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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..dd4a04b --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #51557 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/51557) diff --git a/old/51557-0.txt b/old/51557-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index b049c7b..0000000 --- a/old/51557-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,4456 +0,0 @@ -Project Gutenberg's The Colloquies of Edward Osborne, by Anne Manning - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license - - -Title: The Colloquies of Edward Osborne - Citizen and Clothworker of London - -Author: Anne Manning - -Illustrator: John Jellicoe - -Release Date: March 25, 2016 [EBook #51557] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE COLLOQUIES OF EDWARD OSBORNE *** - - - - -Produced by Chris Pinfield and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - - - - - -Transcriber's Note. - -Apparent typographical errors have been corrected. The use of hyphens -has been rationalised. - -A list of the author's works, at the front of the text, has been -moved to join related material at the back. - -Small capitals have been converted to full capitals. Italic and bold -font are indicated by _underscores_ and +plus signs+. - - - - - [Illustration: - The Colloquies - of - Edward Osborne - - Citizen and Clothworker - of London - - Illustrations by - John Jellicoe] - - - - - [Illustration: J Jellicoe - "Surely thou art the Widow Osborne"] - - - - - THE COLLOQUIES OF - - EDWARD OSBORNE - - CITIZEN AND CLOTHWORKER - OF LONDON - - - By - - The Author of "Mary Powell," - "The Household of Sir Thos. More," "Cherry & Violet" - and "The Old Chelsea Bun-Shop," etc. - - - _WITH TEN ILLUSTRATIONS BY_ - - JOHN JELLICOE - - - LONDON - JOHN C. NIMMO - NEW YORK: CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS - MDCCCC - - - Printed by BALLANTYNE, HANSON & CO. - At the Ballantyne Press - - - - -CONTENTS - - -CHAP. PAGE - - I.—_A Country Lad cometh to Town_ 1 - - II.—_First Day of a London 'Prentice his Life_ 27 - - III.—_Ye Disposition & Economy of Master Hewet's House_ 45 - - IV.—_Noteworthy Deed of a Boy taught of a Woman_ 58 - - V.—_Edward Convalesceth i' the Green Lattice_ 77 - - VI.—_Tib's Malpractyzes_ 102 - - VII.—_Early Setting of a young Morning Star_ 117 - -VIII.—_The Defence of the Bridge_ 133 - - IX.—_Osborne is out of his Time_ 167 - - X.—_Evil Times bring Evil Crimes_ 181 - - XI.—_The Blood of the Martyrs, yᵉ Seed of yᵉ Church_ 194 - - XII.—_A Snake among yᵉ Flowers_ 207 - -XIII.—_Master Hewet ordereth Things discretely_ 231 - - - - -LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS - -_From Drawings by_ JOHN JELLICOE - - -"SURELY THOU ART THE WIDOW OSBORNE" _Frontispiece_ - - PAGE - -"HELD THE OAR TO HIM" _To face_ 40 - -"AND TOOK A LEAP" " 60 - -TRYPHENA AND TRYPHOSA " 88 - -"EATING CURDS AND CREAM" " 120 - -"MAKE WAY FOR THE SHERIFF'S DAUGHTER" " 140 - -"RODE OVER THE BRIDGE" " 152 - -"COVERED HIS FACE AND WEPT" " 192 - -"PROFFERED ME A PIECE OF MONEY" " 240 - -THE MASQUE " 272 - - - - - THE COLLOQUIES OF - EDWARD OSBORNE - - - - -CHAPTER I - -_A Country Lad cometh to Town_ - - -So we left the old grey Horse at the _Tabard_, and set forth a-foot, my -Mother and me, for _London Bridge_: I looking right and left for a -Glimpse of the great, broad River. But no Water could we see; and the -Ways were thronged with Men, Horses, Carts, Wagons, Flocks of Sheep, and -Droves of Oxen, pressing along between Stalls set out with all manner of -Cates. Anon we come to a big Gateway, with its Portcullis-teeth grinning -over our Heads; and a-top of this Gateway, that was flanked with -Turrets, and spanned the Road, were ever so many round, dark Objects, -set on Poles, leaning this Way and that; and my Mother shuddered when -she saw them, and told me they were Traitors' Heads. But between us and -this Gateway lay a Draw-bridge, the which, as we crossed, gave us a -Glimpse of the broad _Thames_, all a-blaze in the Sun. I pluckt at my -Mother's Sleeve, without speaking, and we looked over the Parapet, and -could see Boats ducking and diving under a Row of Houses right across -the River, some of 'em six Stories high, with Balconies and projecting -Gables, looking ready to topple into the Water, that rushed onward with -tremendous Force, eddying and foaming among the Arches. Then I noted at -the Foot of each Pier, strange Projections of Timber-work, and askt my -Mother what they were, and she could not tell me. But a Man that -overheard me said they were called Sterlings, and were strong Piles of -Wood driven into the Bed of the River. Also he told me the Bridge was -sixty Feet above the Water, and that its Founder, _Peter_ of -_Colechurch_, lay y-buried in the Chapel on the Bridge; and more he -would have added but for the Interposure of my Mother, who said, "Come, -Child, we linger," and drew me away. Then we passed under the Gateway, -which was also a Kind of Guard-house, and Toll-gate; and, quod she, "Now -thou art on _London Bridge_." But I should never have found it out; for -to all Seeming, we were in midst of an ill-paved, exceeding narrow -Strete, only some twelve Feet across, with Frippery-shops, and such-like -on either Side. A great, o'erloaded Wagon that went first, cleared the -Way for us, filling the Space all across; but anon it meeteth another -Wagon, even higher than itself, with a Terrier barking a-top; and, the -one essaying to pass the other, their Headgear got entangled in the -Outworks of the upper Stories of two opposite Houses, and I saw the -Terrier jump into an Attick Window, and presently run forth of the Shop -below. Then the Wagoners chode and reviled, for one of 'em must needs -back off the Bridge, and some Sheep and Oxen were coming up behind; and -the Foot-passengers jostled and jibed, and Shopkeepers looked forth of -their Doors, and Wives and Maids from their Lattices, and Swarms of -quick-eyed mischievous favoured Lads peered forth of every Bulk; and my -Mother cried, "Oh! weary on them! we may bide here all Night!" ... when, -looking hard on the Shop to our left, she sayth, "Why here's the _Golden -Fleece_!" - -And so we made bold to enter, between a few Rolls of brown and gray -Cloth; and found Master _Hewet_ seated behind a Desk, holding a Pen, but -not using it, discoursing with a sober-apparelled Friend, and ever and -anon casting a quiet amused Look at the Turmoil on the Bridge. He was -what I then counted a middle-aged, but should now reckon a youngish Man, -somewhere betwixt thirty and forty Years of Age, of a good Presence and -a piercing but pleasant Eye; and with that in his Carriage and Looks -that discovered he had Something within him beyond the common, that -tended to excite Affection and Veneration. So soon as his Eye lighted -pleasantly upon us, "Surely, thou art the Widow _Osborne_!" quod he to -my Mother, "and this, by his Favour, I am sure is the Son of mine old -School-mate. He will, I trust, prove of as good Conditions." - -And, putting down his Pen, he quickly led the Way into a pleasant -Chamber at the Back, o'erlooking the River, wherein, a watering of some -Flowers on the Window-sill, was a middle-aged Gentlewoman, clad in -Black, of a benign Aspect, a mild hazel Eye, and a Tinct that had more -of the Pearl than the Peach in it. "Sister _Fraunces_," quod Master -_Hewet_, "here is Mistress _Osborne_;" whereon the Gentlewoman turned -about and spake courteouslie unto my Mother, whom she made to sit down -and take Wine and Spiced-bread; while I, as a mannerly Youth, stood in -Presence of mine Elders. Then sayth my Mother to Master _Hewet_, "I -come, Sir, in answer to your considerate Letter, to put my Boy in your -Charge:—he's but country-bred, though a good Lad, and come of a good -Stock ... not only born of a Woman, but taught of a Woman, alas -that I should say so! save for his School-teaching." "Marry, his -Brother-prentice, then, is one of another Feather," saith Master -_Hewet_, smiling, "we shall see which turns out best. Leave your Son -with me; and at the End of a Month or so, when he hath looked at the -Trade a little, we will decide whether or no to have him bound." "Alas, -Sir!" saith my Mother, with lengthened Face, "may not all be done now? I -have two small Children at Home, mine Absence is untimeous, and -Travelling is strange to me—I have the Fee ready, the Boy is willing, -and you cannot choose but be satisfied with his Conditions, for the Lad -is a good Lad, though 'tis his Mother that says so." - -"Well," saith Master _Hewet_, after a little Thought, "the Course is -uncommon, for we mainly like to prove a Youth and see whether he be -likely to do Good at the Trade, and be a profitable and desirable -Apprentice before we bind him; but since your Case is in some Respects -singular, it shall be as you say; for, as it happens, this is one of the -Days on which the Court and Master sit to bind and enroll 'Prentices." -So forth we went: he making Way for my Mother, and I following last. - -On our Way to _Mincheon Lane_, we fell in with an uproarious Rabble, -that, with Shouts, were haling Somewhat through the Mud, which proved to -be a Church Image; doubtless, just pulled down from its Niche. The Head -was rare carven, and floridly painted after the Life; but the Trunk was -nothing but a squared Block, with a Cross-piece for the Shoulders, and -looked pitiful enow, now 'twas despoiled of its rich Clothing. An -Ale-house Keeper at the Bridge end turned in-doors with Disgust at the -Sight, which some of the Rabblement noting, they cried out, "Here's a -Bone for you to pick, Sir _Tobias_!" and beset his Door. I afterwards -learned he was an ejected Roman Catholic Parson. - -When we reached the _Clothworkers' Hall_, the Clerk made out my -Indentures; and then I was taken before the Master to be enrolled. - -My Mother having paid the Fee, (Spoon-silver they jocosely called it,) -unto Master _Hewet_, he did not pocket it, but put it into the -Common-box: and the Business was done; my Master exchanging some -pleasant Words with the Master of the Company, and the latter bidding me -(in the only Sentence he spoke to me), mind the Clothworkers' -Motto,—"_My Trust is in God alone_." - -Then, my Mother and I took Leave of one another, aside, as 'twere, in -the Doorway; for she was to lie that Night in _Temstrete_, at her Cousin -_Hale's_, (who was a _Broughton_,) and return to _Ashford_ on the -Morrow. And she kissed me and wept sore, and sayth, "Ah Son, thou art -full young to be cast out of the Nest ... fain I were to keep thee: but -what though? Thou canst not always be at mine Apron-string, and thou -hast a brave Spirit and a good Heart; wherefore, like _Hannah_, Wife of -_Elkanah_, I will entrust my First-born unto the LORD, and see what he -will do for thee.... And remember, _Ned_, thou art the Son of a -Gentleman, and think the Eye of thy Father still upon thee." - -Then quod I, in answer to my Mother, "Cheer up, sweet _Mother_, I will -never disgrace him nor thee: so give over thy weeping, lest they should -deem the Tears on my Face to be mine instead of thine ... don't melt me, -_Mother_, lest they count me but a Boy, and make light of our Country -Breeding." - -"A Boy, indeed! What art thou more?" quod she, smiling through her -Tears; and with one hearty Kiss and her Blessing, went her Ways. - -On our Return to my Master's House, he, noting my Hair to be too long -for a 'Prentice, (for, indeed, my Mother was rather vain of it,) gave me -a Penny, and sent me to Master _Soper_ the Barbitonsor, across the -Bridge, to have it clipt. Here found I a Man having his Beard trimmed, -and another, waiting for his Turn, playing a Mandoline. Seeing me look -forth of the Lattice on the River, boiling and splashing below, and the -Boats shooting the Arches and nearly pitching Head foremost down the -Fall, he stayed his Hand, and told me how many Lives were lost in those -Rapids by the Year. Then I made bold to ask him what was that great -Fortress with Towers, on the north Bank. - -"Thou art a Stranger in _London_, then," saith he, "for every Cockney -knows the _Tower_, whose foundation Stones were cemented, they say, with -Mortar tempered with Blood. And truly, Blood enow hath been spilt within -it to bring a Judgment on its Walls. _Henry_ the _Sixth_ was murdered in -the _Tower_, _George_ of _Clarence_ was drowned in the _Tower_, _Edward_ -the _Fifth_ and _Richard_ Duke of _York_, those pretty Innocents, were -smothered in the _Tower_, _Anne Boleyn_ and _Katherine Howard_ were -beheaded in the _Tower_. And, for all it hath held a King's Parliament, -and is our Citadel of Defence, a royal Palace for Assemblies, a -Council-house for Treaties, a Treasury of Crown Jewels, the royal Mint -of Coinage, the prime Conservator of Records, and the Armoury of warlike -Provisions, yet, for the Tears and the Blood that have been shed in it, -I could say, Down with it, down with it even unto the Ground! And -methinks its evil Story is not yet wound up, but that a dark Cloud hangs -over it e'en now. We shall see! we shall see! Many an ignoble Man rises -aloft, many a proud Man is brought low. 'Tis time enough at one's Life's -end to sing Gloria. Ah! our Bridge Tower, whereof I am Gate-keeper, hath -another guess Foundation than _Cæsar's_; for on every one of its four -Corner-stones is graven the Name of JESUS; _deep, but out of Sight_." - -And he peered into my Face as he spake that Saying, to wit if I felt its -Force. - -"And now my Turn hath come to be trimmed," quod he, "so thou mayst thrum -the Mandoline." - -When I went back, there was a Man with a Burthen leaving the Shop; and -my Master saith, "Follow this Porter to Master _Askew's_ in -_Candlewickstrete_, and bring home my little Daughter, who hath been -spending the Forenoon at her Godfather's." So I went with the -Porter, and on reaching _Candlewickstrete_, which was not full of -Tallow-chandlers' Shops, but of Drapers, he shewed me Master _Askew's_ -House; and I entered and found him in Parley with a Man in a red Coat. -Quod he, "Well, I suppose my Lord must have it, but I like not the -Security;" and handed him over a heavy Bag that seemed full of Money. -Said the Man in Red, stowing the Bag under his Coat, "You were best not -offend my Lord, for I warrant the Loss of his Custom would make you the -worse by a pretty Penny." "Tut!" cries the other, "we could better -afford to lose the Court than the Court to lose the City." On which, -they parted. "Who art thou, my Lad?" quod he. "I'm my Master's new -'Prentice," quod I, "come to fetch Mistress _Anne_." "Ah!" quod he, -"then you're from Master _Hewet_, though you speak as if there were but -one Master in the World.... _Anne!_ sweet _Anne_!" - -And, at his Call, there runneth in a fair little Gentlewoman, about six -Years of Age. Sure, never was seen so sweet a Child! Master _Askew_ -caught her up in his Arms and gave her many Kisses, and told her she -must return with me; whereon she came and placed her Hand in mine, in -full Assurance of Faith. A Gentlewoman, not much turned of thirty, -personable, and of the Complexion they call sanguine, followed her -forth, with many Injunctions to tell her Father how good she had been, -and giving her, at parting, a Piece of sweet Marchpane. - -In the Strete, we were so beshoved about, that Mistress _Anne_ presently -made Request of me to carry her. So I took her up and set her on my -Shoulder, and bade her hold on by my Hair; which she was pleased to say -was shorter than mine Ears, or even than mine Eyelashes. And, in seeking -to admeasure them, she nearly toppled down; so then I said if she were -going to be unruly, besides blinding me with the Crumbs of her -Marchpane, I must set her in the Stokkes. To which she made Answer, -"Then you must put both my Feet into one Hole; and even then I shall -slip them out." Thus prettily she prattled all the Way, till I told her -I thought my Hair was at least shorter than her Tongue. When we reached -my Master's Door, I was passing it unawares, when she lugged at mine -Hair and cried, "Stop, Boy, stop; you must set me down." I said, "Then -you must give me a Kiss." She sayth, "Humph, I've no Objection;" which I -thought very funny and very pretty in so young a little Gentlewoman. - -It was now Supper-time; and, my Fellow-'prentice being out, Mistress -_Fraunces_ shewed me how to lay the Cloth, set forth the Spoons, &c., -and told me that London 'Prentices stood behind their Master's Chair at -Meal Times. Just as _Tib_ the Cook had set the Dishes on the Table, -there entereth a hale, aged Man, white headed, with a merry Eye, and a -thin Cheek besprent with lively red. My Master hailed him with Zest, -crying, "Ha! Master _Cheke_! 'tis of long Time since we met! How fareth -it with thee, Master _Cheke_? Come in, Man, come in and sup with us, -and, if thou wilt, lie to-night in the Green Lattice; there's the old -Bed made up." - -"Old Bed!" quod the other, jocularly; is anything old fit to be offered -to me that am so young and so fine? What though I'm from the Country, -have I not Friends at Court? Marry, Man, my Kinsman is the King's -Sub-tutor, and I've had Speech of him this Day." - -"If you are too fine for old Friends, I have no more to say to you," -quod Master _Hewet_, heartily, and taking his Place at Table, while his -Visitor and Mistress _Fraunces_ did the same. "You can't be _our_ Master -_Cheke_.... Now then, Sir, boiled or roast? You see, though 'tis -_Friday_, we are not quite so scrupulous as we were wont of old Time, in -regard to a broiled Bone or so ... here's nothing from salt Water save a -Dish of Prawns." - -"And very pretty Picking," sayth Master _Cheke_, "for a Man that hath -had one Supper already off a King's Leavings ... for, you see, the -pretty Boy goes to Bed at eight o' the Clock. What a young Miracle 'tis! -A very Saint, Sir! excelling any _Edward_ hath been canonized. Marry, my -Kinsman said I should have seene the sweet Child blush, when 'twas told -him he was King; and then fall a weeping for his Father, whom, -peradventure, none other loved soe purely; for Love kindles Love, they -say, and, of a Surety, if the old King loved any one, he loved _him_." - -"Then, his Grace's Speech on his Crownation-day," quod Mistress -_Fraunces_. "They brought him the three Swords, for the three Kingdoms. -'There ought to be yet another,' quod he, looking about; 'bring me a -Bible.' When 'twas brought,—'This,' saith he, 'is the Sword of the -Spirit; as the other three are the Swords of our Temporal Dominions: by -them we govern, by this we must be governed, and under this we ought to -live, to fight, to rule, and to guide all our Affairs.' A marvellous -Saying for a Boy of nine Year old!" - -"Ah! I dare say my Kinsman put him up to it," said Master _Cheke_, "but -indeed 'twas well rehearsed and well remembered." - -"Nay, I like not to hear the Credit of a good Thing taken away from its -proper Owner in that Way," quod Mistress _Fraunces_ somewhat warmly. -"Why should we say, 'Such an One was prompted?' 'such a Thing was -forecast?' Doubtless, we all get our Teaching ... from ourselves or -others; and some few, I think, be Heaven-taught." - -"Well, well," quod Master _Cheke_, shelling his Prawns; "'twas a pretty -Word, we all must own. How he chode with his Nurse, e'en in the Nursery, -for standing on a Bible to reach Somewhat off a Shelf!" - -"And that was before he learned Lip wisdom of Master _Cheke_," quod -Mistress _Fraunces_. "However, Sir, I disparage not your Kinsman, though -I will not hear you disparage the King. Honour to whom Honour is due." - -I saw an almost imperceptible uprising of Master _Cheke's_ Eyebrows at -this, as though he were inwardly saying, "Place to Ladies:" howbeit, -Mistress _Fraunces_ kept her Ground, and, I thought, becomingly. She -thought so too, and mentioned afterwards that she had given it to him -roundly. - -Master _Hewet_ was diverting the Discourse, when a Cry without of -"Clubs! Clubs!" was followed by a Shrilling and Screaming like Swifts -round a Steeple, and an uproarious Hallooing and Whooping all along the -Bridge. Master _Cheke_ started up, and then re-seated himself, -muttering, "Young Rascallions!" - -"And yet," quod Master _Hewet_, "they are the Stuff our sober -substantial Citizens are made of. Oh, Sir, I don't mind speaking freely -before my 'Prentice Lads. They will hear no dangerous Matter from me, -and cannot be too early made to feel that we are all one Family. Let -them be merry and wise; the Error is in aiming to be one without the -other." - -I would I could call to Mind othermuch that was said: howbeit, I was -young and new to Service, and had not yet attained unto the Facility -which practised Servitors have of noting each Thing said, hinted, or so -much as looked at Table, while attending to such Orders as "The Mustard, -_Osborne_" ... and so forth. - -But, or ever they had well sate down, Mistress _Anne_ had run in to wish -good Night; and, contriving to tarry, had remained awhile at Master -_Hewet's_ Knee, noting all was done and said. And when, referring to -some of the King's Council, Master _Cheke_ said, "They are new to their -Work, but will take kindly to it presently," she softly sayth, "Like our -new 'Prentice!" which made all laugh. - -When Master _Cheke_ had departed, and the Day's Work and Prayer were -ended, Mistress _Fraunces_ said she would sit up for _Miles -Hackathrift_, who was out too late, and bade me go to Bed, for that she -saw I was weary: (and indeed I had ridden the Pillion twenty Mile that -Morning.) Wherefore I thankfully crept up to the Loft a-top of the -House, wherein were two Tressel-beds; and no sooner lay down than I was -asleep; and might have slept all Night without so much as turning; but -by and by I was arouzed by the Light of a Lanthorn held close to mine -Eyes, which opened, somewhat dazed, on a red, swollen Face, that had too -little Brow and too much Cheek and Chin. Then a surly Voice sayth, "So -thou's the new 'Prentice, it seemeth! Good so! how prettily thy Mother -in the Country hath had thine Hair cut!" I said, "It was cut in Town, -not in the Country.—Go away, and take the Light out of mine Eyes, I -pr'ythee.... I think thou hast been drinking Something stronger than -small Ale, and hast broken thine Indenture." ... "Then I'll brake -Something else," quod he; and gave me a Bang on the Head with his -Lanthorn, that put the Candle out. Thereafter he had to go to Bed in the -Dark; but I wot not if he grumbled thereat, so soon fell I again on -Sleep, too weary to resent his Malefices. - - - - -CHAPTER II - -_First Day of a London 'Prentice his Life_ - - -Thou mayest marvel, _Hew_, that I remember so well the minutest -Circumstances of that, my first Day on the Bridge; but by Reason of a -young, quick Apprehensiveness of Novelty, I remember that Day better -than any other (but one) in the Year; and that Year better than many -that came after it. - -Early as I rose the next Morning, it would seem that some one was yet -earlier than I; for my Master's large Bible lay open on the Table, as -though some one had been a reading it. And, whereby my good Mother had -early taught me, during the Famine of GOD'S Word, to snatch a Mouthful -of it whenever it came in my Way, albe it were but a single Sentence to -chew the Cud upon pleasantly at my Work, I cast mine Eye upon the Page, -and lighted by Hap on the Saying, "Whatsoever thine Hand findeth to do, -_do it with thy Might_,"—when my Master's Hand was laid upon my -Shoulder, and made me start. - -"My Lad," quod he, "a Mind sequestering itself to the Exercises of -Piety, lies very open to the farther Discoveries of divine Light and -Love, and invites CHRIST to come and dwell in it." I louted low, to -thank him for his Grace, albeit it seemed to me he took me for a better -and wiser Lad than I was. But good Praise takes root and spreads; and -there was no great Damage in his giving me a little more Credit than I -deserved; inasmuch as we are not born good, but made good. - -Thereafter, Master _Hewet_ taketh me to the very topmost Floor of our -House, next the 'Prentices' Loft, and openeth a creaking Door; whereon -we enter a low, longish Attick, containing two Looms, at one of which -sate a Man weaving. There was a Lattice almost the entire Length of the -Attick, looking down upon the bright shining _Thames_, then sparkling in -the Morning Sun, and all in a Tremble beneath a smart Breeze, while -heavy Barges and light Boats full of Garden Stuff for the Markets were -passing to and fro. The Chamber, though abject to look at, was -delightsome to look from; and the Air was so clear that I could see a -Housewife in a Stamel Petticoat cheapening Neats' Feet on the -_Bankside_, and the _Easterlings_ unloading their Cargoes at the -_Steelyard_. But the Man at the Loom had no Eye for these Things; he -seemed not much under fifty Years of Age, and had a pale, pain-worn -Face, and patient, gentle, though not happy Aspect. A Blackbird in a -Wicker Cage hung at the open Window; there were some two or three old -Books on a Shelf, and a dozen Flowerpots or so on a little Ledge outside -the Attick, between the Roofs, which was railed in and made into a Sort -of little Garden. - -"Here's a Man, now," quod my Master to me in a low Voice, "hath so -little Care for aught beyond these four Walls, as never e'en to have -spared Time to look on _Fisher's_ Head at the Bridge End all the While -the Strete was so thronged with the gazing Rabble as that scarcely a -Horse nor Cart could pass. Nor do I believe he would have cast a Look up -at poor Sir _Thomas More_, save on his Way to the Burreller's. A fair -Morning, _Tomkins_!" - -"A fair Morning, as you say, Master," returned _Tomkins_, "I wish you -Joy of it." - -"Here's your new Scholar," quod my Master; "you will set him going, and -are scarce likely to find him more awkward than _Miles_." - -"I hope I shall find him a good Deal less so, and less froward, too, or -I sha'n't count him good for much," quod _Tomkins_, turning about, and -looking hard at me. "I like his Face, Master," quod he. - -"Here, give him the Shuttle, and let us see how he will handle it," quod -Master _Hewet_. - -"Not mine, he may have _Miles's_," interposed _Tomkins_, rising with -some Difficulty and going to the other Loom; and I then observed he was -very Lame. "Here, Lad, see, this is the Way," quod he. - -So I tried, awkwardly enough, and made them both laugh; and laughed too. -But I went to it with a Will, and anon they said I was mending. - -"_Miles_ might have done an Hour's Work by this Time," observed -_Tomkins_, "but I've seen nought of him." - -"Because Mistress _Fraunces_ hath sent him to _Trolop's_ Milk-farm for -Curds and Cream," quod my Master; "don't be hard upon him." - -"I wish he may not do what he did, the last Time I sent him of an -Errand," quod _Tomkins_ dryly—"tarry by the Way to see a Horse-dealer -hanged." - -"That would have spoiled my Relish for Curds and Cream," quod Master -_Hewet_, "I think he must have returned ere this—_Ned_ shall bring up -your Breakfast, _Tomkins_." - -As we went down, "Do all thou canst, _Ned_," quod my Master, "in the Way -of small Kindnesses, for that poor Journeyman Freeman.—A few Years -since, a Horse trod upon his Foot and lamed him for Life. My Wife, who -was his Foster-sister, and felt a Kindness for him, had him here to -nurse; and, by the Time he had recovered as much as he was ever likely -to do, he had become so fond of us and of his Attick, that, albeit our -Ordinances are somewhat stringent against Master Clothworkers keeping -Weavers at Journeywork in their own Houses, the Wardens have overlooked -it in his Case, and let him abide on Sufferance. And though I don't -expect to make my Fortune by any Weaving I get out of you or _Miles_, -and have indeed Plenty of very different Work for you, yet 'tis well you -should know somewhat of the Practice of your Craft, and I look to you to -attend to it whenever you would otherwise be in Idleness." - -When we reached the Ground-floor, there was Mrs. _Fraunces_ buying Roses -and Gilly-flowers at the Door, which she afterwards set in Midst of the -Breakfast-table; for 'twas a notable Way of hers I always observed from -the first, to contrive to give e'en the simplest Meal the Air of a -little Banquet, whether by a Posy, a Dish of Fruit, or whatever it might -chance, to grace her plain, plenteous Providings. - -The first Note I had of _Miles Hackathrift_ being at Hand, was when I -returned from carrying up to _Tomkins_ his fried Fish and Bracket. He -came behind me, took me by the Shoulders, and gave me a smart shaking. - -"Come, now," quod I, when he had done, "art thou going to be civil or -troublesome?" - -"Troublesome," replied he decidedly. - -"Oh! well," quod I, "then we shall not come to a good Understanding, it -seems, till I have given you a Beating; but for your Sake I'll put it -off as long as I can." - -"Your Time is mine, sir," quod he, "don't be in a Hurry, nor yet put it -off too long. The smallest Favour shall be cheerfully accepted." - -"Ah," quod I, "if that were a true Word of yours, how pleasantly we -might get on together." - -"Pleasantly! quite the other Way, I think," quod he. "Why, quarrelling's -the very Spice of Life!" - -"Keep Spice for rich Men's Tables, then," quod I, "I can eat my -Breakfast very well without it." - -"Ah!" saith he, "you've been brought up by your Mother!" - -"And what if I have?" quod I quickly. - -"_Have_ you, though?" quod he, laughing. "Marry, you have now told Tales -of yourself! Though I could have guessed it." - -"May there never be a worse Tale to tell of you," quod I. "How mean -you?" quod he, bristling up. "Just what I say and no more," quod I; "my -meaning is full simple, I think." "Like yourself, then," quod he; "I -don't believe you could say Bo! to a Goose." "Nor Pruh! to a Cow, -perhaps," quod I. "Lads! Lads! be quiet there!" cries Mistress -_Fraunces_ from the Parlour. - -"What would be the Effect of that, though?" quod _Miles_, without -minding her, as soon as he had done Coughing by reason of a Fish-bone -that stuck in his Throat. "To set them scampering," quod I, "as I did -one Day, into the midst of a Pleasure Party." "Ha, ha, ha!" cries he, -"I'll try that in _Trolop's_ Fields; there are Lots of Cows there, and -Pleasure Parties too on Summer Evenings. Lovers and Loveresses, a eating -of Curds and Whey!" - -—"Really, Brother," saith Mistress _Fraunces_, the next Time my Master -went into the Parlour,—for though her Voice was low and sweet, it was -so distinct that oft-times I could not help hearing what she was -saying,—"truly, Brother, those Boys of yours wrangle so when they're -together, that it is Misery to hear them." - -"Boys will be Boys," quod he, peaceifyingly, "I was one myself a long -while ago. However, if they have said anything punishable, I must beat -them; but, if not, put a little Cotton Wool into your Ears, Sister -_Fraunces_." - -"Nay," quod she, relenting, "there was nothing punishable in aught they -said; and, as to getting them a Beating, they'll give each other enough -of that, I'm thinking. 'Twas such give and take, snip and snap, parry -and thrust, as that I could scarce forbear laughing." - -"Don't stop your Ears with Cotton Wool, then," quod my Master cheerily, -for a hearty Laugh is worth a Groat. "They'll have little Time for -Fighting, this Morning, for I have Plenty for them to do." - -Despite of this, however, _Miles_ found Time for a little more "snip and -snap," as Mistress _Fraunces_ called it, before Dinner. Seeing me start -forth on an Errand as he returned from one, he quietly saith in passing, -"See how pretty he looks with his Cap on!" whereon it struck me that -every 'Prentice Boy I had seen running about had gone bareheaded; and, -smiling, I put my Cap in my Pocket. - -In those Times, _Hew_, the Saturday Afternoon was somewhat between a -Holiday and a holy Day. People went to Evening Service at three o'Clock, -and, after that, there was no Business done, save in preparation for the -Sabbath; and thoughtful People enjoyed an holy Pause, and young light -Hearts took their Pastime. - -_Miles_, with Mischief in his Eye, proposed to me a Row on the River, -which I, nothing afeard, agreed to, for I had been in a Punt aforetime, -if not in a Wherry. He refused the Aid of a Waterman, saying lightly, -"This young Gentleman knows the Use of a Scull;" and, running hastily -along the Boat to secure the Stroke-oar, his Foot tripped against a -Thwart, and he lost his Balance and fell into the River. I guessed where -he would come up, and, sitting on the further Gunnel to trim the Boat, -held the Oar to him, and guided his Hand to the Side, which enabled him -to scramble in. The Watermen, who had run down to us as soon as they saw -him fall over, laughed when they saw him safe, and cheered me; and he, -looking rather foolish, sayth, "Well, I told them thou knewest the Use -of a Scull." I asked him which Way we should pull; howbeit, he was so -drenched that he must needs go Home to change his Clothes, and bade me -give the Waterman a Penny, saying he had not so much as a _Genoa_ -Halfpenny about him just then to buy a Custard at Mother _Mampudding's_. -When he had changed his Under-garments, and hung his Gown at the Kitchen -Fire, he amused himself by dropping Pellets from the Window on the -People in the Boats that shot the Arch beneath; and _Tib_, with her Head -stretched forth of the other Half of the Lattice, offered to Rehearse -unto me the Name and Calling of every Dweller on the Bridge, from the -Parson and Clerk at the one End, to the old Lady that lived all alone by -herself with her Cats at the other. Howbeit, _Miles_, tiring of waiting -for his Gown to dry, put on another, and bade me bear him Company to -_Finsbury Fields_. But first he lay in Wait behind the Door, and then -stole subtilly forth, like a Cat that had been stealing Cream; and on my -asking him why, he laughed and said, only that Mistress _Fraunces_ might -not see him in his Sunday-gown of a Saturday, for that would be contrary -to Rules and Regulations. - - [Illustration: J.Jellicoe - "Held the oar to him"] - -Arrived at _Finsbury Fields_ I saw what was certainly the finest and -busiest Sight I had ever yet seen in my Life; which indeed is not saying -much. The Fields themselves were open and pleasant, with plenty of -Windmills in full Rotation in the Distance; their white Sails playing -afore a dark Rain-cloud; and the Stretes that led to them beyond _Moor -Gate_, full of Shops kept by Bowyers, Fletchers, and Stringers. Here, on -the open Ground, we found, I say not Crowds, but Shoals of lithe and -limber 'Prentices; and of athletic Freemen, too, and grave and weighty -Citizens, where was Room for all—with Archers' Butts set up in various -Directions; and an infinite Number of the finest young Men the City -could turn out, practising at them with their long Bows; none of them -being allowed to shoot at a Mark nearer than eleven score Yards. Numbers -of the Masters, standing by, were watching, encouraging, and applauding -them, to their great Increase of Emulation. Others again were using -their Wasters and Bucklers, others kicking the Football; in the more -open Ground, Citizens' Sons were racing on Horseback, and some of them -practising Feats of War; others were wrestling, leaping, and casting the -Stone. And on every Hand, Venders of Cakes and Suckets. On the Field, we -came unawares upon Master _Hewet_, who spake us kindly, and noted not -the Matter of _Miles'_ Sunday-gown. And so the Day ended. - -As we went Home, _Miles_ told me how the Mayor, Aldermen, and Sheriffs -were accustomed on St. _Bartholomew's_ Day to see the City Officers -wrestle with all Comers, at a set Place in _Clerkenwell_; and, two or -three Days after, to witness the shooting of the broad Arrow, both of -which I thought I should much delight to behold; but was quite unfit for -when the Time came; as thou, in due Course, shalt know. - - - - -CHAPTER III - -_Ye Disposition & Economy of Master Hewet's House_ - - -My Master's House had six Stories, the lowest of which was sixty Feet -above the River. First came the Kitchen, which, being partly sunk in the -Arch, might, if not in a Bridge, have been counted parcel-underground. -It had a Casement just over the Key-stone, and no thorough Draught; the -Larder being a Lean-to or Afterthought, stuck outside like a Bird's Nest -against the Wall. Level with the Strete lay the Shop, with a small -Ware-room or Writing-closet adjoining; and, behind it, three Steps above -it by Reason of the Kitchen beneath, the common Sitting-room, -overlooking the River. A narrow, steep Stair led to the Floor above, -which had Mistress _Fraunces's_ Sleeping-chamber, wherein lay Mistress -_Anne_, over the Shop, and a Summer-parlour, which for that it had a -Balcony over the River, commonly went by the Name of the Balcony Room. -It was hung with blue Buckram; and, by Reason of its Pleasantness, -Mistress _Fraunces_ made it her chief Sitting-room, while Mistress -_Anne_ played with her Dolls. Also there was a Closet wherein lay _Tib_. -Above this was a large Chamber that covered the whole Floor from Front -to Back, with a Window at either End; and, because of its projecting and -overlapping the Floor below, was sundry Feet the longer: this Room was -wonderful pleasant, and commonly called the Green Lattice, or -Lattice-room, from having a large green Lattice that overlooked the -_Thames_. In my Master's early married Days, which he was wont to say -had been, like those of many a young Husband, his poorest and happiest, -he had been glad to let off this Chamber to a Lodger.