speak with you. Come near, and answer him all his questions."</p><p class="normal">Lady Katrine advanced, and kneeling on a velvet cushion at Henry's -feet, prepared to reply to whatever he might ask, with as much -propriety as she could command; although the glad news of the morning -had raised her spirits to a pitch of uncontrollable joyousness, which -even the presence of the imperious monarch himself could hardly keep -within bounds.</p><p class="normal">"Well, my merry mistress," said the king, seeing in her laughing eyes -the ebullition of her heart's gladness; "it seems that you do not pine -yourself to death for the loss of Sir Osborne Maurice?"</p><p class="normal">"I deeply regret, your grace," said Lady Katrine, turning grave for a -moment, "most deeply, that Sir Osborne Maurice should have incurred -your royal displeasure; for he seemed to me as perfect a knight and as -noble a gentleman as I ever saw. But in no other respect do I regret -his absence."</p><p class="normal">"Well, we have tried to supply his place with one you may like -better," said Henry. "Have you seen the Earl of Darby--ha? What think -you of the exchange, pretty one?"</p><p class="normal">"I thank your grace's bounty," said the gay girl. "I have seen his -lordship, and looked at him well; and though he be neither so handsome -as Narcissus nor so wise as Solon, he may do well enough for such a -giddy thing as I am. Saving your grace's presence, one does not look -for perfection in a husband: one might as well hope to find a pippin -without a spot."</p><p class="normal">"Thou art a malapert chit, Kate," said the queen, laughing; "sure I -am, if your royal lord was not right gentle in his nature, he would be -angry with your wild chattering."</p><p class="normal">"Nay, let her run on," said the king; "a tongue like hers has no -guile. If you are contented, sweetheart," he added, addressing Lady -Katrine, "that is enough."</p><p class="normal">"Oh, yes! quite contented, your grace," answered she. "I have not had -a new plaything for so long, that a husband is quite a treat. I -suppose he must be sent to the <i>manège</i> first, like the jennet your -highness gave me, to learn his paces."</p><p class="normal">"If he were as untamed as you are, mistress," answered the king, "he -might need it. But to another subject, fair one. You were with Sir -Osborne Maurice and his party when he encountered the rioters near -Rochester. Some sad treasons are but too surely proved against that -luckless young man; yet I would fain believe that his misconduct went -not to the extent which was at first reported, especially as the -accusation was made by that most ruffianly traitor, Sir Payan Wileton, -whom the keen eye of my zealous Wolsey has discovered to be stained -with many crimes too black for words to paint. Now, amongst other -things, it was urged that this Sir Osborne was in league with those -Rochester mutineers, the greatest proof of which was their letting him -quietly pass with so small a party, when they boldly attacked the -company of Lord Thomas Howard, with ten times the force."</p><p class="normal">Lady Katrine could hardly wait till the king had ceased. "This shows," -cried she at length, "how the keenest wisdom and the noblest heart may -be abused by a crafty tale. Sir Osborne knew nothing of the rioters, -my lord: he took every way to avoid them, because I, unluckily, having -neither father nor brother to protect me, encumbered him by my -presence; otherwise, without doubt, he would have delivered the poor -priest they had with them by his lance, and not by fair words. Never -believe a word of it, your grace. His shield-bearer, indeed, while the -knight drew up his men to defend us to the best of his power, -recognised the leader of the tumultuaries as an old fellow-soldier, -and craved leave of his lord to go and demand a free passage for us, -by which means we escaped. Oh! my lord, as you are famous for your -clemency and justice, examine well the whole tale of that Sir Payan -Wileton, and it will be found false and villanous, as are all the rest -of his actions."</p><p class="normal">"You are eloquent, lady fair," said the king with a smile; "we will -tell Darby to look to it. But as to Sir Payan Wileton, his baseness is -now known to us; and as we progress down to Dover, we will send a -sergeant-at-arms to bring him with us to Calais, where we will, with -our council, hear and judge the whole. Then, if he be the man we think -him, not only shall he restore to the old Lord Fitzbernard the -lordship of Chilham and the stewardship of Dover, but shall stoop his -head to the axe without grace or pardon, as I live. But say, know you -aught of Lady Constance de Grey, in whose secrets you are supposed to -have had a share? Laugh not, pretty one; for by my life it shall go -hard with you if you tell not the truth."</p><p class="normal">"Oh, please your grace, don't have my head cut off!" cried Lady -Katrine, seeing, notwithstanding the king's threat, that he was in one -of his happier moods. "I never told a lie in my life, except one day -when I said I did not love your highness, and that was when you put -off the pageant of the <i>Castle Dolorous</i> till after pentecost, and I -wanted it directly. But on my word, as I hope to be married in a year, -and a widow in God's good time, I know no more of where Constance de -Grey is, or whither she went, or when, or how, than the child unborn."</p><p class="normal">"Did she never speak to you thereof, my saucy mistress?" demanded -Henry. "You consorted with her much: 'twere strange if she did not let -something fall concerning her purposes, and she a woman, too."</p><p class="normal">"I wish I had a secret," said Lady Katrine, half-apart, half-aloud, -"just to show how a woman can keep counsel, if it were but in spite. -Good, your grace," she continued, "you do not think that Constance -would trust her private thoughts to such a light-headed thing as I am. -But, to set your highness's mind at ease, I vow and protest, by the -love and duty I bear to you and my royal mistress; by my conscience, -which is tender; and by my honour, which is strong; that I know -nothing of Lady Constance de Grey, and that even in my very best -imaginings I cannot divine whither she is gone."</p><p class="normal">"Your highness may believe her," said the queen; "wild as she is, she -would not stain her lips with the touch of falsehood, I am sure. Get -ye gone, Kate, and hasten your sempstresses, for we shall set out a -day before it was intended; and mind you plume up your brightest -feathers, for we must outdo the Frenchwomen."</p><p class="normal">"Oh, good, your grace! I shall never be ready in time," replied the -young lady. "Besides, they tell me I must put on mourning for my -fiftieth cousin by the side of Adam, old Lord Orham the miser. If I -do, it shall be gold crape trimmed with cobwebs, I declare; and so I -humbly take my leave of both your graces."</p><p class="normal">Thus saying, she rose from the cushion, dropped a low curtsey to the -king and queen, and tripped away to her own apartments.</p><p class="normal">Common bustle and ordinary preparation may be easily imagined. All -can, without difficulty, figure to themselves the turmoil preparatory -to a ball where there are six daughters to marry, with much blood and -very little money: the lady-mother scolding the housekeeper in her -room, and the housekeeper scolding all the servants in hers; a -reasonable number of upholsterers, decorators, floor-chalkers, -confectioners, milliners; much talking to very little purpose; -scheming, drilling, and dressing; agitation on the part of the young -ladies, and calculation on the part of their mamma. And at the end of -a few weeks the matter is done and over. But no mind, however vast may -be its powers of conceiving a bustle, can imagine anything like the -court of Westminster for the three days prior to the king's departure -for Canterbury.</p><p class="normal">So continual were the demands upon every kind of artisan, that the -impossibility of executing them threw several into despair. One -tailor, who is reported to have undertaken to furnish fifty -embroidered suits in three days, on beholding the mountain of gold and -velvet that cumbered his shop-board, saw, like Brutus, the -impossibility of victory, and, with Roman fortitude, fell on his own -shears. Three armourers are said to have been completely melted with -the heat of their furnaces; and an unfortunate goldsmith swallowed -molten silver to escape the persecutions of the day.</p><p class="normal">The road from London to Canterbury was covered during one whole week -with carts and waggons, mules, horses, and soldiers; and so great was -the confusion, that marshals were at length stationed to keep the -whole in order, which of course increased the said confusion a hundred -fold. So many were the ships passing between Dover and Calais, that -the historians affirm they jostled each other on the sea, like a herd -of great black porkers; and it is known as a fact, that the number of -persons collected in the good town of Calais was more than it could -lodge; so that not only the city itself, but all the villages round -about, were full to the overflowing.</p><p class="normal">At length the king set out, accompanied by an immense train, and left -London comparatively a desert; while, as he went from station to -station, he seemed like a shepherd driving all the better classes of -the country before him, and leaving not a single straggler behind. His -farther progress, however, was stayed for a time at Canterbury, by the -news that the emperor Charles, his wife's nephew, was on the sea -before Dover, furnished with the excuse of relationship for visiting -the English king, though in reality conducted thither solely by the -wish to break the good understanding of the English and French -monarchs; or rather to ensure that no treaty contrary to his interest -should be negotiated at the approaching meeting.</p><p class="normal">With that we have nothing to do; and it is a maxim which a historian -should always follow, never to mind anybody's business but his own. We -shall therefore only say, that the king and Wolsey, occupied with the -reception of the emperor, and his entertainment during the short time -he stayed, forgot entirely Sir Payan Wileton till they reached Dover, -when some one happening to call it a <i>chilly morning</i>, put Chilham -Castle in Wolsey's head (for on such little pivots turn all the wheels -of the world); and immediately a sergeant-at-arms, with a body of -horse-archers, was sent to arrest the worthy knight and bring him to -Calais, for which port the king and the whole court embarked -immediately; and, with a fair wind and fine sky, arrived in safety -towards the evening.</p><br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XXXV.</h4><div class="poem0" style="margin-left:15%"> -<p style="text-indent:10em">With clouds and storms<br> -Around thee thrown, tempest on tempest roll'd.--<span class="sc">Thomson</span>.</p></div><p class="normal">Passing over all the consultations that took place between the -prioress of Richborough, Dr. Wilbraham, and Lady Constance de Grey, -regarding the means of crossing the sea to France with greater -security, although manifold were the important considerations therein -discussed, we shall merely arrive at the conclusion to which they came -at length, and which was ultimately determined by the voice of the -prioress. This was, that for several days Lady Constance and Mistress -Margaret should remain at the convent as nuns, paying a very -respectable sum for their board and lodging, while Dr. Wilbraham was -to take up his abode at a cottage hard by. By this means, the superior -said, they would avoid any search which the cardinal might have -instituted to discover them in the vessels of passage between France -and England, and at the end of a week they would easily find some -foreign ship which would carry them over to Boulogne. Such a one she -undertook to procure, by means of a fisherman who supplied the -convent, and who, as she boasted, knew every ship that sailed through -the Channel, from the biggest man-of-war to the meanest carvel.</p><p class="normal">We shall now leave in silence also the time which Lady Constance -passed in the convent. Vonderbrugius, who, as the sagacious reader has -doubtless observed, had a most extraordinary partiality for detailing -little particulars, and incidents that are of no manner of -consequence, here occupies sixteen pages with a correct and minute -account of every individual day, telling how many masses the nuns -sang, how often they fasted in the week, and how often they ate meat; -and, not content with relating all that concerned Lady Constance, he -indulges in some very illiberal insinuations in regard to the -prioress, more than hinting that she loved her bottle and had a pet -confessor.</p><p class="normal">Maintaining, however, our grave silence upon this subject, as not only -irrelevant but ungentlemanlike, we shall merely say, that the days -passed tranquilly enough with Lady Constance, although, like the timid -creatures of the forest, whom the continual tyranny of the strong over -the inoffensive has taught to start even at a sound, she would tremble -at every little circumstance which for a moment interrupted the dull -calm of the convent's solitude.</p><p class="normal">A week passed in this manner, and yet the prioress declared her old -fisherman had heard of no vessel that could forward Constance on her -journey, though the young lady became uneasy at the delay, and pressed -her much to make all necessary inquiries. At length, happening one -morning to express her uneasiness to Mistress Margaret, the shrewd -waiting-woman, who, with an instinctive sagacity inherent in -chambermaids, knew a thousand times more of the world than either her -mistress or Dr. Wilbraham, at once solved the mystery by saying--</p><p class="normal">"Lord love you, lady! there will never be a single ship in the Channel -that you will hear of, so long as you pay a gold mark a-day to the -prioress while we stay."</p><p class="normal">"I would rather give her a hundred marks to let me go," replied -Constance, "than a single mark to keep me. But what is to be done, -Margaret?"</p><p class="normal">"Oh, if you will let me but promise fifty marks, lady," replied the -maid, "I will warrant that we are in France in three days."</p><p class="normal">Lady Constance willingly gave her all manner of leave and license; and -accordingly, that very night Mistress Margaret told the chamberer, -under the most solemn vows of secresy, that her lady intended to give -the prioress, as a gift to the convent, fifty golden marks on the day -that she took ship. "But," said the abigail, "it costs the poor lady -so much, what with paying the chaplain's keep at the cottage, and my -wage-money, which you know I must have, that her purse is running low, -and I fear me she will not be able to do as much for the house as she -intends. But mind, you promised to tell no one."</p><p class="normal">"As I hope for salvation, it shall never pass my lips!" replied the -chamberer; and away she ran to the refectory, where she bound the -refectory-woman by a most tremendous vow not to reveal the tidings she -was about to communicate. The refectory-woman vowed with a great deal -of facility; and the moment the chamberer was gone she carried in a -jelly to the prioress, where, with a low curtsey and an important -whisper, she communicated to the superior the important news. -Thereupon the prioress was instantly smitten with a violent degree of -anxiety about Lady Constance's escape, and sending down to the -fisherman, she commanded him instantly to find a ship going to France. -To which the fisherman replied, that he knew of no ship going exactly -to France, but that there was one lying off the sands, which would -doubtless take the lady over for a few broad pieces.</p><p class="normal">Thus were the preliminaries for Constance's escape brought about in a -very short space of time; and, the fisherman having arranged with the -captain that he was to take the lady, the chaplain, and waiting-maid -to Boulogne for ten George nobles, early the next morning Lady -Constance took leave of the prioress, made her the stipulated present, -and, accompanied by the good Dr. Wilbraham and her woman, followed the -fisherman to the sands, where his boat waited to convey them to a -vessel that lay about a mile from the shore.</p><p class="normal">The sea was calm and tranquil, but to Constance, who had little of a -heroine in her nature, it seemed very rough; and every time the boat -rose over a wave, she fancied that it must inevitably pitch under the -one that followed. However, their passage to the ship was soon over; -and as she looked at the high, black sides of the vessel, the lady -found a greater degree of security in its aspect, imagining it better -calculated to battle with the wild waves than the flimsy little bark -that had borne her thither.</p><p class="normal">The ship, the fisherman had informed her, was a foreign merchantman; -and as she came alongside, a thousand strange tongues, gabbling all -manner of languages, met her ear. It was a floating tower of Babel. In -the midst of the confusion and bustle which occurred in getting -herself and her companions upon the deck, she saw that one of the -sailors attempted to spring from the ship into the boat, but was -restrained by those about him, who unceremoniously beat him back with -marline-spikes and ropes' ends; and for the time she beheld no more of -him, though she thought she heard some one uttering invectives and -complaints in the English language.</p><p class="normal">For the first few moments after she was on deck, what with the -giddiness occasioned by her passage in the boat, and the agitation of -getting on board, she could remark nothing that was passing around -her; but the moment she had sufficiently recovered to regard the -objects by which she was surrounded, a new cause of apprehension -presented itself; for close by her side, evidently as commander of the -vessel, stood no less distinguished a person than the Portingal -captain, of whom honourable mention is made in the first portion of -this sage history, and whose proboscis was not easily to be forgot.</p><p class="normal">It was too late now, however, to recede; and her only resource was to -draw down her nun's veil, hoping thus to escape being recognised. For -some time she had reason to believe that the disguise she had assumed -would be effectual with the Portingal, who, as we may remember, had -seen her but once; for, occupied in giving orders for weighing anchor -and making sail, he took no notice whatever of his fair passenger, and -seemed totally to have forgotten her person. But this was not the -case: his attention had been first awakened to Lady Constance herself -by the sight of Dr. Wilbraham, whose face he instantly remembered; and -a slight glance convinced him that the young nun was the bright lady -he had seen in Sir Payan's halls.</p><p class="normal">Though there were few of the pleasant little passions which make a man -a devil that the worthy Portingal did not possess to repletion, it -sometimes happened that one battled against the other and foiled it in -its efforts; but being withal somewhat of a philosopher, after a -certain fashion, it was a part of his internal policy, on which he -prided himself, to find means of gratifying each of the contending -propensities when it was possible, and, when it was not possible, to -satisfy the strongest with as little offence to the others as might -be. In the present instance he had several important points to -consider. Though he felt strongly inclined to carry Lady Constance -with him on a voyage which he was about to make to the East Indies, -yet there might be danger in the business, if the young lady had -really taken the veil: not only danger in case of his vessel being -searched by any cruiser he might encounter, but even danger from his -own lawless crew, who, though tolerably free from prejudices, still -retained a certain superstitious respect for the church of Rome, and -for the things it had rendered sacred, which the worthy captain had -never been able to do away with. This consideration would have -deterred him from any evil attempt upon the fair girl, whom he -otherwise seemed to hold completely in his power, had it not been for -the additional incentive of the two large leathern bags which had been -committed into his charge at the same time with the young lady, and -which, by the relation of their size to their weight, he conceived -must contain a prize of some value. Determined by this, he gave orders -for making all sail down the Channel, and the ship being fairly under -way, he could no longer resist the temptation which the opportunity -presented of courting the good graces of his fair passenger. -Approaching, then, with an air of what he conceived mingled dignity -and sweetness, his head swinging backwards and forwards on the end of -his long neck, and his infinite nose protruded like a pointer's when -he falls upon the game--"Ah, ah! my very pretty gal," cried he, "you -see you be obliged to have recourse to me at last."</p><p class="normal">"My good friend," said Dr. Wilbraham, struggling with the demon of -sea-sickness, which had grasped him by the stomach and was almost -squeezing his soul out, "you had better let the lady alone, for she is -so sick that she cannot attend to you, though, doubtless, you mean to -be civil in your way."</p><p class="normal">"You go to the debil, master chaplain," replied the captain, "and -preach to him's imps! I say, my very pretty mistress, suppose you were -to pull up this dirty black veil, and show your charming face;" and he -drew aside the young lady's veil in spite of her efforts to hold it -down.</p><p class="normal">At the helm, not far from where the young lady sat, stood a sturdy -seaman, who, by his clear blue eye, fresh, weather-beaten countenance, -and bluff, unshrinking look, one might easily have marked out as an -English sailor. Leaning on the tiller by which he was steering the -vessel on her course, he had marked his worthy captain's conduct with -a sort of contemplative frown; but when, stooping down, the -Portingallo tore away Lady Constance's veil, and amused himself by -staring in her face, the honest sailor stretched out his foot, and -touched him on a protuberant part of his person which presented itself -behind. The captain, turning sharply round, eyed him like a demon, but -the Englishman stood his glance with a look of steady, <i>nonchalant</i> -resolution, that it was not easy to put down.</p><p class="normal">"I say, Portingallo," said he, "do you want me to heave you -overboard?"</p><p class="normal">"You heave me overboard, you mutinous thief!" cried the captain; "I'll -have you strung up to the yard-arm, you vaggleboned! I will."</p><p class="normal">"You'll drown a little first, by the nose of the tinker of Ashford!" -replied the other; "but hark you, Portingallo: let the young lady nun -alone; or, as I said before, by the nose of the tinker of Ashford, -I'll heave you overboard; and then I'll make the crew a 'ration, and -tell them what a good service I've done 'em; and I'll lay down the -matter in three heads: first, as you were a rascal; second, as you -were a villain; and third, as you were a blackguard: then I will show -how, first, you did wrong to a passenger; second, how you did wrong to -a lady; and third, how you did wrong to a nun: for the first you -deserve to be flogged; for the second you deserve to be kicked; and -for the third you are devilish likely to be hanged, with time and -God's blessing."</p><p class="normal">For a moment or two the Portingallo was somewhat confounded by the -eloquence of the Englishman, who was in fact no other than Timothy -Bradford, the chief of the Rochester rioters. Recovering himself -speedily, however, he retaliated pretty warmly, yet did not dare to -come to extremities with his rebellious steersman, as Bradford, having -taken refuge in his vessel, with four or five of his principal -associates, commanded too strong a party on board to permit very -strict discipline. It was a general rule of the amiable captain never -to receive two men that, to his knowledge, had ever seen one another -before; but several severe losses in his crew had, in the present -instance, driven him into an error, which he now felt bitterly, not -being half so much master of his own wickedness as he used to be -before. Nevertheless, he did not fail to express his opinion of the -helmsman's high qualities in no very measured terms, threatening a -great deal more than he dared perform, of which both parties were well -aware.</p><p class="normal">"Come, come, Portingallo!" cried the helmsman; "you know very well -what is right as well as another, and I say you sha'n't molest the -lady. Another thing, master: you treat that poor lubberly Jekin like a -brute, and I'll not see it done, so look to it. But I'll tell you -what, captain: let us mind what we are about. These dark clouds that -are gathering there to leeward, and coming up against the wind, mean -something. Better take in sail."</p><p class="normal">The effect of this conversation was to free Constance from the -persecution of the captain; and turning her eyes in the direction to -which the sailor pointed, she saw, rolling up in the very face of the -wind, some heavy, leaden clouds, tipped with a lurid reddish hue -wherever they were touched by the sun. Above their heads, and to -windward, the sky was clear and bright, obscured by nothing but an -occasional light cloud that flitted quickly over the heaven, drawing -after it a soft shadow, that passed like an arrow over the gay waves, -which all around were dancing joyously in the sunshine.</p><p class="normal">By this time the English coast was becoming fainter and more faint; -the long line of cliffs and headlands massing together, covered with -an airy and indistinct light, while the shores of France seemed -growing out of the waters, with heavy piles of clouds towering above -them, and seeming to advance, with menacing mien, towards the rocks of -England. Still, though the eye might mark them rolling one over -another, in vast, dense volumes, looking fit receptacles for the -thunder and the storm, the clouds seemed to make but little progress, -contending with the opposing wind; while mass after mass, accumulating -from beyond, appeared to bring up new force to the dark front of the -tempest.</p><p class="normal">Still the ship sped on, and, the wind being full in her favour, made -great way through the water, so that it was likely they would reach -Boulogne before the storm began; and the captain, now obliged to -abandon any evil purpose he might have conceived towards Lady -Constance, steered towards the shore of France to get rid of her as -soon as possible. From time to time every eye on board was turned -towards the lowering brow of heaven, and then always dropped to the -French coast, to ascertain how near was the tempest and how far the -haven; and Constance, not sufficiently sick to be heedless of danger, -ceased not to watch the approaching clouds and the growing shore with -alternate hope and fear. Gradually the hills towards Boulogne, the -cliffs, and the sands, with dark lines of tower, and wall, and -citadel, and steeple, began to grow more and more distinct; and the -Portingal was making a tack to run into the harbour, when the vane at -the mast-head began to quiver, and in a moment after turned suddenly -round. Cries and confusion of every sort succeeded; one of the sails -was completely rent to pieces; and the ship received such a sudden -shock that Constance was cast from her seat upon the deck, and poor -Dr. Wilbraham rolled over, and almost pitched out at the other side. -Soon, however, the yards were braced round, the vessel was put upon -another tack, and from a few words that passed between the captain and -the steersman, Constance gathered, that as they could not get into -Boulogne, they were about to run for Whitesand Haven as the nearest -port.</p><p class="normal">"Go down below, lady; go down below and tell your beads," cried the -steersman, as he saw Constance sitting and holding herself up by the -binnacle. "Here, Jekey, help her down."</p><p class="normal">"Lord 'a mercy! we shall all be drowned; I am sure we shall!" cried -our old friend Jekin Groby, coming forward, transformed into the -likeness of a bastard sailor, his new profession sitting upon him with -inconceivable awkwardness, and the Kentish clothier shining forth in -every movement of his inexpert limbs. "Lord 'a mercy upon us! we shall -all be drowned as sure as possible! Mistress nun, let me help you down -below. It's more comfortable to be drowned downstairs, they say. -There's a flash of lightning, I declare! Mercy upon us! we shall all -go to the bottom. This is the worst storm I've seen since that -Portingallo vagabond kidnapped me, by the help of the devil and Sir -Payan Wileton. Let me help you down below, mistress nun. Lord bless -you! it's no trouble; I'm going down myself."</p><p class="normal">Constance, however, preferred staying upon deck, where she could watch -the progress of their fate, to remaining below in a state of -uncertainty; and consequently resisted the honest persuasions of good -Jekin Groby, who, finding her immoveable, slipped quietly below -unobserved, and hid himself in an empty hammock, courageously making -up his mind to be drowned, if he could but be drowned, asleep.</p><p class="normal">In the mean time the storm began to grow more vehement, the wind -coming in quick violent gusts, and the clouds spreading far and wide -over the face of the sky, with a threatening blackness of hue, and -heavy slowness of flight, that menaced their instant descent. As yet -no second flash of lightning had succeeded the first, and no drop of -rain had fallen; and though the ship laboured violently with the -waves, excited into tumult by the sudden change of wind, still, -running on, she seemed in a fair way of reaching Whitesand in safety. -Presently, another bright flash blazed through the sky, and seemed to -rend it from the horizon to the zenith, while instant upon the red -path of its fiery messenger roared forth the voice of the thunder, as -if it would annihilate the globe. Another now succeeded, and another, -till the ear and the eye were almost deafened by the din and blinded -by the light; while slow, large drops came dripping from the heavens, -like tears wrung by agony from a giant's eyes. Then came a still and -death-like pause; the thunder ceased, the wind hushed, and the only -sounds that met the ear were the rushing of the waves by the ship's -side, and the pattering of each big raindrop as it fell on the deck; -while a small sea-bird kept wheeling round the vessel, and screaming, -as with a sort of fiendish joy, to see it labouring with the angry -billows. Soon again, however, did the storm begin with redoubled fury, -and the lightnings flashed more vividly than ever, covering all the -sky with broad blue sheets of light, while still in the midst of the -whole blaze appeared a narrow zigzag line of fire, so bright that it -made the rest look pale.</p><p class="normal">Still Constance kept upon the deck, and drawing her hood over her -head, strove to fix herself, amidst the pitching of the vessel, by -clinging to the binnacle, which in ships of that day was often -supported by a couple of oblique bars. Seeing, in a momentary -cessation of the storm, the eye of the steersman fix upon her with a -look of somewhat like pity, she ventured to ask if they were in much -danger.</p><p class="normal">"Danger! bless you, no, lady," cried the man; "only a little thunder -and lightning; no danger in life. But you had better go below; there's -no danger."</p><p class="normal">As he spoke, another bright flash caused Constance to close her eyes; -but a tremendous crash, which made itself audible even through the -roar of the thunder, as well as a heavy roll of the vessel, gave her -notice that the lightning had struck somewhere; and looking up, to her -horror she beheld the mainmast shivered almost to atoms by the -lightning, and rolled over the ship's side, to which it was still -attached by a mass of blazing cordage.</p><p class="normal">"Cut! cut! cut!" vociferated the steersman, amidst the unavailing -shouts and bustling inactivity of the crew; "cut, you Portingallo -vagabonds! You'll have the ship on fire. The idiots are staring as if -they never saw such a thing before. Here, captain, take the helm. -D---- you to h--! take the helm!" And springing forward, with an -energy to which the danger of the moment seemed to lend additional -impulse, he scattered the frightened Portuguese and impassive -Dutchmen, who were uncluing ropes and disentangling knots; and, -catching up a hatchet, soon cut sheer through the thicker rigging; and -with a roll the blazing remnants of the mast pitched into the sea, -leaving nothing on fire behind but some scattered cordage, which the -Englishman and his companions gradually extinguished.</p><p class="normal">In the mean while the mast, still flaming in the water, swung round -the ship; and the Portingallo, whose presence of mind did not seem of -the very first quality, brought the vessel's head as near the wind as -possible, to let it drift astern, and thus, by this lubberly action, -bore right upon the shore, carried on imperceptibly by a strong -current.</p><p class="normal">At that moment the Englishman raised himself, and looking out ahead, -vociferated, "A reef! a reef! Breakers ahead! Down with the helm! -where the devil are you going? Down with the helm, I say!" and rushing -forward, he seized the tiller, but too late. Scarcely had he touched -it with his hand, when with a tremendous shock the ship struck on the -reef, making her very seams open and her masts stagger. "Ho! down in -the hold! down in the hold! heave all the ballast aft!" cried -Bradford; "lay those cannon here; bring her head to wind, let it take -her aback if it will. She may swing off yet."</p><p class="normal">But just then an immense swelling wave heaved the ship up like a cork, -and dashed her down again upon the hidden rocks without hope or -resource. Every one caught at what was next him for support; for the -jar was so great that it was hardly possible for even the sailors to -keep upon their feet. But the next minute the ship became more steady, -and a harsh grating sound succeeded, as if the hard angles of the rock -were tearing the bottom of the ship to pieces. Every one now occupied -himself in a different way. Bradford sat quietly down by the tiller, -which he abandoned to its own guidance, while the Portingal ran -whispering among his countrymen, who as speedily and silently as -possible got the boat to the ship's side. In the mean while, Dr. -Wilbraham crept over to Lady Constance, who, turning her meek eyes to -heaven, seemed to await her fate with patient resignation.</p><p class="normal">"I need not ask you, my dear child," said the good man, "if you be -prepared to go. Have you anything to say to me before we part? soon I -hope, to meet again where no storms come."</p><p class="normal">"But little," answered Constance; and according to the rite of her -church, she whispered all the little faults that memory could supply, -accusing herself of many things as sins which few but herself would -have held as even errors. When he had heard the lady's confession, the -clergyman turned to look for the waiting-woman, to join her with her -mistress in the consolations of religion; but Mistress Margaret, who -greatly preferred the present to the future, was no longer there; and -looking forward, they saw that the Portuguese and Dutch had got out -the boats, and were pouring in fast; but that which most astonished -them was to find that the selfish waiting-woman had by some means got -the very first place in the long-boat, from which the captain was -striving to exclude two of the Englishmen, pushing off from the ship -with the boathook. The lesser boat, however, was still near, and Dr. -Wilbraham looked at Constance with an inquiring glance; but Bradford, -who had never stirred from his position, interposed, saying, "Don't -go, lady! don't go; stick to the ship; she can't sink, for the tide is -near flood, and we are now aground, and it may be a while before she -goes to pieces. Those boats can never live through that surf. So don't -go, lady! Take my advice, and I'll manage to save you yet, if I can -save myself."</p><p class="normal">Even as he spoke, the two Englishmen made a desperate jump to leap -into the lesser boat, which was pulling away after the other. One man -fell too short, and sank instantly; the other got hold of the gunwale, -and strove to clamber in; but the boat was already too full, and a sea -striking it at the moment, his weight put it out of trim; it shipped a -heavy sea, settled for a moment, and sank before their eyes.</p><p class="normal">It was a dreadful sight; and yet so deep, so exciting was the -interest, that even after she had seen the whole ten persons sink, and -some rise again, only to be overwhelmed by another wave, Constance -could not take her eyes off the other boat, although she expected -every moment to see it share the fate of its companion. Still, -however, it rowed on. The thunder had ceased, the wind was calmer, and -the waves seemed less agitated. There was hope that it might reach the -shore. At that moment it was hidden for an instant below a wave, rose -again, entered the surf, disappeared amidst the foam and spray. -Constance looked to see it rise again, but it never was seen more; and -in a few minutes she could distinguish a dark figure scramble out from -the sea upon the shore, rise, fall again, lie for a moment as if -exhausted, and then, once more gaining his feet, run with all speed -out of the way of the coming waves.</p><p class="normal">"Oh dear! oh dear!" cried a dolorous voice from below; "we shall all -be drowned for a sure certainty: the water's a-coming in like mad!" -and in a moment after, the head, and then the body, of honest Jekin -Groby protruded itself from the hold, with strong signs and tokens in -his large thick eyelids of having just awoke from a profound sleep. -"Lord 'a mercy!" continued he, seeing the nearly empty deck. "Where -are all the folks? Oh, Master Bradford, Master Bradford! we are in a -bad way! The water has just awoke me out of my sleep. What's the -meaning of that thumping? Lord 'a mercy! where's the Portingal?"</p><p class="normal">"Drowned!" answered Bradford, calmly, "and every one of his crew, -except Hinchin, the strong swimmer, who has got to land."</p><p class="normal">"Lord 'a mercy! only think!" cried Jekin. "Must I be drowned too? -Hadn't I better jump over? I can swim a little too. Shall I jump over, -Master Bradford? Pray tell me--there's a good creature!"</p><p class="normal">"No, no; stay where you are," replied Bradford. "Help me to lash this -young lady to a spar. When the tide turns, which it will at four -o'clock, that surf will go down, and the ship will keep together till -then. Most likely Hinchin will send a boat before that to take us all -off. If not, we can but trust to the water at last. However, let us -all be ready."</p><p class="normal">Bradford now brought forth from the hold some rough planks, to one of -which he lashed Lady Constance, who yielded herself to his guidance, -only praying that he would do the same good turn to the clergyman, -which he promised willingly. He then tied a small piece of wood -across, to support her head, and fastened one of the heavy leathern -bags to her feet, to raise her face above the water; after which, as -she was totally unable to move, he placed her in as easy a position as -he could, and speaking a few frank words of comfort and assurance, he -left her, to perform the same office in favour of Dr. Wilbraham.</p><p class="normal">In the mean time Jekin Groby had not forgotten himself; but, willing -to put his faith rather in the buoyancy of deal boards than in -his own powers of natation, had contrived to find a stout sort of -packing-case, or wooden box, from which he knocked out both the top -and bottom, and passing his feet through the rest, he raised it up -till it reached his arm-pits, where he tied it securely; and thus -equipped in his wooden girdle, as he called it, he did not fear to -trust himself to the waves.</p><p class="normal">All being now prepared, an hour or more of anxious expectation -succeeded. Little was said by any one, and the tempest had ceased; but -the grinding sound of the ship fretting upon the rock still continued, -and a sad creaking and groaning of the two masts that remained seemed -to announce their speedy fall. The wind had greatly subsided, but the -air was heated and close; while the clouds overhead, still agitated by -the past storm, every now and then came down in thick small rain. -Towards four o'clock the tide turned; and, as Bradford had -prognosticated, the surf upon the shore gradually subsided, and the -sea became more smooth, though agitated by a heavy swell, foaming into -breakers along the whole line of reef on which the ship had struck. -After looking out long, in the vain hope of seeing some boat coming to -their assistance, Bradford approached Lady Constance, and addressing -her, as indeed he had done throughout, with far more gentleness and -consideration than might have been expected from a man of his rough -and turbulent character, "Lady," said he, "there seems to be no chance -of a boat; the sea is now nearly smooth; I can't warrant that the ship -will hold together all night, and we may have the storm back again. If -you like to go now, I will get you safe to land, I am sure. I can't -answer for it if you stay."</p><p class="normal">"I will do as you think right," said Lady Constance, with an -involuntary shudder at the thought of trusting herself to the mercy of -the waves. "I will do as you think right; but pray take care of Dr. -Wilbraham."</p><p class="normal">"No, no!" said the good chaplain; "make the lady all your care. I -shall do well enough."</p><p class="normal">"Here, good fellow!" said Constance, taking a diamond of price from -her finger; "perhaps you may reach the shore without either of us: -however, whether you do or not, take this jewel as some recompense for -your good service."</p><p class="normal">The man took the ring, muttering that, if he reached the shore, she -should reach it too; and then, after giving some directions to Dr. -Wilbraham in regard to rowing himself on towards the land with his -arms, which were free, he carried Lady Constance to the side of the -vessel, which had now heeled almost to the water's edge. Returning for -Dr. Wilbraham, with the assistance of Jekin he brought him also to the -side; and then it became the question who should be the first to trust -himself to the waves. Constance trembled violently, but said not a -word, while Jekin Groby, holding back, exclaimed, "Lord 'a mercy! I -don't like it--at all like!"</p><p class="normal">It was upon him, however, that Bradford fixed, crying, "Come, jump -over, Jeky; there's no use of making mouths at it. I want you to help -the clerk to steer. Come, jump over!" and he laid his hand upon his -shoulder.</p><p class="normal">"Well, well; I will, Master Bradford," cried Jekin, "don't ye touch -me, and I will. Oh dear! oh dear! it's mighty disagreeable. Well, -well, I will!" and bending his hams, he made as if he would have taken -a vigorous leap; but his courage failed him, and he only made a sort -of hop of a few inches on the deck, without approaching any nearer to -the water. Out of patience, Bradford caught him by the shoulder, and -pushed him at once head-foremost into the water, from which he rose in -a moment, all panting, buoyed up by the wooden case under his arms.</p><p class="normal">"Here, Jekey," cried Bradford, "take the doctor's feet, as your arms -are free;" and with the assistance of the worthy clothier, who bore no -malice, he let down Dr. Wilbraham into the water, and returned to the -lady.</p><p class="normal">As pale as death, Constance shut her eyes and held her breath, while -the rough sailor took her in his arms, and let her glide slowly into -the water, which in a moment after she felt dashing round her -uncontrolled. Opening her eyes, and panting for breath, she stretched -out her arms, almost deprived of consciousness; but at that moment -Bradford jumped at once into the sea, and seizing the board to which -she was tied, put it in its right position; so that, though many a -domineering wave would rise above its fellows, and dash its salt foam -over her head, her mouth was generally elevated above the water -sufficiently to allow her full room to breathe.</p><p class="normal">The distance of the ship from the land was about a quarter of a mile; -but between it and the shore lay a variety of broken rocks, raising -their rough heads above the waves that dashed furiously amongst them, -making a thousand struggling whirlpools and eddies round their sharp -angles, as the retiring sea withdrew its unwilling waters from the -strand. Constance, however, did not see all this; for, her face being -turned towards the sky, nothing met her sight but the changeable face -of heaven, with the clouds hurrying over it, or the green billows on -either side, threatening every moment to overwhelm her. Often, often -did her heart sink, and hard was it for the spirit of a timid girl, -even supported by her firm trust in God's mercy, to keep the spark of -hope alive within her bosom, while looking on the perils that -surrounded her, and fancying a thousand that she did not behold.</p><p class="normal">Still the stout seaman swam beside her, piloting the little raft he -had made for her towards the shore, through all the difficulties of -the navigation, which were not few or small; for the struggle between -the retiring tide and the impetus given by the wind rendered almost -every passage between the rocks a miniature Scylla and Charybdis.</p><p class="normal">At length, however, choosing a moment when the waves flowed fully in -between two large rough stones, whose heads protruded almost -perpendicularly, he grasped the plank to which Constance was tied with -his left hand, and striking a few vigorous strokes with his right, -soon placed her within the rocky screen with which the coast was -fenced, and within whose boundary the water was comparatively calm. -The first object that presented itself to his sight, within this -haven, was the long-boat, keel upwards; while, tossed by the waves -upon one of the large flat stones that the ebbing tide had left half -bare, appeared the corpse of the Portingal captain, his feet and body -on the rock, and his head drooping back, half covered by the water. In -a minute after, the sailor's feet could touch the ground; and gladly -availing himself of the power to walk upon <i>terra firma</i>, he waded on, -drawing after him the plank on which Constance lay till, reaching the -dry land, he pulled her to the shore, cut the cord that tied her, and -placed her on her feet.</p><p class="normal">Constance's first impulse was to throw herself on her knees, and to -thank God for his great mercy; her next to express her gratitude to -the honest sailor, who, weary and out of breath with his exertion, sat -on a rock hard by; but bewildered with all that had passed, she could -scarcely find words to speak, feeling herself in a world that seemed -hardly her own, so near had she been to the brink of another. After a -few confused sentences, she looked suddenly round, exclaiming, "Oh, -where is Dr. Wilbraham?"</p><p class="normal">The sailor started up, and getting on the rock, looked out beyond, -where, about two hundred yards off, he perceived honest Jekin Groby -making his way towards the shore in one direction, while the plank to -which the amiable clergyman was attached was seen approaching the -rocks in another, at a point where the waters were boiling with -tenfold violence.</p><p class="normal">Constance's eye had already caught his long black habiliments, mingled -with the white foam of the waves; and seeing that every fresh billow -threatened to dash him to pieces against the stones, she clasped her -hands in agony, and looked imploringly towards the sailor.</p><p class="normal">"He will have his brains dashed out, sure enough," said the man, -watching him. "Zounds! he must be mad to try that. Stay here, lady; I -will see what can be done;" and rushing into the water, he waded as -far as he could towards Dr. Wilbraham, and then once more began -swimming.</p><p class="normal">Constance watched him with agonizing expectation; but before he -reached the point, an angry wave swept round the good old man, and -raising him high upon its top, dashed him violently against the rock. -Constance shuddered, and clasping her hands over her eyes, strove to -shut out the dreadful sight. In a few minutes she heard the voice of -the sailor shouting to Jekin Groby, who had reached the shore, "Here, -lend a hand!" and looking up, she saw him drawing the clergyman to -land in the same manner that he had extricated herself.</p><p class="normal">Jekin Groby waded in to help him, and Constance flew to the spot which -he approached; but the sight that presented itself made her blood run -cold. Dr. Wilbraham was living indeed, but so dreadfully torn and -bruised by beating against the rocks, that all hope seemed vain, and -those who had best loved him might have regretted that he had not met -with a speedier and more easy death.