—His Father dying, -and leaving him Money, he left the retail for wholesale Business, gave -up his Lodger, and used the best Chamber himself; but with Wealth came, -as usual, a Counterpoise: his Wife died untimely in this same Chamber; -whereon he conceived a Dislike of it; and Mistress _Fraunces_ then -coming to reside with him and occupying his old Quarters, he mounted up -to the fourth Story, to a Room that o'erlooked the Strete. Above this -was _Tomkins_' Attick, and, last of all, our Loft. The Wind whistled -fearsomely up there, o' Nights, and made the Walls rock round us; not -that there was often any one wakeful enough to mind it. - -In the Green Lattice, though unoccupied, there stood a carven Oak Bed, -with dark green Hangings, lined with yellow Fustian, and Linen a Miracle -for Whiteness, ready for any chance Guest. I thought, boy-like, as I -glanced in, passing up and down, 'twas fit for the Sleeping Beauty to -lie in during her Trance of a hundred Years. There was a great Jar of -dead Rose-leaves, that smelt rarely; and I always had the Notion they -had been gathered by Mistress _Anne's_ Mother. I wondered, with a -strange yet pleasing Awe, whether her Ghost ever walked here, now that -her little Girl passed Hours in the Room by herself, singing over her -Dolls; and thought it might perhaps steal softly in and keep about her -when we little wisted. - -_Tib_, the Cook, made and kept but few Friends. She was turned of Forty, -and had a notable scorched Face, that looked like a Kitchen Fire. Also -she was a Woman of much Thirst, both for Ale and News; and would have -been counted a notable cleanly Woman, had she not been so dirty. For -Example, she would set the House afloat with Bucketfuls of cold Water, -till only _Noah's_ Dove could have found Rest for the Sole of its Foot; -and yet, the next Minute, would fling a Tub-full of Dish-water straight -into the River, on the Heads of any Passengers that might hap to be -shooting the Arch. She got into Trouble, once or twice, for this. - -Now, when I fell into my daily Course, Part of my Time was spent under -the Eye of my Master, and within hearing of his pleasant Talk, Part in -running about the Town, and Part with _Tomkins_; so that I was happy -from Morning to Night. For, _Miles_ not being fond of waiting upon the -poor lame Journeyman, I made it a Labour of Love; and he, being a -tender-spirited Man, very sensitive to small Kindnesses, took hugely to -me, as I shortly did to him. He had a busy Mind that was always at Work, -and his Occupation leaving him much Leisure for Headwork, he was always -chewing the Cud upon this or that Problem he had conned at odd Minutes -out of his old Books, or brooding upon Mysteries that were harder to -crack, and less safe for an unlearned Man to meddle with. Also he had a -mechanical Turn, which he exercised at what he called his Play Hours, -thereby only exchanging one hard Work for another; but he was so fond of -it that I was always glad to see his little File and Pincers in his -Hand. Thus it came to pass, that he never cared to stir from his Attick -into the World beneath, (though I found, afterwards, he generally -contrived to creep out somewhere on Sundays when we were all in Church,) -for, he said, Air he had plenty of, Exercise was a Misery to him, and as -for Company, had he not all he cared for, already? A few kind Words from -Master _Hewet_, continual Chat with me, a bright Glimpse of Mistress -_Anne_, and a Visit now and then from Mistress _Fraunces_, were all he -had and all he liked. For Mistress _Fraunces_ he had a wonderful Respect -and even Admiration; commending her gentle Temper, womanly Carriage, and -pleasant Voice; and bidding me note, (which I did on his naming,) that -she had, for her Years, the finest Hand that a Woman was ever graced -with. I said I wondered she had never married. He said, "Aye, indeed, -what can the Men have been about?" with a little Smile that I did not -feel to be quite respectful; and I wondered that even the gentle -_Tomkins_ must have his Fling at single Women. - -Mistress _Fraunces_ was used to accompany my Master to the Hall Dinners; -indeed, being a Sister of the Company, she was liable to a Fine if she -did not, except by Reason of Illness. However, now and then, she stayed -away; and then, when my Master returned, she would ask him with great -Interest what had been served up; and, being a shrewd Marketer, would -price each Item as he went along: thus,— - -"Well, Brother, and what did you have to-day?" - -"Why," saith he, "there was a Porpoise, to begin with." - -"A Porpoise!" then cries she, "oh! what a nasty coarse Fish! They are -seldom or never now seen at Table. Well, what else?" - -"Two Congers and two Turbot." - -"Ah! of course, Nobody would touch the Porpoise. Congers, the largest in -_Wetfishmongersrow_, six Shillings each, this Morning. Turbots, -three—eighteen. Well?" - -"Sirloin of Beef—Half a Veal—a standing Coney with a blue Ribbon round -his Neck." - -"Hold, Brother, not so fast. Beef, we all know, is a Penny a Pound—we -thank King _Harry_ for that. I saw Half a Veal to-day at Half-a-crown." - -"Two dozens Pigeons." - -"Two Shillings." - -"Some of your _French_ Kickshaws—'_Pettiz Birds rostez_.' ... And -'_pain-puffe avec un cold bakemeat_.'" - -"We have that every Sabbath," quod she, dryly, "without its fine Name. I -suppose you had Sweets." - -"Oh, yes; _Leche Lombard_; Pears _en serop_; Fritters, Doucettes, and -_une grande Custard_." - -"Come," saith she, "that was pretty well—enough, and no Profusion. But -the Porpoise spoiled all. And they might have given you a Swan instead -of a Coney. But stay; had you no _Mortreuse_?" - -"No _Mortreuse_." - -"Out on it!" quod she, "then I would not have given a Fig for your -Feast. There's nothing you had, that we can't have at Home, save -Mortreuse: I shall not rest till I know how to make it." - -At this Time, every one in their House seemed, according to their -several Dispositions, peaceful and happy; e'en _Tib_, after her Manner, -whether eating a plentiful Meal, setting the House afloat, stretching -forth of the Kitchen Window in the full Tide of Gossip with the Maid -next Door, or hemming a Lockram Pinner. She and _Miles_ were Friends -to-day, Foes to-morrow. One Minute, she would be giving him a -Sop-in-the-pan; the next, basting him with the Ladle. One Day, because -he had soiled her fresh-scoured Floor with his muddy Shoes, she -protested he should clean it; they had a real, earnest Fight, which a -Man should be above having with a Woman;—and he pulled out a Lock of -her red Hair, a small one,—which she snatched up from the Floor and -pocketed, saying she would shew it to Mistress _Fraunces_. Howbeit, she -did not. - -I affected a quieter Companion in the Attick; and one not without his -Teaching, for he was letterish after his Fashion, and had been in -_Paul's_ School. And, among his much used Books, there was _Lilly's_ -Grammar, and even _Prudentius_ and _Lactantius_; and another, in his -Eyes worth all the Rest, calling it "real Literature," and the others -"mere Blotterature," a Joke of old Dean _Colet's_. This precious Volume -looked to me mighty dull, being full of algebraic Signs; but he earned -many a Headache over it, and gave me a Headache too, sometimes, in -trying to help him. - -Pleasant Hours those were! in that quiet Attick, with the _Thames_ -trembling in silver Light far below, while the Watermen clave it with -their Oars to the mellow Song of "Heave ho, rumbelow!" and "Row the -Boat, _Norman_!" The Blackbird sang as cheerily as if he were in the -green Woods of _Kent_; and ever and anon the pretty Laugh of Mistress -_Anne_ would be heard from the Green Lattice, or she would peep in and -say, "Have a Cake, _Edward_?" "Have a Cherry?" and leave her little Gift -and run away. - - - - -CHAPTER IV - -_Noteworthy Deed of a Boy taught of a Woman_ - - -I am now coming, _Hew_, to what hindered me of seeing the Shew in -_Clerkenwell_ on St. _Bartholomew's_ Day. Man proposes, but GOD -disposes: all Things are overruled for Good to them that love him—I'm -sure I found it so in this Case. - -The Weather was now excessive hot: _Miles_ and I used to take Boat -whenever we had a spare Evening, and practice Swimming off _Battersea_. -Also, we sometimes bathed in _Perilous Pond_, wherein many 'Prentices -are yearly drowned; hard by the Well of Dame _Annis_ the Clear. - -As for _Tomkins_, his whole Soul was in the making of the queerest Watch -that ever was seen; howbeit, clumsy as it was, he at last made it go; -though it never could keep up with St. _Magnus_' Clock. - -Master _Hewet_ was anxious, one Forenoon, to communicate by Letter with -an Agent on the Point of embarquing for _Callice_. I had a Race against -Time to the Quay, sped my Errand, and returned beneath a broiling -Noon-day Sun. When I got back, I was overheated and very thirsty, and -thought I would step into the Kitchen for a Drink of cold Water. I had -pulled off my warm blue Gown to cool myself, and went into the Kitchen -with it hanging on my Arm. Leaning forth of the Lattice, according unto -her Wont, was _Tib_, a parleying with the next Door Servant; and with -her left Arm cast about the Waist of Mistress _Anne_, who sate on the -Window-sill with her Back to the River. On seeing me come in, the little -Maiden clapped her Hands, which startling _Tib_, who supposed herself -caught by Mistress _Fraunces_, she maketh no more Ado, but turns short -round in a Flurry, giving a Lurch with her left Arm that cast the pretty -Innocent headlong into the River. I remember _Tib_ squealed; but without -a second Thought, I dropped my Gown that so luckily was off, and took a -Leap that was clean sixty Feet into the River, without so much as a -Thought what I should do when I got there. I remember the Blow the Water -gave my Head, and what a Way I went down, and how I bobbed up again, as -Providence would have it, with the dear little Fondling within -Arm's-length of me, drifting towards the Fall beyond the Arch. I -clutched at her by the pretty Waist, just as the Eddy was going to suck -her in, and, striking out once or twice with the other Arm, though the -Rapids were bearing me down horribly, found myself the next Minute a -clinging on to the Sterling, without Power to climb up it, so spent was -I, and feeling as if I must lose Hold of little _Anne_ after all! I wot -not how much of the Noise I then seemed to hear was the Water singing in -mine Ears, and the Uproar of the Falls; howbeit, there were People -hallooing above and around, and my Master's Voice a-top of all, from the -Parlour Window, overhead, crying, "Hold on, _Ned_, for thy Life! we'll -save you, my brave Boy! Cling to him, _Anne_, if he can't cling to thee!" - - [Illustration: "And took a leap"] - -And, before this, there had been a Roar, as if through a Speaking-trumpet, -of "Boat a-hoy!" and I heard Oars plashing fast, though I could not -spare Strength to turn my Head to see how near Help was. Then a rough, -kindly Hand laid hold of me from behind; and, finding I had no Power to -help myself, the Waterman took me under the Arms, and lifted me clean -into the Boat, with the dear little Girl hanging about my Neck. Oh! what -a Cheer there was! I heard it then, _I hear it now_: it came from around -and from above, as if GOD'S Angels were hovering over us. We were rowed -swiftly to the Landing, where there was a Press of People that mutely -fell back to make Way for Master _Hewet_, as he ran down the Stairs. For -he was greatly loved along the Bridge. He would have caught little -_Anne_ from me; but I could neither speak nor let her go; and he sayth, -"So best!" and burst forth into Tears. That sett off all the rest; and -when some one afterwards said, "Wherefore cheered ye him not when he -came a-land?" another made Answer, "How could we? all were in Tears." So -I went along, carrying little _Anne_, still fast to my Neck, with her -Cheek close pressed to mine, and they said, "It's all right, it's his -Triumph." But I thought not so much of any Triumph, just then, as how -thankful I was to GOD. When we got to the House, Mistress _Fraunces_ -took the poor, drenched Innocent from mine Arms; and Master _Hewet_, -taking me round the Neck, absolutely kissed me. Which was a memorable -Thing for a Master to do by his 'Prentice. Only, you see, I had saved -his Daughter. - -Well, that Evening was spent betwixt laughing and crying—scolding -_Tib_, and _Tib's_ saying she must leave, and Mistress _Fraunces_ saying -no one would take her with such a Character as she must give her; and -then my Master interfering and saying she must go for a While at least, -to her Friends, till he could endure the Sight of her, and then _Tib_ -crying and saying she had got no Friends, and his relenting and saying, -Well, then she must stay till she could get another Place, and keep out -of his Sight all she could, and never do so any more. Then came Supper, -I waiting on my Master, and Mistress _Anne_ nestled in his Arms in a -warm Wrapper, for she said if she went to Bed she should dream of -falling into the Water. And my Master liked to feel he had her safe, and -she and I exchanged many fond Looks; and we grew merry. For Master -_Hewet_ filled me a Cup from a long, narrow-necked Bottle of some -marvellous pleasant Wine, and Mistress _Fraunces_ helped us all round to -a Cake that had ne'er its like for Richness; and there were People -dropping in to inquire, and bewail, and felicitate. So the Bottle was -soon emptied; and when I went to Bed, my Head was in a Maze, and my -Temples beating like Blacksmiths' Hammers. As for Sleep!—whenever it -came nigh me, bang went mine Head against the Water!—and I rose up with -a great Start. While, as long as I lay awake, I heard (and saw too, with -mine Eyes ever so close shut), People cheering and crying and casting -Ropes, and leaning out of Lattices, and rowing Boats that made no Way; -and felt _Anne's_ Arm slipping from my Neck, and I with no Strength to -hold her; and, through and above all, the great Bell of St. _Magnus_ -clanging and tolling, through the livelong Night. - -But, what was very marvellous, when Morning came at last, and, I -suppose, I awoke, though it seemed me I had never fallen on Sleep, ... -there was I, not in the Loft, but in the Green Lattice Chamber, lying on -that beautiful Bed I thought fit for the Sleeping Beauty! And there was -a Chirurgeon with a Lancet in his Hand, and there were Basins and -Bandages, and my left Arm was stiffened, and I felt very weak. Mistress -_Fraunces_ had her Arm aneath mine Head, and my Master, with his grave, -kind Face, stood a-foot of the Bed. And, to my great Surprise, I heard -_Twelve o' the Clock_ striking on the Bell of St. _Magnus_, and, I -think, every other Clock in _London_, my Hearing seemed so tender; and -the Phlebotomist sayth, "He'll do, now.—Next Time you leap from such a -height, my Boy, clasp thine Hands a-top of thine Head. Howbeit, you will -now soon get well." - -—But oh! I did not soon get well. For I wot not what had come over me, -... none of us ever could rightly tell, ... whether the sudden Chill -after being so hot, or the Plunge from so great an Height, or the Turn -of my Blood with Fright at seeing _Anne_ fall in, ... but as soon as -ever I essayed to arise and dress, my Master and _Tomkins_ being by, I -began tumbling about and could neither hear nor see; leastwise Nothing -that was really to be seen and heard. And with such fearsome Pains in my -Head! So hot, and yet so cold! Such Thirst, and such loathing of Food! - -In short, I was sick nigh to Death of what the Leeches call Brain Fever. -Thereon the Kindness I received is past all telling. Mistress _Fraunces_ -seemed never out of Sight. Also _Tib_ was very handy and officious, -never minding climbing ever so many Stairs. And _Miles_ did the odd Work -for all, spake under his Voice, and went about without his Shoes. At -dead o' Night, I sometimes saw my Master at the Bed-foot, reading his -_Tyndal's_ Testament, (one o' the few that scaped burning,) with the -Lamp shaded so as not to shine into mine Eyes. At other Times, -_Tomkins_. But his Book was never the Testament. - -One Night, when the latter was with me alone, I said suddenly, -"_Tomkins_! the Night is far spent, the Day is at Hand!" ... "No, Lad," -quod he, "it wants many Hours yet to Day. It hath but just struck -eleven." "Ah, but," quod I, "those Words I used are Scripture, I think, -for I heard Master _Hewet_, as he sate a-reading, whisper them over to -himself. Do look out for them, will you, that I may know I was not -dreaming. They worry me." - -_Tomkins_ did not much like the Talk; howbeit, he laid down his own -Book, and turned over the other. - -"I don't see them," quod he. - -"How _can_ you, in the Dark?" quod I. - -"I'm not in the Dark!" quod he. - -"Well then," quod I, turning on my Pillow restlessly, "I suppose _I_ am. -I thought you had been, but peradventure I'm wandering again." - -After long Silence, he sayth, in a Voice hushed, and quite altered, "I -have them now ... they are close to your Master's Mark." And continued -reading. - -After a While, I saw him turn back again to his Starting-point, and sit -in a Muze, with his Eyes fixed; and after that, read again. - -I said softly to him, presently, "_Tomkins_, where do you go on Sundays?" - -"Who spoke?" cried he with a Start. - -"_I_ did," quod I. "Who else _should_ speak?" - -"Thy Voice sounded so low and sweet, Boy," quod he, recovering himself, -"that I wist not it was thine." - -"Well, but," persisted I, "where _do_ you go on Sundays?" - -"Not to Church," answered he, after a Pause. - -"But why not, _Tomkins_? Hast thou not a Soul to be saved, as much as -we?" - -"As much, no more," returned he, "if we _have_ any Souls." - -"Oh!" cried I, half starting up, but obliged to fall back again -directly, "could a Man without a Soul _make a Watch_?" - -"Well," quod he, after a Pause, "there you pose me. But all, all is -dark." - -"_Tomkins!_" cried I, "you make my Head ache ready to split, and my -Eyeballs seem too big for mine Eye-lids to shut over them. So hot, too, -as they are! I cannot argue with you. But, oh, _Tomkins_! if all is -dark, remember that 'the Night is far spent, the Day is at Hand!'" - -"So this Book sayeth," rejoined he, thoughtfully. - -"Well," said I, sighing, "I shall soon know." - -"_Know?_ why?" - -"Why, because, _Tomkins_, I think I am very likely dying ... and then, -if I have no Soul, where do you think I shall go to?" - -"I think," quod he, drawing his Hand across his Eyes, "that _you_ will -go to Heaven ... if there be such a Place." - -"I think so too, and feel sure of it," said I. - -"What makes you feel sure?" quod he. - -"Well," quod I, "I seem to have a sort of Witness in myself." - -"I wish I had," quod he, sighing deeply: and returned to his Reading. - -"What have you come to, now?" quod I presently, seeing him stop. - -"_Of such is the Kingdom of Heaven_," quod _Tomkins_. - -"Such? what?" - -"Little Children, like Mistress _Anne_ ... and Lads like you." - -"Ah!" said I, "if I had not got her out of the Water, she'd have been in -Heaven now." - -"I suppose you don't want her to _be_ there, though?" said _Tomkins_. -"Time enough for that—she'll go there when her Hour comes." - -"Oh! then you think there _is_ such a Place to go to, do you?" - -"For you and for her," quod he, cautiously. - -"You say that to humour me, I fear, _Tomkins_, because I am ill. If -there be such a Place for us, why not for you?" - -"Lad, you must keep quiet, and not talk so, or you'll go there sooner -than I wish." - -"Well, I am glad thou admittest there is such a Place," returned I, -beginning to feel greatly spent. "Only I wish you felt you should go -there too." - -"Boy, I'm not good enough," ejaculated he, with a shake of the Head. -"Ah, if you feel that, I don't despair of you," quod I. "There's Hope -for those that feel like forgiven Sinners or unforgiven Sinners: the -only hopeless ones are those that don't feel Sinners at all. And now, -_Tomkins_, just give me Something to drink." - -He did so, holding up my Head on his Arm. "Is there Anything else," quod -he, "I can do for thee?" - -"Why, yes," quod I, wistfully, "and then I think I could go to sleep." - -"What is it?" saith he very kindly. "I'll do it for thee." - -—"_Tomkins_, is it St. _Bartholomew's_ Eve yet? my Head is confused." - -"_Bartholomew's_ Eve, Lad? Why, that's passed!" - -"Oh me! ... how long?" - -"Oh, not many Days—" - -"Days?" And I felt so lost. - -—"Then, the Swifts are gone!" said I. - -"Well, don't let's think about the Swifts," quod he gently. "_Tempus -fugit_, as the Dial-plate says. What is it thou wilt have me to do?" - -"_Tomkins!_"—and I reached his Ear down to me as he leant over me, -"I've been so weak and so queer ever since I fell into the Water, that I -don't believe, at least I can't remember having once said my Prayers ... -will you say one for me?" - -"I can't, Boy," and a hot Tear fell on my Face. - -"Oh, yes, you can! ... and then I should sleep quietly—Ever so short an -one!—" - -"I can't remember _one_" said he, turning away his Head. - -"Not one? Oh, _Tomkins_, indeed, indeed you must! For _my_ Sake—Just -this short one ... 'GOD be merciful to me, a Sinner!'" - -"GOD be merciful to me, a Sinner," repeated he, bursting forth into -Weeping; and I drew his Face down yet closer unto mine. "Thank you, -_Tomkins_" quod I; "now I shall sleep soundly." And I slept. - - - - -CHAPTER V - -_Edward convalesceth i' the Green Lattice_ - - -When mine Eyes opened next Morning, my loved _Mother's_ dear, pale Face -was hanging over me. "Child," quod she, "Misfortunes never come -alone—When Master _Hewet's_ Post came to _Ashford_ with News of thy -Sickness, I was far from Home, in _Westmoreland_, at the Death-bed of -thine Uncle _Lancelyn_; and I wist not till Yesterday, what News was -awaiting my Return." ... And she hung over me, and bathed my Face in her -Tears. "But I am proud of thee, my _Ned_" quod she, "and so would thy -Father have been. And thou hast taken off from thee the Reproach of -being taught of a Woman as well as born of a Woman ... my dear, dear -Son!" - -Oh! what a Heaven it was to get well! There was my loved _Mother_ beside -me at her Sewing, telling me of _Ashford_ and the green Lanes of _Kent_, -and of the wild Hills of _Westmoreland_, till I seemed to be there -myself. There was Mistress _Fraunces_ cockering me up, first with Sweets -and cooling Drinks, and then with savoury and strengthening Things; even -to _Mortreuse_ and _Leche Lombard_! And when I was able to sit up at the -green Lattice, Mistress _Anne_ and I would look down on the Barges and -Boats, and play at divers Games and tell divers Stories. The Lodger that -had beforetime occupied this Chamber, had left a Heap of old Books and -written Papers, which, having Nothing private in them, my Master said I -was free to look over. There was Part of a Chronicle of _English_ -History, whether the Writer's own Composure or a Traduction, I wot not; -but brave and pleasant Reading, about the Courts of _England_, _France_, -_Spain_, and _Flanders_, in the Time of our _Edward_ the _Third_, and -Queen _Philippa_. Another Work was a Romaunt of Love and Chivalry: also -an Account of _London Bridge_, and _Chaucer's Canterbury Tales_, and a -Treatyse on Fysshynge. Likewise, there was a great Roll of Drawings, -done, I afterwards found, by another Lodger, in black and red Chalk, -much fouled, smeared, and chafed, but diverting to look at, being -Representations of Men, Women, Children, Skeletons, Death's Heads, -Bones, Angels, Fiends, Hippogriffs,—and divers other Presentments; with -_H. H._ writ at the End. - -Thus pleasantly passed the Time till the Doctor said I had only now to -pick up my Strength; and my _Mother_ then thought it Time for her to -return to my little Brothers. The Evening before she left, she sayth -unto me somewhat apologetically, "_Ned_, thine Uncle _Edward_ having -died childless, and left all to thine unmarried Uncle _Lancelyn_, who -hath now left me his Heir, I am now well to do, with an hundred Pound by -the Year, real Estate, and, personal Estate, five hundred Pounds, which -I have taken kind Master _Hewet's_ Advice concerning the Disposal of. -And he, being kindly affectioned unto thee just now, (as well he may -be,) is pleased to say thou art sure to make thine own Way in the World, -and to advise my devising all my personal Estate unto thy younger -Brothers, thou being secure of the other at my Death." - -Quod I, "Dear _Mother_, mayst thou live as long as I shall! There is -Nothing thou canst do so much to my Mind as to care for _Thomas_ and -_Julian_, the one of whom is weakly and unfit for active Life, and the -other, I think, will love Farming. Master _Hewet_, I am certified, hath -spoken wisely." And in sooth, I was glad to note what a good -Understanding seemed to exist, on so short Acquaintance, between him and -my dear _Mother_. - -So, when she was gone, I had Nothing to do but to get well. Marry! what -a hard Matter, though, it was!—At first I was glad to think I might go -forth abroad, and resume my old Gossips with _Tomkins_. But the very -first Time I essayed to clamber up to his Attick, though 'twas only two -short Flights, I found myself so weak that I was fain to sit down on the -Stair and shed Tears, whether I would or no. And there, to my very great -Shame, I was found of my Master. He bespake me kindly, and helped me up, -and said this Weakness would soon go off: howbeit, it did not.—I always -think that Chirurgeon bled me too freely: I noted his saying, "We'll -knock him down first, and then build him up again!" which carryeth a -Sound of Smartness, but not always answereth with the Event. Thus, 'twas -now found I must still go softly; and the Weather being sultry, Master -_Hewet_ bade me keep as much as I could i' the open Air and Shade, and -creep out, as my Strength permitted, to the Fields, with Mistress _Anne_ -to my Mate. So we went forth Hand in Hand, for I was past carrying her; -and presently I say, "Oh me, Mistress! ... I must sit down"—and sayth -she, "There's a Door-step i' the Shade a little farther on, with a nice -old Woman on it, selling Mulberries." So we creep on, and the little -Maid buyeth me Mulberries, and I eat and rest, and am refreshed. Then -quod I, "Let's go back now, Mistress;" but sayth she, "Oh, let's try to -go on to _Trolop's_ Milk-farm." So I love not to cross the little -Fondling, and as soon as we reach the green Meadows, the fresh, sweet -Air seems to take away that queer, light, fluttering Feel in my Head, -and to refresh and brace me; and I lie on the Grass i' the Shade, and -she runs hither and thither and gathers Borage, and Blue Bugloss, and -Bushy Red-mint, and bringeth them to me, saying, "What's this?" and -"What's this?" And so we go on Day by Day. - -Now as touching _Miles Hackathrift_. When I first lay sick, I have said -he was mighty softened, and went gently and seemed amain concerned for -me. Howbeit, Boy's Grief not long lasteth, and he soon fell tired of -feeling or feigning any; more by Token, he perceived his was outrun by -that of Everyone in the House. Whereupon he turned about, and grew -indifferent, then jealous, then surly, then envious, doubtless by small -Degrees; but of this, I, being apart from him, was not cognizant; and -the Change made itself apparent to me all at once. First, when Master -_Hewet_ was out, he took Advantage of it to come trampling up Stairs -with all the Clamour he could, singing, "Row the Boat, Norman!" in a -defiant sort of Way; and when Mistress _Fraunces_ put her Head forth of -the Lattice Chamber and sayth, "Make not such a Turmoil, _Miles_," he -pretended to stumble on _Tomkins's_ Stair, and let a heavy Weight roll -all the way down it. When he clattered down after it, Mistress -_Fraunces_, watching her Opportunity, gave him a Rap on the Head, which -I know that white Hand of hers could not have dealt very heavily; -natheless he took Occasion by it to cry out sharply, and then give one -or two dismal Grones, which he was too spirited to have done had he in -verity been mal-entreated. However, finding he might not sing nor slam -Doors while I lay under the Leech's Care, he turned sulky and held -close, so as that scarce yea or nay was to be had out of him. When at -length I returned to our Loft, he took Care to do me to wit how pleasant -it had been to him to have it all to himself; and immediately took -Advantage of my coming back, to oversleep himself of a Morning. Also he -instantly intermitted all the little Share of my Work that had been put -upon him while I was ill. Seeing me turn white from Time to Time, he -said I was shamming for the Sake of Soups and Cordials; and when I went -forth with Mistress _Anne_, he called me a special good Nursery-maid. -All this I cared for very little, knowing that when I got stout, I could -soon put him down; but meantime, 'twas not over-pleasant to be scoffed -at as a languid Lad, who, if trodden on, could not turn again. One Day, -when some Trifle had made me start and change Colour,—I think it was -seeing Mistress _Anne_ go nigh the open Window,—he had half pronounced, -"You Coward!" when, suddenly changing his Mind, he sayth, "Dost know -what new Name I have found for thee, and taught the Lads along the -Bridge? 'The Knight of the Flying Leap!'" Which was humourous, but not -well natured. Howbeit I heard it often enough for awhile, but as a Title -of Distinction instead of Derision; which incensed the Author of it. - -But all these little Clouds blew over during the three Weeks I spent -with my Mother at _Ashford_. When I came back, I was the same Lad as -ever, and took Things as I found them, and fell into my old Place. - - [Illustration: Tryphena & Tryphosa] - -In the October of this Year, Sir _John Gresham_, Mercer, being chosen -Mayor, his Company resolved to get up their famous Pageant of the Maiden -Chariot; and having vainly cast about among their own Fraternity for a -young Damsel sufficiently comely to be the Admiration of all the City, -and likewise able and willing to play the Part of Chariot Maiden, they -at length offered it to the youngest Daughter of Master _Soper_ the -Barbitonsor who lived on the Bridge. Now Master _Soper_ had two -Daughters, good and pretty Girls enow as Times went, _Tryphena_ and -_Tryphosa_ by Name, fresh-coloured, sprightly, and much admired by the -Bridge 'Prentices. These two Sisters were seldom apart, inasmuch as both -their Heads might commonly be seen out of one upper Lattice, looking -after every Thing that passed in the Strete; and 'twas in their Favour -that they always seemed on the best of Terms with one another. But -whether by Reason of any Unguent of Master _Soper's_, or mere Liberality -of Nature, I wot not, the younger, who in no other Wise excelled her -Sister, was notorious for the excessive Length and Thickness of her -glossy flaxen Hair. And this being an indispensable Requisite for the -Chariot Maiden, the Mercers without more Ado offered her the Part, which -she with great Glee accepted. Now hereupon, I lament to say, ensewed -great Disruption between the twain hitherto so harmonious; for Public -Admiration of Beauty is as true a Test of what is the Nature of a -Woman's Heart, as the black Marble the Goldsmiths call Touchstone is of -their precious Metals. If her Head be not turned by it, good: if she can -bear it bestowed upon another and o'erlooked in herself, why, good -also,—she can stand the Touchstone: howbeit, all have not this Virtue. -And, whereas _Tryphosa_ was now so elate with thinking of her white -satin Gown, her golden Sandals, her jewelled Crown, and her Feast in the -Hall, as to suppose the Ground scarce good enow for her to tread upon, -_Tryphena_ was ready to burst with Envy of her Sister, and could scarce -speak peaceably unto her. However, she came to her common Sense and good -Feeling at last, and found her Account in playing Second; many good -Things being in Store for both. A notable Thing was, that Master -_Soper's_ Shop was now literally besieged with Customers who wanted to -have a Glimpse of the Chariot Maiden, insomuch that he said he never had -had such a Trafficking for Pennyworths in any given Year, as he had in -this Month of October; only the worst was that every Customer gave as -much Trouble for a Penny as he should have done for a Shilling, and -would hang about, keeping away fresh Comers, when his Purchase was made. -While _Tryphosa_, who had never to this Time shewn any Symptoms of -Shyness, now turned coy and kept herself close; now and then letting -_Tryphena_ flit through the Shop and be mistaken for her, after which -the two would shut themselves up and go into Fits of Laughter. The Women -all along the Bridge were out of Patience with her for what they would -have it was simulated Bashfulness in one who meant to be stared at from -Morn to Night on _Lord Mayor's_ Day. And they satisfied themselves that -she was shutting herself up for Fear of freckling or sunburning. As for -_Miles_, who always loved to do like the rest, he was evermore running -over to Master _Soper_ to have his Hair cut, till at last it was hardly -longer than the Nap of his Gown; and I almost think he would have -submitted one of his good white Teeth to the Barber's Pincers, if he -could have gained Admittance on no cheaper Terms; just to boast of it -afterwards. At last, when the grand Day came, he and every 'Prentice on -the Bridge mobbed the Barbitonsor's Door till _Tryphosa_ was fetched -away in a close Litter. Then there was a Rush to the _Mercers'_ Hall, -where Master _Gresham_, in his Scarlet and Gold, met his Livery in their -new Gowns furred with Foins and Budge; and accompanied them, mounted, to -_Guildhall_, where the late _Mayor_, _Sheriffs_, and _Aldermen_, met -them on Horseback. Then they all took Barge to _Westminster_ and back, -to the Sound of Trumpets, Sackbuts, and Shawlms, and the firing of small -Guns, and exploding of Crackers. On re-landing at _Three Cranes' Wharf_, -they re-mounted, and proceeded to _Paul's Churchyard_, where they met -the Pageant, consisting of an exceeding magnifical Chariot, twenty-two -Feet high, of the _Roman_ Build, entirely covered with silver embossed -Work, having _Tryphosa_ therein, set on high, in Jewels and spangled -Satin; her fair flaxen Tresses dishevelled, a Sceptre in one Hand, a -Shield in the other, with all the Glory and Majesty possible to -imagine:—_Fame_, blowing of a Trumpet right over her Head, _Wisdom_, -_Modesty_, and all the rest, including the nine Muses, each in their -proper Places; _Triumph_, driving nine white _Flanders_ Horses, three -abreast; Grooms, Lictors, and Pages marching alongside the Equipage; and -a Score of Salvages and Jacks-i'-the-Green, making diverting Remarks to -all; and keeping the Crowd off with Squibs and Crackers. - -Oh! was ever Woman exalted one Day so high (even to the first-floor -Windows), to come down so low into the Retiredness of domestic Life the -next! What was _Cleopatra_ sailing down the _Cydnus_ to this? Did -_Zenobia_, did _Semiramis_ ever have anything so fine in the Way of -Triumph? Pish!—Moreover, there was a separate Table prepared for -_Tryphosa_, who dined in State with her chosen Ladies, attended by -Seneschals, Squires, and Pages, as if she had been a Queen. And had -Swans' Pudding and Leche Lombard, I promise ye! - -—But oh! poor Humanity.—'Twas noted at the Feast, more in special by -some of the chosen Ladies that thought themselves set lower than they -might have been,—that poor _Tryphosa's_ Face was so tanned by Exposure -all Day to Sun and Wind, as that my _Lord Mayor's_ Gown was scarce more -Scarlet. And by the Space of a Fortnight or so from that Hour, 'twas so -blistered and scorched that she hated to be seen, and was obliged to -blanch and mollify it with Buttermilk, Cream of Almonds, and I wot not -what Female Recipes. Which was the more provoking, as some of the -inferior Officers of the Company called, the Day after the Feast, to -know how she fared, and she was constrained to leave their Entertainment -to _Tryphena_. _Miles_, who had a Glimpse of her through an upper -Casement, was so offended at her Aspect that he spent no more Pence at -Master _Soper's_. And by the Fortnight's End, the Matter had ceased to -be talked about, and the two Girls might be seen, sewing together, and -keeping an Eye to the Bridge, as contentedly and harmoniously as ever. - -During my Visit to my _Mother_, a new Inmate had been brought into the -Family: to wit, a superior Kind of Maid for Mistress _Anne_, named -_Damaris_, who had lived aforetime in the Household of Master _Hewet's_ -Brother in the Country. She was a Miracle of Composedness and discreet -Demeanour, which gave her the Air of being somewhat older than she -really was. Mistress _Anne_ now spent the Chief of the Day with her in -the Green Lattice, where _Damaris_ kept herself much reserved, sewing -fine Linen, and teaching her little Charge to read. - -One Day, when I was moving some Laths and Cases that had stood against -the Wall in _Tomkins's_ Attick till they were begrimed with Dust, I was -in Amaze to behold delineated on the White-wash with black Chalk, an -exact Portraicture of _Tomkins_, stooping over his Work, with every Line -and Furrow of his intent, earnest Visage accurately made out. - -"What's this?" quod I. - -_Tomkins_ brake forth into Laughing. "I wist what you would come to," -quod he, "when you set about moving those Laths. That's Master _Hans -Holbein's_ Handywork. He must needs befoul the Wall with his Scrawling, -just after it had been fresh Lime-washed. I told him 'twas a Pity it had -not been scrawled first, and limewashed afterwards. So, then, in his -Despite, he scored it through with that Cross; and then I set the Lumber -against it, and told him Nobody should see it again." - -"Who is _Hans Holbein_?" quod I. - -"A prime _Flemish_ Painter," returned _Tomkins_; "he tables at the -Goldsmith's, nearer the north End of the Bridge. When Master _Hewet_ -first married, he had _Hans Holbein_ for a Lodger; and the Green Lattice -was filled from End to End with his Pictures—there's a Bundle of his -Scratchings down there now. Howbeit, he was too boisterous an Inmate to -please Mistress _Alice_, so Master _Hewet_ was glad to get quit of him. -There's a famous Thing of his at _Surgeons' Hall_; old King _Harry_ -granting the Charter to the Company; howbeit, though he painted half the -Court, he did nothing better, to my Mind, than his Likeness of Mistress -_Alice_, that now hangs at the Foot of her Husband's Bed. When the Door -standeth ajar, thou mayst see it without going in." - -So, the next Time I passed, I looked in, and saw the Presentment of my -Master's late Wife. Of a Truth, she must have been a fair Creature: with -Eyes as blue and truthful as Mistress _Anne's_, and sunny Hair that -would have fallen over her fair Shoulders in as heavy Curls, but for her -Matron's Frow's-paste. Also the same full, cherry Lips, and dimpled -Chin; the same small Nose, small Ear, small Hand; in fine, the -Foreshadow of what Mistress _Anne_ in After-time became, rather than -what she was yet.... Pity, so fair a Lady should die so young! - -And she made a good End, _Tomkins_ told me—knew 'twas at Hand, took -composed Leave of all, and desired she might be buried in the Church of -St. _Martin Orgar_; and that 30_s._ and no more should be spent to bury -her decently, and 10_s._ more for Cakes, Wine, and Spices for the -Mourners. Also 20_s._ out of her own private Purse to be put in the -Common-box of the Fraternity for an Alms; Five Shillings to the mortuary -Priest, and Five Shillings to the Poor in Bread. Six of the Company bare -her to Church, each of whom received a silver Spoon. - -Somewhere about this Time, the _Clothworkers'_ new Overseer came to -examine the Premises; and, when he had concluded his Inspection -below-stairs, told my Master, with some Hesitation, he had Reason to -think there was a Journeyman hid away above who worked in the House. -Master _Hewet_ smiled, and told him of the Exception made in Favour of -_Tomkins_, and accompanied him up-stairs, to let him witness for himself -that his Statement was true. When we went in, _Tomkins_, for once, was -off Duty, intent upon a Book, and so buried in it, that he started and -blushed like a Boy caught conning _Tom Thumb_ in School-time. When the -Overseer was gone, _Tomkins_ sayth to me with a little Dryness, "Who -would have thought of your taking me by Surprise?" - -I made Answer, "Who would have thought of your being surprised?" at -which he laughed. - -"So," quod he, after weaving a little While in Silence, "they've set up -_Erasmus's_ Paraphrase, now, alongside of the chained Bible in St. -_Magnus's_." - -"They have it in all the Churches," quod I; "but how came you to know -it?" - -He was silent awhile, and smiled a little. "Well," quod he, "thou -knowest I have crawled out a little lately, before Breakfast; and I -thought it as well to turn into the Church for a Rest; and found that a -Spell of Reading helped to pass the Time.... I go there o' Sundays, now: -have done so ever since _that Night_." - -"Then," quod I softly, as I leaned over him, "GOD _hath_ been merciful -to you a Sinner." - -And spake never a Word moe. - - - - -CHAPTER VI - -_Tib's Malpractyzes_ - - -As about this Time, it being stark Winter, _Tib Pyebaker_ went near to -burn the House down after the Manner following. She took some red-hot -Coals between two Saucepan-lids to warm her Bed therewith; and, whenas -she deemed it heated enow, she would needs not be at the Pains of -carrying the Coals down again, but hid them under the Stairs in a -Broom-cupboard. And by Reason of the undermost Lid-handle making the Lid -to lose its Balance, it fell Topside-t'otherway, and the lighted Coals -were spilled, whereof I passing the Cupboard, was made ware by the -strong Smell of burning. And, looking therein and moving sundry Rags -that were already Tinder, I found the Boards beneath them just ready to -burst into a Flame. Whereupon, without running for Water, I cast my Gown -thereon and crushed it out with my Hands. Now, could I have hidden my -Burns, I might have saved _Tib's_ Credit; whereas the Thing could not be -hid, seeing I could not so much as cut my Meat; and Mistress _Fraunces_ -bruiting it abroad, it came to the Ears of the Bridge Wardens, who, -because of the imperilling of the whole Bridge, would not be hindered of -setting _Tib_ in the Cage, as a Warning to other careless Servants. I -was grievous for her, the Place was so publique; and a Lot of 'Prentice -Boys were staring at her all Day, and offering her Eatables and then -plucking them away. Also _Miles_ made no end of Pretences for going of -Errands past that End of the Bridge, and always feigned to look away -from _Tib_, yet took Care to spy her in her Trouble, out of the Corner -of his Eye, all the Time. - -I never knew one Woman treat another with more silent Contempt than -_Damaris_ expressed for _Tib_, after this Affair of the Cage. It was a -long Time afore the 'Prentices (who now called me _Fire-and-Water_,) -left off asking of _Tib_ where she now kept her Warming-pan, and whether -she cast her hot Ashes out on the Boats that shot the Bridge. For this, -she would sometimes catch them by the Ears and pull them well; but then -they would cry "Clubs!" and a Score of Lads were over their Counters in -a Minute, and she had to run for it and dart breathless into the House, -whither they dared not follow her. Howbeit, when the pleasant Month of -May came, and the Damsels danced before their Masters' Doors to the -Timbrels, _Tib_, who well loved to pound away with the Rest, was so -cross that she would not come forth. - -During the last few Months, _Tomkins_ had been much eased of his -Lameness; and the worn Look of Suffering had altogether departed, -leaving him a much younger looking Man than before this Relief. One day, -to my great Surprise, he told me he was going to be married. I asked -him, to whom; and he said, to an old Acquaintance of his he had long -lost Sight of, but had fallen in with in St. _Magnus_' Church ... one -who would gladly have had him when they were many Years younger, but who -was kind enough to care for him and wish to make him happy now. He -added, reflectively, when he had told me this, "There are a great many -good Women in the World." - -So he removed his Loom to a tidy Lodging in _Shoreditch_, which Master -_Hewet_ furnished for him; and Mistress _Fraunces_ gave him his Wedding -Dinner, and _Miles_ and I helped to eat it. The Wife, though -middle-aged, had a pleasant Aspect; and I thought _Tomkins_ had done a -very good Thing for himself; but his Attick looked very dreary without -him. - -The Marching Watch was revived with great Splendour this Year by the -Lord Mayor, Sir _John Gresham_, both on St. _John's_ Eve, and the Eve of -St. _Peter_: and the Array was augmented by three Hundred Demi-lances -and light Horse, prepared by the City to be sent into _Scotland_ for the -Rescue of the Town of _Haddington_. Five Hundred of the Cressets were -furnished by the great Companies, the other two Hundred by the Chamber -of _London_, and every Cresset had two Men, one to hold, and one to trim -it: and every Cresset-bearer had Wages, his Breakfast, a Badge, and a -Straw Hat. And, what with Halberdiers, Billmen, etc., there mustered -about two Thousand. There were also many City Feasts, some of which -Master _Hewet_ and Mistress _Fraunces_ attended very richly dressed. - -It was some little Time after this, that I, copying a Letter at my -Master's Behest, could not hinder myself of hearing the following -Address made to him by Mistress _Fraunces_. - -"_William_, I have been laying up thy black Velvet Suit with Care, this -Morning, thinking thou wouldest have no more present Occasion for -it.—How well thou becamest it, I thought! And so thought Mistress -_Beatrix_. She said she had never seen a Man look so well since thou -warest thy white Sarcenet Coat in the great Muster for King _Harry_." - -"Sarcenet Speeches, Sister," sayth Master _Hewet_. - -"Nay, I know not what you mean by Sarcenet Speeches," returns she, "I am -sure they were sincere enough; and truly I think, Brother, if you pushed -your Fortune a little in that Quarter, you might have Success." - -Finding he uttered no Word, she, after a little waiting, saith, "Dear -_Alice_ hath now been long in her Grave, and would, I am certified, wish -you to be happy." - -—"And what is to make me so?" asks he, huskily. - -"Nay, Brother, a good Wife." - -"I've had one," quod he, "and one is enough to my Share.—Are you tired -of keeping House for me? What would you do, now, if I set a Lady above -you at my Table?" - -"Oh," quod she cheerfully, "I would gladly take the second Place. Or, if -she preferred my Room to my Company, I would take Pattern by the old -Lady at the Bridge End that lives all alone by herself with her Cats." - -"No, dear _Fraunces_" sayth he,—and I have Ground for thinking he -kissed her,—"you shall need neither Alternative—_Alice_ shall have no -Successor in mine House, since she can never have one in my Heart ... -and, as to happy,—why, except for that one great Loss, am I not happy -as Man can be? Believe me, I am content with the Present, and trustful -for the Future. I hope to see...." - -But what he hoped to see, I heard not. - -About this Time, _Miles_ had formed close Acquaintance with some Lads on -the Bridge, who gave their Masters more Trouble than enough. I suppose -he thought it spirited of them, and worthy of all Imitation. One Night, -I awoke out of my first Sleep, and lay listening to the Uproar of the -Winds and Waters, which seemed quite to drown _Miles'_ Snoring, when the -Door suddenly opened, and my Master, with a Lamp in his Hand, sayth, -"_Ned_, are you in Bed?" I say, "Yes, Master." "Then," quod he, where is -_Miles_?" I said, "In Bed too, Master." But he turned his Light on -_Miles'_ Bed, and it was empty. Then quod he, "The Bridge Watchman hath -just called under my Window to say one of my 'Prentices was abroad, but -he wist not which, for in chasing him, he stumbled over an Heap of -Rubbish before a House under Repair, and lost him in the Dark." - -Then he left me, and I lay wondering how _Miles_ could have got out, -since Mistress _Fraunces_ kept the House-key, and what Account he would -give of himself when he came back. Master _Hewet_, I afterwards learnt, -found the Key in the Door, outside, and took it in, and locked the Door. -And so, sate in Wait a good While, till at length some one tries the -Door from without, then gropes about the Ground for the Key, then loudly -whispers through the Keyhole, "_Tib!_ _Tib!_" - -Thereupon the Door is opened, but not by _Tib_; and my Master, collaring -_Miles_, strikes him, but not so severely as for him to do what he did, -which was to fall all along on the Ground and emit one or two hollow -Grones. Master _Hewet_, witting him to be scarce hurt, waxed very angry, -and pulling him up, would know how he got out, but _Miles_ would not -tell. Then he would know why he called on _Tib_ through the Keyhole, as -though expecting her to be at Hand; and he made Answer, Because her Name -came readiest, and he was less afeard of her than of any else, but she -wist not of his being out. My Master said, That should be seen to, and -how did he get the Key? He said Mistress _Fraunces_ had forgotten to -take it up. But Mistress _Fraunces_, when called up, remembered well to -have laid it on her Toilette ere she went to Bed, and was avised _Tib_ -must have fetched it while she was asleep. But, on going to _Tib_, -Mistress _Fraunces_ found her sleeping so heavily, that after much -shaking, all she could get out of her was, "Thieves! Thieves!" So the -Matter stood over; Master _Hewet_ putting it to _Miles_ whether he wist -not that he might have him up before the Wardens, and see him hardly -dealt with. So _Miles_ came back to his Bed, sullen enough. - -But a Woman's own Tongue is oft her worst Enemy. The next Morning, -though Nothing could be got out of _Miles_ nor of _Tib_, yet Mistress -_Fraunces_, being in her own Bed-chamber, instead of at Market, as _Tib_ -supposed, hears _Tib_, who was concluded to be making my Master's Bed, a -talking from his Window to the Maid in the corresponding Window across -the Strete. And although, by Reason of the two Tenements being so very -few Feet apart in their upper Stories, there was hardly need for _Tib_ -to speak above her Breath, yet Mistress _Fraunces_, quickened by -Curiosity, could hear almost every Word, and how that _Tib_ had come -into her Chamber when she was asleep, and took the Key and lent it to -_Miles_, who had promised her a tawdry Ribbon for it: and how the -Watchman saw him go forth, and aroused my Master, who set on him when he -returned, and beat him within an Inch of his Life. And how Mistress -_Fraunces_—But here Mistress _Fraunces_ spoiled all, in her Anxiety to -hear the Particulars of her own Character; for, advancing a little too -near the Casement, that she might not lose a Syllable, she was caught -Sight of by the Neighbour's Maid, who, without Doubt, made a Signal to -_Tib_. Whereupon, _Tib_, after a Moment's Pause, added, and how that if -Mistress _Fraunces_ were not the sweetest and mercifullest of Ladies, -there would be no Chance of her forgiving such a Misdeed when she came -to hear it, as _Tib_ meant she should the very first Time she could find -Heart to confess it to the sweetest and best of Ladies. - -Oh what Potence hath a flattering Tongue! Here was Mistress _Fraunces_ -ready to fly out upon _Tib_ and give her Warning on the Spot, and, in a -Minute, in a Breath, her Wrath was allayed and brought within Compass by -the Commendation of an artful Woman. She goeth to the Stair-foot and -calleth, "_Tib!_ _Tib!_ come down with thee this Instant!" but by the -Time _Tib_ appeared with her Apron at her Eyes, she had lost all Mind to -cast her, characterless, forth of the House, and it sufficed her to -bestow a severe Chiding. Whereat _Tib_ wept, and took Shame to herself, -and made her Peace; and so was kept on. Which I ever thought an -ill-advised Thing. Where there's no Fidelity, there's no Safety. - - - - -CHAPTER VII - -_Early Setting of a young Morning Star_ - - -"And _Jacob_ served _Laban_ for _Rachel_ seven Years; and they seemed -unto him but so many Days, for the Love he had unto her." Albeit I was -not serving my Master for my Master's Daughter, yet her being in the -House helped, I wot, to make the seven Years speed like seven Days. -Sure, never was so gracious a Creature! Her Nature was so excellent, and -her Countenance, which was the Index of her Mind, was so full of -Sweetness and Goodness, that one could scarce look upon her without -blessing Him who had created her so lovely. - -Meantime my Master's Fortune and Credit from small Beginnings had risen -mightily, as is often the Case in this commercial and prosperous City. -He had gone through the three Degrees of Wardenship of his Company, had -been elected of the Common Council, and was now Alderman of the Bridge -Ward Without. And if he still lived and went plain, he laid by and laid -out in Commerce the more: there was no Shew, nor no Stinting. - -Yes: those were happy Days! All the fairer they seem now, for the dark -ones that were coming. The only Sorrow among us that I remember was when -the Pestilence brake out, in the fifth Year of our young King, which at -first only prevailed in the North, but at length reached _London_, where -it raged with prodigious Fury, carrying off eight Hundred Souls the -first Week, and mostly after a Sickness of only twelve or twenty-four -Hours. We had it not on the Bridge, which was attributed to the free -Access of fresh Air to our Dwellings; howbeit, Mistress _Anne_ (like a -ministering Angel as she was,—such a Child, too! only in her twelfth -Year!) must needs go about, relieving poor Wretches in their Dwellings; -whereby she caught a low Fever that brought her to Death's Door, and -filled the House with Tears. If my Master, a Man in Years, forbare not -to weep, Reason was, a Lad such as I should weep too. Howbeit, through -the Grace of God, she recovered: but for a long Time she was too -enfeebled to walk, wherefore Master _Hewet_ took her much on the Water -during the long Summer Evenings, after we had been nigh stifled by the -Day's sultry Heat. For the eastern Side of the House was close; and the -western, though open, yet was much exposed to the Glare of the Sun on -the River. We shut it out with Blinds and Lattices all we could; but -still, the Crown of the Day was after Sundown on the Water. Master -_Hewet_ liked his 'Prentices to pull; and sometimes we fell into the -Wake of some Court Barge with Horns and Sackbuts, and lay on our Oars; -Mistress _Anne_ full silent, resting her Head, for Weakness, against my -Master's Shoulder, and with the Tears sometimes stealing down from her -large, bright Eyes. My Master carried her down to the Boat, but 'twas my -Portion, for I will not say Burthen, to carry her up. How light she was! -She did not much like it, and managed presently to ascend slowly, with -the help of my Master's Arm; but I remember the Goodness and Sweetness -with which, with a sweet Blush on her Face, she sayth, "Do you remember -the first Time? But for thee, I had not been here now." - -As she strengthened, we kept out longer, and went up to _Chelsea_ and -_Fulham_, and rambled about the pleasant Fields; eating Curds and Cream -at Milkhouses, and returning by Moonlight; _Miles_ and I singing, "Row -the Boat, _Norman_." - - [Illustration: JJ - "Eating Curds & Cream"] - -Then Master _Hewet_ carried her down into the Country, to the Hall of -his Brother the Squire; and there she abode till she was quite well. -When she returned, the Leaves were falling, and Master _Hewet_ would -walk with her of an Evening to _Finsbury Fields_, and stand with her at -a Distance to see us young Men shoot the long Bow, leap, wrestle, cast -the Stone, and practise our Shields; in all which, _Miles_ came in for -his full Share of Praise; and I was always well content to be thought -equal to him. Sometimes I overshot him, sometimes he overshot me; -sometimes I outleaped him, sometimes he outleaped me; but we loved the -Game beyond the Competition; there was never any ill Blood between us. - -'Twas on _All Saints'_ Day, this Year, that the new Service Book, called -of Common Prayer, was first used in _Paul's_ Church, and the like -throughout the whole City. Dr. _Ridley_, Bishop of _London_, performed -the same in _Paul's_, in his Rochet only; and in the Afternoon preached -at _Paul's_ Cross before the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Livery Companies, -which Sermon, being on the Subject of the new Service, lasted till five -o' the Clock, so that, the Days being short, we returned by Torch-light. - -Then had the Church great Rest. The Enemy, knowing his Time was at Hand, -lay mighty quiet: and, for the Multitude of notable Foreigners that -resorted to us for Safeguard, _England_ might have been called _Christi -Asylum_. Howbeit, the Canker was already i' the Bud! - -The King, earlier in the Year, had ta'en the Measles; and during the -Summer, had ridden a Progress with greater Magnificence than ever he had -done before. In the _January_ following, whether procured by sinister -Practice or natural Infirmity, he fell into an Indisposition of Body -which soon grew to a Cough of the Lungs. Perhaps it had been happy if -Lord _Robert Dudley_ (now my Lord of _Leicester_,) had not recently been -sworn one of the six Gentlemen of the King's Chamber ... we must not -speak ill, _Hew_, of them that are set high in Authority, save upon -great Conviction and Certitude: howbeit, you and I know what the private -Report of that Gentleman is—When I'm sick, don't give me a _Leicester -Cordial_, that's all! - -The common Talk was, that a poisoned Nosegay had been given the pretty -Boy at New-year's-tide, which brought him into this slow but deadly -Languishment. To think, what Poison may lie 'neath Flowers! At all -Events, the Duke of _Northumberland_, now the powerfullest Man in the -Realm since he had swallowed up his unhappy Rival _Somerset_, beginneth -to aim at nothing short of Crown matrimonial for his young Son Lord -_Guilford Dudley_, lately espoused to the Lady _Jane Grey_; therefore -inculcateth on the kingly Boy now a-dying, how much it concerned him to -have a Care for Religion, not only during Life, but after his Death; -which could not be preserved in its Purity to the Realm should the Lady -_Mary_ succeed; and, if he set aside one Sister, he might as well put -away the other also, and devise his Crown to her who after them was his -next Kinswoman, the good and godly Lady _Jane_. - -So soon as this was obtained of him, he might die as soon as he -would—the sooner the better—and, to help Matters, the Leeches were -dismissed, and a Gentlewoman (thought to have received her Instructions -before hand,) set over him; under whose Applications his Pulse presently -failed, his Skin changed Colour, and other Symptoms speedily appeared of -Mortal Dissolution. Turning his Face then to the Wall like good -_Hezekiah_, he was heard by one that sate behind the Curtain to say, "O -LORD GOD, deliver me out of this miserable and wretched Life! O LORD, -thou knowest how happy it were for me to be with thee; yet, for thy -Chosen's Sake, if it be thy Will, send me Life and Health that I may -truly serve thee!" After a little Space, again he sigheth, "O save thy -People _England_!" Then, turning about, and noting some one behind the -Curtain, "I had thought," saith he, "I was alone." "Sir," sayth the -Attendant, "I heard you speak, but heard not what you were saying." -"Nay," sayth he, "I was but praying to GOD. Oh! I am faint! faint unto -Death! LORD, receive my Spirit!" And forthwith breathed out his white, -innocent Soul. Early ripe, early gathered! - -Thus we sometimes see the Nation's prime Hope, the Desire of all Eyes, -cut off as a sweet Rose snaps its Stalk; and we mourn, thinking the LORD -hath forgotten to be gracious and will no more be entreated, and his -Mercy is clean gone from us for ever; not knowing that, after he hath -tried and purified his own, yea, like Silver over the Fire, till the -thick Scum separates and he seeth his own Image reflected in the bright -Metal, he will return unto us and be gracious, like as a Father pitieth -his Children, and make our latter Day better than our Beginning. Had we -not known the early Setting of this young _Hesperus_, we had not now -sunned ourselves in the Light of our bright Occidental Star. - -And now, the bright Boy being dead, the Duke of _Northumberland_ took -upon him to sit at the Stern, and order all Things according unto his -Pleasure. The Demise of the Crown was kept close that Day and the next, -he hoping to obtain Possession of the Lady _Mary_, who, however, learned -the Secret, and rode off to the Coast. Meantime, he took heed to occupy -and fortify the _Tower_; and, on the second Day, sent for the Lord -Mayor, six Aldermen, not including Master _Hewet_, six Merchants of the -Staple, and as many Merchant Adventurers, to attend the Council at -_Greenwich_, where they were advised of the King's Death and how he had -ordained for the Succession by Letters Patent, to the which they were -sworn, and charged to keep the Matter secret. - -When my Master presently heard of this from one of his brother Aldermen, -(for such Secrets are not long kept,) he said, in his own Family, that -however he might desire a Protestant Succession, he was persuaded that -this would not, nor could not, come to Good. "To say Nothing," quod he, -"of the Lady _Jane's_ questionable Birth; for the Duke, though few know -it, had, when he married her Mother, a Wife living already." - -Howbeit, at Three o' the Clock on the Monday Afternoon, the Lady _Jane_ -was conveyed, in Sight of us all, by Water from _Syon_ to the _Tower_, -and there received as Queen. At Five o' Clock, the King's Death and her -Accession were proclaimed; but few cried "GOD save Queen _Jane_!" A -Drawer at a Tavern within _Ludgate_ said in the Hearing of some, that he -thought the Lady _Mary_ had the better Title; whereon he was incontinent -arrested and set in the Pillory in _Chepe_, whereto both his Ears were -nailed, and then clean cut off. - -Meantime the Duke of _Northumberland_ heareth that the Lady _Mary's_ -Party makes head, whereon he resolves to send Lady _Jane's_ Father, the -Duke of _Suffolk_, to put it down and seize her Person. Whereon the Lady -_Jane_, who hath all along had no Mind to the Crown, weepeth sore, and -begs her Father may be let off that Enterprize and that her -Father-in-law will take it on himself; which he, after short Demur and -much Flattery of his Bravery and Skill, consenteth to do. But his Heart -misgiveth him, both as to what he goes to and what he leaves behind; -and, sayth he to the Council, "Should ye in mine Absence waver in your -Resolution, it may be ye will contrive your own Safety with my -Destruction." Quod they, "Your Grace makes a Doubt of that which cannot -be, for which of us all can wash his Hands clean of this Business?" So -the Duke set forth with eight Thousand Foot and two Thousand Horse; and, -as he rode along _Shoreditch_, quod he to Lord _Grey_, "See how the -People press forward to see us! but not one of them sayth, 'GOD speed -you!'" - -In Truth, Gentle and Simple fell off to the Lady _Mary_, though Bishop -_Ridley_ preached at _Paul's_, to invite us to stand firm to Lady -_Jane_. The Duke's Party melted away; and the Duke of _Suffolk_, -learning how his Daughter's Partizans had defalked to the Lady _Mary_ or -been defeated and captivated, entereth the young Queen's Chamber and -telleth her in brief, she must now put off her royal Robes and be -content with a private Life. To which the meek young Lady made Answer, -that she should put them off with more Contentation than she had put -them on; and would never have done so but to please him and her Mother. -And so ended her ten Days' Reign. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII - -_The Defence of the Bridge_ - - -On the Third of _August_, the Lady _Mary_ entered _London_ as _Mary_ the -_Queen_; and truly she began to make short Work of it; for, the next -Day, she restored _Gardiner_ to his Bishopric of _Winchester_, and, a -few Days later, made him _Chancellor_; and, on the Fifth, restored -_Bonner_ and _Tunstall_ to their Sees. _Ridley_, _Coverdale_, _Hooper_, -and the rest of our good reformed Bishops, of course, were removed; and -all beneficed Men that were married, or would not abjure the reformed -Faith, were put out of their Livings. - -On the _13th_, _Miles_ and I went to hear what would be said at _Paul's -Cross_. There was one _Bourne_, a Canon, who preached such arrant -_Romanism_ and Flattery of _Bonner_, now Bishop of _London_, to his -Face, that the People hooted and cried, "Pull him down," and _Miles_, -flinging his Cap with good Aim, hit him on the Nose. Another flung a -Dagger, which just missed him, but caused him to quit his Post; and -honest Master _Bradford_, stepping into it, spread forth his Hands with, -"Good _Christian_ People"—whereon there was great Quiet; and by his -savoury and peaceifying Doctrine he allayed the Tumult. The same Day, an -old Priest said Mass at St. _Bartholomew's_, albeit the People went nigh -to pull him in Pieces. - -The following _Sunday_, one Dr. _Watson_ preached at _Paul's Cross_, and -the Churchyard was lined with Soldiers, for Fear of like Tumult that was -on the _Sunday_ before. During the Week, _Northumberland_ had been -arraigned and condemned; and on the _Monday_ next following he was to be -beheaded; howbeit, he desired first to hear Mass and receive the -Sacrament after the _Romish_ Manner: thereby looking, maybe, to obtain -Pardon, but in sooth only proving a Renegade and losing the Grace of a -Confessor. The Lady _Jane_, looking forth of her Prison Window, saw him -on his Way to Mass; a grievouse Thing to her pure Mind; whereof she -spake next Day at Table, saying, "Wo worth him! Should I that am young -and in my few Yeres, forsake my Faith for the LOVE of Life? Much more he -should not, whose fatal Course could not long have lasted." - -On the _14th Sept._ good Master _Latimer_ was sent Prisoner to the -Tower. Seeing a Warder there whose Face he remembered, he cried -cheerily, "What, old Friend! how do you? See, I am come to be your -Neighbour again!" The good _Cranmer_ was committed thither the same Day. -But these Things were done privately: a Boat, more or less, privily -shooting the Bridge and gliding aneath the Traitors' Arch, was ta'en no -Note of; while the Stretes and Highways were all astir with Preparations -for the Queen's Crownation, which was set for the _1st Octr._ The -_Easterlings_ were providing her a mighty fine Pageant, at _Gracechurch -Corner_, with a little Condyt that ran Wine: the _Genouese_ had theirs -in _Phanechurchstrete_, the _Florentines_ at the farther End of -_Gracechurchstrete_, with an Angel in Green and Gold, that, at pulling -of a String, set a Trumpet to his Mouth and made believe to blow -it,—only a real Trumpeter stood behind. With these and such-like Toys -the City amused their Minds, and humoured themselves into receiving the -Queen with due Loyalty. - -But when she came forth ... alas! what an ill-favoured Lady! Sure, we -are all as GOD made us, for Homeliness or Comeliness; but yet a sweet -Nature may be discerned through the plainest Favour; but it could not be -discerned here. And she declined her Head upon her Hand, as though for -some Ache or Ail that constrained her to regard Everything done in her -Honour askance and awry. 'Tis Pity o' my Life! when a Lady is so ill at -Ease, she can't hold her Head strait on her Crownation-day. Doubtless -crowned Heads are liable to Aches as well as those that own ne'er a Cap; -and 'tis a heaven-sent Immunity when they are able as well as willing -for all Public Occasions, like our Royal Lady that now rules the Land. -With Bone-fires and Feastings, there were many private Families enjoyed -that Day more heartily, I wot, than the Queen's Grace in her Chair of -State. The Ceremonial was spun out beyond all Reason; and when she -returned, 'twas with the three Swords of the three Kingdoms borne -sheathed before her, and another unsheathed—alack! not the _Sword of -the Spirit_. - -Old Master _Cheke_ dined with us next Day ... he was now a withered -little old Man, with a frosty Bloom still on his thin Cheek, but no Fire -in his Eye. He was mighty cast down at the late Imprisonment of his -Nephew, who, though now set at large, had had a narrow Escape of it, and -behoved to lie close. Wherefore, to the old Man's Thought, all Joy had -vanished, the Mirth of the Land was gone: and he took up his Parable and -prophesied evil Things. - -"And who knows not," quod he, "whether we shall not shortly have a -_Romish_ King set over us? The Queen is in Love to Death with _Reginald -Pole_; and although he will none of her, he may not be able to resist a -matrimonial Crown. We shall have him sent for presently, and released -from his VOWS, as sure as _London Bridge_ is built on Wool-packs." - -Well I wot Master _Cheke_ had the Truth on't. For the Queen's Grace, -being now seven an' thirty Year old, had no Time to lose, if she minded -to marry at all; and _Reginald Pole_, albeit now in his fifty-fourth -Year, was the very handsomest Man of his Time; more by Token _Michael -Angiolo_ (the greater Shame to him!) had put in his Face for that of our -SAVIOUR in his Scholar's famous Picture of the Raising of _Lazarus_. -Howbeit, e'en a Queen, it seemeth, may woo in vain. She sent for _Pole_ -with a legatine Power, and moreover writ private Letters unto him and to -the _Pope_ with her own Hand. But, albeit the _Pope_ rejoiced in his -Heart at the Thought of regaining _England_, _Pole_ gave such manifest -Signals of hanging back until the Queen were married, as that her Grace -without more Ado entertained Proposals from _Philip_ of _Spain_; she -having, thirty Years before, been promised to his Father! - -This Year, Master _Hewet_ was made _Sheriff_. Well remember I young -Mistress _Anne_, tripping down from her Closet in sky-blue Taffeta, and -flirting a little Feather-fan as she passed me, crying, "Make Way for -the _Sheriff's_ Daughter! Oh, _Ned_, how grand I am!— - - _'Thereof the Mayor he was full fain, - An' eke the Sheriff also_—'" - -I said, "Sure, Mistress, the _Sheriff_ in that Song came to no Good—I -wist not ye had so much Pride." - - [Illustration: JJ - "Make way for the Sheriff's Daughter"] - -She looked about on me with her sweet, smiling Face, and said, "I've no -Pride for myself, _Edward_, but I may have for him!—May I not? may I -not?" playfully calling after me as I turned away. I said, "Oh, -forsooth, Mistress, ye can do no Wrong." - -"Is that in jest or earnest?" saith she, growing serious. "Am I proud, -_Edward_?" - -When I saw her wistful Look, and thought within me how much indeed she -had to be both proud and vain of, yet was neither, I could carry it no -farther, but said, "In sooth, sweet Mistress, you are not." - -"All's right then," quod she gaily, and hastened to the Window to see -the new Sheriff mount his gray Horse, richly caparisoned. Thereafter, -_Miles_ and I attended her and Mistress _Fraunces_ to the River Stairs, -where the Company were to embark on a Pleasure-party; I thought the -Barge had a goodly and lovely Freight! - -Meantime, the Rumour of the Queen's Match occasioned great Murmuring -throughout the Land. And Sir _Thomas Wyat_, a _Kentish_ Gentleman, -concerted with the Duke of _Suffolk_ and Sir _Peter Carew_ to take Arms -and promote a general Rising, so soon as the _Prince_ of _Spain_ should -set Foot on _English_ Ground. The Duke, no Doubt, looked for the -Re-establishment of his Daughter, Lady _Jane_, now under Sentence, but -allowed the Liberty of the Tower. Sir _Thomas_, Son to that _Wyat_ of -_Allington Castle_ who writ good Verses, had oft been Ambassadour to -_Spain_, where the Cruelty and Subtlety of the People made him tremble -at the Thought of their obtaining a Footing in his native Land. But -alack! _Hew_, how many crying Evils must conspire together to give any -just Pretence for a Rising against constituted Authorities! And a -defeated Rebellion always strengthens the Hands of Government. So it was -in this Instance. We had not as yet been visited with Scourges nor -whipped with Scorpions; 'twas only the Fear of what might be, (presaged, -'tis true enough, by many Foretokens,) that tempted Men to shed Blood -and endanger their Heads for the Sake of their Country. Wherefore, a -Bird of the Air, I suppose, carrying the Matter, Sir _Peter Carew_, -finding the Plot bewrayed, takes Thought only for himself, and flies -over Seas; and _Wyat_, thinking the Hour unripe, yet purposing rather to -hurry forward than retreat, taketh Arms with the declared Aim of doing -no Hurt to the Queen's Person, but of removing her evil Counsellors. - -Thereon the City was all Confusion. Though the 'Prentices had pelted the -_Spanish_ Ambassadours with Snow-balls, and elder People had spoken -against them under their Breath, yet that natural Loyalty there is in -the City, save under the most aggravating Circumstances, drew every one -together to make common Cause with the Queen so soon as 'twas bruited -that _Wyat_ was up in _Kent_. Five hundred of the Trained Bands were -forthwith sent out against him, and the City began to be kept with -harnessed Men. - -The Lord Mayor, this Year, was Sir _Thomas White_, Merchant-taylor; he -that founded St. _John's_ College, _Oxford_. To him, at the _Guildhall_, -cometh my Lord Treasurer, and prayeth him to have at the least two -thousand Men in Harness at all Hours, for the Safeguard of the City. Now -begin the young Men of every Degree to look out and furbish their Arms -and Accoutrements; and the Hum of Preparation is heard throughout the -Stretes. Post following hot upon Post bringeth Tidings that the Duke of -_Suffolk_ in _Warwickshire_, having with all his Industry gotten -together but fifty Men, had given up the Game and betaken himself to a -Tenant of his, who kept him three Days hid in a hollow Oak till he was -taken; but that _Wyat_, with at least four thousand Men, (some made it -fourteen thousand,) was marching fast upon _Southwark_, and the Trained -Bands had gone over to him, which caused the Duke of _Norfolk_, sent -against him, to retreat. - -Here then was a Prospect for the Bridge! the only Access by which he -could command the City. Thou shouldst have seen the Duke ride back, all -crestfallen, with his Guard at his Heels, all smirched and -tatterdemoiled, without Arrows or Strings to their Bows, or a Sword to -their Sides, or a Cap to their Heads. Some of the Urchins cried after -them, "A _Wyat_! a _Wyat_!" and got well cuffed for their Pains. - -Then came the News of a Rising in _Hertfordshire_. On this the Queen -cometh to _Guildhall_, with the Lord Chancellor and all her Council, -guarded by a notable Company of Men at Arms; and, bespeaking the Lord -Mayor and Aldermen, she pleaded sore they would stand by her against the -Arch-traitor that aimed at removing her Counsellors and having the -Custody of her Person; affirming and alleging that she would never once -have entertained thought of her Marriage, had it not been infused into -her by others that 'twas expedient for the Country. When I heard Master -_Hewet's_ Report of her Argument, I remembered the Saying of Master -_Askew_ the Draper to Lord _Warwick's_ Man, 'That the City could -sometimes better spare the Court than the Court the City.' - -They protested they would stand by her—could they do less? And -forthwith, Proclamation was made to this Effect:—Now then, let every -Man that is disaffected, and every Man that is faint-hearted, and every -Man that is of unstable Mind, be off as fast as he can. There's _Wyat_ -ready to welcome all Well-wishers, coming along the _Kent Road_; and -_London Bridge_ is just now open to all those that like to join him, -which it will not be to-morrow; for the Draw-bridge is going to be sawn -asunder and cast into the River, the Gates are going to be shut, the -Gate-houses are going to be manned, the Cannons are going to be planted -to defend them and to take the Range of the _Borough_, the Lord Mayor -and Sheriffs in Harness are going to stand immediately behind the Gate, -and every Man on the Bridge will close his Windows and stand in his Door -with his 'Prentices armed and ready to do Battle. GOD save the Queen! - -Not many crossed the Bridge after that. Those that did were glad to -explain 'twas on necessary and lawful Business, or they got hooted and -sometimes pelted. The Lord Mayor went with my Master into every House, -to see its Condition and Defence. When they reached the Door of the old -Lady that lived all by herself alone with her Cats, they could gain no -Entrance, nor hear Sound of Life within save a dismal Mewing. Master -_Hewet_ was for departing, saying he believed the House safe enough -though its Owner was shy of Strangers; but my Lord Mayor said a silent -House was not always the safest, and there might be Spies and even -harnessed Men shut up. So they persisted knocking; and at length a -skinny old Woman, all trembling with Fear, peered forth and would wit -what 'twas all about. When they told her the Bridge was going to be put -in a State of Defence for Queen _Mary_, she cried, "GOD save her sweet -Majesty!" and let them in, shutting and bolting the Door behind them. -She sayth, "Oh! Sirs, I see ye be loyal and honourable Gentlemen, well -affected to our blessed Queen, wherefore I fear not to trust you with my -Secret—howbeit, I am not the only one in this House." - -The Lord Mayor gave a quick Look at Master _Hewet_. - -—"I was, you must know," continued she, "Sub-prioress of a small -religious House at _Mickleham_ in _Surrey_ ... there were but six of us; -we were harmless and happy enough; howbeit, the Eighth _Harry_, that -called himself Defender of our Faith, turned us out Neck and Heels when -he put down the lesser Monasteries; and my Father, to whom this House -belonged, gave me Shelter in it during his Life, and left it to me at -his Death. Whereby I have been enabled to give House-room and Board to -my aged Superior, who otherwise would have been cast into the Strete, -through all the evil Times; none witting she was under my Roof. And now -that better Days are come, she is past any Advantage of them, being long -Time bed-rid, as ye shall see." - -So she hobbled up-stairs before them, followed by her half-dozen Cats, -and led the Way into a Chamber having a bright Wood Fire kindled on the -Hearth, but nearly bare of Furniture, beyond a Chair, a Table, a -Crucifix, and a Couple of Tressel-beds, on one of which lay an old -Woman, sleeping, on the utmost Verge of Life. She mutely pointed to her, -then led them over the rest of the House, which was utterly disfurnished -and chiefly shut up; she having got rid of the Moveables for what they -would fetch, through the Agency of her only Confidant, Sir _Tobias_. So -now you have the Story of the old Lady that was supposed to live all -alone by herself with her Cats. - -_Miles_' black Eyes kindled like Coals at the Thought of defending the -Bridge.... I confess I felt a Glow within me, and handled my Bill and -Bow with exceeding Complacence. The Mayor complimented my Master on -having a Couple of such smart Lads, and said his Premises would be well -defended. Also he said he wished he had such a fair Daughter as Mistress -_Anne_, who served him with Bread and Wine. - -If the Queen were ever popular, it was that Time! What joyous Smiles and -brisk Words were exchanged as People ran along the Bridge!—what Glory -attended the Guards that manned the Gates!—how we revelled in every -Blow that cut down the Draw-bridge! Splash! it went into the River. -Spontaneously we gave three Cheers. Just before the Approach was cut -off, Lord _William Howard_, (since, Lord _Howard_ of _Effingham_,) with -fifty of his Men, rode over the Bridge to St. _George's_ Church, -_Southwark_, to note the State of Things, and so back. I remember his -looking gaily over his Shoulder as he passed, crying out in Hearing of -us all, "This Bridge hath to-day a Chance of being the _Thermopylæ_ of -_London_!" - - [Illustration: J Jellicoe - "Rode over the Bridge"] - -A Messenger from the Rebels came to parley, and was led blindfold across -the Bridge, to and from Lord _Pembroke_, Commander in Chief. - -On _Saturday_ Morning, _Wyat_ was proclaimed Traitor, and a Price set on -his Head. There was a grand Muster of Horse and Foot in _Finsbury -Fields_. At three in the Afternoon, _Wyat_ advanced upon _London_ from -_Deptford_; and, as soon as his Movement was perceived, an eight Pounder -was levelled at him from the White Tower, the Shot of which took none -Effect. Immediately my Lord Mayor and the Sheriffs made Haste to _London -Bridge_: we gave them three Cheers. The Strete was presently choaked; -People removing their Stalls and Wares, Shop Shutters putting up, young -Men running up and down to Weapons and Harness, young Women beginning to -shed Tears, Children and Maids shutting themselves up in the upper -Stories. - -My Hands trembled so with Emotion I could scarce fasten a Buckle. -Mistress _Anne_, passing, sayth, "Let me do it for you—Ladies of old -Time buckled on Knights' Harness and bade them good Speed, as I bid -you.... But oh! _Ned_, I am in Fear for my _Father_." I said, "But he -hath no Fear, unless for you. Therefore look not forth; the only Danger -is in a random Shot." - -Then she asked me what I thought would happen if the worst came to the -worst. I told her I had not thought about it, so sure was I the best -would come to the best. She said she thought so too; at least she hoped -so; and bade me tell every Word of News I heard through the Wicket. -Presently I heard that _Wyat_, with his Army, was close beyond the -further Bridge Gate; and had pointed two Pieces of Ordnance against the -Bridge: which I thought needless to tell Mistress _Anne_. - -He was a fine Fellow, _Hew_, in his Way, there's no gainsaying. He -thought to free his Country from Harm; and, when he heard a Price was -set upon his Head, he wrote his Name on a Slip of Paper and set it on -his Cap. - -My Master was a-foot and in Harness on the Bridge all Night. The Women -kept close and quite still above-stairs, while _Miles_ and I kept Watch -below, but, I wot, they were as wakeful as ourselves. Towards Daydawn my -Master comes in: Mistress _Anne_, in her white Wrapper over her Dress, -leans over the Rail at the Stair-head, and cryeth, "Is all well?" "All -well, my Heart!" returns her Father. "Oh! thank GOD," cries she; and -meeting him half-way down the Stair, casts herself into his Arms. - -'Twas _Sunday_ Morning; and maybe, a Day of much Prayer, if of little -Church-going: but scarcely a Day of Rest. A Banner of Defiance was -unfurled a-top of the Tower, and a heavy Piece of Ordnance discharged -when they changed the Watch. - -Lord _Howard_ was walking to and fro on the Bridge, his Sword clanking -at every firm, heavy Tread; and anon he goeth to the Gate at the -_Southwark_ End, and calleth in a loud, determined Voice, "_Wyat!