</p><p class="normal">Opening his exhausted eyes, he yet looked gladly upon the sweet girl -that he had reared, like a young flower, from her early days to her -full beauty, and who now hung tenderly over him. "Thank God, my dear -child," said he, "that you are safe. That is the first thing: for me, -I am badly hurt, very badly hurt; but perhaps I may yet live: I could -wish it to see you happy; but if not, God's will be done!"</p><p class="normal">Constance wept bitterly, and good Jekin Groby, infected with her -sorrow, blubbered like a great baby.</p><p class="normal">"There, leave off snivelling, you great fool!" cried Bradford, wiping -something like a tear from his own rough cheek, "and help me to carry -the good gentleman to some cottage." Thus saying, with the assistance -of Jekin he raised the old man, and, followed by Constance, bore him -on in search of an asylum.</p><br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XXXVI.</h4><div class="poem0"> -<p class="center">Thou seest me much distempered in my mind--<span class="sc">Dryden</span>.</p></div><p class="normal">Sir Payan Wileton had gone through life with fearless daring; -calculating, but never hesitating; keen-sighted of danger, but never -timid. From youth he had divested himself of the three great fears -which generally affect mankind: the fear of the world's opinion, the -fear of his own conscience, and the fear of death; and, thus endued -with much bad courage, he had attempted and succeeded in many things -which would have frightened a timid man, and failed with an irresolute -one. And yet, as we have seen, by one of those strange contradictions -of which human nature is full, Sir Payan, though an unbeliever in the -bright truths of religion, was credulous to many of the darkest -superstitions of the age in which he lived.</p><p class="normal">On such a mind, anything that smacked of supernatural presentiment was -likely to take the firmest hold; and, on the morning after Lady -Constance had, by his means and by his instigation, effected her -flight from Richmond, he rose early from a troubled sleep, -overshadowed by a deep despondency, which had never till then hung -upon him. Before he was yet dressed, the news was brought him that one -of his men had returned with the boat, and that the other had been -arrested in the king's name. He felt his good fortune had passed away; -an internal voice seemed to tell him that it was at an end; but yet he -omitted no measures of security, quitting the capital without loss of -time, and leaving such instructions with the porter as he deemed most -likely to blind the eyes of Wolsey; hoping that the servant, whose -life was in his power, would not betray him, yet prepared, if he did, -boldly to repel the charge, and by producing evidence to invalidate -the other's testimony, to cast the accusation back upon his head.</p><p class="normal">But still, from that moment Sir Payan was an altered being; and though -many days passed by without anything occurring to disturb his repose; -though the king's progress towards Dover, without any notice having -been taken of his participation in Lady Constance's escape, led him to -believe that fear had kept the servant faithful; yet still Sir Payan -remained in a state of gloom and lassitude, that raised many a marvel -amongst those around him.</p><p class="normal">Wandering through the woods that surrounded his mansion, he passed -hours and hours in deep, inactive, bitter meditation; finding no -consolation in his own heart, no hope in the future, and no repose in -the past; and, why he knew not, despairing where he had never -despaired, trembling where he had never known fear.</p><p class="normal">Often he questioned himself upon the strange depression of his mind; -and the more he did so, the more he became convinced that it was a -supernatural warning of approaching fate. Many were the resolutions -that he made to shake it off, to struggle still, to seek the court, -and urge his claim on the estates of Constance de Grey, as he would -have done in former days; but in vain: a leaden power lay heavy upon -his heart, and crushed all its usual energies; and the only effort he -could make was to send out servants in every direction to seek Sir -Cesar the astrologer, weakly hoping to brace up his relaxed confidence -by some predictions of success. But the old man was not easily to be -found. No one knew his abode, and, ever strange and erratic in his -motions, he seemed now agitated by some extraordinary impulse, so that -even when they had once found his track, the servants of Sir Payan had -often to trace him to ten or twelve houses in the course of a day. -Sometimes it was in the manor of the peer, sometimes in the cottage of -the peasant, that they heard of him; but in none did he seem to -sojourn for above an hour, hurrying on wildly to the dwelling of some -other amongst the many that he knew in all classes.</p><p class="normal">At length they overtook him on the road near Sandgate, and delivered -Sir Payan's message; whereupon, without any reply, he turned his horse -and rode towards Chilham, where he arrived in the evening. Springing -to the ground without any appearance of fatigue, the old man sought -Sir Payan in the park, to which the servants said he had retired; and, -winding through the various long alleys, found him at length walking -backwards and forwards, with his arms crossed on his bosom and his -eyes fixed upon the ground. The evening sunshine was streaming -brightly upon the spot, pouring a mellow misty light through the -western trees, on the tall dark figure of Sir Payan, who, bending down -his head, paced along with gloomy slowness, like some bad spirit -oppressed and tormented by the smile of heaven.</p><p class="normal">It was a strange sight to see his meeting with Sir Cesar; both were -pale and haggard; for some cause, only known to himself, had worn the -keen features of the astrologer till the bones and cartilages seemed -starting through the skin; and Sir Payan's ashy cheek had lately -acquired a still more deadly hue than it usually wore. Both, too, -looked wild and fearful; the keen black eyes of the old man showing -with a terrific brightness in his thin and livid face, and the stern -features of Sir Payan appearing full of a sort of ferocious light, -which his attendants had remarked, ever since he had been overthrown -in the tilt by the lance of Sir Osborne. Meeting thus, in the full -yellow sunshine, while Sir Cesar fixed his usual intense and -scrutinising glance upon the countenance of the other, and Sir Payan -strove to receive him with a smile that but mocked the lips it shone -upon, they looked like two beings of another world, met for the first -time in upper air, to commune of things long past.</p><p class="normal">"Well, unhappy man," said Sir Cesar at length, "what seekest thou with -me?"</p><p class="normal">"That I am unhappy," replied Sir Payan, knitting his brow, as he saw -that little consolation was to be expected from the astrologer, "I do -not deny; and it is to know why I am unhappy that I have asked you to -come hither."</p><p class="normal">"You are unhappy," answered Sir Cesar, "because you have plundered the -widow and the orphan, because you have wronged the friendless and the -weak, because you have betrayed the confident and the generous. You -are unhappy because there is not one in the wide world that loves you, -and because you even despise, and hate, and reprobate yourself."</p><p class="normal">"Old man! old man!" cried Sir Payan, half unsheathing his dagger, -"beware, beware! Those men only," he added, pushing back the weapon -into its sheath, "ought to be unhappy that are unsuccessful; the rest -is all a bugbear set up by the weak to frighten away the strong. But I -have been successful, am successful. Why then am I unhappy?"</p><p class="normal">"Because your success is at an end," replied the astrologer: "because -you tremble to your fall; because your days are numbered, and late -remorse is gnawing your heart in spite of your vain boasting. Nay, lay -not your hand on the hilt of your dagger! Over me, murderer, you have -no power! That dagger took the life of one that had never wronged you. -Remember the rout at Taunton; remember the youth murdered the night -after he surrendered!" Sir Payan trembled like an aspen leaf while the -old man spoke. "Yes, murderer!" continued Sir Cesar; "though you -thought the deed hid in the bowels of the earth, I know it all. That -hand slew all that was dearest to me on earth!--the child that unhappy -fortune forced me to leave upon this cursed shore; and long, long ago -should his fate have been avenged in your blood, had not I seen, had -not I known, that heaven willed it otherwise. I have waited patiently -for the hour that is now come; I have broken your bread, and I have -drunk of your wine; but while I did so, I have seen you gathering -curses on your head, and accumulating sins to sink you to perdition, -and that has taught me to endure. I would not have saved you one hour -of crime, I would not have robbed my revenge of one single sin--no, -not for an empire! But I have watched you go on, gloriously, -triumphantly, in evil and in wickedness, till heaven can bear no more; -till you have eaten up your future; and soon, with all your crimes -upon your head, hated, despised, condemned by all mankind, your black -soul shall be parted from your body, and my eyes shall see you die."</p><p class="normal">Sir Payan had listened with varied emotions as the old man spoke. -Surprise, remorse, and fear had been the first; but gradually the more -tempestuous feelings of his nature hurried away the rest, and, rage -gaining mastery of all, he drew his poniard and sprang upon Sir Cesar. -But in the very act, as his arm was raised to strike, he was caught by -two powerful men, who threw him back upon the ground and disarmed him; -one of them exclaiming, "Ho, ho! we have just come in time. Sir Payan -Wileton, you are attached in the king's name. Lo, here is the warrant -for your apprehension. You must come with us, sir, to Calais."</p><p class="normal">One would attempt in vain to describe the rage that convulsed the form -of Sir Payan Wileton, more especially when he beheld Sir Cesar smile -upon him with a look of triumphant satisfaction.</p><p class="normal">"Seize him!" exclaimed he, with furious violence, pointing to the -astrologer; "seize him, if you love your king and your country! He is -a marked and obnoxious traitor. I impeach him, and you do not your -duty if you let him escape; or are you his confederates, and come up -to prevent my punishing him for the treasons he has just -acknowledged?"</p><p class="normal">"Sir Payan Wileton," replied the sergeant-at-arms, "this passion is -all in vain. I am sent here with a warrant from the king's privy -council to attach you for high treason; but I have no authority to -arrest any one else."</p><p class="normal">"But I am a magistrate," cried the baffled knight; "let him not -escape, I enjoin you, till I have had time to commit him. He is a -traitor, I say, and if you seize him not, you art the king's enemies."</p><p class="normal">"Attached for high treason, sir, you are no longer a magistrate," -replied the sergeant. "At all events, I do not hold myself justified -in apprehending anybody against whom I have no warrant, more -especially when I found you raising your hand illegally against the -very person's life whom you now accuse. I can take no heed of the -matter: you must come."</p><p class="normal">"He shall be satisfied," said Sir Cesar. "Venomless serpent! I will -follow thee now till thy last hour. But think not that thou canst hurt -me, for thy power has gone from thee; and though wicked as a demon, -thou art weak as a child. I know that we are doomed to pass the same -gate, but not to journey on the same road. Lead on, sergeant; I will -go on with you; and then, if this bad man have aught to urge against -me, let him do it."</p><p class="normal">"Go if you will, sir," replied the officer; "but remember, you act -according to your own pleasure; I make no arrest in your case: you are -free to come with us or to stay, as you think fit."</p><p class="normal">Sir Payan was now led back to the house, which was in possession of -the king's archers; and as he passed through his own hall, with a -burning heart, the hasty glance that he cast around amongst his -servants showed him at once, that though there were none to pity or -befriend, there were many full ready to betray. Then rushed upon his -mind the accusations that they might pile upon his head, now that they -saw him sinking below the stream. The certainty of death; the dread of -something after death; doubts of his own scepticism; the innate, -all-powerful conviction of a future state--a state growing dreadfully -perceptible to his eye as he approached the brink of that yawning gulf -which his own acts had peopled with strange fears; all that he had -scoffed at, all that he had despised, now assumed a new and fearful -character: even the world's opinion, the world's contemned opinion, -came across his thought: that there was not one heart on all the earth -would mourn his end, that hatred and abhorrence would go with him to -the grave, and that his memory would only live with infamy in the -records of crime and punishment. Burying his face in his hands, he sat -in deep, despairing, agonising silence while his horse was being -prepared, and while the officer put his seal upon the various doors -which he thought it necessary to secure.</p><p class="normal">A few hours brought the whole party to Dover, and the next day saw -their arrival at Calais; but by that time the court had removed to -Guisnes; and the sergeant, having no orders to bring his prisoner -farther, sent forward a messenger to announce his arrival and demand -instructions.</p><br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XXXVII.</h4><div class="poem0" style="margin-left:15%"> -<p class="t1">Once more the fleeting soul came back</p><p class="t2">T' inspire the mortal frame,</p><p class="t1">And in the body took a doubtful stand,</p><p class="t2">Hovering like expiring flame,</p><p class="t1">That mounts and falls by turns.--<span class="sc">Dryden</span>.</p></div><p class="normal">The painful situation of Lady Constance de Grey had not lost any -portion of its sorrow, or gained any ray of hope, on the first of -June, three days after we last left her, at which period we again take -up her story. She was then sitting in a small, poor cottage between -Whitesand Bay and Boulogne, watching the slumber of the excellent old -man whose regard for her had brought upon his head so much pain and -danger. Ever since he had been removed to the hut where they now were, -he had lingered in great agony, except at those times when a state of -stupor fell upon him, under which he would remain for many hours, and -only wake from it again to acute pain. He had, however, that morning -fulfilled the last duties of his religion, with the assistance of a -good monk of Boulogne, who now sat with Lady Constance, watching the -sweet sleep into which he had fallen for the first time since their -shipwreck.</p><p class="normal">Across the little window, to keep out the light, Constance had drawn -one of her own dresses, which had been saved by the sailor Bradford -having tied the leathern case that contained them to the plank which -had brought herself to shore; but still through the casement, -notwithstanding this sort of extemporaneous curtain, the soft breath -of the early morning flowed in; and the murmuring voice of the -treacherous ocean was heard softly from afar, filling up every pause -in the singing of the birds and the busy hum of all the light children -of the summer.</p><p class="normal">The calmness of the old man's slumber gave Constance hope; and with a -sweet smile she sat beside him, listening to the mingled voice of -creation, and joining mentally in the song of praise that all things -seemed raising towards the great Creator. Indeed, if ever mortal being -might be supposed to resemble those pure spirits who, freed from all -touch of clay, adore the Almighty in his works, she then looked like -an angel, in form, in feature, and in expression, while, robed all in -white, and watching the sick bed of her ancient friend, she looked -upon his tranquil slumber with that bland smile of hope and gratitude.</p><p class="normal">In the mean while the old monk sat on the other side of his bed, -regarding him with more anxiety; for long experience in visiting those -who hung upon the brink of another world tad taught him, that sleep -like that into which the clergyman had fallen as often precedes death -as recovery. It had continued thus till towards mid-day, the cottage -being left in solitude and silence; for the sailor Bradford had gone -to seek remedies from a simpler at Boulogne, and Jekin Groby had -stolen away for a visit to Calais, while the people to whom the -cottage belonged were absent upon their daily occupations. At length, -however, a slight sort of convulsive motion passed over the features -of the old man, and, opening his eyes, he said in a faint, low voice, -"Constance, my dear child, where are you? My eyes are dim."</p><p class="normal">"I am here, my dear sir," replied Constance. "You have been sleeping -very sweetly. I hope you feel better."</p><p class="normal">"It is over, Constance!" replied Dr. Wilbraham, calmly, but feebly. "I -am dying, my child. Let me see the sunshine." Constance withdrew the -curtain, and the fresh air blowing on the sick man's face seemed to -give him more strength. "It is bright," cried he; "it is very bright. -I feel the sweet summer air, and I hear the glad singing of the birds; -but I go fast, dear daughter, where there are things brighter and -sweeter; for surely, surely, God, who has clothed this world with such -splendour, has reserved far greater for the world to come."</p><p class="normal">The tears streamed down Constance's cheeks, for there was in the old -man's face a look of death not to be mistaken; that look, the -inevitable precursor of dissolution to man, when it seems as if the -avenging angel had come between him and the sun of being, and cast his -dark shadow over him for ever.</p><p class="normal">"Weep not, Constance," said the old man, with faint and broken -efforts; "for no storms will reach me in my Redeemer's bosom. In his -mercy is my hope, in his salvation is my reliance. Soon, soon shall I -be in the place of peace, where joy reigneth eternally. Could I have a -fear, my dear child, it would be for you, left alone in a wide and -desolate world, with none to protect you. But, no; I have no fear: God -is your protector; and never, never, my child, doubt his goodness, nor -think that he does not as surely watch over the universe as he that -created it at first. Everything is beneath his eye, from the smallest -grain of sand to the great globe itself; and his will governs all, and -guides all, though we see neither the beginning nor the end. -Constance, I am departing," he continued, more faintly: "God's -blessing be upon you, my child! and, oh! if He in his wisdom ever -permits the spirit of the dead to watch over those they loved when -living, I will be with you and Darnley when this frail body is dust."</p><p class="normal">His lips began gradually to lose their power of utterance, and his -head fell back upon the pillow. The monk saw that the good man's end -was approaching fast, and placing the crucifix in his dying hand, he -poured the words of consolation in his ear; but Dr. Wilbraham slightly -motioned with his hand, to signify that he was quite prepared, and -fixing his eyes upon the cross, murmured to himself, "I come, O Lord, -I come! Be thou merciful unto me, O King of mercy! Deliver speedily -from the power of death, O Lord of life!"</p><p class="normal">The sounds gradually ceased, but yet his lips continued to move; his -lips lost their motion, but his eyes were fixed, full of hope, upon -the cross; a film came over them; it passed away, and the light beamed -up again--shone brightly for a moment--waned--vanished--and all was -death. The eyes were still fixed upon the cross, but that bright -thing, life, was there no more. To look at them, no one could say what -was gone between that minute and the one before; and yet it was -evident that they were now but dust: the light was extinguished, the -wine was poured out, and it was but the broken lamp, the empty urn, -that remained to go down into the tomb.</p><p class="normal">Constance closed his eyes, and weeping bitterly, knelt down with the -old monk, and joined in the prayer that he addressed to heaven. She -then rose, and seated herself by all that remained of her dead friend, -feeling alone in all the world, solitary, friendless, desolate; and -straining her sweet eyes upon the cold, unresponsive countenance of -the dead, she seemed bitterly to drink to the dregs the cup of -hopelessness which that sight offered.</p><p class="normal">No one spoke. The monk himself was silent, seeming to think that the -prayer he had offered to the Deity was the only fitting language for -the presence of the dead; when a sound was heard without, and the -door, gently opening, admitted the form of Jekin Groby. The good -clothier thought the old man still slept, as when he had left the -cottage, and advanced on tiptoe for fear of waking him; but the lifted -hand of the monk, the streaming eyes of Constance, and the cold, rigid -stiffness of the face before him, warned him of what had happened; and -pausing suddenly, he clasped his hands with a look of unaffected -sorrow. "Good God!" cried he, "he is dead! Alas the day!" Constance's -tears streamed afresh. "Lady," said the worthy man, in a kindly tone, -"take comfort! He is gone to a better place than we have here, poor -hapless souls! And surely, if all were as well fitted for that place -as he was, we should have little cause to fear our death, and our -gossips little cause to weep. Take comfort, sweet lady! take comfort! -Our God is too good for us to murmur when he cuts our measure short."</p><p class="normal">There was something in the homely consolation of the honest Englishman -that touched Constance to the heart, and yet she could not refrain -from weeping even more than before.</p><p class="normal">"Nay, nay, dear lady," continued Jekin, affected almost to tears -himself; "you must come away from here. I cannot bear to see you weep -so; and though I am but a poor clothier, and little fitted to put -myself in his place that is gone, I will never leave you till I see -you safe. Indeed I won't! Come, lady, into the other cottage hard by, -and we will send some one to watch here in your place. Lord, Lord! to -think how soon a fellow-creature is gone! Sure I thought to find him -better when I came back. Come, lady, come!"</p><p class="normal">"Perhaps I had better," replied Constance, drying her tears. "My cares -for him are useless; yet, though I murmur not at God's will, I must -e'en weep, for I have lost as good a friend, and the world has lost as -good a man, as ever it possessed. But I will go; for it is in vain to -stay here and encourage unavailing grief." She then addressed a few -sentences to the monk in French, thanking him for his charitable -offices towards her dead friend, and begging him to remain there till -she could send some one to watch the body; adding, that if he would -come after that to the adjoining cottage, she would beg him to convey -to his convent a small gift on her part.</p><p class="normal">The monk bowed his head, and promised to obey; and Constance, giving -one last look to the inanimate form of the excellent being she had -just lost, followed Jekin Groby to the cottage hard by, where, begging -to be left alone, she once more burst into tears, and let both her -sorrow and despondency have way, feeling that sort of oppression at -her heart which can be relieved but by weeping.</p><p class="normal">It is needless to follow farther such sad scenes; to tell the blunt -grief of Bradford, when he returned and found that his errand had been -in vain; or to describe the funeral of good Dr. Wilbraham, which took -place the next day (for so custom required) in the little cemetery of -Whitesand Bay.</p><p class="normal">Immediately this was over, Lady Constance prepared to set out for -Boulogne, hoping to find a refuge in the heart of France till she had -time to consider and execute some plan for her future conduct. We have -twice said, that the sailor, in tying her to the plank on which she -had floated from the shipwrecked vessel, had fastened to the end of -the board nearest her feet one of her own leathern cases, for the -purpose of keeping her head raised above the water; and in this, as it -luckily happened, were all the jewels and the money which she had -brought with her from London.