_" - -Presently some one makes Answer, "What would ye with him?" - -"I would speak with him," sayth my Lord. - -Answereth the other, "Our Captain is busy; if ye have any Message for -him, I will bear it." - -"Marry," sayth my Lord, "ask of him what he meaneth by this Invasion; -and whether he continue in his Purpose or no." - -The Messenger departed; and in about three Quarters of an Hour returned -with a weighted Purse, containing Master _Wyat's_ Answer; which, being -flung over the Gate, was received and read by my Lord, who tare it up, -as good for Nought. On the _Saturday_ Afternoon, all Boats had been -brought to the City Side of the River, not to be taken therefrom on Pain -of Death. - -My Lord _Howard_ turning in to our House about Noon, for Refreshment, -looketh fixedly on _Miles_, and sayth, "So you are young _Osborne_." -"No, my Lord," quod I, stepping forward, "I am he;" thinking he had -Somewhat to say unto me; but he only looked hard at me, and said "Oh." - -At Table, my Master helping him to Wine, he sayth, "That is a rare -Brilliant on your little Finger, Master _Hewet_—may I be favoured with -a nearer View of it?" "My Lord," sayth Master _Hewet_, "it is a -Token-ring: I never take it off.—However," quod he presently, "you -shall see it, and read the Posy inside; connecting it with the Matter we -spake of just now." I noted a singular Smile on my Lord _Howard's_ Face -as he returned it. - -That Night, like the last, was spent in Harness, but passed not, like -the last, without Event. The Weather was piercing cold; and a good -Watch-fire was kept up just within the Gate, whereat my Lord _Howard_, -Sir _Andrew Judd_, the _Lord Mayor_, Master _Hewet_, and others, stood -and warmed themselves. Meantime, Master _Wyat_, anxious to reconnoitre, -breaks down the Wall of a House adjoining the Gate on his side the -Draw-bridge, by which Breach he ascendeth the Leads of the Gate-house, -and thence coming down into the Porter's Lodge, it being about eleven o' -the Clock, he findeth the Porter sleeping, but his Wife, with sundry -others, watching over a Fire of Coals. On beholding _Wyat_ they suddenly -started; but he commanded them to keep quiet as they valued their Lives, -and they should sustain no Hurt; so they having no Courage to oppose -him, he went forth of the other Side the Gate-house to look across to -the Bridge. There, beyond the Chasm, within the second Gate, he noteth -my _Lord Deputy_, the _Lord Mayor_, and the Rest standing about the Fire -in their Clokes. After noting them well, and seeing there was no Hope of -taking them by Surprise, he returneth whence he came, and doeth his -Party to wit how the City strengthened itself and is on the Alert. -Peradventure to make farther Proof thereof, the Men of _Kent_ thereon -made an Uproar as it were in Sign of assaulting the Bridge, and fired -two Field Pieces. Whereat we were all alive and to Arms in an Instant; -and the Cries that ran along the Bridge shewed the Insurgents we were -ready for them. - -On _Monday_ we were heartened, and doubtless _Wyat_ was disheartened, by -the Bruit of Lord _Abergavenny's_ marching upon him from _Blackheath_ -with three Thousand Men. Thereon ensewed Diversity of Councils, in the -End whereof, Master _Wyat_ decided to march along the _Thames_ next Day, -to get Access to _Middlesex_ by _Kingston Bridge_. One of the -Lieutenant's Men of the Tower being despatched on special Charge across -to the Bishop of _Winchester's_ Palace, a Waterman of the Tower Stairs -prayed him for a Cast in his Boat, which he granted. Seven of _Wyat's_ -Men being on the Look-out, levelled their Arquebusses at the Boat, -charging them to re-land, which they not complying with, the Men -discharged their Pieces with mortal Effect; for the poor Waterman fell -dead, and the Sculler with much Terror rowed back, through the Bridge, -to the Tower Wharf. The Lieutenant, in a mighty Heat at what had -happened, levelled seven great Pieces of Ordnance full against the south -End of the Bridge and against _Southwark_, besides all the Guns on the -White Tower, and over the Watergate, so that the Men and Women dwelling -in _Southwark_ rushed confusedly to Master _Wyat_, and prayed him to -take Pity on them, or they should be utterly undone and destroyed. -Whereat, he, partly abashed, said, "I pray you, Friends, have Patience a -little, and I will presently relieve you of your Fears." And so, gave -Orders to march; and cleared out of _Southwark_ about eleven of the -Clock on _Shrove Tuesday_, without leaving a Penny unpaid to the -Inhabitants, or doing the least Damage beyond sacking and destroying the -Bishop of _Winchester's_ Palace and Library. Thus ended our three Days' -Beleaguerment. Now, leaving the Bridge in sufficient Guard, Master -_Hewet's_ Post lay at one of the City Gates: and a general Muster in St. -_James's Field_ was proclaimed for Six o' the Clock next Morning. - -At four o' Clock, however, the Drums called to Arms, _Wyat_ having -crossed at _Kingston_ and being already at _Brentford_. The -Law-Serjeants went to _Westminster Hall_, that Morning, with Harness -under their Gowns, and the Queen's Chaplain sung Mass before her with -Harness under his Vestments. By ten o' the Clock my Lord _Pembroke's_ -Troop of Horse hovered about _Wyat's_ Party, and Ordnance began to be -fired on both Sides; whereon the Screams of Women and peaceable People -at _Charing Cross_, as well as the Firing, could be heard at the Tower. -_Wyat_ drove back my _Lord Chamberlain's_ Guard, and marched on to -_Ludgate_ in disorderly Array. There he knocked at the Gate; and my Lord -_Howard_ from within asked who knocked: and on his giving his Name, -cried, "Avaunt, Traitor! thou enterest not here." Sundry of his Men -cried, "Queen _Mary_ hath granted our Request, and given us Pardon!" but -'twas known for a Feint; so they had Nought for it but to return whence -they came; and at _Charing Cross_ the Fight was renewed and waxed hot. -At length, a Herald called on _Wyat_ to yield rather than shed more -Blood, and trust to the Queen's Mercy. Whereon, he, astonied and -dejected, replied, "Well, if I must, let me yield me to a Gentleman." -Sir _Morrice Berkeley_ bade him leap up behind him; and two others -picked up young _Cobham_ and _Knevet_, and so carried them off, and the -Fight was ended. They lay, that Night, in the Tower. - -There was Somewhat mighty kindling, _Hew_, in that Defence of the -Bridge: and we all felt triumphant and thankful when the Fight was over; -but thereafter came great Gravity and Sadness, to muse on what might -have been, and on what would shortly befal those Men in the Tower. A -grievouse Thing is a Civil War. - -Then Master _Hewet_,—ah! what a Shrievalty was his! but yet he thanked -God in After-time that it fell not a Year or two later—he must be -present at the beheading the poor guiltless Boy _Guilford_ _Dudley_, and -also of the Lady _Jane_. That same Day, _Hew_, there was set up a -Gallows at every Gate in _London_, and at the Bridge-foot; three or four -at _Charing Cross_ and in many other Places. About four hundred Rebels -were condemned in one Day. The Prisons were so o'er-crowded that they -were kept in Ward in Churches. The Lady _Elizabeth_ was committed to the -_Tower_; daily, new State Prisoners went in, and they that came forth, -'twas but to their Scaffolds. _Suffolk_, _Wyat_, the _Greys_—'twas an -awful Time to be Sheriff! There were City Feasts; but Men met to look -one another in the Face and ask what would come next, rather than for -Potacion and Refection. - - - - -CHAPTER IX - -_Osborne is out of his Time_ - - -I was out of my Time; and was examined by the Master and Wardens of our -Company whether I had duly and faithfully served my Apprenticeship: and -being found sufficient and allowed, was presented to the Chamberlain of -_London_ to be made free; was sworn, and paid Two-and-sixpence. - -I remember one of the Wardens eyed me rather curiously when I went up; -and said, "So thou art young _Osborne_?" "Yea," quod the other, "the -Knight of the Flying Leap!" an old Joke I thought every one had -forgotten. Howbeit they shook Hands with me, and said they wished every -Master as good a 'Prentice. - -Thereafter I went to see _Tomkins_, whom I had lost Sight of a long -Time. His Wife was spreading a clean Diaper over the Table, his little -Girl playing with a Kitten on the Hearth, and a straggling Sunbeam -through the Lattice was lighting up his pale, placid Face as he sate at -his Loom. I have thought since, that ministering Spirits might have been -passing to and fro on that Beam, unperceivable to my mortal Sense. - -"Ha!" quod he, "this is a pleasant Sight. What! the blue Gown is thrown -off at last! But how? no Scallops? no Slashes? no Taffeta-lined Cloke, -nor Shirt edged with Silver? Thou keepest within the Statute, at all -Events. Why, _Miles_ goes as fine as a Popinjay! Howbeit, I like your -dark brown better than his Eggs and Spinach; 'tis good Taste, Lad, not -to dress above one's Degree. All the World can see which is the -Gentleman's Son, which the Burreller's." - -"Thou art e'en too hard on poor _Miles_," quod I. "He is working very -hard just now in hope of marrying." - -"All the better," saith _Tomkins_; "many a second-rate Fellow is made -better by a first-rate Wife. What? is he thinking of _Tryphosa_?" - -"Oh no," quod I, laughing, "he thinks her quite too old." - -"Look you there now!" quod he, much amused, "too old, forsooth! To hear -how Boys talk! Marry, you must sup with us, and tell me about -Everything; that is, if you can condescend to eat aught but -Manchet-bread in these grand Days. Step down to _Fishmongersrow_, dear -_Dinah_, and fetch us a Crab." - -"That's a long Step, _Tomkins_," observed his Wife, "would not Something -I could get nearer do as well?" - -"No," quod he gently, "I want a Crab, and I want it from thence; so -oblige me, good _Dinah_." - -"That I will," replied she, cheerfully, tying on her Hood, and departing -the next Minute with her Child in her Arms. - -"I remember," quod _Tomkins_, laughing, "how you and _Miles_ played away -at the Crab on our Wedding-day. And if you spurn such homely Dainties -now, you'll be Home in Time for your real Supper after all. 'Tis but -Three o' the Clock." - -"To hear you Talk," said I, "one would think we lived just now in -_Lubberland_, where the Rivers run Gravy and Apple-sauce, and the roast -Pigs run about, saying, Come eat me." - -"Why, is not Master _Hewet_ Sheriff?" quod _Tomkins_, "and doth he not -ride a gray Horse and wear a velvet Coat and a Jewel in his Cap? Sure, -you must be steeped in Wassail and Feasting." - -"Ah," quod I, "there's little real Mirth in it. Seldom do we see a Smile -now on Master _Hewet's_ Face ... Mistress _Anne_ is in the Country; -Mistress _Fraunces_ does the Honours with all Grace, many People come -and go, new Servants wait, many fine Dishes are cooked and eaten; but -the Times are so bad, there is little Hilarity with it all." - -"Aye?" quod he, lowering his Voice, "is't e'en so?" Then changing his -Manner altogether, he rose, sate by the Fire, and pointed me to a Seat -over-against him. - -"_Ned_," saith he, "what is to be looked for, when the very Heavens -above, though without articulate Voice or Sound, proclaim coming -Judgment? Two Suns shining at once i' the Firmament! The Bow of Mercy, -not indeed withdrawn, but _reversed_; the Bow turned downward and the -two Ends standing upward! Didst see it?" - -I said, I did; it had puzzled the Wise and affrighted the Weak. - -"Well might it do either or both," quod he. "Well! ... we shall see what -comes of it. These Foreshadows are sometimes sent in Mercy, that -thoughtful People may prepare. 'Fearful Sights and great Signs shall -there be from Heaven.' 'And when these Things begin to come to pass, -lift up your Heads, for your Redemption draweth nigh.' 'And he that -endureth unto the End, the same shall be saved.' 'Settle it therefore in -your Hearts not to meditate beforehand what ye shall answer; for _I_ -will give you a Mouth and Wisdom that all your Adversaries shall not be -able to gainsay nor resist.' 'In your patience possess ye your Souls.'" - -"_Tomkins!_" cried I, filled with sudden Admiration, "thou couldst not -always have thus quoted and applied the Bible!" - -"Lad," quod he, "Times are altered. I don't suppose there was ever a -quiet, fair-spoken Man nearer the Edge of the Pit of Destruction than I -was, a few Years back. Just as I was trifling on the Brink, _a Child's_ -Voice called me back. _Ned!_ 'twas thine. I had known, for Months and -Years, what 'twas to lie down with a Heart ill at Peace with GOD. He -that is very glad to get into a good and safe Covert, will not waste his -Time in dallying with too curious Subtleties. Since I have gone the Way -I should, Years have seemed like Days! I have tasted the _Life of Life_: -yet never was more ready to lay it down at my Master's Feet! 'Tis all I -have to give him!" - -"I hope," said I, after a Pause, "there will be no Need." - -"But what have we to expect?" quod he. "Here's the Mass and all its -Mummery revived on every Hand, Mass Priests set in the Place of godly -Preachers, and good Men deprived and cast into Prison. _Philip_ of -_Spain_ and Cardinal _Pole_ will presently sweep all before them, and -make a clear House on 't! Do you remember—but, peradventure 'twas -before thy Time—Master _Chester_ coming to Master _Hewet_, and putting -it to him what he should do with a 'Prentice Lad of his, one _Lawrence -Saunders_, whom he had overheard hard wrestling in Prayer, and found -wholly given to spiritual Contemplation and the reading of godly Books? -Master _Hewet_ advised his cancelling his Indentures and sending him to -_Cambridge_, which he did; and the good Youth did no small Credit to his -kind and enlightened Master. But, last _October_, _Ned_, he preached a -Sermon in _All-hallows'_ Church, the pure Doctrine whereof brought him -into Trouble; for _Bonner_ and the Chancellor called him a frenzy Fool -and committed him to Prison, where he hath lain, in great hardness, ever -since; nor will come forth, I fear me, except to be burned. Then there's -good Bishop _Hooper_—" - -"Ah," said I, "when he was committed to the _Fleet_ last _September_, he -had nothing for his Bed but a little Pad of Straw and a rotten Covering, -with a Tick and a few Feathers therein, in a foul and unwholesome -Chamber. And this we had from his Man _John Downton_, Brother to our -Maid _Damaris_; whereon Master _Hewet_ sent him Money and a good Bed." - -"Then there's young _Hunter_ the 'Prentice," continued _Tomkins_, "was -brought up for refusing to receive the Mass Communion this Easter. His -Master contrived to send him down to his Father's at _Brentwood_, where -he presently fell again into Trouble for reading of the Bible that lay -on the Clerk's Desk, and was set in the Stocks twenty-four Hours. And -then they sent him up to _Bonner_, who set him in the Stocks at his own -Gate for two Days and two Nights, with only a Crust of Bread and a Cup -of Water; the Lad's young Brother all the while sitting by him. Then he -was cast into the Convict Prison, as heavily ironed as one of his tender -Years could bear, and hath lain there ever since, with a Halfpenny a Day -for his Keep. Could you or I shew such Constancy, think you?" - -"You might, but I could not," said I. - -"_You_ might, but _I_ might not," sighed he—"not the Thing that will -follow." - -And, suddenly thrusting his Hand into the very midst of the Fire, which -was burning fiercely, he as suddenly plucked it out; turning on me a -Look I shall never forget! It expressed the Anguish of a Man weighed in -the Balance and found wanting. We sate for a few Seconds in perfect and -most painful Silence; his Hand, in great Blisters, resting on his Knee. -Suddenly I started up and laid my Hand on his Shoulder. - -"_Tomkins_," cried I, "what are you thinking of?" - -"I was thinking," returned he with filling Eyes, "how unworthy I was of -the SAVIOUR that died for me." - -"But your Hand! did not you feel the Smart?" - -"My _Hand_?" cried he, starting and looking down upon it. "_No, not just -then!_ I'd forgotten it." - -"See! see!" cried I, "what may be the Victory of the Spirit over the -Flesh! What has been, may be again. As our Day, our Strength shall be." - -The large Tears came into his Eyes. "_Ned_," quod he, "I will never -doubt it again." - -"And now," said I, "let me dress your Hand, for I know Something of -Burns." So I went out and got white Cotton Wool, and wrapped a great Pad -of it about his Hand, and tied it up neatly; and, just at that Time, his -Wife came in with the Crab. - -"Why, what's the Matter?" cried she, changing Colour. - -"Nothing at all, my Love," returned her Husband cheerfully, "save that -I've burnt my Hand." - -"Ah," said she, "you wist the Handle of the Kettle was loose.... I won't -pity you at all! _Is_ it a very bad Hurt, though?" - -"Nothing to speak of," quod he. - -"Forsooth, and you couldn't smile so, an' 'twere—only thou hast made -such a great Bundle of it. Shall I tie it up neater for thee, Husband?" - -"No, sweet Heart, it does well enough. So now for the Crab.... And so -young Mistress _Anne_ is in the Country?" - -"At the Hall," quod I, "with her Uncle." - -"Ah," sayth he quietly, "the Squire hath two fair Sons ... I think she -will settle down there one of these Days." - - - - -CHAPTER X - -_Evil Times bring Evil Crimes_ - - -I love not to think of that Year: still less of those which followed -after it! In _July_, _Philip_ of _Spain_ landed on our Shores, and as he -placed his Foot for the first Time on _British_ Ground, he drew his -Sword, and carried it a little Way naked in his Hand; which, if it meant -Anything, certes did mean no Good. The Mayor of _Southampton_ brought -him the Keys of the Town, which he took and gave back without the least -Token of Good-will or Civility for the Respect. Five Days thereafter, -his Marriage with the Queen was solemnized at _Winchester_, he being -seven and twenty, and she eight and thirty; and thereon they were -together proclaimed as King and Queen of _England_. An Evil Song to -_English_ Ears! But oh! the Shews and Pageants that were got up to -welcome them in _London_! Giants, offering Addresses; our Condyts -running Wine; and what not? - -Thereafter, the Queen and her King behoved to go to _Hampton Court_; -where, I will just observe, the Hall-door was continually kept shut, so -as no Man might enter, unless his Errand were first known; which might -perhaps be the Fashion in _Spain_, but to plain, honest _Englishmen_, -seemed very strange. - -About this Time there were so many _Spaniards_ in _London_, that for one -_Englishman_ in the Stretes thou mightest meet four _Spaniards_, with -their long, sly Slits of Eyes, and hairy Faces; so that it behoved _us_ -to keep our Hall-doors shut and look to our Spoons, for I never heard -the King Consort undertook to stand Bail for them. About _September_ -they went their Ways; not entirely paying their Bills. - -About this Time, the Disaffection of the Body Politic was betrayed by a -small Rising in _Suffolk_, soon put down. Howbeit, it gave Occasion for -a Talk of twelve thousand _Spaniards_ coming over to strengthen the -Crown. Also, from the Queen's common Ordinary of her Household was -struck off twenty-two Messes of Meat; which was considered to be paring -the Cheese rather close. - -Also, the new Coins were issued: them that we call the Double-face. The -_Spanish_ Prince, to buy good Opinion, had brought over Heaps of Gold -with him. In one Day, there came to the Tower twenty Carts guarded by -_Spaniards_, each containing twenty-seven Chests of Treasure, matted -about with Mats. But Gold won't buy Love: the common Talk was how he -held himself close, and lived sullen, without ever an _English_ Lord at -Court save only the Bishop of _Winchester_. - -Then Bishop _Bonner_ began his Visitation, to see the old Service set -up, and paint out the Scripture Texts on the Church-walls, and set up -the Images. They say that, in conducting this Matter, he was little -short of a raging Madman, whenever he met with any, the least -Opposition.... I think thou mayst believe it of him, when thou hearest -what I have presently to say. - -Master _Hewet's_ Shrievalty was out; and never was Man better pleased to -slip his Neck out of the Collar. We were sitting peaceably together, -when a Woman comes in to him all in Tears. 'Twas _Tomkins'_ Wife, poor -_Dinah_, to do us to wit that _Tomkins_, with sundry others, had been -apprehended by Bishop _Bonner_, and taken for Examination to his Palace -at _Fulham_. "And, unless their Manhood fail them," quo' she, weeping, -"we may give them up for lost; for he makes the Real Presence a Net for -catching Small and Great." We comforted her all we could; but she spake -too true a Word. - -The Constancy of this poor Weaver, _Hew_, shewn under Examination, was -very notable. There were six Prisoners in all; but _Tomkins_, perhaps on -Account of his being the elder of them, was brought most forward. To -intimidate these poor Men the more, Bishop _Bonner_ had got together a -goodly Muster of his Clergy and Friends, Dr. _Chedsey_, Master -_Harpsfield_, and others. Beginning the Attack, according to his Wont, -with the Real Presence, he put it to _Tomkins_ whether or no he believed -in Transubstantiation. On _Tomkins'_ meekly but firmly confessing he did -not, and giving his Reasons for that Confession, _Bonner_ struck him on -the Face with his Fist, and violently tore out a Handful of his Beard. -_Tomkins_ bare this in Silence, remembering Him who stood before -_Caiaphas_. Then _Bonner_, lashing himself up, began anew to question -him; and being still unable to catch him in his Talk, he seized him by -the Wrist; and holding his Hand over a lighted Candle of three or four -Wicks that stood on the Table, savagely kept it there till the Veins -shrank and the Sinews burst. - -"But, _Ned_," quoth this meek Martyr, telling me of it in _Newgate_, -"though one of the Bishop's own Friends that stood by turned so sick -that he cried, 'Hold! enough!' I affirm unto you that I was so rapt, and -in such immediate Communion with my GOD and SAVIOUR, that, _at that -Time_, I felt or was sensible of no Pain! I say not I felt none -afterwards: I feel it now. But ne'er-theless, I tell thee, _Ned_, I am -ready not only to suffer this, but also to die for the Name of the LORD -JESUS, if it be his Will." - -And many other such godly and comfortable Words he spake, both then and -during the next six Months; for I was continually with him. And, during -all that Time, his Courage never waxed faint, but he bare that long -Probation and Suspense patiently and cheerfully; never rising into -Rapture, but full of Love and Hope; and grateful exceedingly unto Master -_Hewet_, for keeping his Wife and Child in Bread all that Time. - -Then saw I, how diverse, yea, how inferior is that Sort of instinctive -animal Courage which made me leap from _London Bridge_, from that moral -Courage which enableth a Man kept low, and contumeliously treated, to -support, by the Space of half an Year, the Prospect of a cruel and -lingering Death. - -—Ah, Boy, thou mayest say what thou listest:—thou art a young -Soldier.—Besides, thou hast _both_ Sorts; one, maybe, from me; and one -from _her_. - -And now, to crown all, came over Cardinal _Pole_, whom our _Spanish_ -King came down to the Water-side to meet, so soon as he had learned he -had shot the Bridge. But in Faith, _Hew_, he was not so evil as the -others. He was no longer the Man for whom Queens might die in Love; -still less the Youth that had bandied Jests with _More_ and -_Erasmus_:—he had known Sorrow, I wot!—his Mother, his Brother, his -Cousin, had been brought with Sorrow to their Graves; and albeit his -Friends did say of him he should be called _non Polus Anglus, sed Polus -angelus_, he carried his Sadness in his Face. - -And now, the Church and Realm of _England_ were proclaimed reconciled to -the Pope of _Rome_, the slavish Parliament put its Neck under the -Queen's Foot, there was great singing of _Te Deum_, and great kindling -of Bone-fires;—Alas! there were to be other Bone-fires soon. - -The New Year opened ominously. About thirty Citizens, Men and Women, -privately receiving the Communion of Mr. _Rose_, their Minister, in a -House in _Bow Churchyard_, were haled to Prison. For thou seest, _Hew_, -Romanism had now, through the Slavishness of our Parliament, been -re-established as _the Law of the Land_, which all Friends of good Order -were bounden to uphold; wherefore those were constrained to break it and -be classed as bad Citizens who chose rather to abide by _the Law of_ -GOD—a Dilemma that ought never to have happened. They that are set in -foremost Places are bounden to stand in the Breach, that Evil ensew not -unto them whose Place is behind them. - -Now, see in what a Strait was Master _Hewet_. He and every other -Alderman had to attend _Paul's_ Church on _Paul's_ Day, where the King -and Cardinal came in great State, to give Thanks for the Re-conversion -of the Realm to the Roman Catholic Church. This was on the 25_th_; and -on the 28_th_, the Bishops had Commission from the Cardinal to try all -such Preachers and Heretics as lay in Prison. By Virtue whereof, -_Gardiner_ and the other Bishops had up before them that very Day, -Bishop _Hooper_, Mr. ROGERS, Mr. _Cardmaker_, and others, in the Church -of St. _Mary Overy_. I stood, with others, at the Church Door, to see -the Prisoners come out. They were remanded to the Compter in _Southwark_ -about four o' the Clock, just as 'twas growing dark, till nine the next -Morning; and as they came forth, I saw good Bishop _Hooper_ look back -and wait a little for Master _Rogers_, whom, when he came up, he -cheerfully addressed with, "Come, Brother _Rogers_, must we two take -this Matter first in Hand, and begin to fry these Fagots?" "By GOD'S -Grace, Sir," quod _Rogers_, "we will." "Doubt not," returns the good -Bishop, "but GOD will give us that." And so passed on, Hand in Hand, -much cheered and pressed on by the People. - -Next Day, they were re-examined and condemned and degraded. The Sheriffs -had much ado to guard them to the _Clink_ in _Southwark_, where they -kept them in Ward till Dark, hoping the Throng would disperse or ere -they brought them across the Bridge to _Newgate_. Howbeit, about eight -o' the Clock, I being alone and busied, heard a great Rumour, followed -by sharp, shrill Cries along the Bridge, and Master _Hewet_, stepping -in, all in a Heat, sayth, "Lights! Lights!" I mutely gave him mine, and -fetched another, and we stood at the Door, protecting the Candles from -the Wind with our Hands. Others were hastily bringing Candles to their -Doors; and still we could hear Men and 'Prentices running forward and -crying "Lights!" - -"They thought to do a Deed of Darkness in the dark," quod Master -_Hewet_, wiping his Brow, "and to smuggle them across to _Newgate_ under -cover of the Night; and so sent forward to have all the Candles at the -Costermongers' Stalls extinguished ... but, if they're ashamed of their -Work, let them abye it!... GOD speed you, Master _Hooper_! GOD save you, -Master _Rogers_! The Blessing of GOD be on you and on all like you!" - -"The same to you all, dear Friends!" responded the cheerful Voice of the -good Bishop as he passed. "The LORD have you all evermore in his -keeping." - -And then Master _Hewet_ went in and covered his Face and wept. - - [Illustration: J Jellicoe - "Covered his face & wept"] - - - - -CHAPTER XI - -_The Blood of the Martyrs, yᵉ Seed of yᵉ Church_ - - -I may as well tell thee now, _Hew_, by way of Relief to heavier Matters, -the ludicrous Form that _Miles's_ Protestantism took. He was never one -of the most serious; and when Master _Hewet_, at the preceding Easter, -had, on Compulsion as Alderman of the Ward, given formal Notice to every -Householder, with their Families, to prepare to confess and receive the -Sacrament, _Miles_ sayth with a knavish Look at me, "I must do Somewhat -first, to confess about." - -Presently after that I heard him coaxing Mistress _Fraunces's_ white Cat -with, "Pussy, Pussy, Pussy! come to Preferment, Pussy!" But Puss, as if -she smelt Mischief in the Wind, flew up the Chimney. Then quod he, -"Thou'rt too good for the Purpose, after all. I must go pay my Duty to -the Sub-prioress that lives all alone with her Cats." Quod I, "What -Mischief are you about now?" Saith he, "If you ask no unpleasant -Questions, you'll hear no unpleasant Answers. What if I want to get up a -little Masque of Puss in Boots?" - -Next Day, at dawning, there was seen in _Chepe_, on the Gallows that had -been set up for the _Kentish_ Rioters, a Cat suspended, apparelled like -a Priest ready to say Mass, with a shaven Crown, and her two forefeet -tied over her Head, with a round Paper like a Wafer-cake put between -them, as though in the Act of raising the Host. Fits of boisterous -Laughter rang through _Chepe_: howbeit, the Queen and Bishops were in -great Dudgeon; and a Proclamation was made, that same Afternoon, that -whosoever should bring forth the guilty Party should have twenty Nobles, -which was afterwards increased to twenty Marks: but I need not say that -nobody ever claimed it. I think I might have put the Money in my Pocket -if I would. - -Howbeit, neither _Miles_ nor I felt ourselves called upon to confess to -the Priest; in special as Master _Hewet_ never enforced it on any, after -the first formal Notice: and I wot, he went not himself. Indeed, it was -marvellous, he said in after Years, that considering how open he laid -himself to Animadversion on these Matters, no Enemy took Advantage of -him; howbeit, I doubt if he had one; there were many to make common -Cause with him, and he was much loved throughout the Ward. - -But I have not done with _Miles_ yet. The next Offence his Protestantism -took was at an Idol of _Thomas à Becket_, which the _Lord Chancellor_ -caused to be set up over the Mercers' Chapel Door, in _Chepe_: which, -within two Days, had its Head lopped off in the Night. Upon this rose -great Disturbance, and one Mr. _Barnes_, a Mercer, who lived -over-against the Chapel, was vehemently accused by my Lord _Wriothesley_ -of being Principal or Accessary to the Deed. He defended himself with -every Semblance of Innocence; nevertheless, he and three 'Prentices were -imprisoned for a Day or two; and, though Nothing was proven against him, -he was, on his Delivery, bound in a great Sum of Money to repair the -Image so often as it should be broken down, and also to watch and defend -the same. I should never have suspected _Miles_ of having had Aught to -do with this Matter, save for his gloomy and guilty Looks while _Barnes_ -lay in Ward, and for his great Access of Gaiety when he was let forth. -Howbeit, there are some People whose absolute Genius and Destiny seems -to be Mischief; and, a Day or two after the Image's Restoration, I heard -_Miles_, after pacing up and down the Chamber awhile like a chafed Lion -in a Cage, exclaim in a Sort of Desperation, "I must do it again!" And -next Day, the _second_ Head was missing. This Time, a hundred Crowns of -Gold were offered for Discovery of the Culprit. But they never were -claimed. Then quod _Miles_, embracing me with an unwonted Ardour of -Affection, "Ned! thou'rt a capital Fellow!" - -Howbeit, _Miles_ presently became absorbed in his Love-affair, which -brought his protestant Zeal to a very ignoble Termination. He now lodged -at some Distance from us, and kept his private Concerns very much to -himself. Having one Day Occasion to speak to him at his Lodging, I there -found not only his Mother, but an exceeding pretty young Woman. "_Ned!_" -quod he, "this is my Wife; I forgot to tell you before, that I was -married!" "I've a great Mind to forget it too!" sayth she, pouting, as I -went up to salute her, "the Saints be my Witness!" at which, I looked -attentively at her and then at him. - -He followed me to the Door when mine Errand was sped. "_Ned_," whispered -he, and coloured all over, "there'll be no more hanging of Cats!... -She's a staunch _Roman_, is _Nell_! and I'm obliged to conform, I can -tell thee! Rely on't, there's much to be said upon both Sides!" And this -was he, had said he was as firm as _London Stone_. - -I shook my Head at him, but was not, just then, going to attempt his -Conversion. By way of confirming myself in the Faith, I passed on to -_Newgate_, where I saw _Tomkins_, young _Hunter_, and their -Fellow-prisoner in the LORD, Master _Rogers_, who was to suffer the next -Morning. To hear him talk, one would have thought he saw Heaven opened, -and the bright Vision that St. _Stephen_ had, revealed to his inward -Eye; and he mightily strengthened his Brethren. His Wife being denied -Access to him, he prayed me give her a Kerchief, the only poor Token he -had to send; and to bid her, if she had Strength for 't, to be by the -Wayside with the Children, next Morn, on the Way to _Smithfield_. I took -her there myself; the poor Soul was wondrously supported; and when the -good Man came by, I held one of his little Children towards him, -prompting him to say, "The LORD will strengthen thee, Father!" Which, -indeed, he did. - -Well, after the Euthanasy of this blessed Proto-martyr, who, as though -to confirm the Courage of those that came after, did literally wash his -Hands in the Flame as if he felt no Smart, _Tomkins'_ Courage, strange -to say, greatly departed from him, and he doubted much if he should hold -firm unto the End. Thereon, great Prayer was made for him by his -Brethren in Bonds, and, I am bold to say, at one or two solitary -Bed-sides: and it came to pass, at all Events, that he was strengthened -to go through his next Examination, with young _Hunter_ and the Rest, in -_Paul's_ Consistory, five Days after _Rogers_ was burned. The Lad -_Hunter_, who stood by his Brother to the Last, heard all five Prisoners -condemned to die by _Bonner_. - -Thereon Mistress _Fraunces_ and I went, under Shadow of Evening, to -_Tomkins'_ Wife. She was in strong Fits, with sundry poor Women about -her; and, leaving Mistress _Fraunces_ to add to their tender -Ministrations, I went on to _Newgate_, if haply Master _Hewet's_ Name -might still serve me to have Access to my poor Friend. Directly I saw -him I knew, by the mild steady Light in his Eye, that his Courage was -safe! "_Ned_," quod he, "I was given over a little While unto Darkness, -just to let me feel that the Strength within me was none of mine; but -now, my Friend hath come back to me, and I rejoice in his Light! Soon we -shall be eternally together; and oh! how much we shall have to tell and -to hear. Little will it matter, then, whether my Ashes were scattered to -the four Winds, or collected in a stone Jug like a _Roman's_. Direct -poor _Dinah_ to the seventy-seventh Psalm; I know it will comfort her. -Dear Master _Hewet_ will keep her from Want; and she will presently -retire to her Friends in the Country. So, thou seest, I have no Fear for -Temporalities! Look! she hath made me this long white Shirt to wear -to-morrow; my Wedding-garment, I call it. Tell her every Stitch she set -in it evidenced her Faith, as every Blow wherewith _Abraham_ clave the -Fagots whereon to offer his Son, proved his. And a lighter Sacrifice is -exacted of her, for she hath not to slay me, only to resign me. And now, -good speed, good _Ned_.... Don't be at _Smithfield_ to-morrow, only -stand by the Way as I go along ... thou hast risked too much for me -already." - -In Sooth I ne'er thought twice of the Risk; but I doubted whether what -he could bear to _feel_, I could bear to _see_. I stood over-against the -Door as he came forth; our Eyes met; and in a Tone that had Somewhat of -Musicalness in it that searched and sank into the very Heart, he sayth, -"The Night is far spent, Lad! the Day is at Hand!" - -Those Token-words drew me irresistibly after him. I felt no Fear, no -Horror just then; only that our two Souls clave together, and that mine -must keep near his till 'twas caught up. So I kept a little in advance, -and eyed him now and then, that he might just see I stood by him; and I -think it gave him Pleasure, for I once heard him say, "The Presence of a -Friend, that cleaveth to us unto Death, how good is it!" - -But Martyrs were forbidden to make long Speeches on Pain of having their -Tongues cut out; and indeed, their Constancy preached enow. Wherefore -this was the last Word I heard from his Lips, for he seemed entirely -addressing himself to another Friend whom we could neither hear nor see. -And, when he got to the Place, I saw him put his Arms affectionately -about the Stake and kiss it, (they all did that,) and then lay aside his -poor Weaver's Garments, prison-worn and tattered, and put on what seemed -indeed the white Robe of Immortality, and then stand firm while they put -the Chain about his Waist. Just then a Man pushed rudely past me with a -Fagot; and there was a Rush and a Press of New-comers that jostled me -from my Place and wanted to feed their greedy Appetites with a good -Man's Pain as if 'twere a mere Show. I pushed at them again, and -struggled forward, amid Blows and reviling, and gat Sight of a Puff of -Smoke, and a bright Flame leaping up. Just then, the Sun, breaking forth -from a stormy Cloud, shone full upon his Face, which, looking upward -with a joyous Smile, seemed transfigured by it. I could see no more ... -mine Eyes were blinded, my Throat choked. I pushed my Way through the -Crowd and went Home to pray for—myself, not for him! - - - - -CHAPTER XII - -_A Snake among yᵉ Flowers_ - - -I can give thee, _Hew_, no very connected Account of the Rest of that -Season.... One Horror followed another—the Land was full of Blood, and -Fire, and Vapour of Smoke. We went softly, and lived gloomy, and -wretched, and desolate. - -Sometimes I wished my Turn would come: then, dreaded it. _Tomkins_ was -continually before mine Eyes. At last, I suppose I altered so, that -Master _Hewet_ sent me down to my Mother, to keep quiet awhile in the -Country. - -Oh! what Happiness that was! The Tears we then shed together had Healing -in them; and soon, away from all hateful Sounds and Sights, we gave over -weeping altogether. My Mother, I found, had, in the first Instance, -outwardly conformed; _kissed Baal_, in Fact; and then, like a good many -other timid yet well-meaning Persons, found many Excuses to make for -having so done, which yet failed to allay Self-disapprobation, and ended -in Contrition and Resolutions of doing so no more. She was favourably -placed for the keeping of such Resolves; having moved out of _Ashford_, -to a remote Country-farm, too far from a Place of Worship for regular -Attendance, wherefore she had set a-foot a little Church within her -House, that was served, under the Rose, by a deprived Minister -harbouring in the Neighbourhood. One of my younger Brothers, a goodly -Lad, was at School; the other, a sickly Urchin, dwelt at Home, inactive -but very happy. - -So here I tarried, Thanks to good Master _Hewet_! till my Mind quite -regained its Strength, as happy as a Rook on _Sundays_, as we say in -_Kent_. The Change was so great, that my Absence seemed much longer than -it really was. On my Return to _London_, as I rode along _Kentstrete_, -my Heart seemed to fly forward to what, in Course of Years, had become -my very Home. And, when we were all re-united beneath the same Roof, and -I had fallen into my old Course, with very little Interference with the -World without, I shortly began to be ware of a deep, new, inward Source -of Happiness, that for a While I neither could nor would understand. -Whatever I did, wherever I went, the very Air I breathed seemed to have -a Glow, and Sweetness, and Freshness in it, whether my Errand led me -through the Skinners' Yards in _Budgerow_, or the Butchers' Stalls in -_Eastchepe_; 'twas all the same!—let the Stretes be ringing with -Noises, there was a Song of Angels in my Head that made me deaf -thereunto. And soon I was ware that this new Sweetness of Living, which -was Serenity abroad, was Rapture at Home; and so all-satisfying was it, -that I took no Care for the Morrow, nor aspired for Aught I had not, but -only coveted to go on just as I was. - -Master _Hewet_, about this Time, was full content with me, and reposed -in me more and more Trust. Whereby I became aware that his Ventures were -becoming more important, his Connexions more extended, his Credit -higher, his Gains greater; and yet, withal, no Abatement of his old Rule -of Simplicity and Plainness; unless with regard to Mistress _Anne_. No -Money was in Sooth spared on her for Teaching or Dressing: her Chambers -for Night and Day had, I believe, every Adornment that Money and Taste -could procure: if her Ornaments were few, it was rather that she did not -affect wearing many, than that there was Anything her Eye coveted that -her Father would not buy for her. But she was one whom Indulgence could -not spoil. Her Money, of which she had ample Allowance from an early -Age, (it being one of Master _Hewet's_ sage Maxims, that Children should -be irresponsible Controulers of some regular Stipend, however small, to -teach them Self-denial, Liberality, and Charity,) her Money, I say, was -freely expended upon others, and employed in gratifying many an innocent -Taste for Flowers, Birds, and such-like. Thus it fell, that I was now -and then made Party to some little Mystery that gave me Pleasure she -wist not she was bestowing, for I am persuaded she was at this Time -living chiefly in a little Dream-land of her own, peopled with none but -good Spirits and fair Prospects. It was, "_Osborne_, dost thou care to -favour me so much as to step down to the _Blanche Chapelton_, and slip -this into the Hand of the poor Basket-maker whose House was burned down -last Night?"—or, _Edward_, I want to buy my Father an Inkstand I have -seen in _Lyme-strete_; 'tis of rare Fancy, and, I think, a real -Antique—a Hare in her Form, made of some glossy, brown Substance; and -between the Hare's Ears is the Mouth of the Inkstand.—The Shop looks -not like one I should care to enter, but 'tis over-against the -Green-gate of _Miguel_ _Pistoy_. Mind not the Price, but see thou tell -not even _Damaris_." - -Now, though Master _Hewet_ so liberally supplied her Privy-purse, there -were certain Household Expenses he made her reckon to a Penny; and, if -she were at Fault, she had to make it good. 'Twas pretty, and diverting, -to hear these two sometimes arguing together over their Account-book: -for Mistress _Anne_ was not a ready Reckoner, and he would by no Means -be put off with a Quip. One Day, they were counting out their Money, -when he said, "_Ned_, this young Gentlewoman can never attain to a -competent Knowledge of Figures. I'll give thee a Couple of Angels to -carry her on into Practice, for I shall save Money i' the End." - -So when he is gone, I say, "Come, Mistress, the Bribe is very high ... -where shall we begin? I suppose 'twill shame you to be put too far back." - -"I hardly know what will be too far back," saith she, rogueing a -little—"My Father sayeth I have done this wrong—" and she gives me a -little Slip of Paper, inscribed with the neatest, prettiest little -Figures. - -"Good now!" said I, "the only Mistake herein is,—you have essayed to -subtract the greater Number from the less; which you know can never be." - -"Yes, it can be, sometimes," saith she, quickly. - -"Never!" say I. "How?" - -"Take V from IV and I remains!" quod she. So I laughed, and told her -many a Spendthrift would like that Reckoning. - -"Well," said I, "I suppose you desire not to begin with Enumeration." - -"Since your Time is so valuable," sayth she, "you need not teach me at -all." - -"Nay, Mistress," say I, "count a Million if you will! I can tarry." - -"How long will that take me?" quod she. - -"Why," say I, "if you count a Hundred a Minute, that is, six Thousand in -an Hour, and count at that Rate for fourteen Hours in the twenty-four, -you may in twelve Days count a Million." - -"Hold, hold!" cries she, "you will make me puzzle-headed for a week!" -and so, runs off. - -Next Time I saw her alone, I say, "Well, Mistress, are you in the Humour -for Practice?" - -"No," quoth she with Decision, "I know Figures already!" And commenced -tinkling on her Virginals. So, there an End ... or might ha' been, were -any Woman two Days o' the same Mind. But, shortly, she cometh to me with -a Tear in her Eye. - -"_Ned_," saith she, "what's to be done? I gave all the Money in my Purse -(there wasn't much), to the Girdler's Widow, hard by St. _Anne_ in the -Willows; and now, I can't make up my Father's Accounts, and shall seem -unto him a Defaulter." - -"Or be one ... which?" quod I. "What is to do?" - -"What _can_ I do?" returns she. - -"Marry," say I, "I can lend you the Money." - -"Nay," quoth she quickly, "it would not be right in me to take it." - -"You have Reason," say I. "It would not." - -"Then what remaineth?" she said. - -"Honesty afore Charity," I made Answer. "You must ask Master _Hewet_ to -deduct it from your next Quarterage, and henceforth give not away his -Money when you have spent your own." - -"He would never have grutched it!" cries she, kindling. - -"Forsooth, then, all's said," quod I, and turned to go. - -"_Ned!_ stop," cries she, "how _canst_ thou be so ill-natured?" and -began to cry a little. "Why did you not, the other Day, as my Father -bade you, put me on some better Method with my Accounts?" - -"Why," said I, "I was about to try, when you started off like a young -Deer from a Gad-fly." - -"Well," saith she, "run this up for me, at all Events, and see if there -be any Error in the Sum-total ... I shall be grateful to you either -Way." - -So I began,—"_To Groceries, four-and-fourpence_...." - -"Four-and-fourpence!" cries she, "Four Pound four!" - -"'Tis here plainly set down," say I, "as four-and-fourpence." - -"Oh, charming!" cries she, "then all's straight!" - -And, catching the Paper from mine Hand, she goes off with it, and I see -no more of her nor her Accounts. - -Only, about a Month after, Master _Hewet_ says, "Well, _Ned_, I have not -paid thee thy two Angels?" - -"I have not earned them, Sir," I say, "Mistress _Anne_ will none of my -teaching." - -"In Faith, then, she has schooled herself to some Purpose," saith he, -smiling, "for she is ready enough now, both at Proportion and Practice. -What a whimsical young Lass it is!" - -In Fact she had, as about this Time, that Necessity for Application to -practical Affairs which makes many Women good Reckoners whether they -have a natural Turn for it or no. For Mistress _Fraunces's_ Health -failing her a little, Mistress _Anne_ undertook the Conduct of the -Household, which the other as readily yielded unto her, witting that the -Pratique would do her good. So she went about, demurely, with the Keys, -measuring this and weighing that, and setting down Everything in a -little Book at her Girdle. 'Twas a Lesson, to see her Tendance, in all -duteous Affectuousness, on good Mistress _Fraunces_, who indeed merited -of her the Love of a Daughter, and whom she soon nursed well. Mistress -_Fraunces_, always very softhearted, told me I should find she had not -forgotten my Care of her, in her Will. Howbeit, I was thankful no -Occasion came of opening it. - -On my Birthday, Mistress _Anne_ came to me smiling, with her Hands -behind her, and said, "Which Hand will you have?" - -I regarded her earnestly, and said, "The right Hand, Mistress." - -"Oh, miserable Choice!" cried she, laughing, and throwing me a worn -Glove of her own; "hadst thou said 'Left,' thou shouldest have had this -brave new Pair of scented Gloves!" - -I said, "I'm content," and took up the cast Glove with Pleasure. - -"Well," sayth she, "you are too indifferent by half about your -Blunder—howbeit, here they are for you; I bought them of Purpose." - -So I bowed reverently and took them in my Hand; but, when she was gone, -I put the other in my Bosom. - -Another Time, I was arranging a Sunshade for Mistress _Fraunces_, in the -blue-buckram Chamber, when Mistress _Anne_ calleth me into the Balcony -to look at some sunset Clouds, which she likened unto an Oliphant with a -Princess on its Back, and to Armies and Fairy Palaces and such-like, till -I told her if she span any more of her gold Cobwebs about me, I should be -unable to leave the Balcony. Without heeding me, she giveth a great Sigh, -and says, "There's one Thing I should like, that I know my Father would -forbid. Pshaw, _Ned!_ thou needs not look so surprise-stricken! 'tis but -to have my Fortune told, by a real Fortune-teller." - -"And so double your Sorrows and deaden your Pleasures, Mistress?" say I. -"Ah, no, 'tis bad tampering with unlawful Quests." - -And then I told her a Tale current in the Part of the Country I came -from, of a Lady who would dabble in Things supernal; and how her -Fore-knowledge, actual or phansied, bred in her such Impatience of her -present Lot and Greediness for Things to come, as to lead her to poison -her Husband. And how the Grass would ne'er grow over his Body, but left -the exact Outline of it, Arms, Legs, Feet, Hands, traced out a-top of -his Grave; as may be seen this Day: and how she, a likely and -well-favoured Woman, finding herself viewed askance by all, albeit no -Crime could be proven against her, did call on Heaven to make her as -thin as a Willowwand if she had any hidden Guilt upon her Soul; and how -from that self-same Day she peaked and pined, dwindled, and fell away, -till there was no Substance, so to speak, in her; for a Child might ha' -carried her, she was the Lightness of one of Mistress _Anne's_ satin -Slippers. - -At the End of this Tale, Mistress _Anne_ drew a deep Breath, and, saith -she, "_Ned_, thou wert always a marvellous Recounter!—Tell me another -Tale, as moving as the last." So I told her another and another; till -the Stars began to come out; and a Singer in a Boat lying a little Way -off began to sing— - - "_What though thine Eyes be like the Sun - That lights up all he looks upon_—" - -"Whose can those be?" quod she. "Aye! whose, indeed?" said I. But I -thought I knew.—Thus, in honeyed Sweetness, lapsed Day after Day. - -But it came to an End. I found at last, whether I would shut mine Eyes -or no, whether I would give Ear or feign Dullness, that I was seeing, -hearing Nothing but Mistress _Anne_. At first, I would not attend to -this; then said (in _Answer_ to Something,) "What Harm?" But yet -Something answered back again, There _is_ Harm. Then quod I, To whom? -There is none, nor never shall be to any save myself, and the only Harm -to me is the Pain; and if the Pain is a Pleasure, or I choose to bear it -and count it as such, where's the Harm and where's the Wrong? - -But the Pleasure was gone. At least, there was so much Pain overlying -it, that it was crushed down and smothered, and struggling to get free -of its Burthen. Then I asked myself what this was about, and whither -could it tend, and what had I lost that I had had before, that made me -seem a different _Ned Osborne_? Also, why did I bring Shame on myself -and bring Master _Hewet's_ keen Observance on me by such and such a -Blunder in my daily Charge? Was his Eye altering towards me? Would it -not needs alter, did he wit the foolish, impossible Things I spent the -best (the _worst_) of my Time in dreaming of? Oh! my Heart would not -bear it! There was Something eating its Way into my Soul, as a Weevil -gnaws its Way into a Garner. - -—No, this could not go on. I thought over it and took my Part; and -after watching and letting slip many Opportunities, I at length, in -Desperation, took the very first that came next, and stood beside Master -_Hewet_ at his Desk when I wist that no Other was or would soon be -within Earshot; and said, "Master, I must go." - -"Whither, Lad?" quod he, surprised, yet kindly,—"On some Errand of -thine own about the Town?" - -I tried to get back my Voice, it faltered so!—and said, "Away ... away -from here." - -"Art ill?" quod he, laying down his Pen, and suddenly looking full at -me. "Dost thou want to go for a While into the Country?" - -"No," I said, "I must go seek another Service." - -"Another Service?" repeated he, with a yet more piercing Look.—"This is -strange ... and sudden. We thought you were so happy." - -"I was," said I. "Only—" - -"Only what?" And he waited: but I spake never a Word mo'. - -"I see how it is!" cried he, suddenly growing red, "Master _Groggett_ -hath tempted thee away from me, with Promise of higher Salary. Pitiful -Fellow! I wot he hath long envied me a faithful Servant. 'Tis against -our Company's Ordinance, to tempt a Man from his Master! Go, however, -since thou wilt, ungrateful Youth!—thy Fidelity hath been undermined; -thou hast never apprized our Kindness, hast never loved us!" - -This unloosed my Tongue, and I said, "I have felt, if I have not -deserved your Kindness, Master _Hewet_. No one hath tempted, nor could -tempt me away, and I but seek to go for that I love you e'en too well." - -"How can you love us too well?" quod he distrustfully. - -—"_One_ of you," I said, faltering. - -"_Anne_?" cried he. And saw it in my Face. - -—"Well, Lad," quod he, softer, "no Need to blush scarlet nor weep, -where no Shame lieth. _That_ would be in _not_ loving her, I think. You -may love too much, you can't love too well." - -"Too well for my Peace," quod I, turning my Head away—"You had better -let me go." - -"Well, I think not," quod he, after a Pause of some Length. "Go to what? -To another House, where Everything will be worse for thee, save that -_Anne_ will be not only out of Reach but out of Sight. You must perforce -conquer yourself _then_, you know. Try to conquer yourself _now_." - -"I don't think I can," I said; so huskily, that he made me repeat it -twice. - -"You meant to try, I suppose," quod he, "when you spake of going away." - -"Yes, Master." - -"Well, try here:—for a little While, that I may think where to place -you. _Ned!_—I have had some Trial of thee; I have tested thee, and I -have trusted thee. Don't betray my Trust in this Matter." - -I said, "I will not." - -"And do thou," quod he, with all his old Kindness, "trust in me. I shall -do what, on Deliberation, I think best for you. And stay thyself with -this Reflection: that if thou wert the first Noble in the Land, sueing -for my Daughter, I would not, in these her so early Days, give her to -thee. Keep a brave, honest Heart, and take Things quietly. You have not -been such a Knave as to speak to her?" - -"No, Master." - -"Your Word is enough," quod he, and left me. I put my Head down on mine -Arms and shed hot Tears that had no Relief in them. Just then, I felt a -kind Hand laid with strong emphatic Pressure on my Shoulder. I kissed -it, in Sign of Reverence and Good-faith: he understood it for such, and -left me without a Word. And I went on mine Affairs with a lightened -Heart. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII - -_Master Hewet ordereth Things discretely_ - - -Two Days after this, Master _Hewet_ sent me to _Antwerp_. I abode there -six Months, transacting his Affairs. There was much to learn, much to -see. When I returned Home, it was with a strong Heart. Directly I saw -Mistress _Anne_, I felt that I loved her as much as ever; but I also -felt that I could rule myself. She cried, "Oh, _Osborne_, thou art -returned at last! How glad I am!" with her dear, innocent Eyes fixed -brightly on mine; and forthwith began to tell me that one of her Dormice -had died, and to ask me to get her another. I told her I had brought her -a Guinea-pig; she thanked me, but said she did not think she should like -it as much as the Dormouse. - -I found that some Change in Household Arrangements had been made in mine -Absence, whereby my old Quarters were pre-occupied; and that Master -_Hewet_ had taken a Lodging for me at the Barbitonsor's over the Way; -where, in Sooth, both Master _Soper_ and the young Women failed not in -Aught that should be for my Comfort, and at very reasonable Charges. -Howbeit, an Alarm of Housebreakers soon recalled me to mine old Post -again, save that I had the Attick in Place of the Loft; every Woman in -the House thinking it safe with me and unsafe without me. And Master -_Hewet_ said I made the old Place look more like itself. - -Now, mark me, _Hew_! Thus went I on _for three whole Years_, and ne'er -once lost Hold of my Stay. What Man hath done, Man may do. I was not -like one working on Hope, for I had had none given me. I say not that I -was always borne up to High-water Mark. Questionless, there were daily -Ebbs and Flows; and ever and anon, a mighty, powerful, rushing Wind -would come, and drive back the Current on an Heap, leaving bare the -stony Channel; till after a While, with strong Recoil, it came hurrying -back, ready to sweep all before it. But, _I never let go the Rope_! Many -Waters cannot quench Love, neither can the Floods drown it. Deep might -call hoarsely unto Deep, but not prevail.... - -Speak as if I felt it? Why, I _do_! I am an oldish Man now, at least you -think me not over young; but there are some good and pure Feelings, Lad, -thou wilt never become dull to, so long as thou keepest thy Heart with -all Diligence. And the best of it is, that whilst those Feelings, so far -as they were pleasant, are pleasant still, the Pains, then so bitter, -that came from keeping down all that was wrong with a strong Hand, are -now Pleasures too!—that are recalled over and over again: when, maybe, -we seem cogitating or dozing. Give me thy Hand, Lad: I see you believe -me. - -So did Master _Hewet_ believe me. We were, I fancy, often thinking at -the same Time of the same Matter; but thereof spake we none. I was not -watched; neither did he make a Shew of not watching me: only gave me -daily Proofs of a deepening and enlarging Confidence. I heard him say -one Day to one of his fellow Aldermen, ere the Door was well closed -behind me, "It were a poor Word, Master _Bowyer_, to say I could trust -that young Man with untold Gold." - -But those Ebbs and Flows I spake of ... sometimes they arose from mine -own unmanageable Thoughts, I wist not why nor wherefore; sometimes from -the Approach of this or that Suitor ... for, towards the End of the Term -I named, there were full many, I promise you; though, for the most Part, -not dangerous ones: sometimes from Mistress _Anne_ herself, who began to -have _her_ Ebbs and Flows too, both of Spirits and Temper; and who, when -some of her Suitors, more unpleasing unto her than the Rest, did make -Suit to her with Over-boldness, would become pettish and captious, not -only with them but with me and with every one else. - -In one of these little Humours, she accused me of being less regardful -of pleasing her than any one in the House: I would do Nothing for her. I -said there was Nothing I would not do. She said that was fine Talking. I -said, Would she prove me? She was leaning over the Balcony at the Time; -and, looking down therefrom, said, Would I bring her that yellow -Fumitory that grew in the Cleft of the Bridge-buttress? I looked at it -and then at her, and said gravely, it could not be done without -imperilling of Life, but that if she bade me, I would try. She said, -turning red as she spake, she _did_ bid me. Then I said I would take my -Reward beforehand, as I might not be fortunate enough to come back. And -kissed her Hand, and the same Instant was over the Parapet. She cries, -"Oh _Edward_, stay!" and gives a Scream that rings through my Ears and -makes People look forth of their Casements. I was hanging by my two -Hands to the Ballusters, seeking some Ledge for my Foot; but, seeing her -white Face, and knowing she had sent me on a sinfully reckless Errand, -I, without more Ado, gave a sudden Spring back into the Balcony. She -meanwhile, in the Buckram-chamber, had hidden her Face in her Hands, and -was weeping bitterly. I was never so near losing Command of myself as -that Time. - -'Twould amuse thee—it amuses me,—to pass in Review all her Suitors of -that Season. There was Master _Bolsover_, the Merchant-tailor—young -_Bowes_, the Goldsmith, Son of Sir _Martin_—_Guy Burrell_, the -Clothworker;—pretty near all the great Companies, except the -Fishmongers', had their Representative, I think.—Then, for the Court, -there were _Ralph de Cobham_, a Spendthrift, _Lancelyn Ferrars_, and a -sixth Cousin of the _Percies_. These all came and went, like Players in -a Droll. - -Meantime, I came and went, too; ... to _Leeds_, to _Halifax_, to -_Norwich_, to _Stratford_; and again to _Cales_, _Abbeville_, and -_Antwerp_. Master _Hewet_ supplied me with plenty of Money, and kept me -abroad longer than before. I had Time to look at Pictures and Churches, -and to learn to speak the Tongues of the Countries I abode in with some -Fluency. I had Introductions to Merchants of the Staple, among whom were -Men as friendly and enlightened as any I ever knew. - -When I learned that Queen _Mary_ had deceased, and that our gracious -Lady _Elizabeth_ was set on the Throne in her Stead, I thought it hard -to be still kept from Home, where Terror and Tears had now given Place -to Joy and Gladness. Howbeit, Master _Hewet_ would still keep me Abroad, -on some Affairs that seemed of less Moment to me than they did to him. - -I set my Face towards _England_ at last, with a greater Longing for Home -than I had ever had before. That Home was now changed: Master _Hewet_ -had removed into a goodly Mansion in _Philpot Lane_, fit for a Merchant -Prince, and plainly yet nobly furnished. His Household was also -increased by the Addition of several new Servants; but the House on the -Bridge was still his House of Business. - -I know not when I had so desired to see his Face, and to breathe the -same Air with Mistress _Anne_. I hastened to _Philpot Lane_, and the -first Sound I heard on entering the House, was of a Lute, rarely -touched. I stood at Pause and listened with Rapture. I thought, Oh, what -heaven-like Sounds! how sweet an Air! how greatly hath she improved! -when, of a sudden, the Prelude, for 'twas no more, was succeeded by a -lovesick Ballad, sung by a _Man's_ mellow Voice! Oh, my Heart seemed to -leap to my Lips, so great was the Revulsion. I staggered as though I -were shrew-struck; and leaning against the Wall, tried to deafen my Ears -to the hateful Sound. How all the sweet Chords seemed jangled! Who was -the Singer? and what was his Footing here? - -While I put to myself these bootless Questions, the Door at the -Stair-head opened, Voices spake Farewell, some one came forth, a light -Foot ran down the Stair, and, or ever I was aware, or could move off, a -very young Man, habited in russet Damask and blue embroidered Satin, -handsome and of lordly Bearing, nearly ran over me. Looking forth of the -House-door, he turned about again and said to me abruptly, "Canst tell -me where are my People?" - -I made Answer, "I know not your People's Liveries, my Lord," (for I felt -assured he was a Nobleman,) "but I saw a Party of Men in watchet Coats, -with a spotted Dog on their Badges, at the Lane-end." - -"All right," quod he, and proffered me a Piece of Money with a -good-natured Air; but I drew back, on which he looked surprised, gave me -a second Look, slightly bent his Head, and went forth. - - [Illustration: JJ - "Proferred me a Piece of Money] - -I saw he had offered me a Gift, mistaking my Degree; but what I could -not help chiefly noting was, the exceeding smallness of the Coin. I -marvelled so fine a young Gentleman could proffer so mean a Gift. "Ah," -thought I, "'tis the City Wealth brings these Gallants so far east. A -Bag of Gold would be as welcome to them tied round the Neck of _Damaris_ -as of sweet Mistress _Anne_. 'Tis for their own Ends they hawk low, like -a Swift for a Dragonfly." - -Then I leaned against the Wall for a Moment, and said within myself, "O -God, I have Everything that is dear to me at Stake. However my Patience -may be tried, yet make me patient, I beseech thee: I know it is the -Thing of all others in which I am most to seek; yet let me, as at this -Time, struggle with myself not in vain, O LORD." - -Then I ran nimbly up-stairs, into the pleasant Summer-chamber the young -Lord had just left. Therein found I Mistress _Anne_, hanging in a -thoughtful Posture, over a Posy of rare Flowers on the Table. Starting -when she saw me, she said, "Oh, _Osborne_, is it you?" and blushed. - -I stood at Pause, without a Word to proffer. Quod she, "I am glad thou -art safe returned—hast thou seen my Father?" I said, "No, Mistress. -Have you fared quite well since I left?" She saith, "Quite well." Then I -said, "What rare Flowers! shall I bring you some Water for them?" "No," -quod she carelessly, "they are scarce worth the keeping." "Scarce worth -the keeping!" quod I, "nay, they are not such as are to be bought in a -_London_ Herb-market.... Divers of them, these Coronations for Example, -must have come from far." "They all come from far," quod she, "but what -of that? I like them none the better." And commenced pulling a -Gilly-flower to Pieces. I said, "I am glad I am not that Gilly-flower." -She saith, "Why?" But I made no Answer, for how witted I that I was any -better prized? So I turned to go; and just as I gained the Door, I heard -her softly say, "_Edward!_" Then I stayed. She saith, "You will find my -Father in his Closet;" and so, passed me with the Flowers in her Hand; -and I saw that her Eyes were full of Tears ready to shed. When she was -gone, I went back and took up some of the Gilly-flower Leaves she had -scattered, and kissed them. Just then enters Master _Hewet_ from his -Closet beyond, wherein he might ha' heard every Word had been said; but -there was Nought to be shamed of, if he did. - -He saith, "_Ned!_ I am glad to see thee, Lad! How well thou look'st! And -yet, now I observe thee more narrowly, thou look'st amiss. Hath Aught -gone wrong? Nay then, that's well. Methinks, with thine Allowance, thou -mightest go a little braver; which is what few young Men need the egging -on to ... and yet thou gracest whatsoe'er thou hast on." - -Then he told me what he called the grand News of the Day—my Lord -_Talbot's_ Suit to Mistress _Anne_. I said, "Oh! Master, don't kill me," -and hid my Face in my Hands. He saith, "Why, _Ned_, whom am I saving her -for, but _you_? Look up, Boy! He that did save, the same shall have! I -have but one Child, and I mean to make her happy. But mark me, _Ned_, I -wot not whether that is to be done by giving her unto mine adopted Son; -nor, peradventure, art thou any more assured of it. Woo her then, Lad, -with my free Consent, but tell her not just yet, that thou hast it. My -Fancy—a strange one, maybe—is to see what she will in that Case do." - -I knelt, and caught his Hand to my Lips. - -"Thy Father's own Son," quod he smiling, "he had the darker Beard, thou -hast the better Eye. Thou art a Gentleman's Son, and I am no more. Start -fair with the young Lord; he dines with me to-day, and so shalt thou. -And now, be off with thee." - -I passed forth into the Stretes, not heeding in what Direction, for my -Brain was a-fire, and I wanted to quiet it and to think over many -Things—no Place for Solitariness like the Stretes! Then I returned to -my old Quarters on the Bridge, and looked out a Suit I had bought and -wore once at _Antwerp_, but had thought almost too fine for Home, albe -but little garnished ... to wit, of murray-colour, overlaid with a good -silk Lace; and a _Mechlin_ Edge and Tassels to my Bands. Thought I, -peradventure the 'Prentice in his blue Gown had most reason to be proud -of his Favour ... she kissed me then, when she could scarce hold on by -my Hair, 'twas so short; and now it might wind twice round her -Finger.... Then I went across to Master _Soper_, and quod I, "Now, -Master Tonsor, thou must trim me for a Feast; but, mark me, mine Hair -was cut last in _Flanders_, where they trim the Hair little and the -Beard close; so follow the Lead and keep the foreign Fashion, and I'll -give thee Twopence." - -"Marry come up," muttered he, "what Airs these Youngsters bring from -over Seas!" And I felt I was in his power, and that one malicious snip -might put me past Redress; howbeit, he stayed himself with less Work, -more Pay, and acquitted himself handsomely. Then I took my _Flemish_ -Beaver, and my new Cloke across my Arm, and sallied forth; and chancing -to look back, was avised of _Tryphena_ and _Tryphosa_ leaning forth of -their upper Casement to look after me. Being caught at which, they -disappeared. - -As I entered the House, I heard Mistress _Fraunces_ say to _Damaris_, -"Be sure they spoil not the Mortreuse," which avised me we were to have -state. Howbeit, there was a rich plainness in Everything; the -parcel-gilt double Salt-cellar and chased Flagons alone calling -Attention to their Cost. And though Everything set on Table was -far-fetched and of the best, far exceeding the Tables of the best -Merchants in _Antwerp_, we had not too much nor too many of any Thing. I -could not note that Mistress _Anne_ had made any Difference for him—a -few Strings of Pearls were warped into her Hair, and she ware her -mouse-coloured Velvet, which she never thought too fine, with or without -Company; but no Posy. Two Men with _Talbot_ Badges helped Master -_Hewet's_ Men to wait; my Lord sat next Mistress _Anne_, and I -over-against them. As we took our Places, he seemed to remember my Face, -and to be surprised at my sitting down with him; which Master _Hewet_ -noting, in a certain haughtiness in his Air, he saith, "Mine adopted -Son, my Lord, and the Son of mine earliest Friend.... We are all plain -People, but the _Osbornes_ as good as any here sitting, saving your -Lordship's Presence." Whereon, my Lord, recovering, pledged me. - -Now, Mistress _Fraunces_ was so abashed at entertaining an Earl's Son, -as that she lost all her natural Easiness, and could bethink her of -Nothing to say but to ask him ever and anon, whether he liked what he -ate, which he professed to do once and again, though I believe he scarce -marked the Difference of one Dish from another. For the first Time, I -learned what the fair Speech of Lordlings to Ladies is made of ... it -seemed to me rather a flimsy Stuff, Warp and Woof; over-stretched and -loose-wove. Then Master _Hewet_, to leave him and _Anne_ to themselves, -kept up a By-talk with me about _Flanders_; drawing forth of me not so -much about the Staple as about the Country, Towns, Rivers, Houses, -Churches, and People. I had been to _Nürnberg_, and could tell him of -the mighty Works of Genius produced by the Artists of the free Imperial -City, and of the Wealth and Splendour of its Merchants. Mistress -_Fraunces_ was afterwards pleased to say I took the Colour out of the -young Lord: what she intended thereby I never clearly made -out—peradventure, being a Woman, she meant I was brown and red, and he -pink and white; for indeed I was sore sunburned. For good Looks, there -was no Fault to find in my Lord: he had that Easiness of Carriage and -Manner which I think none but young Lords have. He took not much upon -him, considering what he was and with whom; and, for the Rest, he was -pleasant, but not bright. His Hands were womanish for Softness, and I -heard from _Damaris_, who had it from his Men, that one Reason thereof -was, he never washed them in cold Water, only dabbed them a little with -a soft Napkin. Methought, rather than that, I would choose my Hands of a -little coarser Grain. I think he parleyed for a Quarter of an Hour on -the Christian Names of his Ancestry, how the Heads of his House had been -alternately a _Richard_ and a _Gilbert_, a _Richard_ and a _Gilbert_, -for I wot not how many Generations; and then how the Name of _George_ -got in, and then of _Frauncis_, and how he was a _George_ again ... -flimsy Talk and tedious. Mistress _Anne_ sate wondrous quiet, and once -gave me, across the Table, such a Look! Methought if she were secretly -amusing herself, I had no Need to be so jealous unto Death as I felt. - -When my Lord took Leave, he, to my Surprise, invited me to attend him a -little Way. I looked at him, to be assured there was no Mistake; and, -seeing he awaited me, I followed; Master _Hewet_ saying as I departed, -"Fail not to look in on us as thou returnest." In the open Air, my Lord -and I walked awhile without speaking, by Reason of the People we met; -but, proceeding to a side Aisle of _Paul's_, he spake to me of this and -that, I following his Lead, and leaving him to start his Subject. - -At length, quod he, "Master _Hewet_ lives quietly ... they that save -most, shew least; ha, Master _Osborne_?" I coolly replied, "My Lord, it -may be so."—"A rich Man," pursued he, "like a Prophet, may have least -Honour in his own Street and his own House. Why now, there may be many -cross daily his Threshold and have Speech of him on ordinary Affairs, -that wot not he, for as homely as he is, hath six thousand Pounds by the -Year ... am I within the Mark, Master _Osborne_?" "Marry, my Lord," quod -I, "your honourable Lordship seemeth to know much more of the Secrets of -his strong Box than I do. I never yet asked of him what it held, nor -never was told." "That may be true," quod he, "and yet you may -guess."—"But I never did guess," interrupted I, "I know him for rich, -and liberal, and of high Credit at Home and Abroad; and that is all." -"You would surprise me," quod my Lord, "unless it were clear to me that -you resent my Freedom with you in this Matter." "On my Faith, my Lord," -quod I, "I resent Nothing. I may know the Amount and Success of this or -that Venture of Master _Hewet's_, without having any Key to the Sum -total of his Wealth; but whatever came to my Knowledge, whether by -Chance, by Confidence, or in the Way of Business, it is certain I should -keep locked in my Heart as faithfully as his Trade Secrets what Time I -was his 'Prentice." "Nay, you are a good and honest Heart," quod my -Lord. "Be as honourable to me as to him, I beseech you, and say Nothing -that shall minish me in his good Liking." "Why should I, my good Lord?" -quod I, "our Paths lie wide enough asunder." "Aye, but you have his -Ear," quod he, "in the Way of daily Business, and he spake of you as his -adopted Son. If you are as a Son unto him, his Daughter is unto you as a -Sister, and you may do a good Turn for me, peradventure, with fair -Mistress _Anne_." "My Lord," quod I, "we are on quite a different -Footing from what you suppose, and your Suit would gain no better Favour -from passing through my Hands." "Will you try that?" quod he, smiling. -"Marry, my Lord, why should you put it upon me?" quod I, "you are far -better able to make Suit for yourself ... Earls' Sons do not commonly -seek in vain for fair Ladies' Favour."... "You will, at least, not be my -Foe?" quod he. "No, my Lord," quod I, "unless you give me greater Reason -to be than you have done yet: howbeit, I marvel your Lordship should -value my good or ill Favour at a Pin's Purchase." - -"Ah," quod he, after a Pause, during which we paced half the Length of -the Aisle, "there be some Things that neither Rank nor Money can buy; -and I saw that Mistress _Anne_ had you in her Regard."—"Did you, my -Lord?" cried I, "wherein did she shew it?" But he was thinking of his -own Matters rather than of mine, therefore only said, "I could discern -it and am assured of it; therefore be my good Friend, good _Osborne_, -and speak a good Word for me when you can." - -Then taking a Ring off his Finger, he saith, "I beseech you, accept this -Ruby for the Esteem I bear unto you ... a mere Trifle, yet a good Stone, -I assure you—nay, Sir, be not so unkindly—'beseech you, for my Love." - -I put it aside, saying, "In a Word, my Lord, I cannot. Faith, it were -well your honourable Lordship would turn into another Aisle, for there -is a Tailor behind yonder Pillar taking down the Particulars of your -Apparel in his Notebook, which 'twere Pity o' my Life, for the excellent -Devising thereof, should be copied and sold in a City Frippery." - -He moved off with a Start and a Smile, replacing his Ring. At the same -Time we were accosted by one of those habitual Frequenters of _Paul's -Walk_, that will sue your Charity first, and pick your Pocket -afterwards. My Lord affected first not to hear him, but seeing me feel -for a Trifle to be quit of him, he sought his own Purse, which, not -finding, he turned about in some Anxiety to his Men, who were some Way -behind, and accosted them as soon as they came up, with "Here, -_Cresswell_, _Jenkyn_! I have lost my Purse,—hie back, one of you, to -Master _Hewet's_, where, methinks, I dropped it." "My Lord, I will -return and aid in the Search," quod I, glad of an Excuse for ending so -troublesome a Dialogue; albeit I thought it much more likely he had lost -his Purse in the Place we were in than dropped it at our House. - -However, there I was wrong, for _Damaris_ met us on our Return, saying, -"Oh yes, here is my Lord's Purse," and gave it unto his Man. When she -had watched him depart, "'Twas hardly worth returning for," quod she -disdainfully, "there were but three Nobles; and albeit the Purse had a -Hole in't, 'twas not big enow for a Penny-piece to drop through. But -peradventure he was ashamed we should see it, so was anxious to have it -back." "There's no Shame in Poverty, _Damaris_," quod I, "if we are not -proud with it."