</p><p class="normal">It would doubtless have rendered her situation much more critical and -interesting if she had been deprived of all such resources; but as the -fact was so, it is necessary to state it. No difficulty, therefore, -seemed likely to present itself in her journey to her own estates, -except that which might arise in procuring a litter to convey her on -her way, or in meeting with some female attendant willing to accompany -her. The latter of these was soon done away with; for the daughter of -the cottagers where she had lodged, a gay, good-humoured Picarde, -gladly undertook the post of waiting-woman to the sweet lady, whose -gentleness had won them all; and Bradford, who, from a soldier, a -sailor, a shipwright, and a Rochester rioter, had now become a squire -of dames, was despatched to Boulogne to see if he could buy or hire a -litter and horses.</p><p class="normal">In the midst of all these proceedings, poor Jekin Groby was sadly -agitated by many contending feelings. In his first fit of sympathy -with Constance on the death of Dr. Wilbraham, he had, as we have seen, -promised to accompany her to the end of her journey, whithersoever it -might be; but the thoughts of dear little England, and his own -fireside, and his bales of cloth, and his bags of angels, called him -vehemently across the Channel, while curiosity, with a certain touch -of mercantile calculation, pulled him strongly towards the court at -Calais. Notwithstanding, he resolved, above all things, to act -handsomely, as he said, towards the lady; and accordingly he -accompanied Bradford to Boulogne, to ascertain if he could by any way -get off trudging after her the Lord knew where, as he expressed it, -though he vowed he was very willing to go if he could be of any -service.</p><p class="normal">After the sailor and his companion had been absent about six hours, -Constance began to be impatient, and proceeded to the door of the -cottage to see if she could perceive them coming. Gazing for a few -minutes on the road to Boulogne, she beheld, rising above the brow of -the hill before her, a knight's pennon, and presently half-a-dozen -spears appeared bristling up behind it. Judging that it was some -accidental party proceeding towards Whitesand Bay, Constance retired -into the cottage, and was not a little surprised when she heard the -horses halt before the door. In a moment after, a gallant cavalier, in -peaceful guise, armed only with his sword and dagger, entered the hut, -and, doffing his plumed mortier to the lady, with a low inclination of -the head, he advanced towards her, saying in French, "Have I the -honour of speaking to the noble Lady de Grey, Countess of Boissy and -the Val de Marne?"</p><p class="normal">"The same, sir knight," replied the lady. "To what, may I ask, do I -owe the honour of your presence?"</p><p class="normal">"His highness Francis King of France, now in the city of Boulogne," -replied the knight, "hearing that a lady, and his vassal, though born -an English subject, had been shipwrecked on this shore, has chosen me -for the pleasing task of inviting, in his name, the Countess de Boissy -to repair to his royal court, not as a sovereign commanding the homage -of his vassal, but as a gracious and a noble friend, offering service -and good-will. His highness's sister, also, the Princess Marguerite of -Alençon, has sent her own litter for your convenience, with such -escort as may suit your quality."</p><p class="normal">Constance could only express her thanks. Had she possessed the power -of choice, she would of course have preferred a thousand times to have -retired to the Val de Marne, without her coming being known to the -French king or his court, till such time, at least, as the meeting -between him and the King of England had taken place. However, as it -was known, she could not refuse to obey, and she signified her -readiness to accompany the French knight, begging him merely to wait -till the return of a person she had sent to Boulogne for a litter.</p><p class="normal">"He will not return, lady," replied the chevalier. "It was through his -search for a litter at Boulogne, where none are to be had, all being -bought for the court's progress to Ardres, that his highness became -acquainted with your arrival within his kingdom."</p><p class="normal">The knight was proceeding to inform her of the circumstances which had -occurred, when the quick sound of horses' feet was heard without, -joined to the clanging of arms, the jingling of spurs and trappings, -and various rough cries in the English tongue.</p><p class="normal">"Have her! but I will have her, by the Lord!" cried a voice near the -door; and in a moment after, a knight, armed at all points, strode -into the cottage. "How now! how now!" cried he; "what is all this? Ah, -Monsieur de Bussy," he continued, changing his language to broken, -abominable French, "what are you doing with this lady?"</p><p class="normal">"I come, Sir John Hardacre," answered the Frenchman, "to invite her to -the court of Francis of France, whose vassal the lady is."</p><p class="normal">"And I come," replied the Englishman, "to claim her for Henry King of -England, whose born subject she is, and ward of the crown; and so I -will have her, and carry her to Guisnes, as I am commanded."</p><p class="normal">"That depends upon circumstances, sir," answered the Frenchman, -offended at the tone of the other. "You are governor of Calais, but -you do not command here. You are off the English pale, sir; and I say -that unless the lady goes with you willingly and by preference, you -shall not take her."</p><p class="normal">"I shall not!" exclaimed the Englishman. "Who the devil shall stop -me?"</p><p class="normal">"That will I," answered the French knight; "and I tell you so to your -beard."</p><p class="normal">The Englishman laid his hand upon his sword, and the Frenchman was not -slack to follow his example; but Constance interposed. "Hold, hold, -gentlemen!" cried she; "I am not worthy of such contention. Monsieur -de Bussy, favour me by offering every expression of my humble duty to -his highness your noble king; and show him that I intended instantly -to have obeyed his commands, and followed you to his court, but that I -am compelled, against my will, to do otherwise. Sir John Hardacre, I -am ready to accompany you."</p><p class="normal">"If such be your will, fair lady," replied the French knight, "I have -nothing but to execute your charge. However, I must repeat, that -without your full consent you shall not be taken from French ground, -or I am no true knight."</p><p class="normal">An angry replication trembled on the lip of the English captain, but -Constance stopped its utterance by once more declaring her willingness -to go; and the French officer, bowing low, thrust back his sword into -the sheath, and left the cottage, somewhat out of humour with the -event of his expedition.</p><p class="normal">When he and his followers had ridden away, Sir John Hardacre called up -a lady's horse, which one of his men-at-arms led by the bridle; and -after permitting Constance to make some change of her apparel, and to -pay the good folks of the cottage for her entertainment, he placed her -in the saddle, and holding the bridle himself, led her away at a quick -pace towards Guisnes. He was a rough old soldier, somewhat hardened by -long military service; but the beauty and gentleness of his fair -prisoner (for such indeed may we consider poor Constance to have been) -somewhat softened his acerbity; and after riding on for near an hour -in silence, during which he revolved at least twenty ways of -addressing the lady, without pleasing himself with any, he began by a -somewhat bungling excuse, both for his errand and his manner of -executing it.</p><p class="normal">"I suppose, sir," replied Constance, coldly, "that you have done your -duty. Whether you have done it harshly or not is for you to consider."</p><p class="normal">This quite put a stop to all the knight's intentions of conversation, -and did not particularly soothe his humour; so that for many miles -along the road he failed not every moment to turn round his head, and -vent his spleen upon his men in various high-seasoned curses, for -faults which they might or might not have committed, as the case -happened; the knight's powers of objurgation not only extending to the -cursing itself, but also to supplying the cause.</p><p class="normal">It was nearly seven o'clock when they began to approach the little -town of Guisnes, but at that season of the year the full light of day -was still shining upon all the objects round about; and Constance -might perceive, as they rode up, all the bustle, and crowding, and -idle activity caused by the arrival of the court.</p><p class="normal">Her heart sank when she saw it, and thought of all she might there -have to endure. Under any other circumstances, however, it would have -been a gay and a pleasing sight; so full of life and activity, glitter -and show, was everything that met the eye.</p><p class="normal">To the southward of the town of Guisnes, upon the large open green -that extended on the outside of the walls, were to be seen a vast -number of tents, of all kinds and colours, with a multitude of busy -human beings employed in raising fresh pavilions on every open space, -or in decorating those already spread with streamers, pennons, and -banners, of all the bright hues under the sun. Long lines of horses -and mules loaded with armour or baggage, and ornamented with gay -ribbons, to put them in harmony with the scene, were winding about, -all over the plain, some proceeding towards the town, some seeking the -tents of their several lords; while, mingled amongst them, appeared -various bands of soldiers, on horseback and on foot, with the rays of -the declining sun glancing upon the heads of their bills and lances, -and, together with the white cassock and broad red cross, marking them -out from all the other objects. Here and there, too, might be seen a -party of knights and gentlemen cantering over the plain, and enjoying -the bustle of the scene, or standing in separate groups, issuing their -orders for the erection and garnishing of their tents; while couriers, -and pursuivants, and heralds, in all their gay dresses, mingled with -mule-drivers, lacqueys, and peasants, armourers, pages, and -tent-stretchers, made up the living part of the landscape.</p><p class="normal">Behind lay the town of Guisnes, with the forest at its back; and a -good deal nearer, the castle, with its protecting guns pointed over -the plain; but the most striking object, and that which instantly -caught the eye, was a building raised immediately in front of the -citadel, on which all that art could devise, or riches could procure, -had been lavished, to render it a palace fit for the luxurious king -who was about to make it his temporary residence.</p><p class="normal">From the distance at which they were when it first struck her sight, -Constance could only perceive that it was a vast and splendid edifice, -apparently square, and seeming to offer a façade of about four hundred -feet on every side, while the sun, reflected from the gilding with -which it was covered, and the immense quantity of glass that it -contained, rendered it like some great ornament of gold enriched with -brilliants.</p><p class="normal">Although her heart was sad, and nothing that she saw tended to -dispel its gloom, she could not refrain from gazing round with a -half-curious, half-anxious glance upon all the gay objects that -surrounded her; almost fearing to be recognised by some one who had -known her at the court, now that she was led along as a kind of -prisoner; a single woman amidst a band of rude soldiers. Sir John -Hardacre, however, spurred on towards the bridge, which was nearly -impassable from the number of beasts of burden and their drivers by -which it was covered; and standing on but little ceremony with his -fellow-lieges, he dashed through the midst of them all, cursing one, -and striking another, and overturning a third, much to Constance's -horror and dismay. Having reached the other side, and created by his -haste as much confusion and discomfort as he could in his passage, the -surly captain slackened his pace, muttering something about dignity, -and turned his rein towards the temporary palace of the king. -Proceeding slowly amidst a multitude, many of whom had seen her -before, and whose notice she was very willing to escape, Constance's -only resource was to fix her eyes upon the palace, and to busy herself -in the contemplation of its splendour.</p><p class="normal">Raised upon a high platform, it was not only visible from every part -of the plain, but itself commanded a view of the whole gay scene -below, with its tents and its multitudes, standing as a sort of -nucleus to all the magnificence around.</p><p class="normal">Before the gate to which Sir John Hardacre took his way, and which was -itself a massy arch, flanked by two towers raised upon the platform, -there stood two objects not unworthy of remark, as exemplifying the -tastes of the day: the one was a magnificent fountain, richly wrought -with arches and arabesques, painted in fine gold and blue, supporting -a figure of Bacchus crowned with vine leaves, over whose head appeared -inscribed, in letters of gold, "<i>Faites bonne chère qui voudra</i>." No -unmeaning invitation, for the fountain below ceased not to pour forth -three streams of various coloured wines, supplied by reservoirs in the -interior of the palace. On the other side of the gate were seen four -golden lions supporting a pillar of bronze, round the shaft of which -twined up various gilt wreaths, interlaced together; while on the -summit stood a statue of Venus's "purblind son and heir," pointing his -arrows at those who approached the gate.</p><p class="normal">Nevertheless, it was not on the charmed cup of the one, or the bended -bow of the other chicken deity, that the battlemented arch above -mentioned relied for defence; for in the several windows were placed -gigantic figures of men in armour, apparently in the act of hurling -down enormous rocks upon the head of whatever venturous stranger -should attempt to pass the prescribed bound. At the same time appeared -round about various goodly paintings of the demigods of story: the -Herculeses, the Theseuses, the Alexanders, fabulous and historical; -while, showing strangely enough in such company, many a fat porter and -yeoman of the lodge loitered about in rich liveries, as familiar with -the gods and goddesses as if they had been born upon Olympus and -swaddled in Tempé.</p><p class="normal">At the flight of steps which led to this gate Sir John Hardacre -dismounted, and lifting Lady Constance from her horse, passed on into -the inner court of the palace, which would indeed have been not only -splendid, but elegant, had it not been for a few instances of the same -refined taste which we have just noticed. The four inner faces of the -building were perfectly regular, consisting of two stories, the lower -one of which was almost entirely of glass, formed into plain and bow -windows alternately, each separated from the other by a slight column -of gold, and surrounded by a multitude of arabesques and garlands. -Exactly opposite to the gate appeared a vestibule, thrown a little -forward from the building, and surmounted by four large bow windows, -supported on trimmers, the corbels of which represented a thousand -strange gilt faces, looking out from a screen of olive branches, cast -in lead and painted green; while various tall statues in silver armour -were ranged on each side, as guards to the entrance.</p><p class="normal">It was towards this sort of hall that Sir John Hardacre led poor -Constance de Grey, to whose heart all the gaiety and splendour of the -scene seemed but to communicate a more chilling sensation of -friendless loneliness; while the very gaze and whispering of the royal -servants, who had all known of her flight, and now witnessed her -return, made the quick blood mount into her beautiful cheek, as she -was hurried along by the brutal soldier, without any regard to her -feelings or compassion for her fears.</p><p class="normal">"You must wait here, Mistress Constance," said he, having led her into -the vestibule, which was full of yeomen and grooms, "while I go and -tell the right reverend father the lord cardinal that I have brought -you."</p><p class="normal">"Here!" exclaimed Constance, casting her eyes around; "surely you do -not mean me to wait here amongst the servants?"</p><p class="normal">"Why, where would you go?" demanded he, roughly: "I've no other place -to put you. Wait here, wait here, and mind you don't run away again."</p><p class="normal">Constance could support no more, and covering her face with her hands, -she burst into a violent flood of tears. At that moment a voice that -she knew struck her ear. "This to my cousin, sir!" exclaimed Lord -Darby, who had heard what passed as he descended a flight of stairs -which led away to the left; "this to my cousin, Sir John Hardacre! You -would do better to jump off the donjon of Rochester Castle than to -leave her here with lacqueys and footboys."</p><p class="normal">"And why should I not?" demanded the soldier, his eyes flashing fire. -"Mind your own affairs, my Lord Darby, and let me mind mine."</p><p class="normal">"You are an unfeeling old villain, sir!" answered the earl, passing -him and taking Constance by the hand. "Yes, sir! stare your fill! I -say you are an unfeeling villain, and neither knight nor gentleman."</p><p class="normal">The soldier laid his hand upon his sword and drew it half out of its -sheath. "Knock him down! knock him down!" cried a dozen voices. "The -precincts of the court! out with him! Have his hand off!" Sir John -Hardacre thrust his weapon back into the sheath, gazing, however, -grimly around, as if he would fain have used it upon some one.</p><p class="normal">"Your brutal violence, sir," said Lord Darby, "will bring upon you, if -you heed not, a worse punishment than I can inflict; yet you will not -find me, in a proper place, unwilling to give you a lesson on what is -due to a lady. Come, Constance, I will lead you to her highness, where -you will meet, I am sure, a kind reception. You, sir, do your errand -to my lord cardinal, who shall be informed by me of your noble and -knightly treatment of the Lady de Grey."</p><p class="normal">Thus saying, he led Constance through a long corridor to an -ante-chamber, wherein stood two of the queen's pages. Here Lord Darby -paused, and sent one of the attendants to request an audience, taking -the opportunity of the time they waited to soothe the mind of his fair -cousin by informing her of all that had passed in her absence, and -assuring her that the queen had ever been her warmest defender.</p><p class="normal">All the news that he gave her, yof course, took a heavy weight from -Constance's mind; and drying her eyes, she congratulated him gladly on -his approaching marriage, and would fain, very fain, have asked if he -could give her any such consolatory information in regard to Darnley; -but the earl had never once mentioned his name, and she knew not how -to begin the subject herself. While considering, and hesitating -whether to ask boldly or not, the queen's page returned and ushered -them to her presence. Constance was still much agitated, and even the -kind and dignified sweetness, the motherly tenderness, with which -Katherine received her--a tenderness which she had not known for so -long--overcame her, and she wept as much as if she had been most -unhappy.</p><p class="normal">The queen understood it all, and sending Lord Darby away, she soon won -Constance to her usual placid mood; and then, questioning her of all -the dangers and sorrows she had undergone, she gave her the best of -all balms, sympathy; trembling at her account of the shipwreck, and -melted even to tears by the death of the good clergyman.</p><br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XXXVIII.</h4><div class="poem0" style="margin-left:15%"> -<p style="text-indent:14em">Men might say<br> -Till this time pomp was single, but now married<br> -To one above itself.--<span class="sc">Shakspere</span>.</p></div><p class="normal">Many were the anxious eyes turned towards the sky on the morning of -the seventh of June, the day appointed for the meeting of the two -kings of France and England; for some inauspicious clouds had ushered -in the dawn, and several of those persons who take a delight in -prognosticating evil, whenever they can find occasion; who enjoy -mingling the sour with whatever is sweet in life--in short, the -lemon-squeezers of society--had taken care to affirm that they had -felt several drops of rain, and to prophesy that it would pour before -night. To put their vaticinations out of joint, however, the jolly -summer sun came like a cleanly housemaid, towards eight o'clock, and -with his broom of rays swept all the dirty clouds from the floor of -heaven. By this time the bustle of preparation had begun at the town -of Guisnes. All was in activity amongst the tents, and many a lord and -gentleman was already on his horse arraying his men in order of battle -under the walls of the castle, from the gates of which presently -issued forth the archer-guard of the king of England, and took the -front of the array. Not long after, Lord Essex, the earl marshal, -appeared on the plain, and riding along the line of foot, gave the -strictest orders to the various officers for maintaining regularity -and tranquillity through the day; well knowing that the excited -hilarity of such occasions often creates more serious evils than do -infinitely worse feelings. Another cause, however, seemed likely to -have interrupted the general good-humour; for, in the midst of his -injunctions to maintain order and propriety of demeanour towards their -French allies, an officer was seen spurring at full speed from the -side of Ardres, and as he rode up, it was very evident by his -countenance that the good captain, Richard Gibson, was not the best -pleased man in the world. All eyes were turned upon him, and a dead -silence ensued amidst the archers, while the earl demanded, "Why! how -now, Gibson? what is the matter?"</p><p class="normal">"So please you, my lord," replied the officer, "the four pennons of -white and green, which, by your command, I set up on the edge of the -hill, above the valley of Andern, have been vilely thrown down by the -French lord châtelaine, who says, that as the French have none on the -other hill, he wills not that we have any either."</p><p class="normal">A loud murmuring made itself heard at this news amongst the footmen; -and one of the young gallants, riding near the earl, put spurs to his -horse, as if to ride away to the scene of the dispute.</p><p class="normal">"Silence!" cried the earl, over whose cheek also an angry flush had -passed at the first, but who speedily recovered his temper. "Brian, -come back! come back, I say, sir! let not a man stir!"</p><p class="normal">"What! must we stand tamely and be insulted by the French?" cried the -youth, unwillingly reining in his horse.</p><p class="normal">"They do not insult us, sir," replied Lord Essex, wisely determined -not to let any trifling punctilio disturb the harmony of the meeting, -yet knowing how difficult it was to rule John Bull from his surly -humour. "They do not insult us. The pennons were set up for their -convenience, to show them the place of meeting, which is within the -English pale. If they choose to be such fools as to risk missing the -way, and go a mile round, why, let them; we shall but laugh at them -when they come."</p><p class="normal">The matter thus turned off, he whispered a few words to Gibson, and -sending him back to the vale of Andern, proceeded, with the aid of -heralds and other officers at arms, to arrange all the ceremonies of -the march. However, various were the reports that spread amongst the -people concerning the intentions of the French, some declaring openly -that they believed they intended to surround the field with a great -force, and take the king of England prisoner. Others shook the wise -head, and implied much more than they ventured to say; and many a poor -rogue, amongst those who "talk of court news as if they were God's -spies," pretended that they had been with the French power and heard -all about it; so that they would tell you the very cunning of the -thing, and its fashion, and when it was to be.