—"Nay, I know not," quod she, doubtfully; "Folks always -_are_ ashamed of it, that's certain." - -In the withdrawing Chamber sate Mistress _Anne_ at her Needle, beside -Master _Hewet_ in his great Chair. "Now then," thought I, "every good -Angel be my speed! I believe I can tell as well as most whether a Man be -only setting himself to sleep, or verily and indeed sleeping; and I see -that at this present, Master _Hewet_ is truly and soundly asleep, but -yet his being at his Daughter's Side gives me Freedom of Access unto her -I should not in other Wise enjoy, and will now neither abuse nor -neglect." - -So, without a second Thought, and armed with my Possession of the -Father's private Grace, I sate down over-against her. She said, "So soon -returned?" and began to question me of my Travel. Then my Tongue -unloosed, and I told her how many fair Things I had seen, how many -notable People and Places, yet how none of these had been able to damp -for one Moment my Desire to be at Home, within Sight and Sound of her. -As I went on, waxing more and more fluent, more and more passionate, so -did her Colour wax deeper and deeper, until, with a Look of extreme -Displeasure and Aversion, she said, "_Edward_, thou art beside thyself -... pray let me never more hear such foolish Talk as this—I had better -Thoughts of thee." And arose to go. I arose too, and stayed her, and -prayed her to forgive me if I had spoken Aught amiss,—if she did not, I -could have no Peace. She said, "I cannot just now, I am wounded so -much;" and went away, with flushed Cheeks and Eyes full of Tears. Master -_Hewet_ was roused by her Departure, and, rubbing his Eyes, smiled and -said, "I thought _Anne_ had been here." "She is but just gone," I made -Answer; and the rest of the Evening was sad enough. - -Next Day, I had long Speech of Master _Hewet_, touching foreign Affairs. -He told me of this and that Estate in _Yorkshire_ he had been buying, in -the Parishes of _Wales_ and _Hartshill_, and of his minding to send me -down to see them, if I were ready to start off again so soon. I said, "I -am quite ready, Sir." "Shortly thou shalt go, then," quod he. "And now -take up these Letters to _Anne_, for they concern her more than me, -being Thanks from some of her poor Pensioners." Adding, just as I was -leaving, "Thou didst not make much way last Night, _Ned_ ..." and -smiled; which bewrayed to me that he had heard at least Part of what was -said; which I was mad with him for, and thought not fair. - -And now I began to muse within myself what a provoking Thing it was, -that when all the Obstacles I had counted insurmountable between _Anne_ -and me had suddenly given Way, I should be brought up short by herself! -Certes, an' she cared not for me, there was no more to be said; and -Master _Hewet_ would in no Ways be to blame if he gave her to Somebody -else; neither had I ever sought nor had she ever bestowed any such -Tokens of especial and considerable Regard as should encourage me to -suppose I had only to ask and have. And yet, I had somehow always -thought, "Only give me my fair Chance with the Rest, and I ask for -nothing better." That was my Conceit and Presumption. Therefore with a -very sad and sorry Aspect did I carry up the Letters to Mistress _Anne_, -and used as few Words as need be in the delivering of them. She on her -Part was equally dry, and gave me no Pretence to tarry, and yet I -lingered. Seeing which, and that I was about to speak, (though I -protest, on Somewhat quite as trivial as the Weather,) she suddenly -coloured up very much and said, "_Edward_, if you are going to talk any -more Nonsense, as you did last Night, I would rather go away." "There's -no Need, Madam," said I coolly, "I had not such a Thought in my Head." -On which she coloured still worse, and sitting down again began to read -her Letters. - -_Damaris_ now came in, and began to stitch away at a distant Window. "I -have but to say Farewell, Mistress _Anne_," quod I, "before I start on -my next Journey." "So soon again? where are you going?" quod she, -without looking up from her Letters. "A rolling Stone gathers no Moss." -(This was an unkind Cut, considering her own Father set me rolling.) "To -_Yorkshire_," replied I, "and perhaps I had best say Farewell at once, -for Lord _Talbot_ is coming in at the Gate." - -"Oh then, _Edward_, stay!" cries she with all her old Frankness: -starting up and dropping her Letters. As we both stooped to pick them -up, I said, "I will, if you wish it; but are you assured you know your -own Mind?" "Quite," said she very determinately, "so leave me not by any -Means." - -Then cometh in my Lord, very brave, in blue Silk and Silver. How -laughable it was, if I could but have felt merry! _Damaris_, -questionless, was laughing in her Sleeve. My Lord steps up to Mistress -_Anne_, with easy Assuredness, and touches with his Lips a very pretty -Fabrick of Silk rayed with Silver, for she gave him a gloved Hand. Then -he hoped she had rested better than he had, as in Sooth he saw by her -divine Looks she must needs have done; and he marvelled not that Roses -were at no Price to be had just now at Court, since 'twas plain they -found a more nourishing Soil in the City; and so forth, like a -Valentine, calling her Looks Nature's sweetest Books, her Tresses golden -Meshes, her Voice Musick, her Favour Heaven, with Apostrophes to _Venus_ -and _Cupid_, and Asseverations that he was a Prey to a Mind delighting -in Sorrow, Spirits wasted with Passion, a Heart torn in Pieces with -Care. To which she made Answer, that she hoped he overstated his ill -Condition. To which he responded that if he did, 'twas _error amoris_, -not _amor erroris_. With othermuch i' the same Vein, that he cared no -Whit for mine hearing, but rather enjoyed having another Listener while -he ran off Phrases that it seemed to me he must needs have got by Heart. -I thought, As she liketh not my Fashion, maybe she liketh this. Howbeit, -there was Nothing in her Favour to discover whether she did or no. So -after a set Time given to this Court-like Parry and Thrust, this Quip -and Compliment, whereby I wist not how a Man could suppose his Suit -moved one Way or the other, my Lord takes leave with easy Grace, as a -Man who had, in one Affair, transacted the Business of the Day to his -Satisfaction. - -So soon as he hath departed, Mistress _Anne_ falls a laughing, when in -cometh Master _Hewet_, looking somewhat harassed; seeing which, -_Damaris_ sweeps up her Work and departs, leaving us all with grave -Faces. - -"_Nan_," quoth Master _Hewet_, casting himself into his Arm-chair, "I -must have a few Words with thee of this Suitor of thine." - -"We are not alone, _Father_," interrupted Mistress _Anne_, casting a -quick, apprehensive Look towards me. - -"Tilly-valley," he responded, "none other is within Earshot of us but -_Ned Osborne_, who is only an _alter ego_." - -"He may be thine, _Father_, but he is not mine," quod Mistress _Anne_, -somewhat captiously, "and I pray you to defer what you have to say to me -till we are by ourselves." - -"Maiden, thou art over-hasty," quod Master _Hewet_, looking fixedly at -her, "and, in thy Fear of being over-civil unto one who has been unto -thee as a Brother, and to whom, moreover, thou owest thy Life, art -somewhat failing in good Manners." - -Her Eye sank before his, and she submissively replied, "Well, then, -_Father_, what is it thou wouldest say?" - -"Just this," he returned, "whether Lord or Commoner, the Youth must have -an Answer, so soon as thou knowest thine own Mind." - -"I know it already," quod Mistress _Anne_, shortly. - -"What is it?" saith her Father. She faltered for a Moment,—"Not to have -him," she replied softly. - -"_Ned_, thou hast thine Answer," quod Master _Hewet_. - -"_I_, Sir?" quod I, starting. - -"Hear'st thou not?" returned he imperturbably, "thou hast it from -herself. I told thee I but sought to make my only Child happy,—you -can't make her so, it seemeth,—she won't have you." - -"_Father!_ what _are_ you saying?" cried Mistress _Anne_, trembling -exceedingly. - -He looked at her, but made no Answer. - -"Were you not," said she, leaning over him breathlessly, her Dress -vibrating with the quick beating of her Heart,—"were you not making -Question of Lord _Talbot_?" - -—"Lord _Talbot_? Lord _Marlingspike_!"—quod he, "my Thoughts were as -far from him as from the City Giants! Said I not 'this Suitor of thine'? -Whom should I think of but _Ned Osborne_?" - -"You never told me before, that _I_ might," quod she, turning scarlet, -and then bursting into Tears. I sprang towards her, but she brake away -from me, and was gone in a Moment. Master _Hewet_ leaned back in his -Chair and smiled. "Methinks, _Ned_," quod he, "the Day is thine, this -Time." And, taking the Ring off his Finger, that he had shown Lord -_Howard_ of _Effingham_ on the Bridge, "See," quod he, "how long I have -destined her for thee!" - -—Here 'tis, _Hew_—I always wear it now. Thou mark'st the Posy: - - "_He that did save, - The same shall have_." - -—Many a goodly Hereditament had I with her, too ... the _Barking_ -Estate, and those _Yorkshire_ Lands inclusive. The _Settings_ of my -Ring, Lad! no more—the Casket that went with my Treasure—the binding -of my Book. - -So now thou seest how thou mayest wait a little longer for fair Mistress -_Joyeuse_, without fuming and chafing, lest this Hurt, got in a good -Cause, should lose thee thy Place among thy Rivals. Tut, Lad, 'twill -only grace thee in her Eyes all the more! See how Things came round in -my Case. I had not half thy good Favour, nor the brightness that a Sword -carrieth in a Woman's Eyes. "A plain Man, dwelling in Tents...." Nothing -more! - -Well, what remains to tell? We married, we were happy? Thou knowest it, -and yet sayest, "Go on." _Anne_ and I were married early in the -_October_ of that Year; and on the _29th_ of that same Month, Master -_Hewet_ was chosen Lord _Mayor_ of _London_, and knighted at -_Westminster_. What a Pageant we got up for him! I was a young Husband, -full of Spirits, and ready for Anything that came in my Way, Feasting or -Fighting; in special, then, to do Honour to him unto whom, under Heaven, -I owed all earthly Good. So I took Council with the Master-revellers; -and, between us, we concocted as pretty a Subtlety as ever was devised! -Don't laugh, Sirrah! you'd have thought it very fine. There was the -Symbol of our Mystery, a Golden Ram, ridden by a little Child, -cherub-like for Beauty, followed by rustical Shepherds and Shepherdesses -with Pipes and Tabors and flower-wreathed Crooks. Then came the Players -of the Pageant, which was the Story of _Apollo_ keeping the Flocks of -_Admetus_, and helping him to win his fair Wife; all which was to be -enacted at the proper Time on a goodly Stage representing a pastoral -Wilderness, with Trees, Bushes, Shrubs, Brambles, and Thickets, -interspersed with Birds and Beasts. In the Midst, _Apollo_ playing on -his Lyre: on either Side a Satyr, mopping, mowing, and curvetting. This -was, as you may plainly perceive, altogether diverse from and very -superior to the Drapers' tasteless Pageant of _Salisbury Plain_, whereon -were assembled Shepherds, Shepherdesses, Carders, Spinners, Dyers, -Wool-combers, Shermen, Dressers, Fullers, Weavers, without any Order or -Propriety. - - [Illustration: J Jellicoe - The Masque] - -Ours was of another guess Sort, Sir! I fancy there was some little -Classicality in it; though I say it that should not. After the Hall -Dinner, ('twas noted of all how pretty _Anne_, the young Bride, looked -as Lady Mayoress!) the Players having set up their Stage, _Apollo_ was -discovered lying all along, a playing of his Lyre, with his Crook cast -aside and his Sheep scattered hither and thither: and, quod he, - - "_Whoe'er may it gainsay, - I am the God of Day; - And it is also I - Am God of Poetry: - Howbeit, 'tis my Fate, - Thus cast from high Estate, - In these poor Weeds to keep - The good Admetus' Sheep._" - -—And so forth, explaining why he had been banished from Heaven by -_Jupiter_. Entereth to him _Admetus_, not wisting who he is, beyond his -hired Servant, whereon they parley on Things in general, especially the -Wool Trade and Clothworking, (with a Hit, here and there, at the -Drapers.) Then the merry Sound of Drumes and Pfiffes causeth them to -step aside behind the Trees, and there entereth a Company of Shepherds -and Shepherdesses singing the Praises of their fair Lady _Alcestis_, -represented by a fair Boy i' the Midst, crowned with Guirlands. Then -_Admetus_ doeth _Apollo_ to wit how that he is enamoured of _Alcestis_, -whose Father will in no wise bestow her save on one that shall yoke a -Boar and Lion together in a Car. Then _Apollo_, who hath a dark Lanthorn -aneath his Cloke wherewith he ever and anon maketh a sudden Flare into -_Admetus'_ Eyes, who wisteth not whence it cometh, nor wotteth 'tis the -sunbright Glory of his celestial Guest, biddeth _Admetus_ not to lose -Heart, for that he will accomplish his Task for him. And thereupon -taking up his Lyre, he beginneth to sing and play after such a -transporting Manner, that the Birds give over singing in the Trees and -hop down on his Shoulders, the Beasts begin to glare at him through the -Thickets, and then to gather about him, subdued unto a kind of surly -Softness,—whereon _Apollo_, giving _Admetus_ a private Nod and -continuing his playing, _Admetus_ without more Ado takes a Yoke wreathed -with Flowers from one of the Shepherds, yoketh therewith a Lion and a -Boar into a Car that is presently brought in, placeth _Alcestis_ in it, -driveth her to the Feet of her Father, (a King,) who arriveth -opportunely and can no longer say why the Marriage should not be -solemnizated; and, their Hands being joined by him, the Shepherds and -Shepherdesses dance about them, _Apollo_ still playing; and one and all -chant a Chorus in Praise of Clothworking. - -Ha! that was a notable good Pageant! Far better than mine own, many -Years after, which I need not tell thee, Lad, I did not devise myself. -The Toy was pretty, too, and appropriate—the Story of _Jason_, whom I -believe to have been nothing more nor less than a Merchant-adventurer -that equipped his Ship the _Argonaut_, and by his Traffic and Commerce -carried off the Golden Fleece; that is to say, the Trade of the World. - -Scarce were the Pageants over, and Master _Hewet_, that is to say Sir -_William_, set to his daily and hard Work—(for a Lord Mayor, _Hew_, -hath no lazy Time on't! He presides at the Sittings of the Court of -Aldermen, Common Council, and Common Hall, is Judge of the _London_ -Sessions at _Guildhall_, Justice of the Peace for _Southwark_, Escheator -in _London_ and _Southwark_, Conservator of the _Thames_, signs notarial -Documents, presides at Public Meetings, founds Charities, is Trustee for -Hospitals, attends the Privy Council on the Accession of Sovereigns, -and—not to weary thee with the hearing of what I've had the -doing,—sits daily in his own Justice Room by the Space of four or five -Hours). Well, but, to begin a new Parenthesis, have we not had some fine -Fellows among us? Look at _Fitz-Alwin_ resisting one Sovereign, -_Walworth_ defending another, _Picard_ feasting four Kings at his Table, -_Philpot_ raising a thousand Men at his private Charges to put down -Pirates, _Bamne_ relieving a great Dearth by importing foreign Corn, -_Falconer_ supplying _Henry_ the _Fifth_ with the Wherewithal for his -_French_ Wars, _Whittington_ founding Divinity Lectures and building -_Newgate_, _Wells_ supplying the City with fresh Water, _Eyre_ building -_Leadenhall_ for a Public Garner, and bestowing five thousand Marks on -the Poor, _Stockton_ knighted on the Field by his King for good Service -in Battle, _Fabian_ compiling Chronicles, _White_ founding a College, -and defending our Bridge; and, not to be farther tedious unto thee, Sir -_William Hewet_, the Benefactor of every Hospital, and of the Poor of -every Parish, besides bequeathing a Dowry to every poor Maid in the -Parish of _Wales_ or _Hartshill_ in _Yorkshire_ that should marry within -a Year of his Decease. These Men, _Hew_, were Worthies in their -Generation! And if Master _Hewet_ had a hard Shrievalty, he had a joyous -Mayoralty, under the early Rays of that fostering Sun, our glorious -Sovereign Lady _Elizabeth_! - -There is great Peace in the Land. I say not we are better than we were, -but we are happier and more prosperous. Sometimes I think those Days of -Trial did us good: they tried us even as Silver is tried; the baser -Metal perished. Let us not settle on the Lees, lest a worse Thing come -upon us. - - - Printed by BALLANTYNE, HANSON & CO. - Edinburgh & London - - - - -Works by the Author of "Mary Powell" - -_In crown 8vo, cloth, gilt top, illustrated by_ JOHN JELLICOE _and_ -HERBERT RAILTON, _price 6s. each_. - - -1. The Household of Sir Thos. More. - -2. Cherry & Violet: A Tale of the Great Plague. - -3. The Maiden and Married Life of Mary Powell, afterwards Mrs. Milton; -with the Sequel thereto, Deborah's Diary. - -4. The Old Chelsea Bun-Shop: A Tale of the Last Century. - -5. The Colloquies of Edward Osborne, Citizen and Clothworker of London. - -_The many other interesting works of this author will be published from -time to time uniformly with the above._ - - - - -_BY THE SAME AUTHOR_ - -In crown 8vo, with Illustrations by JOHN JELLICOE and HERBERT RAILTON, -price 6s., cloth elegant, gilt top. - -_Some Press Notices_ - - -The Household of Sir Thos. More - -+Graphic.+—"A picture, not merely of great charm, but of infinite value -in helping the many to understand a famous Englishman and the times in -which he lived." - -+Scotsman.+—"This clever work of the historical imagination has gone -through several editions, and is one of the most successful artistic -creations of its kind." - -+Sketch.+—"In the front rank of the gift-books of the season is this -beautiful and very cleverly illustrated reprint of a work which has -lasting claims to popularity." - -+Magazine of Art.+—"The grace and beauty of the late Miss Manning's -charming work, 'The Household of Sir Thomas More,' has been greatly -enhanced by the new edition now put forth by Mr. John C. Nimmo.... This -remarkable work is not to be read without keen delight." - - -The Maiden and Married Life of +Mary Powell+ (Afterwards Mistress -Milton) And the Sequel thereto, Deborah's Diary - -+Literary World.+—"It is rare in these days of sensational literature, -when the demand for novels of action is supreme, to take up a book which -is so palpitating with real humanity as this, in which the good and evil -are depicted dividing their power over one heart, and not broadly -separated into heroine and villain." - -+Athenæum.+—"Many will welcome the pretty new edition of the late Miss -Manning's most popular work." - -+Gentlewoman.+—"Too much praise cannot be bestowed upon Mr. John -Jellicoe and Mr. Herbert Railton, whose dainty illustrations have so -well caught the spirit of the book." - - -Cherry & Violet A Tale of the Great Plague - -+Athenæum.+—"The late Miss Manning's delicate and fanciful little -cameos of historical romance possess a flavour of their own.... The -numerous illustrations by Mr. Jellicoe and Mr. Railton are particularly -pretty." - -+Sketch.+—"A beautiful book! is the verdict, and one to read and read -again. A similar verdict is to be passed on the drawings with which -Messrs. Herbert Railton and John Jellicoe have enriched this edition." - -+Literary World.+—"Nearly thirty illustrations by Mr. John Jellicoe and -Mr. Herbert Railton enrich the volume, and materially help to make it a -dainty and acceptable book for presentation purposes." - -+Magazine of Art.+—"With such a work of fiction before her as Defoe's -'Journal of the Plague,' Miss Manning showed not only extraordinary -courage, but even a touch of genius, in approaching a similar theme, and -dealing with it charmingly and successfully. It is her own grace and -charm which have rendered this book worth preserving, fit to place with -others of our foremost women writers." - - -The Old Chelsea Bun-Shop A Tale of the Last Century - -+Athenæum.+—"A handsome reprint of Miss Manning's pleasant tale. The -illustrations add to the attractions of the volume." - -+Bookman.+—"The illustrations are capital." - -+Notes and Queries.+—"The work constitutes a delightful gift-book." - -+Artist.+—"We cannot thank Mr. Nimmo sufficiently for bringing out so -charming an edition. If there is any one who does not know 'The Old -Chelsea Bun-Shop,' he must get it and read it now." - -+Art Journal.+—"Mr. Railton's and Mr. Jellicoe's illustrations are as -refined as ever." - - -LONDON: JOHN C. NIMMO, 14 KING WILLIAM ST., STRAND - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's The Colloquies of Edward Osborne, by Anne Manning - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE COLLOQUIES OF EDWARD OSBORNE *** - -***** This file should be named 51557-0.txt or 51557-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/1/5/5/51557/ - -Produced by Chris Pinfield and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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- } - } - - </style> - </head> -<body> - - -<pre> - -Project Gutenberg's The Colloquies of Edward Osborne, by Anne Manning - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license - - -Title: The Colloquies of Edward Osborne - Citizen and Clothworker of London - -Author: Anne Manning - -Illustrator: John Jellicoe - -Release Date: March 25, 2016 [EBook #51557] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE COLLOQUIES OF EDWARD OSBORNE *** - - - - -Produced by Chris Pinfield and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div id="tnote"> - -<p>Transcriber's Note.</p> - -<p>Apparent typographical errors have been corrected. The use of hyphens -has been rationalised.</p> - -<p>A list of the author's works, at the front of the text, has been -moved to join related material at the back.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/003-front.jpg" width="400" height="595" alt="Front"/> - <div class="caption"> - <p class="small">The Colloquies<br />of</p> - <p>Edward Osborne</p> - <p class="small">Citizen and Clothworker<br />of London</p> - <p><span class="x-small">Illustrations by</span><br />John Jellicoe</p> - </div> -</div> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/006-img.jpg" width="400" height="543" alt="Widow"/> - <div class="caption"> - <p class="small cursive">J Jellicoe</p> - <p class="cursive">"Surely thou art the Widow Osborne"</p> - </div> -</div> - -<div id="front"> - -<h1><span class="small">THE COLLOQUIES OF</span><br /> - EDWARD OSBORNE</h1> - -<p>CITIZEN AND CLOTHWORKER<br /> - OF LONDON</p> - - -<p class="x-small">By<br /> - The Author of "Mary Powell,"<br /> - "The Household of Sir Thos. More," "Cherry & Violet"<br /> - and "The Old Chelsea Bun-Shop," etc.</p> - - -<p><span class="x-small"><i>WITH TEN ILLUSTRATIONS BY</i></span><br /> - JOHN JELLICOE</p> - - <p>LONDON<br /> - JOHN C. NIMMO<br /> -<span class="small">NEW YORK: CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS<br /> - MDCCCC</span></p> - -<p class="x-small">Printed by <span class="smcap">Ballantyne, Hanson & Co.</span><br /> - At the Ballantyne Press</p> - -</div> - -<h2>CONTENTS</h2> - -<table id="toc" summary="ToC"> - -<tr> - <td class="chap x-small">CHAP.</td> - <td></td> - <td class="pagn"><span class="x-small">PAGE</span></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="chap">I.</td> - <td class="text">—A Country Lad cometh to Town</td> - <td class="pagn"><a href="#Page_1">1</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="chap">II.</td> - <td class="text">—First Day of a London 'Prentice his Life</td> - <td class="pagn"><a href="#Page_27">27</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="chap">III.</td> - <td class="text">—Ye Disposition & Economy of Master Hewet's House</td> - <td class="pagn"><a href="#Page_45">45</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="chap">IV.</td> - <td class="text">—Noteworthy Deed of a Boy taught of a Woman</td> - <td class="pagn"><a href="#Page_58">58</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="chap">V.</td> - <td class="text">—Edward Convalesceth i' the Green Lattice</td> - <td class="pagn"><a href="#Page_77">77</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="chap">VI.</td> - <td class="text">—Tib's Malpractyzes</td> - <td class="pagn"><a href="#Page_102">102</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="chap">VII.</td> - <td class="text">—Early Setting of a young Morning Star</td> - <td class="pagn"><a href="#Page_117">117</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="chap">VIII.</td> - <td class="text">—The Defence of the Bridge</td> - <td class="pagn"><a href="#Page_133">133</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="chap">IX.</td> - <td class="text">—Osborne is out of his Time</td> - <td class="pagn"><a href="#Page_167">167</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="chap">X.</td> - <td class="text">—Evil Times bring Evil Crimes</td> - <td class="pagn"><a href="#Page_181">181</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="chap">XI.</td> - <td class="text">—The Blood of the Martyrs, y<span class="sup">e</span> - Seed of y<span class="sup">e</span> Church</td> - <td class="pagn"><a href="#Page_194">194</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="chap">XII.</td> - <td class="text">—A Snake among y<span class="sup">e</span> Flowers</td> - <td class="pagn"><a href="#Page_207">207</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="chap">XIII.</td> - <td class="text">—Master Hewet ordereth Things discretely</td> - <td class="pagn"><a href="#Page_231">231</a></td> -</tr> - -</table> - -<h2>LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS</h2> - -<p class="center"><i>From Drawings by</i> <span class="smcap">John Jellicoe</span></p> - -<table id="loi" summary="LoI"> - -<tr> - <td class="text">"Surely thou art the Widow Osborne"</td> - <td colspan="2" class="pagn"><i>Frontispiece</i></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td></td> - <td></td> - <td class="pagn"><span class="x-small">PAGE</span></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="text">"Held the Oar to him"</td> - <td class="face"><i>To face</i></td> - <td class="pagn"><a href="#Page_40">40</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="text">"And took a Leap"</td> - <td class="face">"</td> - <td class="pagn"><a href="#Page_60">60</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="text">Tryphena and Tryphosa</td> - <td class="face">"</td> - <td class="pagn"><a href="#Page_88">88</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="text">"Eating Curds and Cream"</td> - <td class="face">"</td> - <td class="pagn"><a href="#Page_120">120</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="text">"Make Way for the Sheriff's Daughter"</td> - <td class="face">"</td> - <td class="pagn"><a href="#Page_140">140</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="text">"Rode over the Bridge"</td> - <td class="face">"</td> - <td class="pagn"><a href="#Page_152">152</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="text">"Covered his Face and Wept"</td> - <td class="face">"</td> - <td class="pagn"><a href="#Page_192">192</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="text">"Proffered me a Piece of Money"</td> - <td class="face">"</td> - <td class="pagn"><a href="#Page_240">240</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="text">The Masque</td> - <td class="face">"</td> - <td class="pagn"><a href="#Page_272">272</a></td> -</tr> - -</table> - -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">{1}</a></div> - -<p class="gap-above center large">THE COLLOQUIES OF</p> - -<p class="center x-large">EDWARD OSBORNE</p> - -<h2>CHAPTER I<br /> <i>A Country Lad cometh to Town</i></h2> - -<div> - <img class="drop-cap" src="images/drop-s.jpg" width="100" height="99" alt="S"/> -</div> - -<p class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">So</span> -we left the old grey -Horse at the <i>Tabard</i>, and -set forth a-foot, my Mother -and me, for <i>London Bridge</i>: -I looking right and left -for a Glimpse of the great, broad River. -But no Water could we see; and the -Ways were thronged with Men, Horses, -Carts, Wagons, Flocks of Sheep, and -Droves of Oxen, pressing along between -Stalls set out with all manner of Cates. -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">{2}</a></span> -Anon we come to a big Gateway, with -its Portcullis-teeth grinning over our -Heads; and a-top of this Gateway, that -was flanked with Turrets, and spanned -the Road, were ever so many round, -dark Objects, set on Poles, leaning this -Way and that; and my Mother shuddered -when she saw them, and told me -they were Traitors' Heads. But between -us and this Gateway lay a Draw-bridge, -the which, as we crossed, gave us a -Glimpse of the broad <i>Thames</i>, all a-blaze -in the Sun. I pluckt at my Mother's -Sleeve, without speaking, and we looked -over the Parapet, and could see Boats -ducking and diving under a Row of -Houses right across the River, some of -'em six Stories high, with Balconies and -projecting Gables, looking ready to topple -into the Water, that rushed onward with -tremendous Force, eddying and foaming -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">{3}</a></span> -among the Arches. Then I noted at the -Foot of each Pier, strange Projections of -Timber-work, and askt my Mother what -they were, and she could not tell me. -But a Man that overheard me said they -were called Sterlings, and were strong -Piles of Wood driven into the Bed of -the River. Also he told me the Bridge -was sixty Feet above the Water, and -that its Founder, <i>Peter</i> of <i>Colechurch</i>, lay -y-buried in the Chapel on the Bridge; -and more he would have added but for -the Interposure of my Mother, who said, -"Come, Child, we linger," and drew me -away. Then we passed under the Gateway, -which was also a Kind of Guard-house, -and Toll-gate; and, quod she, -"Now thou art on <i>London Bridge</i>." But -I should never have found it out; for to -all Seeming, we were in midst of an ill-paved, -exceeding narrow Strete, only some -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">{4}</a></span> -twelve Feet across, with Frippery-shops, -and such-like on either Side. A great, -o'erloaded Wagon that went first, cleared -the Way for us, filling the Space all -across; but anon it meeteth another -Wagon, even higher than itself, with a -Terrier barking a-top; and, the one -essaying to pass the other, their Headgear -got entangled in the Outworks of the -upper Stories of two opposite Houses, -and I saw the Terrier jump into an -Attick Window, and presently run forth -of the Shop below. Then the Wagoners -chode and reviled, for one of 'em must -needs back off the Bridge, and some -Sheep and Oxen were coming up behind; -and the Foot-passengers jostled and jibed, -and Shopkeepers looked forth of their -Doors, and Wives and Maids from their -Lattices, and Swarms of quick-eyed mischievous -favoured Lads peered forth of -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">{5}</a></span> -every Bulk; and my Mother cried, "Oh! -weary on them! we may bide here all -Night!" ... when, looking hard on -the Shop to our left, she sayth, "Why -here's the <i>Golden Fleece</i>!"</p> - -<p>And so we made bold to enter, between -a few Rolls of brown and gray Cloth; -and found Master <i>Hewet</i> seated behind -a Desk, holding a Pen, but not using -it, discoursing with a sober-apparelled -Friend, and ever and anon casting a -quiet amused Look at the Turmoil on -the Bridge. He was what I then counted -a middle-aged, but should now reckon a -youngish Man, somewhere betwixt thirty -and forty Years of Age, of a good Presence -and a piercing but pleasant Eye; and with -that in his Carriage and Looks that discovered -he had Something within him -beyond the common, that tended to excite -Affection and Veneration. So soon -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">{6}</a></span> -as his Eye lighted pleasantly upon us, -"Surely, thou art the Widow <i>Osborne</i>!" -quod he to my Mother, "and this, by -his Favour, I am sure is the Son of -mine old School-mate. He will, I trust, -prove of as good Conditions."</p> - -<p>And, putting down his Pen, he quickly -led the Way into a pleasant Chamber at -the Back, o'erlooking the River, wherein, -a watering of some Flowers on the Window-sill, -was a middle-aged Gentlewoman, -clad in Black, of a benign Aspect, a mild -hazel Eye, and a Tinct that had more of -the Pearl than the Peach in it. "Sister -<i>Fraunces</i>," quod Master <i>Hewet</i>, "here -is Mistress <i>Osborne</i>;" whereon the -Gentlewoman turned about and spake -courteouslie unto my Mother, whom she -made to sit down and take Wine and -Spiced-bread; while I, as a mannerly -Youth, stood in Presence of mine Elders. -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">{7}</a></span> -Then sayth my Mother to Master <i>Hewet</i>, -"I come, Sir, in answer to your considerate -Letter, to put my Boy in your -Charge:—he's but country-bred, though -a good Lad, and come of a good Stock -... not only born of a Woman, but -taught of a Woman, alas that I should -say so! save for his School-teaching." -"Marry, his Brother-prentice, then, is -one of another Feather," saith Master -<i>Hewet</i>, smiling, "we shall see which turns -out best. Leave your Son with me; -and at the End of a Month or so, -when he hath looked at the Trade a -little, we will decide whether or no to -have him bound." "Alas, Sir!" saith -my Mother, with lengthened Face, "may -not all be done now? I have two small -Children at Home, mine Absence is untimeous, -and Travelling is strange to -me—I have the Fee ready, the Boy is -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">{8}</a></span> -willing, and you cannot choose but be -satisfied with his Conditions, for the -Lad is a good Lad, though 'tis his -Mother that says so."</p> - -<p>"Well," saith Master <i>Hewet</i>, after a -little Thought, "the Course is uncommon, -for we mainly like to prove a -Youth and see whether he be likely to -do Good at the Trade, and be a profitable -and desirable Apprentice before we -bind him; but since your Case is in -some Respects singular, it shall be as -you say; for, as it happens, this is one -of the Days on which the Court and -Master sit to bind and enroll 'Prentices." -So forth we went: he making Way for -my Mother, and I following last.</p> - -<p>On our Way to <i>Mincheon Lane</i>, we fell -in with an uproarious Rabble, that, with -Shouts, were haling Somewhat through -the Mud, which proved to be a Church -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">{9}</a></span> -Image; doubtless, just pulled down from -its Niche. The Head was rare carven, -and floridly painted after the Life; but the -Trunk was nothing but a squared Block, -with a Cross-piece for the Shoulders, and -looked pitiful enow, now 'twas despoiled -of its rich Clothing. An Ale-house -Keeper at the Bridge end turned in-doors -with Disgust at the Sight, which some of -the Rabblement noting, they cried out, -"Here's a Bone for you to pick, Sir -<i>Tobias</i>!" and beset his Door. I afterwards -learned he was an ejected Roman -Catholic Parson.</p> - -<p>When we reached the <i>Clothworkers' -Hall</i>, the Clerk made out my Indentures; -and then I was taken before the Master -to be enrolled.</p> - -<p>My Mother having paid the Fee, -(Spoon-silver they jocosely called it,) -unto Master <i>Hewet</i>, he did not pocket it, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">{10}</a></span> -but put it into the Common-box: and -the Business was done; my Master exchanging -some pleasant Words with the -Master of the Company, and the latter -bidding me (in the only Sentence he -spoke to me), mind the Clothworkers' -Motto,—"<i>My Trust is in God alone</i>."</p> - -<p>Then, my Mother and I took Leave of -one another, aside, as 'twere, in the Doorway; -for she was to lie that Night in -<i>Temstrete</i>, at her Cousin <i>Hale's</i>, (who was -a <i>Broughton</i>,) and return to <i>Ashford</i> on the -Morrow. And she kissed me and wept -sore, and sayth, "Ah Son, thou art full -young to be cast out of the Nest ... -fain I were to keep thee: but what -though? Thou canst not always be at -mine Apron-string, and thou hast a brave -Spirit and a good Heart; wherefore, -like <i>Hannah</i>, Wife of <i>Elkanah</i>, I will -entrust my First-born unto the <span class="smcap">Lord</span>, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">{11}</a></span> -and see what he will do for thee.... -And remember, <i>Ned</i>, thou art the Son -of a Gentleman, and think the Eye of -thy Father still upon thee."</p> - -<p>Then quod I, in answer to my Mother, -"Cheer up, sweet <i>Mother</i>, I will never -disgrace him nor thee: so give over -thy weeping, lest they should deem the -Tears on my Face to be mine instead of -thine ... don't melt me, <i>Mother</i>, lest -they count me but a Boy, and make -light of our Country Breeding."</p> - -<p>"A Boy, indeed! What art thou -more?" quod she, smiling through her -Tears; and with one hearty Kiss and her -Blessing, went her Ways.</p> - -<p>On our Return to my Master's House, -he, noting my Hair to be too long for a -'Prentice, (for, indeed, my Mother was -rather vain of it,) gave me a Penny, and -sent me to Master <i>Soper</i> the Barbitonsor, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">{12}</a></span> -across the Bridge, to have it clipt. Here -found I a Man having his Beard trimmed, -and another, waiting for his Turn, playing -a Mandoline. Seeing me look forth -of the Lattice on the River, boiling and -splashing below, and the Boats shooting -the Arches and nearly pitching Head -foremost down the Fall, he stayed his -Hand, and told me how many Lives were -lost in those Rapids by the Year. Then I -made bold to ask him what was that great -Fortress with Towers, on the north Bank.</p> - -<p>"Thou art a Stranger in <i>London</i>, then," -saith he, "for every Cockney knows the -<i>Tower</i>, whose foundation Stones were -cemented, they say, with Mortar tempered -with Blood. And truly, Blood -enow hath been spilt within it to bring -a Judgment on its Walls. <i>Henry</i> the -<i>Sixth</i> was murdered in the <i>Tower</i>, <i>George</i> -of <i>Clarence</i> was drowned in the <i>Tower</i>, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">{13}</a></span> -<i>Edward</i> the <i>Fifth</i> and <i>Richard</i> Duke -of <i>York</i>, those pretty Innocents, were -smothered in the <i>Tower</i>, <i>Anne Boleyn</i> -and <i>Katherine Howard</i> were beheaded in -the <i>Tower</i>. And, for all it hath held a -King's Parliament, and is our Citadel of -Defence, a royal Palace for Assemblies, -a Council-house for Treaties, a Treasury -of Crown Jewels, the royal Mint of -Coinage, the prime Conservator of Records, -and the Armoury of warlike Provisions, -yet, for the Tears and the Blood -that have been shed in it, I could say, -Down with it, down with it even unto -the Ground! And methinks its evil -Story is not yet wound up, but that a -dark Cloud hangs over it e'en now. -We shall see! we shall see! Many -an ignoble Man rises aloft, many a -proud Man is brought low. 'Tis time -enough at one's Life's end to sing Gloria. -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">{14}</a></span> -Ah! our Bridge Tower, whereof I am -Gate-keeper, hath another guess Foundation -than <i>Cæsar's</i>; for on every one -of its four Corner-stones is graven the -Name of <span class="smcap">Jesus</span>; <i>deep, but out of Sight</i>."</p> - -<p>And he peered into my Face as he -spake that Saying, to wit if I felt its -Force.</p> - -<p>"And now my Turn hath come to be -trimmed," quod he, "so thou mayst -thrum the Mandoline."</p> - -<p>When I went back, there was a Man -with a Burthen leaving the Shop; and -my Master saith, "Follow this Porter to -Master <i>Askew's</i> in <i>Candlewickstrete</i>, and -bring home my little Daughter, who -hath been spending the Forenoon at -her Godfather's." So I went with the -Porter, and on reaching <i>Candlewickstrete</i>, -which was not full of Tallow-chandlers' -Shops, but of Drapers, he shewed me -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">{15}</a></span> -Master <i>Askew's</i> House; and I entered -and found him in Parley with a Man in -a red Coat. Quod he, "Well, I suppose -my Lord must have it, but I like not -the Security;" and handed him over a -heavy Bag that seemed full of Money. -Said the Man in Red, stowing the Bag -under his Coat, "You were best not -offend my Lord, for I warrant the Loss -of his Custom would make you the -worse by a pretty Penny." "Tut!" -cries the other, "we could better afford -to lose the Court than the Court to -lose the City." On which, they parted. -"Who art thou, my Lad?" quod he. -"I'm my Master's new 'Prentice," quod -I, "come to fetch Mistress <i>Anne</i>." -"Ah!" quod he, "then you're from -Master <i>Hewet</i>, though you speak as if -there were but one Master in the World.... -<i>Anne!</i> sweet <i>Anne</i>!"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">{16}</a></span> -And, at his Call, there runneth in a -fair little Gentlewoman, about six Years -of Age. Sure, never was seen so sweet a -Child! Master <i>Askew</i> caught her up in -his Arms and gave her many Kisses, and -told her she must return with me; -whereon she came and placed her Hand -in mine, in full Assurance of Faith. A -Gentlewoman, not much turned of thirty, -personable, and of the Complexion they -call sanguine, followed her forth, with -many Injunctions to tell her Father how -good she had been, and giving her, at -parting, a Piece of sweet Marchpane.</p> - -<p>In the Strete, we were so beshoved -about, that Mistress <i>Anne</i> presently made -Request of me to carry her. So I took -her up and set her on my Shoulder, and -bade her hold on by my Hair; which -she was pleased to say was shorter than -mine Ears, or even than mine Eyelashes. -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">{17}</a></span> -And, in seeking to admeasure them, she -nearly toppled down; so then I said if -she were going to be unruly, besides -blinding me with the Crumbs of her -Marchpane, I must set her in the Stokkes. -To which she made Answer, "Then you -must put both my Feet into one Hole; -and even then I shall slip them out." -Thus prettily she prattled all the Way, -till I told her I thought my Hair was at -least shorter than her Tongue. When -we reached my Master's Door, I was -passing it unawares, when she lugged at -mine Hair and cried, "Stop, Boy, stop; -you must set me down." I said, -"Then you must give me a Kiss." -She sayth, "Humph, I've no Objection;" -which I thought very funny -and very pretty in so young a little -Gentlewoman.</p> - -<p>It was now Supper-time; and, my -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">{18}</a></span> -Fellow-'prentice being out, Mistress -<i>Fraunces</i> shewed me how to lay the -Cloth, set forth the Spoons, &c., and told -me that London 'Prentices stood behind -their Master's Chair at Meal Times. Just -as <i>Tib</i> the Cook had set the Dishes on -the Table, there entereth a hale, aged -Man, white headed, with a merry Eye, -and a thin Cheek besprent with lively -red. My Master hailed him with Zest, -crying, "Ha! Master <i>Cheke</i>! 'tis of long -Time since we met! How fareth it -with thee, Master <i>Cheke</i>? Come in, -Man, come in and sup with us, and, -if thou wilt, lie to-night in the Green -Lattice; there's the old Bed made -up."</p> - -<p>"Old Bed!" quod the other, jocularly; -is anything old fit to be offered to me -that am so young and so fine? What -though I'm from the Country, have I -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">{19}</a></span> -not Friends at Court? Marry, Man, -my Kinsman is the King's Sub-tutor, -and I've had Speech of him this -Day."</p> - -<p>"If you are too fine for old Friends, -I have no more to say to you," quod -Master <i>Hewet</i>, heartily, and taking his -Place at Table, while his Visitor and -Mistress <i>Fraunces</i> did the same. "You -can't be <i>our</i> Master <i>Cheke</i>.... Now -then, Sir, boiled or roast? You see, -though 'tis <i>Friday</i>, we are not quite -so scrupulous as we were wont of old -Time, in regard to a broiled Bone or -so ... here's nothing from salt Water -save a Dish of Prawns."</p> - -<p>"And very pretty Picking," sayth -Master <i>Cheke</i>, "for a Man that hath had -one Supper already off a King's -Leavings ... for, you see, the pretty Boy goes -to Bed at eight o' the Clock. What a -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">{20}</a></span> -young Miracle 'tis! A very Saint, Sir! -excelling any <i>Edward</i> hath been canonized. -Marry, my Kinsman said I should -have seene the sweet Child blush, when -'twas told him he was King; and then -fall a weeping for his Father, whom, -peradventure, none other loved soe -purely; for Love kindles Love, they -say, and, of a Surety, if the old King -loved any one, he loved <i>him</i>."</p> - -<p>"Then, his Grace's Speech on his -Crownation-day," quod Mistress <i>Fraunces</i>. -"They brought him the three -Swords, for the three Kingdoms. -'There ought to be yet another,' quod -he, looking about; 'bring me a Bible.' -When 'twas brought,—'This,' saith he, -'is the Sword of the Spirit; as the -other three are the Swords of our Temporal -Dominions: by them we govern, -by this we must be governed, and under -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">{21}</a></span> -this we ought to live, to fight, to rule, -and to guide all our Affairs.' A marvellous -Saying for a Boy of nine Year -old!"</p> - -<p>"Ah! I dare say my Kinsman put him -up to it," said Master <i>Cheke</i>, "but indeed -'twas well rehearsed and well remembered."</p> - -<p>"Nay, I like not to hear the Credit -of a good Thing taken away from its -proper Owner in that Way," quod -Mistress <i>Fraunces</i> somewhat warmly. -"Why should we say, 'Such an One was -prompted?' 'such a Thing was forecast?' -Doubtless, we all get our -Teaching ... from ourselves or others; -and some few, I think, be Heaven-taught."</p> - -<p>"Well, well," quod Master <i>Cheke</i>, -shelling his Prawns; "'twas a pretty -Word, we all must own. How he -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">{22}</a></span> -chode with his Nurse, e'en in the Nursery, -for standing on a Bible to reach -Somewhat off a Shelf!"</p> - -<p>"And that was before he learned Lip wisdom -of Master <i>Cheke</i>," quod Mistress -<i>Fraunces</i>. "However, Sir, I disparage -not your Kinsman, though I will not -hear you disparage the King. Honour -to whom Honour is due."</p> - -<p>I saw an almost imperceptible uprising -of Master <i>Cheke's</i> Eyebrows at this, as -though he were inwardly saying, "Place -to Ladies:" howbeit, Mistress <i>Fraunces</i> -kept her Ground, and, I thought, becomingly. -She thought so too, and mentioned -afterwards that she had given it to -him roundly.</p> - -<p>Master <i>Hewet</i> was diverting the Discourse, -when a Cry without of "Clubs! -Clubs!" was followed by a Shrilling -and Screaming like Swifts round a Steeple, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">{23}</a></span> -and an uproarious Hallooing and Whooping -all along the Bridge. Master <i>Cheke</i> -started up, and then re-seated himself, -muttering, "Young Rascallions!"</p> - -<p>"And yet," quod Master <i>Hewet</i>, "they -are the Stuff our sober substantial Citizens -are made of. Oh, Sir, I don't -mind speaking freely before my 'Prentice -Lads. They will hear no dangerous -Matter from me, and cannot be too -early made to feel that we are all one -Family. Let them be merry and wise; -the Error is in aiming to be one without -the other."</p> - -<p>I would I could call to Mind othermuch -that was said: howbeit, I was -young and new to Service, and had not -yet attained unto the Facility which -practised Servitors have of noting each -Thing said, hinted, or so much as looked -at Table, while attending to such Orders -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">{24}</a></span> -as "The Mustard, <i>Osborne</i>" ... and so -forth.</p> - -<p>But, or ever they had well sate down, -Mistress <i>Anne</i> had run in to wish good -Night; and, contriving to tarry, had remained -awhile at Master <i>Hewet's</i> Knee, -noting all was done and said. And when, -referring to some of the King's Council, -Master <i>Cheke</i> said, "They are new to -their Work, but will take kindly to -it presently," she softly sayth, "Like -our new 'Prentice!" which made all -laugh.</p> - -<p>When Master <i>Cheke</i> had departed, and -the Day's Work and Prayer were ended, -Mistress <i>Fraunces</i> said she would sit up -for <i>Miles Hackathrift</i>, who was out too -late, and bade me go to Bed, for that she -saw I was weary: (and indeed I had -ridden the Pillion twenty Mile that Morning.) -Wherefore I thankfully crept up -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">{25}</a></span> -to the Loft a-top of the House, wherein -were two Tressel-beds; and no sooner lay -down than I was asleep; and might have -slept all Night without so much as turning; -but by and by I was arouzed by -the Light of a Lanthorn held close to -mine Eyes, which opened, somewhat -dazed, on a red, swollen Face, that had -too little Brow and too much Cheek and -Chin. Then a surly Voice sayth, "So -thou's the new 'Prentice, it seemeth! -Good so! how prettily thy Mother in -the Country hath had thine Hair cut!" -I said, "It was cut in Town, not in the -Country.—Go away, and take the Light -out of mine Eyes, I pr'ythee.... I -think thou hast been drinking Something -stronger than small Ale, and hast -broken thine Indenture." ... "Then -I'll brake Something else," quod he; -and gave me a Bang on the Head with -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">{26}</a></span> -his Lanthorn, that put the Candle out. -Thereafter he had to go to Bed in the -Dark; but I wot not if he grumbled -thereat, so soon fell I again on Sleep, too -weary to resent his Malefices.</p> - -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">{27}</a></div> - -<h2>CHAPTER II<br /> <i>First Day of a London 'Prentice his Life</i></h2> - -<div> - <img class="drop-cap" src="images/drop-t.jpg" width="100" height="102" alt="T"/> -</div> - -<p class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Thou</span> -mayest marvel, <i>Hew</i>, -that I remember so well -the minutest Circumstances -of that, my first -Day on the Bridge; but -by Reason of a young, quick Apprehensiveness -of Novelty, I remember that Day -better than any other (but one) in the -Year; and that Year better than many -that came after it.</p> - -<p>Early as I rose the next Morning, it -would seem that some one was yet earlier -than I; for my Master's large Bible lay -open on the Table, as though some one -had been a reading it. And, whereby -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">{28}</a></span> -my good Mother had early taught me, -during the Famine of <span class="smcap">God's</span> Word, to -snatch a Mouthful of it whenever it came -in my Way, albe it were but a single -Sentence to chew the Cud upon pleasantly -at my Work, I cast mine Eye upon the -Page, and lighted by Hap on the Saying, -"Whatsoever thine Hand findeth to do, -<i>do it with thy Might</i>,"—when my Master's -Hand was laid upon my Shoulder, and -made me start.</p> - -<p>"My Lad," quod he, "a Mind sequestering -itself to the Exercises of Piety, -lies very open to the farther Discoveries -of divine Light and Love, and invites -<span class="smcap">Christ</span> to come and dwell in it." I -louted low, to thank him for his Grace, -albeit it seemed to me he took me for a -better and wiser Lad than I was. But -good Praise takes root and spreads; and -there was no great Damage in his giving -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">{29}</a></span> -me a little more Credit than I deserved; -inasmuch as we are not born good, but -made good.</p> - -<p>Thereafter, Master <i>Hewet</i> taketh me to -the very topmost Floor of our House, -next the 'Prentices' Loft, and openeth a -creaking Door; whereon we enter a low, -longish Attick, containing two Looms, at -one of which sate a Man weaving. There -was a Lattice almost the entire Length of -the Attick, looking down upon the bright -shining <i>Thames</i>, then sparkling in the -Morning Sun, and all in a Tremble beneath -a smart Breeze, while heavy Barges -and light Boats full of Garden Stuff for -the Markets were passing to and fro. -The Chamber, though abject to look at, -was delightsome to look from; and the -Air was so clear that I could see a Housewife -in a Stamel Petticoat cheapening -Neats' Feet on the <i>Bankside</i>, and the -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">{30}</a></span> -<i>Easterlings</i> unloading their Cargoes at the -<i>Steelyard</i>. But the Man at the Loom had -no Eye for these Things; he seemed not -much under fifty Years of Age, and had -a pale, pain-worn Face, and patient, gentle, -though not happy Aspect. A Blackbird -in a Wicker Cage hung at the open Window; -there were some two or three old -Books on a Shelf, and a dozen Flowerpots -or so on a little Ledge outside the -Attick, between the Roofs, which was -railed in and made into a Sort of little -Garden.</p> - -<p>"Here's a Man, now," quod my Master -to me in a low Voice, "hath so little Care -for aught beyond these four Walls, as -never e'en to have spared Time to look -on <i>Fisher's</i> Head at the Bridge End all -the While the Strete was so thronged -with the gazing Rabble as that scarcely -a Horse nor Cart could pass. Nor do -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">{31}</a></span> -I believe he would have cast a Look up -at poor Sir <i>Thomas More</i>, save on his -Way to the Burreller's. A fair Morning, -<i>Tomkins</i>!"</p> - -<p>"A fair Morning, as you say, Master," -returned <i>Tomkins</i>, "I wish you Joy of it."</p> - -<p>"Here's your new Scholar," quod my -Master; "you will set him going, and -are scarce likely to find him more awkward -than <i>Miles</i>."</p> - -<p>"I hope I shall find him a good Deal -less so, and less froward, too, or I sha'n't -count him good for much," quod <i>Tomkins</i>, -turning about, and looking hard at -me. "I like his Face, Master," quod he.</p> - -<p>"Here, give him the Shuttle, and let -us see how he will handle it," quod -Master <i>Hewet</i>.</p> - -<p>"Not mine, he may have <i>Miles's</i>," -interposed <i>Tomkins</i>, rising with some Difficulty -and going to the other Loom; and -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">{32}</a></span> -I then observed he was very Lame. -"Here, Lad, see, this is the Way," quod -he.</p> - -<p>So I tried, awkwardly enough, and -made them both laugh; and laughed too. -But I went to it with a Will, and anon -they said I was mending.</p> - -<p>"<i>Miles</i> might have done an Hour's -Work by this Time," observed <i>Tomkins</i>, -"but I've seen nought of him."</p> - -<p>"Because Mistress <i>Fraunces</i> hath sent -him to <i>Trolop's</i> Milk-farm for Curds and -Cream," quod my Master; "don't be -hard upon him."</p> - -<p>"I wish he may not do what he did, -the last Time I sent him of an Errand," -quod <i>Tomkins</i> dryly—"tarry by the Way -to see a Horse-dealer hanged."</p> - -<p>"That would have spoiled my Relish -for Curds and Cream," quod Master -<i>Hewet</i>, "I think he must have returned -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">{33}</a></span> -ere this—<i>Ned</i> shall bring up your -Breakfast, <i>Tomkins</i>."</p> - -<p>As we went down, "Do all thou -canst, <i>Ned</i>," quod my Master, "in the -Way of small Kindnesses, for that poor -Journeyman Freeman.—A few Years -since, a Horse trod upon his Foot and -lamed him for Life. My Wife, who -was his Foster-sister, and felt a Kindness -for him, had him here to nurse; -and, by the Time he had recovered as -much as he was ever likely to do, he -had become so fond of us and of his -Attick, that, albeit our Ordinances are -somewhat stringent against Master Clothworkers -keeping Weavers at Journeywork -in their own Houses, the Wardens -have overlooked it in his Case, and let -him abide on Sufferance. And though -I don't expect to make my Fortune by -any Weaving I get out of you or <i>Miles</i>, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">{34}</a></span> -and have indeed Plenty of very different -Work for you, yet 'tis well you should -know somewhat of the Practice of your -Craft, and I look to you to attend to it -whenever you would otherwise be in -Idleness."</p> - -<p>When we reached the Ground-floor, -there was Mrs. <i>Fraunces</i> buying Roses -and Gilly-flowers at the Door, which she -afterwards set in Midst of the Breakfast-table; -for 'twas a notable Way of hers I -always observed from the first, to contrive -to give e'en the simplest Meal the Air -of a little Banquet, whether by a Posy, -a Dish of Fruit, or whatever it might -chance, to grace her plain, plenteous -Providings.</p> - -<p>The first Note I had of <i>Miles Hackathrift</i> -being at Hand, was when I returned -from carrying up to <i>Tomkins</i> his fried Fish -and Bracket. He came behind me, took -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">{35}</a></span> -me by the Shoulders, and gave me a smart -shaking.</p> - -<p>"Come, now," quod I, when he had -done, "art thou going to be civil or -troublesome?"</p> - -<p>"Troublesome," replied he decidedly.</p> - -<p>"Oh! well," quod I, "then we shall -not come to a good Understanding, it -seems, till I have given you a Beating; -but for your Sake I'll put it off as long -as I can."</p> - -<p>"Your Time is mine, sir," quod he, -"don't be in a Hurry, nor yet put it off -too long. The smallest Favour shall -be cheerfully accepted."</p> - -<p>"Ah," quod I, "if that were a true -Word of yours, how pleasantly we might -get on together."</p> - -<p>"Pleasantly! quite the other Way, I -think," quod he. "Why, quarrelling's -the very Spice of Life!"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">{36}</a></span> -"Keep Spice for rich Men's Tables, -then," quod I, "I can eat my Breakfast -very well without it."</p> - -<p>"Ah!" saith he, "you've been brought -up by your Mother!"</p> - -<p>"And what if I have?" quod I quickly.</p> - -<p>"<i>Have</i> you, though?" quod he, laughing. -"Marry, you have now told Tales -of yourself! Though I could have -guessed it."</p> - -<p>"May there never be a worse Tale to -tell of you," quod I. "How mean -you?" quod he, bristling up. "Just -what I say and no more," quod I; "my -meaning is full simple, I think." "Like -yourself, then," quod he; "I don't believe -you could say Bo! to a Goose." -"Nor Pruh! to a Cow, perhaps," quod I. -"Lads! Lads! be quiet there!" cries -Mistress <i>Fraunces</i> from the Parlour.</p> - -<p>"What would be the Effect of that, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">{37}</a></span> -though?" quod <i>Miles</i>, without minding -her, as soon as he had done Coughing by -reason of a Fish-bone that stuck in his -Throat. "To set them scampering," -quod I, "as I did one Day, into the -midst of a Pleasure Party." "Ha, ha, -ha!" cries he, "I'll try that in <i>Trolop's</i> -Fields; there are Lots of Cows there, -and Pleasure Parties too on Summer -Evenings. Lovers and Loveresses, a -eating of Curds and Whey!"</p> - -<p>—"Really, Brother," saith Mistress -<i>Fraunces</i>, the next Time my Master went -into the Parlour,—for though her Voice -was low and sweet, it was so distinct that -oft-times I could not help hearing what -she was saying,—"truly, Brother, those -Boys of yours wrangle so when they're -together, that it is Misery to hear -them."</p> - -<p>"Boys will be Boys," quod he, peaceifyingly, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">{38}</a></span> -"I was one myself a long while -ago. However, if they have said anything -punishable, I must beat them; -but, if not, put a little Cotton Wool -into your Ears, Sister <i>Fraunces</i>."</p> - -<p>"Nay," quod she, relenting, "there -was nothing punishable in aught they -said; and, as to getting them a Beating, -they'll give each other enough of that, -I'm thinking. 'Twas such give and -take, snip and snap, parry and thrust, -as that I could scarce forbear laughing."</p> - -<p>"Don't stop your Ears with Cotton -Wool, then," quod my Master cheerily, -for a hearty Laugh is worth a Groat. -"They'll have little Time for Fighting, -this Morning, for I have Plenty for -them to do."</p> - -<p>Despite of this, however, <i>Miles</i> found -Time for a little more "snip and snap," -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">{39}</a></span> -as Mistress <i>Fraunces</i> called it, before -Dinner. Seeing me start forth on an -Errand as he returned from one, he -quietly saith in passing, "See how pretty -he looks with his Cap on!" whereon -it struck me that every 'Prentice Boy I -had seen running about had gone bareheaded; -and, smiling, I put my Cap in -my Pocket.</p> - -<p>In those Times, <i>Hew</i>, the Saturday -Afternoon was somewhat between a Holiday -and a holy Day. People went to -Evening Service at three o'Clock, and, -after that, there was no Business done, -save in preparation for the Sabbath; and -thoughtful People enjoyed an holy Pause, -and young light Hearts took their Pastime.</p> - -<p><i>Miles</i>, with Mischief in his Eye, proposed -to me a Row on the River, which -I, nothing afeard, agreed to, for I had -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">{40}</a></span> -been in a Punt aforetime, if not in a -Wherry. He refused the Aid of a Waterman, -saying lightly, "This young Gentleman -knows the Use of a Scull;" and, -running hastily along the Boat to secure -the Stroke-oar, his Foot tripped against a -Thwart, and he lost his Balance and fell -into the River. I guessed where he would -come up, and, sitting on the further Gunnel -to trim the Boat, held the Oar to him, -and guided his Hand to the Side, which -enabled him to scramble in. The Watermen, -who had run down to us as soon as -they saw him fall over, laughed when -they saw him safe, and cheered me; and -he, looking rather foolish, sayth, "Well, -I told them thou knewest the Use of a -Scull." I asked him which Way we -should pull; howbeit, he was so drenched -that he must needs go Home to change -his Clothes, and bade me give the Waterman -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">{41}</a></span> -a Penny, saying he had not so much -as a <i>Genoa</i> Halfpenny about him just then -to buy a Custard at Mother <i>Mampudding's</i>. -When he had changed his Under-garments, -and hung his Gown at the Kitchen -Fire, he amused himself by dropping -Pellets from the Window on the People -in the Boats that shot the Arch beneath; -and <i>Tib</i>, with her Head stretched forth of -the other Half of the Lattice, offered to -Rehearse unto me the Name and Calling -of every Dweller on the Bridge, from the -Parson and Clerk at the one End, to the -old Lady that lived all alone by herself -with her Cats at the other. Howbeit, -<i>Miles</i>, tiring of waiting for his Gown to -dry, put on another, and bade me bear -him Company to <i>Finsbury Fields</i>. But -first he lay in Wait behind the Door, and -then stole subtilly forth, like a Cat that -had been stealing Cream; and on my -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">{42}</a></span> -asking him why, he laughed and said, -only that Mistress <i>Fraunces</i> might not see -him in his Sunday-gown of a Saturday, -for that would be contrary to Rules and -Regulations.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/053-img.jpg" width="400" height="551" alt="Oar"/> - <div class="caption"> - <p class="small cursive">J Jellicoe</p> - <p class="cursive">"Held the oar to him"</p> - </div> -</div> - -<p>Arrived at <i>Finsbury Fields</i> I saw what -was certainly the finest and busiest Sight -I had ever yet seen in my Life; which -indeed is not saying much. The Fields -themselves were open and pleasant, with -plenty of Windmills in full Rotation in -the Distance; their white Sails playing -afore a dark Rain-cloud; and the Stretes -that led to them beyond <i>Moor Gate</i>, full -of Shops kept by Bowyers, Fletchers, and -Stringers. Here, on the open Ground, -we found, I say not Crowds, but Shoals -of lithe and limber 'Prentices; and of -athletic Freemen, too, and grave and -weighty Citizens, where was Room for -all—with Archers' Butts set up in various -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">{43}</a></span> -Directions; and an infinite Number of -the finest young Men the City could turn -out, practising at them with their long -Bows; none of them being allowed to -shoot at a Mark nearer than eleven score -Yards. Numbers of the Masters, standing -by, were watching, encouraging, and -applauding them, to their great Increase -of Emulation. Others again were using -their Wasters and Bucklers, others kicking -the Football; in the more open -Ground, Citizens' Sons were racing on -Horseback, and some of them practising -Feats of War; others were wrestling, -leaping, and casting the Stone. And on -every Hand, Venders of Cakes and Suckets. -On the Field, we came unawares upon -Master <i>Hewet</i>, who spake us kindly, and -noted not the Matter of <i>Miles'</i> Sunday-gown. -And so the Day ended.</p> - -<p>As we went Home, <i>Miles</i> told me how -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">{44}</a></span> -the Mayor, Aldermen, and Sheriffs were -accustomed on St. <i>Bartholomew's</i> Day to -see the City Officers wrestle with all -Comers, at a set Place in <i>Clerkenwell</i>; -and, two or three Days after, to witness -the shooting of the broad Arrow, both of -which I thought I should much delight -to behold; but was quite unfit for when -the Time came; as thou, in due Course, -shalt know.</p> - -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">{45}</a></div> - -<h2>CHAPTER III<br /> <i>Ye Disposition & Economy of Master -Hewet's House</i></h2> - -<div> - <img class="drop-cap" src="images/drop-m.jpg" width="100" height="103" alt="M"/> -</div> - -<p class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">My</span> -Master's House had six -Stories, the lowest of which -was sixty Feet above the -River. First came the Kitchen, -which, being partly -sunk in the Arch, might, if not in a -Bridge, have been counted parcel-underground. -It had a Casement just over the -Key-stone, and no thorough Draught; -the Larder being a Lean-to or Afterthought, -stuck outside like a Bird's Nest -against the Wall. Level with the Strete -lay the Shop, with a small Ware-room or -Writing-closet adjoining; and, behind it, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">{46}</a></span> -three Steps above it by Reason of the -Kitchen beneath, the common Sitting-room, -overlooking the River. A narrow, -steep Stair led to the Floor above, which -had Mistress <i>Fraunces's</i> Sleeping-chamber, -wherein lay Mistress <i>Anne</i>, over the Shop, -and a Summer-parlour, which for that it -had a Balcony over the River, commonly -went by the Name of the Balcony Room. -It was hung with blue Buckram; and, -by Reason of its Pleasantness, Mistress -<i>Fraunces</i> made it her chief Sitting-room, -while Mistress <i>Anne</i> played with her -Dolls. Also there was a Closet wherein -lay <i>Tib</i>. Above this was a large Chamber -that covered the whole Floor from Front -to Back, with a Window at either End; -and, because of its projecting and overlapping -the Floor below, was sundry Feet -the longer: this Room was wonderful -pleasant, and commonly called the Green -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">{47}</a></span> -Lattice, or Lattice-room, from having a -large green Lattice that overlooked the -<i>Thames</i>. In my Master's early married -Days, which he was wont to say had -been, like those of many a young Husband, -his poorest and happiest, he had -been glad to let off this Chamber to a -Lodger.—His Father dying, and leaving -him Money, he left the retail for wholesale -Business, gave up his Lodger, and -used the best Chamber himself; but with -Wealth came, as usual, a Counterpoise: -his Wife died untimely in this same -Chamber; whereon he conceived a Dislike -of it; and Mistress <i>Fraunces</i> then -coming to reside with him and occupying -his old Quarters, he mounted up to the -fourth Story, to a Room that o'erlooked -the Strete. Above this was <i>Tomkins</i>' -Attick, and, last of all, our Loft. The -Wind whistled fearsomely up there, o' -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">{48}</a></span> -Nights, and made the Walls rock round -us; not that there was often any one -wakeful enough to mind it.</p> - -<p>In the Green Lattice, though unoccupied, -there stood a carven Oak Bed, with -dark green Hangings, lined with yellow -Fustian, and Linen a Miracle for Whiteness, -ready for any chance Guest. I -thought, boy-like, as I glanced in, passing -up and down, 'twas fit for the Sleeping -Beauty to lie in during her Trance of a -hundred Years. There was a great Jar -of dead Rose-leaves, that smelt rarely; -and I always had the Notion they had -been gathered by Mistress <i>Anne's</i> Mother. -I wondered, with a strange yet pleasing -Awe, whether her Ghost ever -walked here, now that her little Girl -passed Hours in the Room by herself, -singing over her Dolls; and -thought it might perhaps steal softly -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">{49}</a></span> -in and keep about her when we little -wisted.</p> - -<p><i>Tib</i>, the Cook, made and kept but few -Friends. She was turned of Forty, and -had a notable scorched Face, that looked -like a Kitchen Fire. Also she was a -Woman of much Thirst, both for Ale -and News; and would have been counted -a notable cleanly Woman, had she not -been so dirty. For Example, she would -set the House afloat with Bucketfuls of -cold Water, till only <i>Noah's</i> Dove could -have found Rest for the Sole of its Foot; -and yet, the next Minute, would fling a -Tub-full of Dish-water straight into the -River, on the Heads of any Passengers -that might hap to be shooting the Arch. -She got into Trouble, once or twice, for -this.</p> - -<p>Now, when I fell into my daily Course, -Part of my Time was spent under the Eye -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">{50}</a></span> -of my Master, and within hearing of his -pleasant Talk, Part in running about the -Town, and Part with <i>Tomkins</i>; so that I -was happy from Morning to Night. For, -<i>Miles</i> not being fond of waiting upon the -poor lame Journeyman, I made it a Labour -of Love; and he, being a tender-spirited -Man, very sensitive to small Kindnesses, -took hugely to me, as I shortly did to -him. He had a busy Mind that was -always at Work, and his Occupation -leaving him much Leisure for Headwork, -he was always chewing the Cud -upon this or that Problem he had conned -at odd Minutes out of his old Books, or -brooding upon Mysteries that were harder -to crack, and less safe for an unlearned -Man to meddle with. Also he had a -mechanical Turn, which he exercised at -what he called his Play Hours, thereby -only exchanging one hard Work for another; -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">{51}</a></span> -but he was so fond of it that I -was always glad to see his little File and -Pincers in his Hand. Thus it came to -pass, that he never cared to stir from his -Attick into the World beneath, (though -I found, afterwards, he generally contrived -to creep out somewhere on Sundays when -we were all in Church,) for, he said, Air -he had plenty of, Exercise was a Misery -to him, and as for Company, had he not -all he cared for, already? A few kind -Words from Master <i>Hewet</i>, continual Chat -with me, a bright Glimpse of Mistress -<i>Anne</i>, and a Visit now and then from -Mistress <i>Fraunces</i>, were all he had and all -he liked. For Mistress <i>Fraunces</i> he had -a wonderful Respect and even Admiration; -commending her gentle Temper, -womanly Carriage, and pleasant Voice; -and bidding me note, (which I did on -his naming,) that she had, for her Years, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">{52}</a></span> -the finest Hand that a Woman was ever -graced with. I said I wondered she had -never married. He said, "Aye, indeed, -what can the Men have been about?" -with a little Smile that I did not feel to -be quite respectful; and I wondered that -even the gentle <i>Tomkins</i> must have his -Fling at single Women.</p> - -<p>Mistress <i>Fraunces</i> was used to accompany -my Master to the Hall Dinners; -indeed, being a Sister of the Company, -she was liable to a Fine if she did not, -except by Reason of Illness. However, -now and then, she stayed away; and then, -when my Master returned, she would ask -him with great Interest what had been -served up; and, being a shrewd Marketer, -would price each Item as he went along: -thus,—</p> - -<p>"Well, Brother, and what did you -have to-day?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">{53}</a></span> -"Why," saith he, "there was a Porpoise, -to begin with."</p> - -<p>"A Porpoise!" then cries she, "oh! -what a nasty coarse Fish! They are -seldom or never now seen at Table. -Well, what else?"</p> - -<p>"Two Congers and two Turbot."</p> - -<p>"Ah! of course, Nobody would touch -the Porpoise. Congers, the largest in -<i>Wetfishmongersrow</i>, six Shillings each, -this Morning. Turbots, three—eighteen. -Well?"</p> - -<p>"Sirloin of Beef—Half a Veal—a -standing Coney with a blue Ribbon -round his Neck."</p> - -<p>"Hold, Brother, not so fast. Beef, -we all know, is a Penny a Pound—we -thank King <i>Harry</i> for that. I -saw Half a Veal to-day at Half-a-crown."</p> - -<p>"Two dozens Pigeons."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">{54}</a></span> -"Two Shillings."</p> - -<p>"Some of your <i>French</i> Kickshaws—'<i>Pettiz -Birds rostez</i>.' ... And '<i>pain-puffe -avec un cold bakemeat</i>.'"</p> - -<p>"We have that every Sabbath," quod -she, dryly, "without its fine Name. I -suppose you had Sweets."</p> - -<p>"Oh, yes; <i>Leche Lombard</i>; Pears <i>en -serop</i>; Fritters, Doucettes, and <i>une grande -Custard</i>."</p> - -<p>"Come," saith she, "that was pretty -well—enough, and no Profusion. But -the Porpoise spoiled all. And they -might have given you a Swan instead -of a Coney. But stay; had you no -<i>Mortreuse</i>?"</p> - -<p>"No <i>Mortreuse</i>."</p> - -<p>"Out on it!" quod she, "then I -would not have given a Fig for your -Feast. There's nothing you had, that -we can't have at Home, save Mortreuse: -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">{55}</a></span> -I shall not rest till I know how to -make it."</p> - -<p>At this Time, every one in their House -seemed, according to their several Dispositions, -peaceful and happy; e'en <i>Tib</i>, after -her Manner, whether eating a plentiful -Meal, setting the House afloat, stretching -forth of the Kitchen Window in the full -Tide of Gossip with the Maid next Door, -or hemming a Lockram Pinner. She -and <i>Miles</i> were Friends to-day, Foes to-morrow. -One Minute, she would be -giving him a Sop-in-the-pan; the next, -basting him with the Ladle. One Day, -because he had soiled her fresh-scoured -Floor with his muddy Shoes, she protested -he should clean it; they had a -real, earnest Fight, which a Man should -be above having with a Woman;—and -he pulled out a Lock of her red Hair, a -small one,—which she snatched up from -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">{56}</a></span> -the Floor and pocketed, saying she would -shew it to Mistress <i>Fraunces</i>. Howbeit, -she did not.</p> - -<p>I affected a quieter Companion in the -Attick; and one not without his Teaching, -for he was letterish after his Fashion, -and had been in <i>Paul's</i> School. And, -among his much used Books, there was -<i>Lilly's</i> Grammar, and even <i>Prudentius</i> and -<i>Lactantius</i>; and another, in his Eyes -worth all the Rest, calling it "real -Literature," and the others "mere Blotterature," -a Joke of old Dean <i>Colet's</i>. -This precious Volume looked to me -mighty dull, being full of algebraic -Signs; but he earned many a Headache -over it, and gave me a Headache too, -sometimes, in trying to help him.</p> - -<p>Pleasant Hours those were! in that -quiet Attick, with the <i>Thames</i> trembling -in silver Light far below, while the -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">{57}</a></span> -Watermen clave it with their Oars to -the mellow Song of "Heave ho, rumbelow!" -and "Row the Boat, <i>Norman</i>!" -The Blackbird sang as cheerily -as if he were in the green Woods of -<i>Kent</i>; and ever and anon the pretty -Laugh of Mistress <i>Anne</i> would be heard -from the Green Lattice, or she would peep -in and say, "Have a Cake, <i>Edward</i>?" -"Have a Cherry?" and leave her little -Gift and run away.</p> - -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">{58}</a></div> - -<h2>CHAPTER IV<br /> <i>Noteworthy Deed of a Boy taught of a Woman</i></h2> - -<div> - <img class="drop-cap" src="images/drop-i.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="I"/> -</div> - -<p class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">I am</span> -now coming, <i>Hew</i>, to -what hindered me of seeing -the Shew in <i>Clerkenwell</i> -on St. <i>Bartholomew's</i> -Day. Man proposes, but -<span class="smcap">God</span> disposes: all Things are overruled -for Good to them that love him—I'm -sure I found it so in this Case.</p> - -<p>The Weather was now excessive hot: -<i>Miles</i> and I used to take Boat whenever -we had a spare Evening, and practice -Swimming off <i>Battersea</i>. Also, we sometimes -bathed in <i>Perilous Pond</i>, wherein -many 'Prentices are yearly drowned; -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">{59}</a></span> -hard by the Well of Dame <i>Annis</i> the -Clear.</p> - -<p>As for <i>Tomkins</i>, his whole Soul was in -the making of the queerest Watch that -ever was seen; howbeit, clumsy as it was, -he at last made it go; though it never -could keep up with St. <i>Magnus</i>' Clock.</p> - -<p>Master <i>Hewet</i> was anxious, one Forenoon, -to communicate by Letter with an -Agent on the Point of embarquing for -<i>Callice</i>. I had a Race against Time to -the Quay, sped my Errand, and returned -beneath a broiling Noon-day Sun. When -I got back, I was overheated and very -thirsty, and thought I would step into -the Kitchen for a Drink of cold Water. -I had pulled off my warm blue Gown to -cool myself, and went into the Kitchen -with it hanging on my Arm. Leaning -forth of the Lattice, according unto her -Wont, was <i>Tib</i>, a parleying with the next -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">{60}</a></span> -Door Servant; and with her left Arm -cast about the Waist of Mistress <i>Anne</i>, -who sate on the Window-sill with her -Back to the River. On seeing me come -in, the little Maiden clapped her Hands, -which startling <i>Tib</i>, who supposed herself -caught by Mistress <i>Fraunces</i>, she maketh -no more Ado, but turns short round in a -Flurry, giving a Lurch with her left Arm -that cast the pretty Innocent headlong -into the River. I remember <i>Tib</i> squealed; -but without a second Thought, I dropped -my Gown that so luckily was off, and -took a Leap that was clean sixty Feet -into the River, without so much as a -Thought what I should do when I got -there. I remember the Blow the Water -gave my Head, and what a Way I went -down, and how I bobbed up again, as -Providence would have it, with the dear -little Fondling within Arm's-length of -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">{61}</a></span> -me, drifting towards the Fall beyond the -Arch. I clutched at her by the pretty -Waist, just as the Eddy was going to suck -her in, and, striking out once or twice -with the other Arm, though the Rapids -were bearing me down horribly, found -myself the next Minute a clinging on to -the Sterling, without Power to climb up -it, so spent was I, and feeling as if I must -lose Hold of little <i>Anne</i> after all! I wot -not how much of the Noise I then seemed -to hear was the Water singing in mine -Ears, and the Uproar of the Falls; howbeit, -there were People hallooing above -and around, and my Master's Voice a-top -of all, from the Parlour Window, overhead, -crying, "Hold on, <i>Ned</i>, for thy -Life! we'll save you, my brave Boy! -Cling to him, <i>Anne</i>, if he can't cling to -thee!"