</p><p class="normal">While rumour was thus exercising her hundred tongues, and, as usual, -lying with them all, the warning-gun was fired from the castle of -Guisnes, giving notice that the King of England was ready to set out, -and all hurried to place themselves in order. In a few minutes the -distant roar of another large piece of artillery was heard from -Ardres, answering the first; and for the five minutes before the -procession was formed, like the five minutes of tuning before a -concert, all was noise, clamour, and confusion. The sounding of the -trumpets to horse, the shouts of the various leaders, the loud cries -of the marshals and heralds, and the roaring of the artillery from the -castle, as the king put his foot in the stirrup, all combined to make -one general outcry, rarely equalled.</p><p class="normal">Gradually the tumult subsided; gradually also the confused assemblage -assumed a regular form. Flags, and pennons, and banderols, embroidered -banners and scutcheons, silver pillars, and crosses, and crooks, -ranged themselves in long line, and the bright procession, an -interminable stream of living gold, began to wind across the plain. -First came about five hundred of the gayest and wealthiest gentlemen -of England, below the rank of baron; squires, knights, and bannerets, -rivalling each other in the richness of their apparel and the beauty -of their horses; while the pennons of the knights fluttered above -their heads, marking the place of the English chivalry. Next appeared -the proud barons of the realm, each with his banner borne before him, -and followed by a custrel with the shield of his arms. To these again -succeeded the bishops, not in the simple robes of the Protestant -clergy, but in the more gorgeous habits of the church of Rome; while -close upon their steps rode the higher nobility, surrounding the -immediate person of the king, and offering the most splendid mass of -gold and jewels that the summer sun ever shone upon.</p><p class="normal">Slowly the procession moved forward, to allow the line of those on -foot to keep an equal pace. Nor did this band offer a less gay and -pleasing sight than the cavalcade; for here might be seen the athletic -forms of the sturdy English yeomanry, clothed in the various splendid -liveries of their several lords, with the family cognizance -embroidered on the bosom or the arm, and the banners and banderols of -their particular houses carried in the front of each company. Here -also was to be seen the picked guard of the King of England, -magnificently dressed for the occasion, with the royal banner carried -in their centre by the deputy standard-hearer, and the banner of their -company by their own ancient. In the rear of all, marshalled by -officers appointed for the purpose, came the band of those whose rank -did not entitle them to take place in the cavalcade, but who had -sufficient interest at court to be admitted to the meeting. Though of -an inferior class, this company was not the least splendid in the -field; for here were all the wealthy tradesmen of the court, habited -in many a rich garment, furnished by the extravagance of those that -rode before; and many a gold chain hung round their necks, that not -long ago had lain in the purse of some prodigal customer.</p><p class="normal">Thus marched on the procession at a walking pace, with steeds -neighing, with trumpets sounding, banners and plumes fluttering in the -wind, and gold and jewels sparkling in the sunshine; while loud -acclaim, and the waving of hats, and hands, and handkerchiefs, from -those that stayed behind, ushered it forth from the plain of Guisnes.</p><p class="normal">They had ridden on some way, when a horseman spurred up to the spot -where the king rode, and doffing his high plumed hat, bent to his -saddle-bow, saying, "My king and my sovereign, I have just been with -the French party, and I hold myself bound, as your liege, to inform -you that they are at least twice as numerous as we are. Your grace -will act as in your wisdom you judge fit; but as a faithful and loving -subject I could not let such knowledge sleep in my bosom."</p><p class="normal">An instant halt took place through the whole cavalcade, and the king -for a moment consulted with Wolsey, who rode on his left hand; but -Lord Shrewsbury, the lord steward, interposed, assuring the king that -he had been amongst the French nobles the night before, and that -amongst them the same reports prevailed concerning the English. -"Therefore, sir," continued he, "if I were worthy to advise, your -grace would march forward without hesitation; for sure I am that the -French mean no treachery."</p><p class="normal">"We shall follow your advice, lord steward," replied the king; "let us -march on."</p><p class="normal">"On before! On before!" cried the heralds at the word. The trumpets -again sounded, and the procession, moving forward, very soon reached -the brow of the hill that looks into the vale of Andern. A gentle -slope, of not more than three hundred yards, led from the highest part -of each of the opposite hills into the centre of the valley, in the -midst of which was pitched the most magnificent tent that ever a -luxurious imagination devised. The canopy, the walls, the hangings, -were all of cloth of gold; the posts, the cones, the cords, the -tassels, the furniture, were all of the same rare metal. Wherever the -eye turned, nothing but that shining ore met its view, so that it -required no very brilliant fancy to name it at once, the <i>Field of the -Cloth of Gold</i>.</p><p class="normal">On reaching the verge of the descent, the cavalcade spread out, lining -the side of the hill for some way down, and facing the line of the -valley. Each cavalier placed himself unhesitatingly in the spot -assigned him by the officers at arms, while the body of foot was drawn -up in array to the left by the captains of the king's guard, so that -not the least confusion or tumult took place; and the whole multitude, -in perfect order, presented a long and glittering front to the -opposite hill, before any of the French party appeared, except a few -straggling horsemen sent to keep the ground.</p><p class="normal">As soon as the whole line was formed, and when, by the approaching -sound of the French trumpets, it was ascertained that the Court of -France was not far distant, Henry himself drew out from the ranks, -ready to descend to the meeting; and never did a more splendid or more -princely monarch present himself before so noble a host. Tall, -stately, athletic, with a countenance full of imperial dignity, and -mounted on a horse that seemed proudly conscious of the royalty of its -rider, Henry rode forward to a small hillock, about twenty yards in -advance of his subjects; and halting upon the very edge of the hill, -with his attendants grouped behind him, and a clear background of -sunny light throwing nil figure out from all the other objects, he -offered a subject on which Wouvermans might well have exercised his -pencil. Over his wide chest and shoulders he wore a loose vest of -cloth of silver, damasked and ribbed with gold. This was plaited, and -bound tightly towards the waist, while it was held down from the neck -by the golden collars of many a princely order, and the broad baldrick -studded with jewels, to which was suspended his sword. His jewelled -hat was also of the same cloth; and in the only representation of this -famous meeting that I have met with, which can be relied upon, having -been executed at the time, he appears with a vast plume of feathers, -rising from the left side of his hat, and falling over to his saddle -behind. Nor was the horse less splendidly attired than the rider. Its -housings, its trappers, its headstall, and its reins, were all -curiously wrought and embossed with bullion, while a thousand fanciful -ornaments of gold filigree-work hung about it in every direction.</p><p class="normal">Behind the king appeared Sir Henry Guilford, master of the horse, -leading a spare charger for the monarch; not indeed with any -likelihood of the king's using it, but more as a piece of state -ornament than anything else, in the same manner as the sword of state -was borne by the Marquis of Dorset. A little behind appeared nine -youths of noble family, as the king's henchmen, mounted on beautiful -horses trapped with golden scales, and sprinkled throughout their -housings with loose bunches of spangles, which, twinkling in the -sunshine, gave an inconceivable lightness and brilliancy to their -whole appearance.</p><p class="normal">Shortly after this glittering group had taken its station in front of -the English line, the first parties of the French nobility began to -appear on the opposite hill, and spreading out upon its side, offered -a corresponding mass of splendour to that formed by the array of -England. Very soon the whole of Francis's court had deployed; and -after a pause of a few minutes, during which the two hosts seemed to -consider each other with no small admiration, and in profound silence, -the trumpets from the French side sounded, and the constable Duke of -Bourbon, bearing a naked sword upright, began to descend the hill. -Immediately behind him followed the French monarch superbly arrayed, -and mounted on a magnificent Barbary horse, covered from head to foot -with gold. Instantly on beholding this, the English trumpets replied, -and the Marquis of Dorset, unsheathing the sword of state, moved -slowly forward before the king. Henry, having the lord cardinal on his -left, and followed by his immediate suite, now descended the hill, and -arrived in the valley exactly at the same moment as Francis. The two -sword-bearers who preceded them fell back each to the right of his own -sovereign; and the monarchs, spurring forward their highly-managed -horses, met in the midst and embraced each other on horseback. -Difficult and strange as such a manœuvre may seem, it was performed -with ease and grace, both the kings being counted amongst the most -skilful horsemen in Europe; and in truth, as the old historian -expresses it, it must have been a marvellous sweet and goodly sight to -see those two princes, in the flower of their age, in the height of -their strength, and in the dignity of their manly beauty, commanding -two great nations, that had been so long rivals and enemies, instead -of leading hostile armies to desolate and destroy, meet in that -peaceful valley, and embrace like brothers in the sight of the choice -nobility of either land.</p><p class="normal">Two grooms and two pages, who had followed on foot, now ran to hold -the stirrup and the rein, each of his own monarch; and springing to -the ground, the kings embraced again; after which, clasped arm in arm, -they passed the barrier, and entered the golden tent, wherein two -thrones were raised beneath one canopy.</p><p class="normal">"Henry of England, my dear brother," said the King of France, as soon -as they were seated, "thus far have I travelled to see you and do you -pleasure; willing to hold you to my heart with brotherly love, and to -show you that I am your friend: and surely I believe that you esteem -me as I am. The realms that I command, and the powers that I possess, -are not small; but if they may ever be of aid to my brother, of -England, I shall esteem them greater than before."</p><p class="normal">"The greatness of your realms, sir, and the extent of your power," -replied Henry, "weigh as nothing in my eyes, compared with your high -and princely qualities; and it is to interchange regard with you, and -renew in person our promises of love, that I have here passed the seas -and come to the very verge of my dominions."</p><p class="normal">With such greetings commenced the interview of the two kings, who soon -called to them the cardinal, and seating him beside them, with much -honour, they commanded him to read the articles which he had drawn up -for the arrangement and ordering of their future interviews. Wolsey -complied; and all that he proposed seemed well to please both the -monarchs, till he proceeded to stipulate, that when the King of -England should go over to the town of Ardres, to revel with the queen -and ladies of France, the King of France should at the same time -repair to the town of Guisnes, there to be entertained by the Queen of -England. At this Francis mused: "Nay, nay, my good lord cardinal," -said he, "faith, I fear not to trust myself with my brother of England -at his good castle of Guisnes, without holding him as a hostage in my -court for my safe return; and, marry, I am sure he would put equal -confidence in me, though I stayed not in his city till he was on his -journey back."</p><p class="normal">"This clause is not inserted, most noble sovereign," replied Wolsey, -"from any doubt or suspicion that one gracious king has of the other; -for surely all trust and amicable confidence exist between ye: but it -is for the satisfaction of the minds of your liege subjects, who, not -understanding the true nature of princely friendship, might be filled -with black apprehensions, were they to see their monarch confide -himself, without warrant of safety, in the power of another nation."</p><p class="normal">"Well, well, my good lord," replied Francis, "let it be; time will -show us." And from that moment he seemed to pay little attention to -all the precautionary measures by which the cautious Wolsey proposed -to secure the future meetings of the two kings from the least danger -to either party. The generous mind of the French monarch revolted at -the suspicious policy of the cardinal; and agreeing to anything that -the other thought proper, he mentally revolved his own plans for -shaming the English monarch and his minister out of their cold and -injurious doubts.</p><p class="normal">The arrangement of these articles was the only displeasing -circumstance that cast a shadow upon the meeting: all the rest passed -in gaiety and joy. A sumptuous banquet was soon placed before them, -and various of the nobles of England and France were called to mingle -in the royal conversation while the monarchs were at table.</p><p class="normal">In the meanwhile the two courts and their retainers remained arranged -on the opposing sides of the hill; the Englishmen, with their -characteristic rigidity, standing each man in his place as immoveable -as a statue, while the livelier Frenchmen, impatient of doing nothing, -soon quitted their ranks, and, falling into broken masses, amused -themselves as best they might; many of them crossing the valley, and -with national facility beginning to make acquaintance with their new -allies, nothing repulsed by the blunt reception they met with. Not -that the English were inhospitable; for having, as usual, taken good -care that no provision should be wanting against the calls of hunger -or thirst, they communicated willingly to their neighbours of the -comforts they had brought with them, sending over many a flagon of -wine and hypocras, much to the consolation of the French, who had -taken no such wise precautions against the two great internal enemies.</p><p class="normal">In about an hour, the hangings of the tent were drawn back, and the -two kings re-appeared; ready to separate for the day. The grooms led -up the horses; and Francis and Henry, embracing with many professions -of amity, mounted and turned their steps each to his several dwelling.</p><p class="normal">The English procession marched back in the same order as it came, and -arrived without interruption at the green plain of Guisnes, where -Henry, ordering the band of footmen to halt, rode along before them, -making them a gay and familiar speech, and bidding them be merry if -they loved their king. Shouts and acclamations answered the monarch's -speech, and the nobles, joining in his intent, showered their largesse -upon their retainers as they followed along the line. The last band -that Henry came to was that of the privileged tradesmen of the court, -most of whom he recognised, possessing, in a high degree, that truly -royal quality of never forgetting any one he had once known. To each -he had some frank, bluff sentence to address; while they, with heads -uncapped and bending low, enjoyed with proud hearts the honour of -being spoken to by the king, and thought how they could tell it to all -their neighbours and gossips when they got to England. As he rode on, -Henry perceived in the second rank a face that he remembered, which, -being attached to a very pliable neck, kept bending down with manifold -reverences, not unlike the nodding of a mandarin cast in china-ware.</p><p class="normal">"Ha! my good clothier, Jekin Groby!" cried the king; "come forth, man! -What! come forth, I say!"</p><p class="normal">Jekin Groby rushed forward from behind, knocking on one side the royal -honey merchant, and fairly throwing down the household fishmonger who -stood before him; then, casting himself on his knees by the side of -the king's horse, he clasped the palms of his hands together, and -turned up his eyes piteously to the monarch's countenance, exclaiming, -"Justice! justice! your grace's worship, if your royal stomach be full -of justice, as folks say, give me justice."</p><p class="normal">"Justice!" cried Henry, laughing at the sad and deplorable face poor -Jekin thought necessary to assume for the purpose of moving his -compassion. "Justice on whom, man--ha? Faith, if any man have done -thee wrong, he shall repent it, as I am a king; though, good Jekin, I -sent for thee a month ago to furnish cloth for all the household, and -thou wert not to be found."</p><p class="normal">"Lord 'a mercy!" cried Jekin, "and I've missed the job! but it ought -all to be put in the bill. Pray, your grace's worship, put it in the -bill against that vile Sir Payan Wileton, who kidnapped me on your own -royal highway, robbed me of my bagfull of angels, and sent me to sea, -where I was so sick, your grace; you can't think how sick! And then -they beat me with ropes' ends, and made me go up aloft, and damned me -for a land-lubber, and a great deal more: all on account of that Sir -Payan Wileton!"</p><p class="normal">"Ha!" cried the king; "Sir Payan Wileton again! I had forgot him. -However, good Jekin, I cannot hear you now; come to my chamber -to-morrow before I rise--ha, man! then I will hear and do you justice, -if it be on the highest man in the land. There is my signet: the page -will let you in. At six o'clock, man, fail not!"</p><p class="normal">"I told you so!" cried Jekin, starting upon his feet, and looking -round him with delight as the king rode away; "I told you he would -make that black thief give me back my angels. I knew his noble heart; -Lord 'a mercy! 'tis a gracious prince, surely."</p><br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XXXIX.</h4><div class="poem0" style="margin-left:25%"> -<p class="t5">Let some o' the guard be ready.</p><p class="t1"><i>Cran</i>.--For me?</p><p class="t0">Must I go like a traitor then?--<span class="sc">Shakspere</span>.</p></div><p class="normal">And where was Osborne Darnley all this while?</p><p class="normal">Wait a little, dearly-beloved, and you shall hear more. It was not yet -five o'clock in the morning, and a sweet morning it was; the sun had -just risen, and, spreading all over the eastern sky, there was that, -soft, lustrous tint of early light that surely ought to be called -hope-colour, it promises so many bright moments for the coming day. It -was not yet five o'clock in the morning when the western sally-port of -the castle of Ardres was opened by a little page not higher than my -thumb, as the old story-book goes, who looked cautiously about, first -to the right and then to the left, to see if any one was abroad and -stirring; but the only person who had risen was the matutinal sun, so -that the page could see nothing but the blue sky, and the green -fields, and the grey stone walls of the castle, whose great age, like -the antiquity of a beggar's coat, had plastered them all over with -patches of green and yellow lichens. Having looked to his heart's -content, he next listened; but no sound could he hear save the light -singing of the lark and the loud snoring of the sentinel on the -neighbouring bastion, who, with head propped on his halberd, kept -anything but silent watch, while the vigilant sun, looking over the -wall, spied out all the weaknesses of the place; and now, having -listened as well as looked, the boy withdrew once more within the -walls. He left, however, the door open, and in a few minutes two -horsemen rode forth, each wrapped up in a large Spanish cloak, with a -chaperon, at Fleurange calls it, or, in other words, an immense hood, -which covered the whole head and disguised the person completely.</p><p class="normal">As soon as they were fairly out, the page who had accompanied them so -far returned and closed the sally-port, and the two travellers -cantered lightly over the green to a little wood that lay before the -castle. When they were fully concealed by the trees, among which they -wound along, following the sinuosities of a little sandy road, wherein -two, but only two, might ride abreast, they both, as by common -consent, threw back their hoods, and, letting their cloaks fall upon -their horses' cruppers, discovered the two powerful forms of the good -knight Osborne Lord Darnley, and Francis the First King of France.</p><p class="normal">"Well, my friend and my deliverer," said the king, as they rode on, -"'twill go hard but I will restore you to your king's favour; and even -should he remain inexorable, which I will not believe, you must make -France your country. We will try to win your fair Constance for you -from that suspicious cardinal, of which fear not, for I know a certain -way to gain him to anything; and then I see no cause why, in so fair a -land as France, and favoured by her king, you may not be as happy as -in that little seabound spot called England."</p><p class="normal">Before proceeding farther, however, it may be necessary to say a few -words concerning the events which had occurred since the knight's -courage and skill had saved the king's life from Shoenvelt and his -adventurers. One may well imagine what anxiety had reigned amongst the -monarch's followers in the forest near Lillers, when they found that -Francis, after having separated from their party, did not rejoin them -on the track appointed for the hunt. Such occurrences, however, having -several times happened before, and the king having always returned in -safety, they concluded that he and Count William of Firstenberg must -have taken the other road to Aire, and that they would find him there -on their arrival. When they did reach that town, their inquiries -immediately discovered that the king was missing.</p><p class="normal">The news spread rapidly to the whole court, and soon reached the ears -of his mother the Duchess of Angoulême, who became almost frantic on -hearing it, giving him up for lost from that moment, as she had good -reasons to believe that Count William entertained designs against his -life. Her active spirit it was that first discovered the treachery of -the Burgundian, which she had instantly communicated to the king; but -the generous mind of Francis refused all credit to the news, and he -continued his confidence towards Firstenberg without the slightest -alteration, till at length more certain proofs of his designs were -obtained, which induced the monarch to act with that fearless -magnanimity which we have seen him display towards his treacherous -favourite in the forest of Lillers.</p><p class="normal">Immediately that the king's absence was known, bands of horsemen were -sent out in various directions to obtain news of him, but in vain. -Convinced, by the account of the hunters, that he had quitted the -wood, and that if he were therein they could not find him by night, -they searched in every other place than that in which they were likely -to be successful; so that, the whole night that Francis spent sleeping -tranquilly in the charbonier's cottage, his guards were out towards -Pernès, Fruges, and St. Pol, searching for him without success. When -morning came, however, fresh parties were sent off to examine every -part of the forest, and it was one of these that came up to the spot -not long after the defeat of Shoenvelt and his companions.</p><p class="normal">The joy occasioned by the king's safe return was not a little -heightened by the danger he had undergone; and every one to whom his -life was precious contended who should do most honour to his gallant -deliverer. Francis himself knew not what recompense to offer Sir -Osborne for the signal service he had rendered him; and, with the -delicacy of a truly generous mind, he exacted from him a particular -account of his whole life, that he might adapt the gift or honour he -wished to confer exactly to the situation of the knight. Darnley -understood the motive of the noble-hearted monarch, and told him all -without reserve; and Francis, now furnished with the best means of -showing his gratitude, resolved not to lose the opportunity.</p><p class="normal">Thus, for the few days that preceded the meeting between Guisnes and -Ardres, the king highly distinguished the knight, made him many -magnificent presents, called a chapter of the order of St. Michael, -and had him installed in form; but knowing the jealous nature of his -own nobles, he offered him no employment in his service; and even when -the constable de Bourbon, who knew and appreciated Darnley's military -talents, proposed to the king to give him a company of men-at-arms, as -a reward for the great service he had rendered to the whole nation, -Francis negatived it at once, saying openly that the Lord Darnley was -but a visiter at the court of France.</p><p class="normal">Having premised thus much, we will now take up the travellers again at -the moment of their entering into the wood near Ardres, through which -they passed, conversing over the various circumstances of Sir -Osborne's situation.</p><p class="normal">"It is strange!" said Francis, as the knight repeated the manner of -his dismissal from the English court; "I do not comprehend it. It is -impossible that your going there under a feigned name, to win King -Henry's favour, should be construed as a crime and made matter of such -strong accusation against you." After musing for a moment, he -proceeded: "Do not think I would imply, good knight, that you could be -really guilty of any higher offence against your king; but be you sure -something has been laid to your charge more than you imagine."</p><p class="normal">"On my honour as a knight," replied Darnley, "I have accused myself to -your highness of the worst crimes upon my conscience, as if your grace -were my confessor; though I will own that it appears to me also most -strange and inexplicable. I have heard, indeed, that the lord cardinal -never suffers any one to be too near the king's regard; and that if he -sees any especial favour shown, he is sure to find some accusation -against his object; but I can hardly believe that so great a man would -debase himself to be a false accuser."</p><p class="normal">"I know not! I know not!" answered Francis, quickly: "there is no one -so jealous as a favourite; and what will not jealousy do? My diadem -against a Spanish crown,"<a name="div4Ref_18" href="#div4_18"><sup>[18]</sup></a> he continued laughingly, referring to -his contention with the Emperor Charles, "Henry of England knows you -under no other name than that of Sir Osborne Maurice. However, I will -be polite, and know the whole before I speak. Do you put your honour -in my hands? and will you abide by what I shall undertake for you?"</p><p class="normal">"Most willingly, your highness," replied the knight: "whatever you say -for me, that will I maintain, on horseback or on foot, with sword or -lance, as long as my life do hold."</p><p class="normal">Thus conversing they rode on, following the windings of the woody lane -in which they were, till the forest, skirting on to the north-west of -Ardres, opened out upon the plain of Guisnes. As soon as the castle -and town were in sight, the French monarch put his horse into a quick -pace, saying with a smile to Sir Osborne, "Your prudent Wolsey and my -good brother Henry will be much surprised to see me in their castle -alone, after all their grave precautions. By heaven! did kingly -dignity imply suspicion of all the world like theirs, I would throw -away my crown and feed my mother's sheep."</p><p class="normal">The night after the first meeting of the kings, Henry had retired to -sleep in the fortress, rather than in his palace without the walls; -part of which, comprising his private apartments, had been found -insecure, from the hurry in which it had been built. Of this -circumstance the King of France had been informed by some of his -court, who had passed their evening at Guisnes, and it was therefore -to the castle that he turned his rein.</p><p class="normal">Passing amidst the tents, in most of which Somnus still held -undisturbed dominion, Francis and Sir Osborne galloped up to the -drawbridge, on which an early party of the guard were sunning -themselves in the morning light; some looking idly over into the moat, -some gazing with half-closed eyes towards the sky; some playing at an -antique and classical game with mutton-bones, while their captain -stood by the portcullis, rubbing his hands and enjoying the sweetness -of the morning.</p><p class="normal">No sooner did Francis perceive them, than, drawing his sword, he -galloped in amongst them, crying, "<i>Rendez vous, messieurs! rendez -vous! La place est à moi!</i>"</p><p class="normal">At first, the archers scattered back confused, and some had their -hands on their short swords; but several, who had seen the king the -day before, almost instantly recognised him, and the cry became -general of "The King of France! the King of France!" In the mean time, -Francis rode up to the captain, and, putting his sword's point to the -officer's throat, "Yield!" cried he, "rescue or no rescue, or you are -a dead man!"</p><p class="normal">"I yield, I yield, my lord!" cried the captain, entering into the -king's humour, and bending his knee. "Rescue or no rescue, I yield -myself your grace's prisoner."</p><p class="normal">"A castle soon taken!" cried Francis, turning to Sir Osborne. "Now," -added he to the officer, "since the place is mine, lead me to the -chamber of my good brother the King of England."</p><p class="normal">"His grace is at present asleep," replied the captain, hesitating. "If -your highness will repose yourself in the great hall, he shall be -informed instantly of your presence."</p><p class="normal">"No, no," cried the king; "show me his chamber. Nothing will serve me -but that I will sound his <i>réveillez</i> myself. Come, Darnley!" and -springing from his horse he followed the officer, who, now forced to -obey, led him into the castle, and up the grand staircase towards the -king's bed-chamber.</p><p class="normal">All was silence as they went. Henry and the whole court had revelled -late the night before, so that few even of the serving-men had thought -fit to quit their truckle-beds so early in the morning. A single page, -however, was to be seen as they entered a long corridor, which took up -one whole side of the large square tower in the centre of the castle. -He was standing before a door at the farther extremity, and to him the -captain pointed. "The king's ante-room, your highness, is where you -see that page," said he; "and let me beg your gracious forgiveness if -I leave you here, for indeed I dare conduct you no farther."</p><p class="normal">"Go, go!" cried the king, good-humouredly. "I will find it now myself. -You, Darnley, stay here. I doubt not soon to send for you with good -news."</p><p class="normal">With his sword still drawn in his hand, the king now advanced to the -page, who, seeing a stranger come forward with so menacing an air, -might have entertained some fears, had he not beheld the captain of -the guard conduct him thither; not at all knowing the person of -Francis, however, as he had not been present at the meeting of the -kings, he closed the door of the ante-room, which had before been open -behind him, and placing himself in the way, prepared to oppose the -entrance of any one.</p><p class="normal">"Which is the chamber of my brother the King of England?" demanded -Francis, as he came up; but the page, not understanding a word of -French, only shook his head, keeping his back, at the same time, -firmly against the door, thinking that it was some wild French lord, -who knew not what was due to royalty.</p><p class="normal">"It is the King of France," said Sir Osborne, advancing, as he beheld -the page's embarrassment. "Let him pass. It is the King of France."</p><p class="normal">The page stared and hesitated; but Francis, taking him by the -shoulder, twisted him round as he had been a child, and, opening the -door, passed in. The page immediately closed it again, putting himself -before the knight, whose face he now remembered. "I must not let your -worship in," said he, thinking Sir Osborne wished to follow the -monarch. "The King of France, of course, I dared not stop, but it is -as much as my life is worth to suffer any one else to pass."</p><p class="normal">"I seek not to enter, good Master Snell," said the knight. "Unless his -grace sends for me, I shall not intrude myself on his royal presence." -This said, with busy thoughts he began to walk up and down the -gallery; and the page, presently after, retiring into the -ante-chamber, left him for the time to his own contemplations.</p><p class="normal">Much subject had the knight for thought, though it was of that nature -that profiteth not; for little signified it, as it seemed, how much -soever he took counsel with himself: his fate was in the hands of -others, and beyond his power to influence or determine.</p><p class="normal">He could not help musing, however, over all the turns which his -fortune had taken within the brief space of the last three months; and -strangely mingled were his sensations, on finding himself, at the end -of the review, standing there, once more within the precincts of the -court of England, from which he had been driven hardly fifteen days -before. A thousand collateral ideas also presented themselves to his -mind, suggesting a thousand doubts and fears for those he loved best. -What had become of Constance de Grey? he asked himself; and though -never had her image for one moment left his mind in his wanderings, -though it had been his companion in the journey, his solace in his -waking hours, his dream by night, and his object in every thought and -hope, still there was something in being amongst those objects, and -near those beings, amidst whom he had been accustomed to see her, that -rendered his anxiety about her more impatient; and he would have given -no small sum for the presence of one of the newsmongers of the court: -those empty idle beings always to be found near the presence of -princes, who, like scavengers' carts, make themselves the common -receptacles for all the drift of the palace, and, hurrying on from one -to another, at once receive and spatter forth the rakings of all -kennels as they go along.</p><p class="normal">Time, ever long to those who wait, seemed doubly long to Sir Osborne, -to whom so much was in suspense; and so little bustle and activity did -there seem in the castle, that he began to fancy its denizens must -have had their eyes touched with Hermes' wand to make them sleep so -soundly. He walked up and down the corridor, he gazed out of the -window into the court-yard, he listened for every opening door. But it -was all in vain; no one came. Could Francis have forgotten him? he -asked himself, at last; and then he thought how quickly from the light -memories of the great pass away the sorrows or the welfare of their -fellow-creatures; how hardly they can remember, and how happily they -can forget. But no, he would not believe it. If ever man was renowned -for that best and rarest quality of a great man, a heedful remembrance -of those who served him, a thoughtful care of those he esteemed, it -was Francis of France; and Darnley would not believe that in his case -he had forgotten.</p><p class="normal">Still no one came. Though the various noises and the bustle he began -to hear in distant parts of the building announced that the world was -more awake than when he arrived, yet the corridor in which he was -seemed more deserted than ever.</p><p class="normal">At first it was nearly vacant, a few listless soldiers being its only -occupants; but soon there was opened on the other side a door which -communicated with a sort of barrack, situated near the chapel in the -inner ballium, and from this proceeded a troop of soldiers and -officers at arms, with one or two persons mingled amongst them that -Sir Osborne imagined to be prisoners. The height at which he was -placed above them prevented his perceiving whether this was certainly -the case, or seeing their faces; for all that he could discern was the -foreshortened figures of the soldiers and sergeants-at-arms, -distinguished from the others by their official habiliments; and -passing along, surrounded by the rest, some persons in darker attire, -round whom the guard appeared to keep with vigilant care. An instant -brought them to the archway just beneath the spot where he stood, and -they were then lost to his sight.</p><p class="normal">The castle clock struck seven; but so slowly did the hammer fall upon -the bell, he thought it would never have done. He now heard a sound of -much speaking not far off, and thought that surely it was Francis -taking leave of the King of England; but suddenly it ceased, and all -was again silence. Taking patience to his aid, he recommenced his -perambulations; and for another quarter of an hour walked up and down -the corridor, hearing still, as he passed the door of the anteroom, a -low and indistinct murmuring, which might be either the page speaking -in a subdued tone to some person therein, or some other voices -conversing much more loudly in the chamber beyond. The knight's -feelings were wound up to the highest pitch of impatience, when -suddenly a deep groan, and then a heavy fall, met his ear. He paused, -listened, and could plainly distinguish a door within open, and -various voices speaking quick and high, some in French, some in -English; but among them was to be heard distinctly the tongue of Henry -and that of Francis, though what they said was not sufficiently -audible to be comprehended. His curiosity, as may be conceived, was -not a little excited; but, satisfied of the safety of the two kings, -and fearful of being suspected of eaves-dropping if any one came -forth, he once more crossed his arms upon his breast, and began pacing -backwards and forwards as before.</p><p class="normal">A few minutes more elapsed in silence; but at length, when he was at -the farther extremity of the corridor, he heard the door of the -ante-chamber open, and, turning round, perceived a sergeant-at-arms, -followed by four halberdiers, come forth from within and advance -towards him. Sir Osborne turned and met them, when the guard drew up -across the passage, and the officer stepped forward. "Sir Osborne -Darnley!" said he, "commonly called Lord Darnley, I arrest you for -high treason, in the name of Henry the Eighth, King of England and -France and Lord of Ireland, and charge you to surrender to his -warrant."</p><p class="normal">The astonishment of Sir Osborne may more easily be conceived than -described. The first appearance of the halberdiers had struck him as -strange, and their drawing up across his path might have been some -warning, but still he was not at all prepared.</p><p class="normal">Trusting to the protection of the French king, who had virtually -rendered himself responsible for his safety, he had never dreamed of -danger; and for a moment or two he stood in silent surprise, till the -sergeant demanded, "Do you surrender, my lord?"</p><p class="normal">"Of course, of course!" replied the knight, "though I will own that -this has fallen upon me unexpectedly. Pr'ythee, good sergeant, if thou -knowest, tell me how this has come about, for to me it is -inexplicable."</p><p class="normal">"In truth, my lord, I Know nothing," replied the officer, "though I -believe that the whole arose from something that happened this morning -in his grace's bed-chamber. I was sent for by the back staircase, and -received orders to attach you here. It is an unpleasant duty, my lord, -but one which we are too often called to perform: I can, therefore, -but beg your forgiveness, and say that you must come with me."</p><p class="normal">Sir Osborne followed in silence, meditating more than ever over his -strange fate. His hopes had again been buoyed up, again to be cast -down in a more cruel manner than before. There was not now a shade of -doubt left: whatever he was accused of was aimed at him under his real -name; and it was evident, from the unremitted persecution which he -suffered, that Wolsey, or whosoever it was that thus pursued him, was -resolved on accomplishing his destruction by all or any means.</p><p class="normal">That Wolsey was the originator of the whole he could not doubt; and -the virulence of his jealousy was too well known to hope that justice -or clemency would be shown where his enmity had been incurred. -"However," thought the knight, "at last I can but die: I have fronted -death a hundred times in the battle-field, and I will not shrink from -him now." But to die as a traitor was bitter, he who had never been -aught but loyal and true; yet still his conscious innocence, he -thought, would rob the block and axe of their worst horror; the proud -knowledge that he had acted well in every relationship of life: to his -king, to his country, to those he loved. Then came the thought of -Constance de Grey, in all her summer beauty, and all her gentle -loveliness, and all her sweet smiles: was he never to see them again? -To be cut off from all those kind sympathies he had felt, to go down -into the cold dark grave where they could reach him never more--it was -too much.</p><p class="normal">While these thoughts were busy in his bosom, the sergeant-at-arms led -him down the great staircase, and across the hall on the ground-floor -of the castle; then, opening a door to the right, he entered into a -long narrow passage, but scantily lighted, that terminated in another -spiral staircase, down which one of the soldiers, who had procured a -lamp in the hall, proceeded first to light them. Sir Osborne followed -in silence, though his heart somewhat burned at the idea of being -committed to a dungeon. Arrived at the bottom of the steps, several -doors presented themselves; and, seeing the sergeant examining a large -bunch of keys, with whose various marks he did not seem very well -acquainted, the knight could not refrain from demanding, if it were by -the king's command that he was about to give him such a lodging.</p><p class="normal">"No, my lord," replied the sergeant, "the king did not direct me to -place you in a dungeon; but I must secure your lordship's person till -such time as the horses are ready to convey you to Calais, and every -other place in the castle but that where I am going to put you is -full.</p><p class="normal">"Well, sir," replied the knight, "only beware of what treatment you do -show me, lest you may be sorry for it hereafter."</p><p class="normal">"Indeed, my lord," answered the man, with a good-humoured smile, -rarely met with on the faces of his brethren, "I should be very sorry -to make your lordship any way uncomfortable; and, if you will give me -your word of honour, as a knight, neither to escape nor to make any -attempt to escape while you are there, I will lock you up in the -chapel of the new palace, which is empty enough, God knows, and for -half-an-hour you will be as well there as anywhere else better than in -a dungeon certainly."</p><p class="normal">The knight readily gave his promise, and the sergeant, after examining -the keys again, without better success than before, began to try them, -one after another, upon a small iron door in the wall, saying that -they could get out that way to the chapel. One of them at length -fitted the lock, and two enormous bolts and an iron bar being removed, -the door was swung back, giving egress from the body of the fortress -into a long lightsome passage, where the full sun shone through a long -row of windows on each side; while the gilded pillars and the -enamelled ornaments round the windows, the rich arras hangings between -them, and the fine carpets spread over the floor, formed a strange and -magical contrast with the place they had just quitted, with its rough, -damp stone walls, its dark and gloomy passages, and the massy rudeness -of all its features.</p><p class="normal">"This is the passage made for his grace, between the palace and the -castle," said the sergeant-at-arms. "Let us haste on, my lord, for -fear he should chance to come along it."</p><p class="normal">Proceeding onwards, catching every now and then a glance at the gay -scene of tents without, as they passed the different windows, the -officer conducted his prisoner to the end of the passage, where they -found a door on either hand; and, opening that to the left, he ushered -the knight into the beautiful little building that had been -constructed as a temporary chapel for the court, while inhabiting the -palace before Guisnes.</p><p class="normal">"I know, my lord," said the officer, "that I may trust to your -knightly word and promise not to make any attempt to escape; for I -must not even leave a guard at the door, lest his grace the king -should pass, and find that I have put you here, which might move his -anger. I therefore leave you for a while, reposing full confidence in -your honour, and will take care to have the horses prepared, and be -back again before the hour of mass." Thus saying, he ascertained that -the other door was fastened, and left Sir Osborne in the chapel, -taking heed, notwithstanding his professions of reliance, to turn the -key upon him as he went out.</p><p class="normal">It matters little whether it be a palace or a dungeon wherein he -passes the few last hours of life, to the prisoner condemned to die, -unless he possesses one of those happy spirits that can, by the aid of -external objects, abstract their thoughts from all that is painful in -their fate. If he do, indeed, the things around may give him some -relief. So, however, could not Darnley; and in point of any mental -ease, he might just as well have been in the lowest dungeon of the -castle as in the splendid oratory where he now was. Yet feeling how -fruitless was the contemplation of his situation, how little but pain -he could derive from thought, and how unnerving to all his energies -was the memory of Constance de Grey, under the unhappy circumstances -of the present, he strove not to think; and gazed around him to divert -his mind from his wayward fortunes, by occupying it with the -glittering things around.</p><p class="normal">Indeed, as far as splendour went, that chapel might have vied with -anything that ever was devised. In length it was about fifty feet; -and, though built of wood, its architecture was in that style which we -are accustomed to call Gothic. Nothing, however, of the mere walls -appeared, for from the roof to the ground it was hung with cloth of -gold, over which fell various festoons of silk, breaking the straight -lines of the hangings. To the right and left, Sir Osborne remarked two -magnificent closets, appropriated, as he supposed, to the use of the -king and queen, where the same costly stuff that lined the rest of the -building was further enriched by a thick embroidery of precious -stones; each also had its particular altar, loaded, besides the pix, -the crucifix, and the candlesticks, with twelve large images of gold, -and a crowd of other ornaments.</p><p class="normal">Sir Osborne advanced, and fixed his eyes upon all the splendid things -that were there called in to give pomp and majesty to the worship of -the Most High; but he felt more strongly than ever, at that moment, -how it was all in vain; and that the small, calm tabernacle of the -heart is that wherein man may offer up the fittest prayer to his -Maker.</p><p class="normal">Kneeling, however, on the step of the altar, he addressed his -petitions to heaven. He would not pray to be delivered from danger, -for that he thought cowardly; but he prayed that God would establish -his innocence and his honour; that God would protect and bless those -that he loved; and, if it were the Almighty's will he should fall -before his enemies, that God would be a support to his father and a -shield to Constance de Grey. Then rising from his knee, Darnley found -that his heart was lightened, and that he could look upon his future -fate with far more calmness than before.</p><p class="normal">At that moment the sound of trumpets and clarions met his ear from a -distance: gradually it swelled nearer and more near, with gay and -martial tones, and approached close to where he was, while shouts and -acclamations, and loud and laughing voices, mingled with the music, -strangely at discord with all that was passing in his heart. Presently -it grew fainter, and then ceased, though still he thought he could -hear the roar of the distant multitude, and now and then a shout; but -in a few minutes these also ceased, and, crossing his arms upon his -breast, he waited till the sergeant-at-arms should come to convey him -to Calais, to prison, perhaps ultimately to death.</p><p class="normal">In a few minutes some distant steps were heard; they came nearer, -nearer still; the key was turned in the lock, and the door opened.</p><br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XL.</h4><div class="poem0" style="margin-left:15%"> -<p style="text-indent:4em">With shame and sorrow filled:<br> -Shame for his folly; sorrow out of time<br> -For plotting an unprofitable crime.--<span class="sc">Dryden</span>.</p></div><p class="normal">We must once more take our readers back, if it be but for the space of -a couple of hours, and introduce them into the bedchamber of a king: a -place, we believe, as yet sacred from the sacrilegious foot of any -novelist.</p><p class="normal">In the castle of Guisnes, then, and in the sleeping-room of Henry the -Eighth, King of England, stood, exactly opposite the window, a large -square bed, covered with a rich coverlet of arras, which, hanging down -on each side, swept the floor with its golden fringe. High overhead, -attached to the wall, was a broad and curiously-wrought canopy, -whereon the laborious needle of some British Penelope had traced, with -threads of gold, the rare and curious history of that famous knight, -Alexander the Great, who was there represented with lance in rest, -dressed in a suit of Almaine rivet armour, overthrowing King Darius; -who, for his part, being in a mighty fright, was whacking on his -clumsy elephant with his sceptre, while the son of Philip, with more -effect, appeared pricking him up under the ribs with the point of his -spear.</p><p class="normal">In one corner of the chamber, ranged in fair and goodly order, were to -be seen several golden lavers and ewers, together with fine diapers -and other implements for washing; while hard by was an open closet -filled with linen and plate of various kinds, with several Venice -glasses, a mirror, and a bottle of scented waters. In addition to -these pieces of furniture appeared four wooden settles of carved oak, -which, with two large rich chairs of ivory and gold, made up, at that -day, the furniture of a king's bed-chamber.</p><p class="normal">The square lattice window was half-open, letting in the sweet breath -of the summer morning upon Henry himself, who, with his head -half-covered with a black velvet nightcap, embroidered with gold, -still lay in bed, supporting himself on his elbow, and listening to a -long detail of grievances poured forth from the rotund mouth of honest -Jekin Groby, who, by the king's command, encumbered with his weighty -bulk one of the ivory chairs by the royal bedside.</p><p class="normal">Somewhat proud of having had a lord for the companion of his perils, -the worthy clothier enlarged mightily upon the seizure of himself and -Lord Darnley by Sir Payan Wileton, seasoning his discourse pretty -thickly with "<i>My lord did</i>," and "<i>My lord said</i>," but omitting -altogether to mention him by the name of Sir Osborne, thinking it -would be a degradation to his high companionship so to do; though, had -he done so but once, it would have saved many of the misfortunes that -afterwards befel.</p><p class="normal">Henry heard him calmly, till he related the threats which Sir Payan -held out to his prisoner, in that interview of which Jekin had been an -unperceived witness; then starting up, "Mother of God!" cried the -king, "what has become of the young gallant? Where is he? ha, man? -Now, heaven defend us! the base traitor has not murdered him! ha?"</p><p class="normal">"Lord 'a mercy! you've kicked all the clothes off your grace's -worship," cried Jekin: "let me kiver you up! you'll catch a malplexy, -you will!"</p><p class="normal">"God's life! answer me, man!" cried Henry. "What has become of the -young lord, Osborne Darnley?--ha?"</p><p class="normal">"Bless your grace! that's just what I cannot tell you," replied Jekin; -"for I never saw him after we got out."</p><p class="normal">"Send for the traitor! have him brought instantly!" exclaimed the -king. "See who knocks! Let no one in! Who dares knock so loud at my -chamber-door?"</p><p class="normal">Proceeding round the king's bed, Jekin opened the door, against which -some one had been thumping with very little ceremony; but in a moment -the valiant clothier started back, exclaiming, "Lord 'a mercy! it's a -great man with a drawn sword!"</p><p class="normal">"A drawn sword!" cried Henry, starting up, and snatching his own -weapon, which lay beside him. But at that moment Francis ran in, and, -holding his blade over the king, commanded him to surrender.</p><p class="normal">"I yield! I yield!" exclaimed Henry, delighted with the jest. "Now, by -my life, my good brother of France, thou has shown me the best turn -ever prince showed another. I yield me your prisoner; and, as sign of -my faith, I beg you to accept this jewel." So saying, he took from his -pillow, where it had been laid the night before, a rich bracelet of -emeralds, and clasped it on the French king's arm.</p><p class="normal">"I receive it willingly," answered Francis; "but for my love and -amity, and also as my prisoner, you must wear this chain;" and, -unclasping a jewelled collar from his neck, he laid it down beside the -English monarch.</p><p class="normal">Many were the civilities and reciprocations of friendly speeches that -now ensued; and Henry, about to rise, would fain have called an -attendant to assist him, but Francis took the office on himself. -"Come, I will be your valet for this morning," said he; "no one but I -shall give you your shirt; for I have come over alone to beg some -boons of you."</p><p class="normal">"They are granted from this moment," replied Henry. "But do you say -you came alone? Do you mean unattended?"</p><p class="normal">"With but one faithful friend," answered the French king; "one who not -a week ago saved my life by the valour of his arm. 'Tis the best -knight that ever charged a lance, and the noblest heart: he is your -subject, too."</p><p class="normal">"Mine!" cried Henry, with some surprise. "How is he called? What is -his name? Say, France, and we will love him for his service to you."</p><p class="normal">"First, hear how he did serve me," replied Francis; and, while the -English monarch threaded the intricate mazes of the toilet, he -narrated the whole of his adventure with Shoenvelt, which not a little -interested Henry, the knight-errantry of whose disposition took fire -at the vivid recital of the French king, and almost made him fancy -himself on the spot.</p><p class="normal">"A gallant knight!" cried he at length, as the King of France detailed -the exploits of Sir Osborne; "a most gallant knight, on my life! But -say, my brother, what is his name? 'Slife, man! let us hear it. I long -to know him."</p><p class="normal">"His name," replied Francis, with an indifferent tone, but at the same -time fixing his eyes on Henry's face, to see what effect his answer -would produce; "his name is Sir Osborne Maurice."</p><p class="normal">A cloud came over the countenance of the English king. "Ha!" said he, -thoughtfully, jealous perhaps in some degree that the splendid -chivalrous qualities of the young knight should be transferred to the -court of France. "It is like him. It is very like him. For courage and -for feats of arms, I, who have seen many good knights, have rarely -seen his equal. Pity it is that he should be a traitor."</p><p class="normal">"Nay, nay, my good brother of England," answered Francis; "I will -avouch him no traitor, but of unimpeachable loyalty. All I regret is, -that his love for your noble person, and for the court of England, -should make him wish to quit me. But to the point. My first boon -regards him. He seeks not to return to your royal favour with honour -stained and faith doubtful, but he claims your gracious permission to -defy his enemies, and to prove their falsehood with his arm. If they -be men, let them meet him in fair field; if they be women or -churchmen, lame, or in any way incompetent according to the law of -arms, let them have a champion, the best in France or England. To -regain your favour and to prove his innocence, he will defy them be -they who they may; and here at your feet I lay down his gage of -battle, so confident in his faith and worth, that I myself will be his -godfather in the fight. He waits here in the corridor to know your -royal pleasure."</p><p class="normal">Henry thought for a moment. He was not at all willing that the court -of Francis, already renowned for its chivalry, should possess still -another knight of so much prowess and skill as he could not but admit -in Sir Osborne. Yet the accusations that had been laid against him, -and which nobody who considers them--the letter of the Duke of -Buckingham, and the evidence of Wilson the bailiff--can deny were -plausible, still rankled in the king's mind, notwithstanding the -partial explanation which Lady Katrine Bulmer had afforded respecting -the knight's influence with the Rochester rioters. Remembering, -however, that the whole or greater part of the information which -Wolsey had laid before him had been obtained, either directly or -indirectly, from Sir Payan Wileton, he at length replied, "By my -faith, I know not what to say: it is not wise to take the sword from -the hand of the law, and trust to private valour to maintain public -justice, more than we can avoid. But you, my royal brother, shall in -the present case decide. The accusations against this Sir Osborne -Maurice are many and heavy, but principally resting on the testimonies -produced by a certain wealthy and powerful knight, one Sir Payan -Wileton, who, though in other respects most assuredly a base and -disloyal villain, can have no enmity against Sir Osborne, and no -interest in seeking his ruin. Last night, by my order, this Sir Payan -was brought hither from Calais, on the accusations of that good fool -(pointing to Jekin Groby). You comprehend enough of our hard English -tongue to hear him examined yourself, and thus you shall judge. If you -find that there is cause to suspect Sir Payan and his witnesses, -though it be but in having given the slightest colour of falsehood to -their testimony, let Sir Osborne's arm decide his quarrel against the -other knight; but if their evidence be clear and indubitable, you -shall yield him to be judged by the English law. What say you? Is it -not just?"</p><p class="normal">The King of France at once agreed to the proposal, and Henry turned to -Jekin, who had stood by, listening with his mouth open, wonderfully -edified at hearing the two kings converse, though he understood not a -word of the language in which they spoke. "Fly to the page, man!" -cried the king; "tell him to bid those who have Sir Payan Wileton in -custody bring him hither instantly by the back-staircase; but first -send to the reverend lord cardinal, requiring his counsel in the -king's chamber. Haste! dally not, I say; I would have them here -directly."</p><p class="normal">Jekin hurried to obey; and after he had delivered the order, returned -to the king's chamber, where Henry, while he completed the adjustment -of his apparel, related to Francis the nature of the accusation -against Sir Osborne, and the proofs that had been adduced of it. The -King of France, however, with a mind less susceptible of suspicion, -would not believe a word of it, maintaining that the witnesses were -suborned and that the letter was a forgery; and contended it would -most certainly appear that Sir Payan had some deep interest in the -ruin of the knight.</p><p class="normal">The sound of many steps in the ante-chamber soon announced that some -one had arrived. "Quick!" cried Henry to Jekin Groby; "get behind the -arras, good Jekin. After we have despatched this first business, I -would ask the traitor some questions before he sees thee. Ensconce -thee, man! ensconce thee quick!"</p><p class="normal">At the king's command, poor Jekin lifted up the corner of the arras by -the side of the bed, and hid himself behind; but though a considerable -space existed between the hangings and the wall, the worthy clothier -having, as we have hinted, several very protuberant contours in his -person, his figure was somewhat discernible still, swelling out the -stomach of King Solomon and the hip of the Queen of Sheba, who were -represented in the tapestry as if one was crooked and the other had -the dropsy.</p><p class="normal">Scarcely was he concealed when the page threw open the door, and -Cardinal Wolsey entered in haste, somewhat surprised at being called -to the king's chamber at so early an hour; but the sight of the French -king sufficiently explained the summons, and he advanced, bending low -with a proud affectation of humility.</p><p class="normal">"God bless and shield your graces both!" said he. "I feared some evil -by this early call; but now that I find the occasion was one of joy, I -do not regret the haste that apprehension gave me."</p><p class="normal">"Still we have business, my good Wolsey," replied Henry, "and of some -moment. My brother of France here espouses much the cause of the Sir -Osborne Maurice who lately sojourned at the court, and won the -good-will of all, both by his feats of arms and his high-born and -noble demeanour; who, on the accusations given against him to you, -lord cardinal, by Sir Payan Wileton, was banished from the court; nay, -judged worthy of attachment for treason."</p><p class="normal">The king, in addressing Wolsey, instead of speaking in French, which -had been the language used between him and Francis, had returned to -his native tongue; and good Jekin Groby, hearing what passed -concerning Sir Osborne Maurice, was seized with an intolerable desire -to have his say too.</p><p class="normal">"Lord 'a mercy!" cried he, popping his head from behind the tapestry, -"your grace's worship don't know----"</p><p class="normal">"Silence!" cried Henry, in a voice that made poor Jekin shrink into -nothing: "said I not to stay there--ha?"</p><p class="normal">The worthy clothier drew back his head behind the arras, like a -frightened tortoise retracting its noddle within the shelter of its -shell; and Henry proceeded to explain to Wolsey, in French, what had -passed between himself and Francis.</p><p class="normal">The cardinal was, at that moment, striving hard for the King of -France's favour; nor was his resentment towards Sir Payan at all -abated, though the arrangements of the first meeting between the kings -had hitherto delayed its effects. Thus all at first seemed favourable -to Sir Osborne, and the minister himself began to soften the evidence -against him, when Sir Payan, escorted by a party of archers and a -sergeant-at-arms, was conducted into the king's chamber. The guard -drew up across the door of the anteroom; and the knight, with a pale -but determined countenance, and a firm heavy step, advanced into the -centre of the room, and made his obeisance to the kings. Henry, now -dressed, drew forward one of the ivory chairs for Francis, and the -sergeant hastened to place the other by its side for the British -monarch; when, both being seated, with Wolsey by their side, the whole -group would have formed as strange but powerful a picture as ever -employed the pencil of an artist. The two magnificent monarchs in the -pride of their youth and greatness, somewhat shadowed by the eastern -wall of the room; the grand and dignified form of the cardinal, with -his countenance full of thought and mind; the stern, determined aspect -of Sir Payan, his whole figure possessing that sort of rigidity -indicative of a violent and continued mental effort, with the full -light streaming harshly through the open casement upon his pale -cheek and haggard eye, and passing on to the king's bed, and the -dressing-robe he had cast off upon it, showing the strange scene in -which Henry's impetuosity had caused such a conclave to be held: these -objects formed the foreground; while the sergeant-at-arms standing -behind the prisoner, and the guard drawn up across the doorway, -completed the picture; till, gliding in between the arches, the -strange figure of Sir Cesar the astrologer, with his cheeks sunken and -livid, and his eye lighted up by a kind of wild maniacal fire, entered -the room, and, taking a place close on the right hand of Henry, added -a new and curious feature to the already extraordinary scene.</p><p class="normal">"Sir Payan Wileton," said Henry, "many and grievous are the crimes -laid to your charge, and of which your own conscience must accuse you -as loudly as the living voices of your fellow-subjects; at least, so -by the evidence brought forward against you, it appears to us at this -moment. Most of these charges we shall leave to be investigated by the -common course of law; but there are some points touching which, as -they involve our own personal conduct and direction, we shall question -you ourself: to which questions we charge you, on your allegiance, to -answer truly and without concealment."</p><p class="normal">"To your grace's questions," replied Sir Payan, boldly, "I will answer -for your pleasure, though I recognise here no established court of -law; but first, I will say that the crimes charged against me ought to -be heavier than I, in my innocence believe them, to justify the rigour -with which I have been treated."</p><p class="normal">An ominous frown gathered on the king's brow. "Ha!" cried he, -forgetting the calm dignity with which he had at first addressed the -knight. "No established court of law! Thou sayest well: we have not -the power to question thee! Ha! who then is the king? Who is the head -of all magistrates? Who holds in his hand the power of all the law? By -our crown! we have a mind to assemble such a court of law as within -this half-hour shall have thy head struck off upon the green!"</p><p class="normal">Sir Payan was silent, and Wolsey replied to the latter part of what he -had said with somewhat more calmness than Henry had done to the -former. "You have been treated, sir," said he, "with not more rigour -than you merited; nor with more than is justified by the usual current -of the law. It is on affidavit before me, as chancellor of this -kingdom, that you both instigated and aided the Lady Constance de -Grey, a ward of court, to fly from the protection and government of -the law; and, therefore, attachment issued against your person, and -you stand committed for contempt. You had better, sir, sue for grace -and pardon than aggravate your offence by such unbecoming demeanour."</p><p class="normal">"Thou hast said well and wisely, my good Wolsey," joined in the king, -whose heat had somewhat subsided. "Standing thus reproved, Sir Payan -Wileton, answer touching the charges you have brought against one Sir -Osborne Maurice; and if you speak truly, to our satisfaction, you -shall have favour and lenity at our hands. Say, sir, do you still hold -to that accusation?"</p><p class="normal">"All I have to reply to your grace," answered the knight, resolved, -even if he fell himself, to work out his hatred against Sir Osborne, -with that vindictive rancour that the injurer always feels towards the -injured; "all that I have to reply is, that what I said was true; and -that if I had stated all that I suspected, as well as what I knew, I -should have made his treason look much blacker than it does even now."</p><p class="normal">"Do you understand, France?" demanded Henry, turning to Francis: -"shall I translate his answers, to show you his true meaning?"</p><p class="normal">The King of France, however, signified that he comprehended perfectly; -and Sir Payan, after a moment's thought, proceeded.</p><p class="normal">"I should suppose your grace could have no doubt left upon that -traitor's guilt; for the charge against him rests, not on my -testimony, but upon the witness of various indifferent persons, and -upon papers in the handwriting of his friends and abettors."</p><p class="normal">"Villain!" muttered Sir Cesar, between his teeth; "hypocritical, -snake-like villain!" Both the king and Sir Payan heard him; but Henry -merely raised his hand, as if commanding silence, while the eyes of -the traitorous knight flashed a momentary fire, as they met the glance -of the old man, and he proceeded. "I had no interest, your grace, in -disclosing the plot I did; though, had I done wisely, I would have -held my peace, for it will make many my enemies, even many more than I -dreamed of then. I have since discovered that I then only knew one -half of those that are implicated. I know them all now," he continued, -fixing his eye on Sir Cesar; "but as I find what reward follows -honesty, I shall bury the whole within my own breast."</p><p class="normal">"On these points, sir, we will leave our law to deal with you," -replied Henry: "there are punishments for those that conceal treason; -and, by my halidame, no favour shall you find in us, unless you make a -free and full confession! Then our grace may touch you, but not else. -But to the present question, my bold sir. Did you ever see Sir Osborne -Maurice before the day that he was arrested by your order, on the -charge of having excited the Cornishmen to revolt? And, before God, we -enjoin you--say, are you excited against him by feelings of interest, -hatred, or revenge?"</p><p class="normal">"On my life," replied Sir Payan, boldly, "I never saw him but on that -one day; and as I hope for salvation in heaven"--and here he made a -hypocritical grimace of piety--"I have no one reason, but pure -honesty, to accuse him of these crimes."</p><p class="normal">A low groan burst from behind the tapestry at this reply, and Henry -gave an angry glance towards the worthy clothier's place of -concealment; but Francis, calling back his attention, begged him to -ask the knight in English whether he had ever known Sir Osborne -Maurice by any other name, or in any other character.</p><p class="normal">Sir Cesar's eyes sparkled, and Sir Payan's cheek turned pale, as Henry -put the question; but he boldly replied, "Never, so help me heaven! I -never saw him, or heard of him, or knew him, by any other name than -Osborne Maurice."</p><p class="normal">"Oh, you villanous great liar! Oh, you hypocritical thief!" shouted -Jekin Groby, darting out from behind the tapestry, unable to contain -himself any longer. "I don't care, I don't care a groat for any one; -but I won't hear you tell his grace's worship such a string of lies, -all as fat and as well tacked together as Christmas sausages. Lord 'a -mercy! I'll tell your graces, both of you, how it was; for you don't -know, that's clear. This here Sir Osborne Maurice, that you are asking -about, is neither more nor less than that Lord Darnley that I was -telling your grace of this morning. Lord! now, didn't I hear him tell -that sweet young lady, Mistress Constance de Grey, all about it; how -he could not bear to live any longer abroad in these foreign parts, -and how he had come back under the name of Sir Osborne Maurice, all -for to get your grace's love as an adventurous knight? And then didn't -that Sir Payan--yes, you great thief! you did, for I heard you--didn't -he come and crow over him, and say that now he had got him in his -power? And then didn't he offer to let him go if he would sign some -papers? And then, when he would not, didn't he swear a great oath that -he would murther him, saying, 'he would make his tenure good by the -extinction of the race of Darnley?' You did, you great rogue! you know -you did! And, Lord 'a mercy! to think of your going about to tell his -grace such lies! your own king, too, who should never hear anything -but the truth! God forgive you, for you're a great sinner, and the -devils will never keep company with you when you go to purgatory, but -will kick you out into the other place, which is worse still, folks -say. And now, I humbly beg your grace's pardon, and will go back -again, if you like, behind the hangings; but I couldn't abear to hear -him cheat you like that."</p><p class="normal">The sudden appearance of Jekin Groby, and the light he cast upon the -subject, threw the whole party into momentary confusion. Sir Payan's -resolution abandoned him; his knees shook, and his very lips grew -pale. Sir Cesar gazed upon him with triumphant eyes, exclaiming, "Die, -die! what hast thou left but to die?" At the same time Wolsey -questioned Jekin Groby, who told the same straightforward tale; and -Henry explained the whole to Francis, whose comprehension of the -English tongue did not quite comprise the jargon of the worthy -clothier.</p><p class="normal">Sir Payan Wileton, however, resolved to make one last despairing -effort both to save himself and to ruin his enemies; for the -diabolical spirit of revenge was as deeply implanted in his bosom as -that of self-preservation. He thought then for a moment, glanced -rapidly over his situation, and cast himself on his knee before the -king. "Great and noble monarch!" said he, in a slow, impressive voice, -"I own my fault--I acknowledge my crime; but it is not such as you -think it. Hear me but out, and you yourself shall judge whether you -will grant me mercy or show me rigour. I confess, then, that I had -entered as deeply as others into the treasonable plot I have betrayed -against your throne and life; nay, more--that I would never have -divulged it, had I not found that the Lord Darnley had, under the name -of Sir Osborne Maurice, become the Duke of Buckingham's chief agent, -and was to be rewarded by the restitution of Chilham Castle, for which -some vague indemnity was proposed to me hereafter. On bearing it, I -dissembled my resentment; and pretending to enter more heartily than -ever into the scheme, I found that the ambitious duke reckoned as his -chief hope, in case of war, on the skill and chivalry of this Lord -Darnley, who promised by his hand to seat him on the throne. I -learned, moreover, the names of all the conspirators, amongst whom -that old man is one;" and he pointed to Sir Cesar, who gazed upon him -with a smile of contempt and scorn, whose intensity had something of -sublime. "Thirsting for revenge," proceeded Sir Payan, "and with my -heart full of rage, I commanded four of my servants to stop the -private courier of the duke, when I knew he was charged with letters -concerning this Sir Osborne Maurice, and thus I obtained those papers -I placed in the hands of my lord cardinal----"</p><p class="normal">"But how shall we know they are not forgeries?" cried Henry. "Your -honour, sir, is so gone, and your testimony so suspicious, that we may -well suppose those letters cunning imitations of the good duke's hand. -We have heard of such things--ay, marry have we."</p><p class="normal">"Herein, happily, your grace can satisfy yourself and prove my truth," -replied Sir Payan; "send for the servants whose names I will give, -examine them, put them to the torture if 'you will; and if you wring -not from them that, on the twenty-ninth of March, they stopped, by my -command, the courier of the Duke of Buckingham, and took from him his -bag of letters, condemn me to the stake. But mark me, King of England! -I kneel before you pleading for life; grant it to me, with but my own -hereditary property, and Buckingham, with all the many traitors that -are now aiming at your life and striving for your crown, shall fall -into your hand, and you shall have full evidence against them. I will -instantly disclose all their names, and give you proof against their -chief, that to-morrow you can reward his treason with the axe, nor -fear to be called unjust. But if you refuse me your royal promise, -sacredly given here before your brother king--to yield me life, and -liberty, and lands, as soon as I have fulfilled my word--I will go to -my death in silence, like the wolf, and never will you be able to -prove anything against them; for that letter is nothing without my -testimony to point it aright."</p><p class="normal">"You are bold!" said Henry; "you are very bold! but our subjects' good -and the peace of our country may weigh with us. What think you, -Wolsey?" And for a moment or two he consulted in a low tone with the -cardinal and the King of France. "I believe, my liege," said Wolsey, -whose hatred towards Buckingham was of the blindest virulence; "I -believe that your grace will never be able to prove his treasons on -the duke without this man's help. Perhaps you had better promise."</p><p class="normal">Francis bit his lip and was silent; but Henry, turning to Sir Payan, -replied, "The tranquillity of our realm and the happiness of our -people overcome our hatred of your crimes; and therefore we promise, -that if by your evidence treason worthy of death be proved upon Edward -Duke of Buckingham, you shall be free in life, in person, and in -lands."</p><p class="normal">"Never!" cried the voice of Sir Cesar, mounting into a tone of -thunder; "never!" And springing forward, he caught Sir Payan by the -throat, grappled with him but for an instant, with a maniacal vigour, -and drawing the small dagger he always carried, plunged it into the -heart of the knight, with such force that one might have heard the -blow of the hilt against his ribs. The whole was done in a moment, -before any one was aware; and the red blood and the dark spirit -rushing forth together, with a loud groan the traitor fell prone upon -the ground; while Sir Cesar, without a moment's pause, turned the -dagger against his own bosom, and drove it in up to the very haft.</p><p class="normal">Wolsey drew back in horror and affright. Francis and Henry started up, -laying their hands upon their swords; Jekin Groby crept behind the -arras; and the guards rushed in to seize the slayer; but Sir Cesar -waved them back with the proud and dignified air of one who feels that -earthly power has over him no further sway. "What fear ye?" said he, -turning to the kings, and still holding the poniard tight against his -bosom, as if to restrain the spirit from breathing forth through the -wound. "There is no offence in the dead or in the dying. Hear me, King -of England! and hear the truth, which thou wouldst never have heard -from that false caitiff. Yet I have little time; the last moments of -existence speed with fast wings towards another shore: give me a seat, -for I am faint."</p><p class="normal">They instantly placed for him one of the settles; and after gazing -around for a moment with that sort of painful vacancy of eye that -speaks how the brain reels, he made an effort, and went on, though -less coherently. "All he has said is false. I am on the brink of -another world, and I say it is false as the hell to which he is gone. -Osborne Darnley, the good, the noble, and the true--the son of my best -and oldest friend--knew of no plot, heard of no treason. He was in -England but two days when he fell into that traitor's hands. He never -saw Buckingham but once. The Osborne Maurice named in the duke's -letter is not he; one far less worthy."</p><p class="normal">"Who then is he?" cried the king impatiently. "Give me to know him, if -you would have me believe. Never did I hear of such a name but in -years long past, an abettor of Perkyn Warbeck. Who then is this Sir -Osborne Maurice--ha? Mother of God! name him!"</p><p class="normal">"I--I--I--King of England!" cried the old man. "I, who, had he been -guided by me, would have taught Richard King of England, whom you -style Perkyn Warbeck, to wrench the sceptre from the hand of your -usurping father; I, whose child was murdered by that dead traitor, in -cold blood, after the rout at Taunton; I--I it was who predicted to -Edward Bohun that his head should be highest in the realm of England: -I it is who predict it still!" As he spoke the last words, the old man -suddenly drew forth the blade of the dagger from his breast, upon -which a full stream of blood instantly gushed forth and deluged the -ground. Still struggling with the departing spirit, he started -on his feet--put his hand to his brow. "I come! I come!" cried -he--reeled--shuddered--and fell dead beside his enemy.</p><br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XLI.</h4><div class="poem0" style="margin-left:15%"> -<p class="continue">They all, as glad as birds of joyous prime,<br> -Thence led her forth, about her dancing round.--<span class="sc">Spenser</span>.</p></div><p class="normal">The bustle, the confusion, the clamour, the questions, and the -explanations that ensued, we shall leave the reader to imagine, -satisfied that his vivid fancy will do far more justice to such a -scene than our worn-out pen. When the bodies of Sir Payan Wileton and -his companion in death had been removed from the chamber of the king, -and some sand strewed upon the ground to cover the gory memories that -such deeds had left behind, order and tranquillity began to regain -their dominion.</p><p class="normal">"By my faith! a bloody morning's entertainment have we had," said -Francis. "But you are happy, my good brother of England, in having -traitors that will thus despatch each other, and cheat the headsman of -his due. However, from what I have gathered, Osborne Darnley, the -Knight of Burgundy, can no longer seem a traitor in the eyes of any -one."</p><p class="normal">"No, truly, my gracious lord," replied Wolsey, willing to pleasure the -King of France. "He stands freed from all spot or blemish, and well -deserves the kingly love of either noble monarch."</p><p class="normal">"'Slife! my good lord cardinal," cried Henry, "speak for yourself -alone! Now, I say, on my soul, he is still a most deep and egregious -traitor; not only, like that Sir Payan Wileton, in having planned his -treason, but in having executed it."</p><p class="normal">"Nay, how so?" cried Francis, startled at this new charge. "In what is -he a traitor now?"</p><p class="normal">"In having aided Francis King of France," replied Henry, smiling, "to -storm our castle of Guisnes, and take his liege lord and sovereign -prisoner."</p><p class="normal">"Oh! if that be the case," cried Francis, "I give him up to your royal -indignation; but still we have a boon to ask, which our gracious -brother will not refuse."</p><p class="normal">"Name it! name it!" exclaimed Henry. "By St. Mary! it shall go to pay -our ransom, whatever it be."</p><p class="normal">"You have in your court," replied Francis, "one Lady Constance de -Grey, who, though your born subject, is no less vassal to the crown of -France; owing homage for the counties of Boissy and the Val de Marne, -assured to your late subject the Lord de Grey by Charles the Eighth -when he gave him in marriage Constance Countess of Boissy, as a reward -for services rendered in Italy----"</p><p class="normal">"We see your object, oh most Christian king!" cried Henry, laughing. -"We see your object! What a messenger of Cupid are you! Well, have -your wish. We give her to your highness so to dispose of as you may -think fit; but at the same time claim Lord Osborne Darnley at your -hands, to punish according to his demerits. What say you? ha!"</p><p class="normal">"Agreed, agreed!" replied the King of France. "He waits me, as I said, -even now, in the corridor without, and doubtless thinks I sue for him -in vain. Those guards must have passed him in the corridor."</p><p class="normal">"No, no; they came the other way," said Henry. "Ho! without there! -Sergeant-at-arms, take four stout halberdiers, and, going into the -west corridor, attach me for high treason the Lord Osborne Darnley, -whom you will there find waiting. Hist! hear me, man! Use him with all -gentleness (we do but jest with him), and make some fair excuse to -shut him up in one of the chambers of the new palace, the nearer to -the great hall the better. Away! make speed! and above all return -quick, and let me know where you have put him; but take heed, and let -him not see that we mock him: haste! My good lord cardinal," he -continued, turning to Wolsey, "though it be an unmeet task for one of -your grave dignity to bear a message to a lady, yet on this day of -joy, when our good brother France comes here to greet us in brotherly -love, even wise men shall forget their seriousness and be as gay as -boys. Hie then, good Wolsey, to our lady queen. Tell her to call all -the fair flowers of England round about her in our great hall, to -welcome Francis of France, and that I will be there immediately upon -your steps."</p><p class="normal">The cardinal bowed low, and instantly obeyed; and Henry proceeded -in whispering consultation with Francis till the return of the -sergeant-at-arms; then turning to the worthy clothier, who, when he -found all the killing and slaying was over, had come out from behind -the arras to enjoy the air of royalty, "Come, good Jekin," cried -Henry, "now a task for thee. Hark, man!" and he whispered something to -honest Groby, who instantly replied, "Lord 'a mercy! yes, your grace! -I know Wilson Goldsmith well; I'll go to him directly; no trouble in -life. Lord! I guess how it's going to be. Well, I'm vastly glad, I do -declare. Lord 'a mercy! I hope your grace's worship will let me be -there!"</p><p class="normal">"Ay, man, ay!" cried the king; "make speed and come with him. Ho, -Snell! give me a gown of tissue; bid the guard be ready: we will cross -the green to the palace. Let the marshals be called to clear the way."</p><p class="normal">In a very few minutes all was prepared; and as the two kings were -descending the grand staircase of the castle, news was brought that a -band of French nobles, anxious for the safety of their king, had come -over from Ardres at all speed to seek him. Francis sent his commands -that they should dismount in the court; and on issuing out of the -castle, the monarch found a splendid party of the English and French -nobility mingled together, waiting to give them the good morrow.</p><p class="normal">"Ha, Alençon! what fear you, man?" cried the King of France. "We are -all safe. Sir Richard Heartley, look not for Lord Darnley; he is in -security: follow, and you will see him presently."</p><p class="normal">"Gentlemen all, you are most welcome," said Henry; "follow us, all -that love us, to our poor palace here without, and we will make you -better cheer, where ladies' words shall replace this summer air, and -their sweet looks the sunshine. Sound 'On before!'"</p><p class="normal">The trumpets sounded, and, the ushers and marshals clearing the way -for the two kings, they passed out of the castle gate, and traversed -the green on foot, amidst the shouts and acclamations of the crowd -that the arrival of the French nobles, together with various rumours -of something extraordinary having happened, had collected in the -neighbourhood of the royal lodging.</p><p class="normal">Arm-in-arm with Francis, Henry, delighting with ostentatious -magnificence to show himself to the people, passed round to the front -of the palace; and entering the court which we have already described, -he proceeded at once to the great hall, called the Hall of the Cloth -of Silver, to which, on the announcement of his intentions by Wolsey, -the queen had hastily summoned all the elect of the court. On the -entrance of the kings, with all the train of noblemen who had followed -them, a temporary confusion ensued, while Francis was presented to the -Queen of England, and Henry whispered to her a few brief hints of what -had taken place.</p><p class="normal">"Room, room, lords and ladies!" cried he at length; "let us have -space."</p><p class="normal">"There would not be space enough for him in the world, if he had his -will," whispered Lady Katrine Bulmer to Constance de Grey, who stood -by her side, unwillingly appearing in such a meeting. "On my life, -Constance, his eye is fixed upon us! Now, what would I give to be -king, if it were but to outstare him!"</p><p class="normal">"The Lady Constance de Grey!" said Henry, in a loud tone: "we would -speak with the Lady de Grey."</p><p class="normal">"Nay, speak gently," said the queen. "Good my lord, you will frighten -her. Constance, come hither to the queen, your friend!"</p><p class="normal">With a pale cheek and a beating heart, Constance advanced to the side -of the queen, and bending her eyes upon the ground, awaited in -silence, not daring to look around.</p><p class="normal">"Fear not, fair one!" said Henry; "we are not angry, but only sorry to -lose you. Here is our noble brother, Francis of France, claims you as -his vassal at our hands." Constance looked up, and saw the King of -France's eye bent on her with a smile that gave her courage. "Now, -notwithstanding the great love we bear him," continued Henry, "we -might have resisted his demand, inasmuch as you are our born subject, -had you not shown some slight perverseness against our repeated -commands. We therefore must and will resign you into his hands, unless -you instantly agree to receive such lord to be your husband as we -shall judge fitting for your rank and station."</p><p class="normal">"Oh, no, no, my lord!" cried Constance, clasping her hands, and -forgetting, in her fear of fresh persecution, the crowd by which she -was surrounded. "Force me not, I beseech your grace, to wed against my -will."</p><p class="normal">"You see," said Henry, turning to the King of France; "you see the -lady is headstrong! Take her, my good brother; I give her up to you. -There, sweetheart, is your lord and sovereign; see if you can obey him -better."</p><p class="normal">Francis took the fair girl by the hand, and bending down his head, -said in a kindly tone, "Lady, fear not. Lift up your eyes, and tell me -if there is one in all this circle you would make your choice."</p><p class="normal">"No, indeed, my lord," faltered forth Constance, without looking -round; "all I ask is to be left in peace."</p><p class="normal">"If you have ever seen any one to whom you could give your heart, tell -me," said Francis. Constance was silent. "Then I am to judge that you -have not," continued the king; "so I will choose for you."</p><p class="normal">Constance raised her eyes with a supplicating look; but Francis's face -was turned towards Henry, who, with a laughing glance, had taken the -queen by the hand, and was leading her towards one of the doors.</p><p class="normal">"Come, we must follow," cried Francis. "Lord cardinal, we shall need -your company."</p><p class="normal">Constance gazed round with doubt and apprehension; but Francis led her -forward immediately after the King and Queen of England, whispering, -as they went, "Fear not, sweet lady! you are with a friend who knows -all."</p><p class="normal">The whole court followed along one of the splendid galleries of the -palace, preceded by Henry and Katherine, who stopped, however, before -a door, from before which a page held back the hangings, and "Here," -said the King of England, putting a key into Francis's hand, "here you -take precedence. This is the cage, and here is the fetter-maker," -pointing to a respectable-looking merchant in a long furred robe who -stood with Jekin Groby in a niche hard by.</p><p class="normal">More and more confused, not knowing what to fear or what to believe, -the very uncertainty made Constance's heart sink more than actual -danger would have done; but still the King of France led her forward, -even before Queen Katherine, and, putting the key in the lock, threw -open the door, and drew her gently in, when the first object that met -her sight was Osborne Darnley, with his arms folded on his breast, -standing before the high altar of a splendid chapel. Her heart beat; -her eyes grew dim; her brain reeled; and she would have fallen -fainting to the ground, but Darnley started forward and clasped her to -his heart.</p><p class="normal">"Nay, nay, this is too much!" cried the queen, advancing; "see, the -poor girl faints! My good lord, indeed this must not be to-day. It has -been too much for her already. Some day before the two courts part we -will pray my good lord cardinal to speak a blessing on their love. -Bear her into the sacristy, Sir Osborne. Katrine Bulmer, giddy -namesake! help your friend, while I pray their graces both to return -into the hall."</p><br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>FOOTNOTES:</h4><p class="hang1"><a name="div4_01" href="#div4Ref_01">Footnote 1</a>: One of those rare but pleasant little towns which are -fortunate enough to stand upon no high-road, but which, on looking -into Cary's Itinerary, will be found to have a way of their own. It is -near Ashford.</p><p class="hang1"><a name="div4_02" href="#div4Ref_02">Footnote 2</a>: This sentence, I am inclined to think, deserves another -inverted comma to denote that it is borrowed from some of the writers -of that day. I forget from whom.</p><p class="hang1"><a name="div4_03" href="#div4Ref_03">Footnote 3</a>: A maker of arrows was so called when the good strong bow -was the weapon of the English yeoman.</p><p class="hang1"><a name="div4_04" href="#div4Ref_04">Footnote 4</a>: A maker of arrows.</p><p class="hang1"><a name="div4_05" href="#div4Ref_05">Footnote 5</a>: Armour and trappings of his horse.</p><p class="hang1"><a name="div4_06" href="#div4Ref_06">Footnote 6</a>: It will be found in the description of Britain by -Holingshed, that even in his days it was held that any man possessing -land producing an annual rent of forty pounds (called a knight's fee) -could be called upon to undergo the honour of knighthood, or to submit -to a fine. This was sometimes enforced, and the consequence was often -what Lady Katrine insinuated, as few of the more powerful nobles of -the day did not entertain more than one poor knight in their service. -These, however, were looked upon in a very different light from those -whose knighthood had been obtained by military service.</p><p class="hang1"><a name="div4_07" href="#div4Ref_07">Footnote 7</a>: The road from the Temple Bar to the City of Westminster -was flanked on one side by noblemen's houses and gardens, producing an -effect not unlike that of Kensington Gore; as far, at least, as we can -judge from description.</p><p class="hang1"><a name="div4_08" href="#div4Ref_08">Footnote 8</a>: Every knight of that day had his soubriquet, or nickname; -thus the famous Bayard was generally called Piquet.</p><p class="hang1"><a name="div4_09" href="#div4Ref_09">Footnote 9</a>: Since writing the above, I have seen a beautiful sketch -by Sir Walter Scott, of a scene very similar. The coincidence of even -the minute points is striking; but I know that Sir Walter, and I trust -the public also, will believe me, when I pledge my word that the whole -of this book was written before I ever saw "My Aunt Margaret's -Mirror," and, I believe, before it was published.</p><p class="hang1"><a name="div4_10" href="#div4Ref_10">Footnote 10</a>: Alluding to the vision of Fair Geraldine, called up in a -mirror at the request of Lord Surrey.</p><p class="hang1"><a name="div4_11" href="#div4Ref_11">Footnote 11</a>: I have not been able to discover at what precise period -the custom of exacting a ransom from each prisoner taken in battle was -dropped in Europe. It certainly still existed in the reign of -Elizabeth, and perhaps still later, for Shakspere (writing in the days -of James I.) makes repeated mention of it. Some centuries before the -period of this tale, Edward the Black Prince fixed the ransom of Du -Guesclin at one hundred francs, which the constable considered -degrading, and rated himself at the sum of seventy thousand florins of -gold.</p><p class="hang1"><a name="div4_12" href="#div4Ref_12">Footnote 12</a>: A suit of horse armour and housings.</p><p class="hang1"><a name="div4_13" href="#div4Ref_13">Footnote 13</a>: We have every reason to believe that this adventure is -by no means the invention of Vonderbrugius, but a simple historical -fact.</p><p class="hang1"><a name="div4_14" href="#div4Ref_14">Footnote 14</a>: Hall gives an account of this event, with very little -variation in the circumstances, stating that only a footman was with -the king, one Moody; but, of course, Vonderbrugius may be relied on as -the most correct.</p><p class="hang1"><a name="div4_15" href="#div4Ref_15">Footnote 15</a>:: It stood nearly where Westminster Bridge stands at -present.</p><p class="hang1"><a name="div4_16" href="#div4Ref_16">Footnote 16</a>: This circumstance is generally placed by the French -anecdotarians some ten days later; but weconceive that the precision -of a Dutchman is to be relied on in preference.</p><p class="hang1"><a name="div4_17" href="#div4Ref_17">Footnote 17</a>: We cannot help calling attention to the scrupulous -accuracy of Vonderbrugius. Supposing that he might, in some fit of -unwonted imaginativeness have invented this circumstance, we searched -through many tomes for confirmation, when we at last found the whole -story alluded to in the exact Montluc; which, though it leaves the -Dutchman no other merit than that of a compiler, justifies implicit -belief in every part of this surprising history.</p><p class="hang1"><a name="div4_18" href="#div4Ref_18">Footnote 18</a>: The original words of Francis were, <i>Ma lance contre un -écu d'Espagne</i>; <i>écu</i> meaning either a shield or a crown-piece.</p><br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>THE END.</h4><br> -<br> -<br> -<h5>WOODFALL AND KINDER, PRINTERS, LONG ACRE, LONDON.</h5><br> -<br> -<br> -<br> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Darnley, by George Payne Rainsford James - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DARNLEY *** - -***** This file should be named 50491-h.htm or 50491-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/0/4/9/50491/ - -Produced by Charles Bowen from page images provided by -Google Books (The University of Virginia) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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