</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/075-img.jpg" width="400" height="585" alt="Leap"/> - <div class="caption"> - <p class="cursive">"And took a leap"</p> - </div> -</div> - -<p>And, before this, there had been a -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">{62}</a></span> -Roar, as if through a Speaking-trumpet, -of "Boat a-hoy!" and I heard Oars -plashing fast, though I could not spare -Strength to turn my Head to see how -near Help was. Then a rough, kindly -Hand laid hold of me from behind; and, -finding I had no Power to help myself, -the Waterman took me under the Arms, -and lifted me clean into the Boat, with -the dear little Girl hanging about my -Neck. Oh! what a Cheer there was! -I heard it then, <i>I hear it now</i>: it came -from around and from above, as if <span class="smcap">God's</span> -Angels were hovering over us. We were -rowed swiftly to the Landing, where -there was a Press of People that mutely -fell back to make Way for Master <i>Hewet</i>, -as he ran down the Stairs. For he was -greatly loved along the Bridge. He -would have caught little <i>Anne</i> from me; -but I could neither speak nor let her go; -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">{63}</a></span> -and he sayth, "So best!" and burst forth -into Tears. That sett off all the rest; -and when some one afterwards said, -"Wherefore cheered ye him not when -he came a-land?" another made -Answer, "How could we? all were in -Tears." So I went along, carrying -little <i>Anne</i>, still fast to my Neck, with -her Cheek close pressed to mine, and -they said, "It's all right, it's his -Triumph." But I thought not so -much of any Triumph, just then, as how -thankful I was to <span class="smcap">God</span>. When we got -to the House, Mistress <i>Fraunces</i> took the -poor, drenched Innocent from mine Arms; -and Master <i>Hewet</i>, taking me round the -Neck, absolutely kissed me. Which was -a memorable Thing for a Master to do -by his 'Prentice. Only, you see, I had -saved his Daughter.</p> - -<p>Well, that Evening was spent betwixt -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">{64}</a></span> -laughing and crying—scolding <i>Tib</i>, and -<i>Tib's</i> saying she must leave, and Mistress -<i>Fraunces</i> saying no one would take her -with such a Character as she must give -her; and then my Master interfering and -saying she must go for a While at least, -to her Friends, till he could endure the -Sight of her, and then <i>Tib</i> crying and -saying she had got no Friends, and his -relenting and saying, Well, then she must -stay till she could get another Place, and -keep out of his Sight all she could, and -never do so any more. Then came -Supper, I waiting on my Master, and -Mistress <i>Anne</i> nestled in his Arms in a -warm Wrapper, for she said if she went -to Bed she should dream of falling into -the Water. And my Master liked to -feel he had her safe, and she and I exchanged -many fond Looks; and we grew -merry. For Master <i>Hewet</i> filled me a -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">{65}</a></span> -Cup from a long, narrow-necked Bottle -of some marvellous pleasant Wine, and -Mistress <i>Fraunces</i> helped us all round to -a Cake that had ne'er its like for Richness; -and there were People dropping in -to inquire, and bewail, and felicitate. So -the Bottle was soon emptied; and when -I went to Bed, my Head was in a Maze, -and my Temples beating like Blacksmiths' -Hammers. As for Sleep!—whenever it -came nigh me, bang went mine Head -against the Water!—and I rose up with -a great Start. While, as long as I lay -awake, I heard (and saw too, with mine -Eyes ever so close shut), People cheering -and crying and casting Ropes, and leaning -out of Lattices, and rowing Boats that -made no Way; and felt <i>Anne's</i> Arm slipping -from my Neck, and I with no -Strength to hold her; and, through and -above all, the great Bell of St. <i>Magnus</i> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">{66}</a></span> -clanging and tolling, through the livelong -Night.</p> - -<p>But, what was very marvellous, when -Morning came at last, and, I suppose, I -awoke, though it seemed me I had never -fallen on Sleep, ... there was I, not -in the Loft, but in the Green Lattice -Chamber, lying on that beautiful Bed I -thought fit for the Sleeping Beauty! -And there was a Chirurgeon with a -Lancet in his Hand, and there were -Basins and Bandages, and my left Arm -was stiffened, and I felt very weak. Mistress -<i>Fraunces</i> had her Arm aneath mine -Head, and my Master, with his grave, -kind Face, stood a-foot of the Bed. And, -to my great Surprise, I heard <i>Twelve o' -the Clock</i> striking on the Bell of St. -<i>Magnus</i>, and, I think, every other Clock -in <i>London</i>, my Hearing seemed so tender; -and the Phlebotomist sayth, "He'll do, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">{67}</a></span> -now.—Next Time you leap from such -a height, my Boy, clasp thine Hands -a-top of thine Head. Howbeit, you -will now soon get well."</p> - -<p>—But oh! I did not soon get well. -For I wot not what had come over -me, ... none of us ever could rightly -tell, ... whether the sudden Chill after -being so hot, or the Plunge from so great -an Height, or the Turn of my Blood -with Fright at seeing <i>Anne</i> fall in, ... -but as soon as ever I essayed to arise and -dress, my Master and <i>Tomkins</i> being by, -I began tumbling about and could neither -hear nor see; leastwise Nothing that was -really to be seen and heard. And with -such fearsome Pains in my Head! So -hot, and yet so cold! Such Thirst, and -such loathing of Food!</p> - -<p>In short, I was sick nigh to Death -of what the Leeches call Brain Fever. -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">{68}</a></span> -Thereon the Kindness I received is past -all telling. Mistress <i>Fraunces</i> seemed -never out of Sight. Also <i>Tib</i> was very -handy and officious, never minding climbing -ever so many Stairs. And <i>Miles</i> did -the odd Work for all, spake under his -Voice, and went about without his Shoes. -At dead o' Night, I sometimes saw my -Master at the Bed-foot, reading his -<i>Tyndal's</i> Testament, (one o' the few that -scaped burning,) with the Lamp shaded -so as not to shine into mine Eyes. At -other Times, <i>Tomkins</i>. But his Book was -never the Testament.</p> - -<p>One Night, when the latter was with -me alone, I said suddenly, "<i>Tomkins</i>! the -Night is far spent, the Day is at Hand!" -... "No, Lad," quod he, "it wants -many Hours yet to Day. It hath but -just struck eleven." "Ah, but," quod -I, "those Words I used are Scripture, I -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">{69}</a></span> -think, for I heard Master <i>Hewet</i>, as he -sate a-reading, whisper them over to -himself. Do look out for them, will -you, that I may know I was not dreaming. -They worry me."</p> - -<p><i>Tomkins</i> did not much like the Talk; -howbeit, he laid down his own Book, and -turned over the other.</p> - -<p>"I don't see them," quod he.</p> - -<p>"How <i>can</i> you, in the Dark?" quod I.</p> - -<p>"I'm not in the Dark!" quod he.</p> - -<p>"Well then," quod I, turning on my -Pillow restlessly, "I suppose <i>I</i> am. I -thought you had been, but peradventure -I'm wandering again."</p> - -<p>After long Silence, he sayth, in a Voice -hushed, and quite altered, "I have them -now ... they are close to your Master's -Mark." And continued reading.</p> - -<p>After a While, I saw him turn back -again to his Starting-point, and sit in a -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">{70}</a></span> -Muze, with his Eyes fixed; and after that, -read again.</p> - -<p>I said softly to him, presently, "<i>Tomkins</i>, -where do you go on Sundays?"</p> - -<p>"Who spoke?" cried he with a Start.</p> - -<p>"<i>I</i> did," quod I. "Who else <i>should</i> -speak?"</p> - -<p>"Thy Voice sounded so low and sweet, -Boy," quod he, recovering himself, -"that I wist not it was thine."</p> - -<p>"Well, but," persisted I, "where <i>do</i> -you go on Sundays?"</p> - -<p>"Not to Church," answered he, after a -Pause.</p> - -<p>"But why not, <i>Tomkins</i>? Hast thou -not a Soul to be saved, as much as -we?"</p> - -<p>"As much, no more," returned he, "if -we <i>have</i> any Souls."</p> - -<p>"Oh!" cried I, half starting up, but -obliged to fall back again directly, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">{71}</a></span> -"could a Man without a Soul <i>make a -Watch</i>?"</p> - -<p>"Well," quod he, after a Pause, "there -you pose me. But all, all is dark."</p> - -<p>"<i>Tomkins!</i>" cried I, "you make my -Head ache ready to split, and my Eyeballs -seem too big for mine Eye-lids to -shut over them. So hot, too, as they -are! I cannot argue with you. But, -oh, <i>Tomkins</i>! if all is dark, remember -that 'the Night is far spent, the Day is -at Hand!'"</p> - -<p>"So this Book sayeth," rejoined he, -thoughtfully.</p> - -<p>"Well," said I, sighing, "I shall soon -know."</p> - -<p>"<i>Know?</i> why?"</p> - -<p>"Why, because, <i>Tomkins</i>, I think I am -very likely dying ... and then, if I -have no Soul, where do you think I -shall go to?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">{72}</a></span> -"I think," quod he, drawing his -Hand across his Eyes, "that <i>you</i> will -go to Heaven ... if there be such a -Place."</p> - -<p>"I think so too, and feel sure of it," -said I.</p> - -<p>"What makes you feel sure?" quod he.</p> - -<p>"Well," quod I, "I seem to have a -sort of Witness in myself."</p> - -<p>"I wish I had," quod he, sighing -deeply: and returned to his Reading.</p> - -<p>"What have you come to, now?" quod -I presently, seeing him stop.</p> - -<p>"<i>Of such is the Kingdom of Heaven</i>," -quod <i>Tomkins</i>.</p> - -<p>"Such? what?"</p> - -<p>"Little Children, like Mistress <i>Anne</i> -... and Lads like you."</p> - -<p>"Ah!" said I, "if I had not got her -out of the Water, she'd have been in -Heaven now."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">{73}</a></span> -"I suppose you don't want her to <i>be</i> -there, though?" said <i>Tomkins</i>. "Time -enough for that—she'll go there when -her Hour comes."</p> - -<p>"Oh! then you think there <i>is</i> such a -Place to go to, do you?"</p> - -<p>"For you and for her," quod he, -cautiously.</p> - -<p>"You say that to humour me, I fear, -<i>Tomkins</i>, because I am ill. If there -be such a Place for us, why not for -you?"</p> - -<p>"Lad, you must keep quiet, and not -talk so, or you'll go there sooner than -I wish."</p> - -<p>"Well, I am glad thou admittest there -is such a Place," returned I, beginning -to feel greatly spent. "Only I wish you -felt you should go there too."</p> - -<p>"Boy, I'm not good enough," ejaculated -he, with a shake of the Head. -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">{74}</a></span> -"Ah, if you feel that, I don't despair -of you," quod I. "There's Hope for -those that feel like forgiven Sinners or -unforgiven Sinners: the only hopeless -ones are those that don't feel Sinners at -all. And now, <i>Tomkins</i>, just give me -Something to drink."</p> - -<p>He did so, holding up my Head on his -Arm. "Is there Anything else," quod -he, "I can do for thee?"</p> - -<p>"Why, yes," quod I, wistfully, "and -then I think I could go to sleep."</p> - -<p>"What is it?" saith he very kindly. -"I'll do it for thee."</p> - -<p>—"<i>Tomkins</i>, is it St. <i>Bartholomew's</i> Eve -yet? my Head is confused."</p> - -<p>"<i>Bartholomew's</i> Eve, Lad? Why, -that's passed!"</p> - -<p>"Oh me! ... how long?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, not many Days—"</p> - -<p>"Days?" And I felt so lost.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">{75}</a></span> -—"Then, the Swifts are gone!" -said I.</p> - -<p>"Well, don't let's think about the -Swifts," quod he gently. "<i>Tempus fugit</i>, -as the Dial-plate says. What is it thou -wilt have me to do?"</p> - -<p>"<i>Tomkins!</i>"—and I reached his Ear -down to me as he leant over me, "I've -been so weak and so queer ever since I -fell into the Water, that I don't believe, -at least I can't remember having once -said my Prayers ... will you say one -for me?"</p> - -<p>"I can't, Boy," and a hot Tear fell on -my Face.</p> - -<p>"Oh, yes, you can! ... and then I -should sleep quietly—Ever so short an -one!—"</p> - -<p>"I can't remember <i>one</i>" said he, turning -away his Head.</p> - -<p>"Not one? Oh, <i>Tomkins</i>, indeed, indeed -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">{76}</a></span> -you must! For <i>my</i> Sake—Just -this short one ... '<span class="smcap">God</span> be merciful -to me, a Sinner!'"</p> - -<p>"<span class="smcap">God</span> be merciful to me, a Sinner," -repeated he, bursting forth into Weeping; -and I drew his Face down yet closer unto -mine. "Thank you, <i>Tomkins</i>" quod I; -"now I shall sleep soundly." And I -slept.</p> - -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">{77}</a></div> - -<h2>CHAPTER V<br /> <i>Edward convalesceth i' the Green Lattice</i></h2> - -<div> - <img class="drop-cap" src="images/drop-w.jpg" width="100" height="101" alt="W"/> -</div> - -<p class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">When</span> -mine Eyes opened -next Morning, my loved -<i>Mother's</i> dear, pale Face -was hanging over me. -"Child," quod she, "Misfortunes -never come alone—When -Master <i>Hewet's</i> Post came to <i>Ashford</i> -with News of thy Sickness, I was far -from Home, in <i>Westmoreland</i>, at the -Death-bed of thine Uncle <i>Lancelyn</i>; -and I wist not till Yesterday, what -News was awaiting my Return." ... -And she hung over me, and bathed my -Face in her Tears. "But I am proud of -thee, my <i>Ned</i>" quod she, "and so would -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">{78}</a></span> -thy Father have been. And thou hast -taken off from thee the Reproach of -being taught of a Woman as well as born -of a Woman ... my dear, dear Son!"</p> - -<p>Oh! what a Heaven it was to get well! -There was my loved <i>Mother</i> beside me at -her Sewing, telling me of <i>Ashford</i> and the -green Lanes of <i>Kent</i>, and of the wild Hills -of <i>Westmoreland</i>, till I seemed to be there -myself. There was Mistress <i>Fraunces</i> -cockering me up, first with Sweets and -cooling Drinks, and then with savoury -and strengthening Things; even to <i>Mortreuse</i> -and <i>Leche Lombard</i>! And when I -was able to sit up at the green Lattice, -Mistress <i>Anne</i> and I would look down on -the Barges and Boats, and play at divers -Games and tell divers Stories. The -Lodger that had beforetime occupied this -Chamber, had left a Heap of old Books -and written Papers, which, having Nothing -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">{79}</a></span> -private in them, my Master said I was -free to look over. There was Part of a -Chronicle of <i>English</i> History, whether the -Writer's own Composure or a Traduction, -I wot not; but brave and pleasant Reading, -about the Courts of <i>England</i>, <i>France</i>, -<i>Spain</i>, and <i>Flanders</i>, in the Time of our -<i>Edward</i> the <i>Third</i>, and Queen <i>Philippa</i>. -Another Work was a Romaunt of Love -and Chivalry: also an Account of <i>London -Bridge</i>, and <i>Chaucer's Canterbury Tales</i>, -and a Treatyse on Fysshynge. Likewise, -there was a great Roll of Drawings, done, -I afterwards found, by another Lodger, -in black and red Chalk, much fouled, -smeared, and chafed, but diverting to look -at, being Representations of Men, Women, -Children, Skeletons, Death's Heads, Bones, -Angels, Fiends, Hippogriffs,—and divers -other Presentments; with <i>H. H.</i> writ at -the End.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">{80}</a></span> -Thus pleasantly passed the Time till -the Doctor said I had only now to pick -up my Strength; and my <i>Mother</i> then -thought it Time for her to return to my -little Brothers. The Evening before she -left, she sayth unto me somewhat apologetically, -"<i>Ned</i>, thine Uncle <i>Edward</i> -having died childless, and left all to -thine unmarried Uncle <i>Lancelyn</i>, who -hath now left me his Heir, I am now -well to do, with an hundred Pound -by the Year, real Estate, and, personal -Estate, five hundred Pounds, which I -have taken kind Master <i>Hewet's</i> Advice -concerning the Disposal of. And he, -being kindly affectioned unto thee just -now, (as well he may be,) is pleased -to say thou art sure to make thine -own Way in the World, and to -advise my devising all my personal -Estate unto thy younger Brothers, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">{81}</a></span> -thou being secure of the other at my -Death."</p> - -<p>Quod I, "Dear <i>Mother</i>, mayst thou -live as long as I shall! There is -Nothing thou canst do so much to my -Mind as to care for <i>Thomas</i> and <i>Julian</i>, -the one of whom is weakly and unfit -for active Life, and the other, I think, -will love Farming. Master <i>Hewet</i>, I -am certified, hath spoken wisely." And -in sooth, I was glad to note what a good -Understanding seemed to exist, on so -short Acquaintance, between him and my -dear <i>Mother</i>.</p> - -<p>So, when she was gone, I had Nothing -to do but to get well. Marry! what a -hard Matter, though, it was!—At first I -was glad to think I might go forth abroad, -and resume my old Gossips with <i>Tomkins</i>. -But the very first Time I essayed to -clamber up to his Attick, though 'twas -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">{82}</a></span> -only two short Flights, I found myself so -weak that I was fain to sit down on the -Stair and shed Tears, whether I would or -no. And there, to my very great Shame, -I was found of my Master. He bespake -me kindly, and helped me up, and said -this Weakness would soon go off: howbeit, -it did not.—I always think that -Chirurgeon bled me too freely: I noted -his saying, "We'll knock him down -first, and then build him up again!" -which carryeth a Sound of Smartness, but -not always answereth with the Event. -Thus, 'twas now found I must still go -softly; and the Weather being sultry, -Master <i>Hewet</i> bade me keep as much as -I could i' the open Air and Shade, and -creep out, as my Strength permitted, to -the Fields, with Mistress <i>Anne</i> to my -Mate. So we went forth Hand in Hand, -for I was past carrying her; and presently -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">{83}</a></span> -I say, "Oh me, Mistress! ... I must -sit down"—and sayth she, "There's a -Door-step i' the Shade a little farther -on, with a nice old Woman on it, selling -Mulberries." So we creep on, and -the little Maid buyeth me Mulberries, -and I eat and rest, and am refreshed. -Then quod I, "Let's go back now, Mistress;" -but sayth she, "Oh, let's try to -go on to <i>Trolop's</i> Milk-farm." So I -love not to cross the little Fondling, and -as soon as we reach the green Meadows, -the fresh, sweet Air seems to take away -that queer, light, fluttering Feel in my -Head, and to refresh and brace me; and -I lie on the Grass i' the Shade, and she -runs hither and thither and gathers Borage, -and Blue Bugloss, and Bushy Red-mint, -and bringeth them to me, saying, "What's -this?" and "What's this?" And so we -go on Day by Day.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">{84}</a></span> -Now as touching <i>Miles Hackathrift</i>. -When I first lay sick, I have said he was -mighty softened, and went gently and -seemed amain concerned for me. Howbeit, -Boy's Grief not long lasteth, and he -soon fell tired of feeling or feigning any; -more by Token, he perceived his was -outrun by that of Everyone in the House. -Whereupon he turned about, and grew -indifferent, then jealous, then surly, then -envious, doubtless by small Degrees; but -of this, I, being apart from him, was not -cognizant; and the Change made itself -apparent to me all at once. First, when -Master <i>Hewet</i> was out, he took Advantage -of it to come trampling up Stairs with all -the Clamour he could, singing, "Row the -Boat, Norman!" in a defiant sort of Way; -and when Mistress <i>Fraunces</i> put her Head -forth of the Lattice Chamber and sayth, -"Make not such a Turmoil, <i>Miles</i>," he -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">{85}</a></span> -pretended to stumble on <i>Tomkins's</i> Stair, -and let a heavy Weight roll all the way -down it. When he clattered down after -it, Mistress <i>Fraunces</i>, watching her Opportunity, -gave him a Rap on the Head, which -I know that white Hand of hers could -not have dealt very heavily; natheless he -took Occasion by it to cry out sharply, -and then give one or two dismal Grones, -which he was too spirited to have done -had he in verity been mal-entreated. -However, finding he might not sing nor -slam Doors while I lay under the Leech's -Care, he turned sulky and held close, so -as that scarce yea or nay was to be had -out of him. When at length I returned -to our Loft, he took Care to do me to wit -how pleasant it had been to him to have -it all to himself; and immediately took -Advantage of my coming back, to oversleep -himself of a Morning. Also he -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">{86}</a></span> -instantly intermitted all the little Share -of my Work that had been put upon him -while I was ill. Seeing me turn white -from Time to Time, he said I was -shamming for the Sake of Soups and -Cordials; and when I went forth with -Mistress <i>Anne</i>, he called me a special -good Nursery-maid. All this I cared for -very little, knowing that when I got -stout, I could soon put him down; but -meantime, 'twas not over-pleasant to be -scoffed at as a languid Lad, who, if -trodden on, could not turn again. One -Day, when some Trifle had made me -start and change Colour,—I think it was -seeing Mistress <i>Anne</i> go nigh the open -Window,—he had half pronounced, "You -Coward!" when, suddenly changing his -Mind, he sayth, "Dost know what new -Name I have found for thee, and taught -the Lads along the Bridge? 'The -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">{87}</a></span> -Knight of the Flying Leap!'" Which -was humourous, but not well natured. -Howbeit I heard it often enough for -awhile, but as a Title of Distinction -instead of Derision; which incensed the -Author of it.</p> - -<p>But all these little Clouds blew over -during the three Weeks I spent with my -Mother at <i>Ashford</i>. When I came back, -I was the same Lad as ever, and took -Things as I found them, and fell into my -old Place.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/105-img.jpg" width="400" height="562" alt="Tryphena"/> - <div class="caption"> - <p class="small cursive">J Jellicoe</p> - <p class="cursive">Tryphena & Tryphosa</p> - </div> -</div> - -<p>In the October of this Year, Sir <i>John -Gresham</i>, Mercer, being chosen Mayor, -his Company resolved to get up their -famous Pageant of the Maiden Chariot; -and having vainly cast about among their -own Fraternity for a young Damsel sufficiently -comely to be the Admiration of -all the City, and likewise able and willing -to play the Part of Chariot Maiden, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">{88}</a></span> -they at length offered it to the youngest -Daughter of Master <i>Soper</i> the Barbitonsor -who lived on the Bridge. Now Master -<i>Soper</i> had two Daughters, good and pretty -Girls enow as Times went, <i>Tryphena</i> -and <i>Tryphosa</i> by Name, fresh-coloured, -sprightly, and much admired by the -Bridge 'Prentices. These two Sisters -were seldom apart, inasmuch as both -their Heads might commonly be seen -out of one upper Lattice, looking after -every Thing that passed in the Strete; -and 'twas in their Favour that they always -seemed on the best of Terms with one -another. But whether by Reason of any -Unguent of Master <i>Soper's</i>, or mere Liberality -of Nature, I wot not, the younger, -who in no other Wise excelled her Sister, -was notorious for the excessive Length -and Thickness of her glossy flaxen Hair. -And this being an indispensable Requisite -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">{89}</a></span> -for the Chariot Maiden, the Mercers -without more Ado offered her the Part, -which she with great Glee accepted. -Now hereupon, I lament to say, ensewed -great Disruption between the twain -hitherto so harmonious; for Public Admiration -of Beauty is as true a Test of -what is the Nature of a Woman's Heart, -as the black Marble the Goldsmiths call -Touchstone is of their precious Metals. -If her Head be not turned by it, good: -if she can bear it bestowed upon another -and o'erlooked in herself, why, good also,—she -can stand the Touchstone: howbeit, -all have not this Virtue. And, -whereas <i>Tryphosa</i> was now so elate with -thinking of her white satin Gown, her -golden Sandals, her jewelled Crown, and -her Feast in the Hall, as to suppose the -Ground scarce good enow for her to tread -upon, <i>Tryphena</i> was ready to burst with -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">{90}</a></span> -Envy of her Sister, and could scarce speak -peaceably unto her. However, she came -to her common Sense and good Feeling -at last, and found her Account in playing -Second; many good Things being in -Store for both. A notable Thing was, -that Master <i>Soper's</i> Shop was now literally -besieged with Customers who wanted to -have a Glimpse of the Chariot Maiden, -insomuch that he said he never had had -such a Trafficking for Pennyworths in -any given Year, as he had in this Month -of October; only the worst was that -every Customer gave as much Trouble -for a Penny as he should have done for -a Shilling, and would hang about, keeping -away fresh Comers, when his Purchase -was made. While <i>Tryphosa</i>, who had -never to this Time shewn any Symptoms -of Shyness, now turned coy and kept herself -close; now and then letting <i>Tryphena</i> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">{91}</a></span> -flit through the Shop and be mistaken -for her, after which the two would shut -themselves up and go into Fits of Laughter. -The Women all along the Bridge were -out of Patience with her for what they -would have it was simulated Bashfulness -in one who meant to be stared at from -Morn to Night on <i>Lord Mayor's</i> Day. -And they satisfied themselves that she was -shutting herself up for Fear of freckling -or sunburning. As for <i>Miles</i>, who always -loved to do like the rest, he was evermore -running over to Master <i>Soper</i> to have his -Hair cut, till at last it was hardly longer -than the Nap of his Gown; and I almost -think he would have submitted one of his -good white Teeth to the Barber's Pincers, -if he could have gained Admittance on -no cheaper Terms; just to boast of it -afterwards. At last, when the grand Day -came, he and every 'Prentice on the Bridge -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">{92}</a></span> -mobbed the Barbitonsor's Door till <i>Tryphosa</i> -was fetched away in a close Litter. -Then there was a Rush to the <i>Mercers'</i> -Hall, where Master <i>Gresham</i>, in his Scarlet -and Gold, met his Livery in their new -Gowns furred with Foins and Budge; and -accompanied them, mounted, to <i>Guildhall</i>, -where the late <i>Mayor</i>, <i>Sheriffs</i>, and <i>Aldermen</i>, -met them on Horseback. Then they -all took Barge to <i>Westminster</i> and back, -to the Sound of Trumpets, Sackbuts, and -Shawlms, and the firing of small Guns, -and exploding of Crackers. On re-landing -at <i>Three Cranes' Wharf</i>, they -re-mounted, and proceeded to <i>Paul's -Churchyard</i>, where they met the Pageant, -consisting of an exceeding magnifical -Chariot, twenty-two Feet high, of the -<i>Roman</i> Build, entirely covered with silver -embossed Work, having <i>Tryphosa</i> therein, -set on high, in Jewels and spangled Satin; -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">{93}</a></span> -her fair flaxen Tresses dishevelled, a Sceptre -in one Hand, a Shield in the other, with -all the Glory and Majesty possible to -imagine:—<i>Fame</i>, blowing of a Trumpet -right over her Head, <i>Wisdom</i>, <i>Modesty</i>, -and all the rest, including the nine Muses, -each in their proper Places; <i>Triumph</i>, -driving nine white <i>Flanders</i> Horses, three -abreast; Grooms, Lictors, and Pages -marching alongside the Equipage; and a -Score of Salvages and Jacks-i'-the-Green, -making diverting Remarks to all; and -keeping the Crowd off with Squibs and -Crackers.</p> - -<p>Oh! was ever Woman exalted one Day -so high (even to the first-floor Windows), -to come down so low into the Retiredness -of domestic Life the next! What was -<i>Cleopatra</i> sailing down the <i>Cydnus</i> to this? -Did <i>Zenobia</i>, did <i>Semiramis</i> ever have anything -so fine in the Way of Triumph? -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">{94}</a></span> -Pish!—Moreover, there was a separate -Table prepared for <i>Tryphosa</i>, who dined -in State with her chosen Ladies, attended -by Seneschals, Squires, and Pages, as if -she had been a Queen. And had -Swans' Pudding and Leche Lombard, I -promise ye!</p> - -<p>—But oh! poor Humanity.—'Twas -noted at the Feast, more in special by -some of the chosen Ladies that thought -themselves set lower than they might -have been,—that poor <i>Tryphosa's</i> Face -was so tanned by Exposure all Day to -Sun and Wind, as that my <i>Lord Mayor's</i> -Gown was scarce more Scarlet. And by -the Space of a Fortnight or so from that -Hour, 'twas so blistered and scorched that -she hated to be seen, and was obliged to -blanch and mollify it with Buttermilk, -Cream of Almonds, and I wot not what -Female Recipes. Which was the more -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">{95}</a></span> -provoking, as some of the inferior Officers -of the Company called, the Day after the -Feast, to know how she fared, and she -was constrained to leave their Entertainment -to <i>Tryphena</i>. <i>Miles</i>, who had a -Glimpse of her through an upper Casement, -was so offended at her Aspect that -he spent no more Pence at Master <i>Soper's</i>. -And by the Fortnight's End, the Matter -had ceased to be talked about, and the -two Girls might be seen, sewing together, -and keeping an Eye to the Bridge, as contentedly -and harmoniously as ever.</p> - -<p>During my Visit to my <i>Mother</i>, a new -Inmate had been brought into the Family: -to wit, a superior Kind of Maid for Mistress -<i>Anne</i>, named <i>Damaris</i>, who had lived -aforetime in the Household of Master -<i>Hewet's</i> Brother in the Country. She was -a Miracle of Composedness and discreet -Demeanour, which gave her the Air of -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">{96}</a></span> -being somewhat older than she really -was. Mistress <i>Anne</i> now spent the Chief -of the Day with her in the Green Lattice, -where <i>Damaris</i> kept herself much reserved, -sewing fine Linen, and teaching her little -Charge to read.</p> - -<p>One Day, when I was moving some -Laths and Cases that had stood against -the Wall in <i>Tomkins's</i> Attick till they -were begrimed with Dust, I was in -Amaze to behold delineated on the -White-wash with black Chalk, an exact -Portraicture of <i>Tomkins</i>, stooping over his -Work, with every Line and Furrow of -his intent, earnest Visage accurately made -out.</p> - -<p>"What's this?" quod I.</p> - -<p><i>Tomkins</i> brake forth into Laughing. "I -wist what you would come to," quod he, -"when you set about moving those Laths. -That's Master <i>Hans Holbein's</i> Handywork. -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">{97}</a></span> -He must needs befoul the Wall -with his Scrawling, just after it had -been fresh Lime-washed. I told him -'twas a Pity it had not been scrawled -first, and limewashed afterwards. So, -then, in his Despite, he scored it -through with that Cross; and then I -set the Lumber against it, and told him -Nobody should see it again."</p> - -<p>"Who is <i>Hans Holbein</i>?" quod I.</p> - -<p>"A prime <i>Flemish</i> Painter," returned -<i>Tomkins</i>; "he tables at the Goldsmith's, -nearer the north End of the Bridge. -When Master <i>Hewet</i> first married, he -had <i>Hans Holbein</i> for a Lodger; and -the Green Lattice was filled from End -to End with his Pictures—there's a -Bundle of his Scratchings down there -now. Howbeit, he was too boisterous -an Inmate to please Mistress <i>Alice</i>, so -Master <i>Hewet</i> was glad to get quit of -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">{98}</a></span> -him. There's a famous Thing of his -at <i>Surgeons' Hall</i>; old King <i>Harry</i> -granting the Charter to the Company; -howbeit, though he painted half the -Court, he did nothing better, to my -Mind, than his Likeness of Mistress -<i>Alice</i>, that now hangs at the Foot of -her Husband's Bed. When the Door -standeth ajar, thou mayst see it without -going in."</p> - -<p>So, the next Time I passed, I looked -in, and saw the Presentment of my -Master's late Wife. Of a Truth, she -must have been a fair Creature: with -Eyes as blue and truthful as Mistress -<i>Anne's</i>, and sunny Hair that would have -fallen over her fair Shoulders in as heavy -Curls, but for her Matron's Frow's-paste. -Also the same full, cherry Lips, and -dimpled Chin; the same small Nose, -small Ear, small Hand; in fine, the Foreshadow -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">{99}</a></span> -of what Mistress <i>Anne</i> in After-time -became, rather than what she was -yet.... Pity, so fair a Lady should die -so young!</p> - -<p>And she made a good End, <i>Tomkins</i> -told me—knew 'twas at Hand, took -composed Leave of all, and desired she -might be buried in the Church of St. -<i>Martin Orgar</i>; and that 30<i>s.</i> and no -more should be spent to bury her decently, -and 10<i>s.</i> more for Cakes, Wine, -and Spices for the Mourners. Also 20<i>s.</i> -out of her own private Purse to be put -in the Common-box of the Fraternity for -an Alms; Five Shillings to the mortuary -Priest, and Five Shillings to the Poor in -Bread. Six of the Company bare her to -Church, each of whom received a silver -Spoon.</p> - -<p>Somewhere about this Time, the <i>Clothworkers'</i> -new Overseer came to examine -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">{100}</a></span> -the Premises; and, when he had concluded -his Inspection below-stairs, told -my Master, with some Hesitation, he had -Reason to think there was a Journeyman -hid away above who worked in the -House. Master <i>Hewet</i> smiled, and told -him of the Exception made in Favour of -<i>Tomkins</i>, and accompanied him up-stairs, -to let him witness for himself that his -Statement was true. When we went in, -<i>Tomkins</i>, for once, was off Duty, intent -upon a Book, and so buried in it, that -he started and blushed like a Boy caught -conning <i>Tom Thumb</i> in School-time. -When the Overseer was gone, <i>Tomkins</i> -sayth to me with a little Dryness, "Who -would have thought of your taking me -by Surprise?"</p> - -<p>I made Answer, "Who would have -thought of your being surprised?" at -which he laughed.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">{101}</a></span> -"So," quod he, after weaving a little -While in Silence, "they've set up <i>Erasmus's</i> -Paraphrase, now, alongside of the -chained Bible in St. <i>Magnus's</i>."</p> - -<p>"They have it in all the Churches," -quod I; "but how came you to know -it?"</p> - -<p>He was silent awhile, and smiled a -little. "Well," quod he, "thou knowest -I have crawled out a little lately, before -Breakfast; and I thought it as well to -turn into the Church for a Rest; and -found that a Spell of Reading helped -to pass the Time.... I go there o' -Sundays, now: have done so ever since -<i>that Night</i>."</p> - -<p>"Then," quod I softly, as I leaned over -him, "<span class="smcap">God</span> <i>hath</i> been merciful to you a -Sinner."</p> - -<p>And spake never a Word moe.</p> - -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">{102}</a></div> - -<h2>CHAPTER VI<br /> <i>Tib's Malpractyzes</i></h2> - -<div> - <img class="drop-cap" src="images/drop-a.jpg" width="100" height="107" alt="A"/> -</div> - -<p class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">As</span> -about this Time, it being -stark Winter, <i>Tib Pyebaker</i> -went near to burn the -House down after the -Manner following. She -took some red-hot Coals between two -Saucepan-lids to warm her Bed therewith; -and, whenas she deemed it heated -enow, she would needs not be at the -Pains of carrying the Coals down again, -but hid them under the Stairs in a -Broom-cupboard. And by Reason of -the undermost Lid-handle making the -Lid to lose its Balance, it fell Topside-t'otherway, -and the lighted Coals were -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">{103}</a></span> -spilled, whereof I passing the Cupboard, -was made ware by the strong Smell -of burning. And, looking therein and -moving sundry Rags that were already -Tinder, I found the Boards beneath them -just ready to burst into a Flame. Whereupon, -without running for Water, I cast -my Gown thereon and crushed it out -with my Hands. Now, could I have -hidden my Burns, I might have saved -<i>Tib's</i> Credit; whereas the Thing could -not be hid, seeing I could not so much -as cut my Meat; and Mistress <i>Fraunces</i> -bruiting it abroad, it came to the Ears -of the Bridge Wardens, who, because of -the imperilling of the whole Bridge, -would not be hindered of setting <i>Tib</i> in -the Cage, as a Warning to other careless -Servants. I was grievous for her, the -Place was so publique; and a Lot of -'Prentice Boys were staring at her all -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">{104}</a></span> -Day, and offering her Eatables and then -plucking them away. Also <i>Miles</i> made -no end of Pretences for going of Errands -past that End of the Bridge, and always -feigned to look away from <i>Tib</i>, yet -took Care to spy her in her Trouble, -out of the Corner of his Eye, all the -Time.</p> - -<p>I never knew one Woman treat another -with more silent Contempt than -<i>Damaris</i> expressed for <i>Tib</i>, after this -Affair of the Cage. It was a long Time -afore the 'Prentices (who now called me -<i>Fire-and-Water</i>,) left off asking of <i>Tib</i> -where she now kept her Warming-pan, -and whether she cast her hot Ashes out -on the Boats that shot the Bridge. For -this, she would sometimes catch them by -the Ears and pull them well; but then -they would cry "Clubs!" and a Score -of Lads were over their Counters in a -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">{105}</a></span> -Minute, and she had to run for it and -dart breathless into the House, whither -they dared not follow her. Howbeit, -when the pleasant Month of May came, -and the Damsels danced before their -Masters' Doors to the Timbrels, <i>Tib</i>, who -well loved to pound away with the Rest, -was so cross that she would not come -forth.</p> - -<p>During the last few Months, <i>Tomkins</i> -had been much eased of his Lameness; -and the worn Look of Suffering had -altogether departed, leaving him a much -younger looking Man than before this -Relief. One day, to my great Surprise, -he told me he was going to be married. -I asked him, to whom; and he said, to -an old Acquaintance of his he had long -lost Sight of, but had fallen in with in -St. <i>Magnus</i>' Church ... one who would -gladly have had him when they were -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">{106}</a></span> -many Years younger, but who was kind -enough to care for him and wish to make -him happy now. He added, reflectively, -when he had told me this, "There are -a great many good Women in the -World."</p> - -<p>So he removed his Loom to a tidy -Lodging in <i>Shoreditch</i>, which Master <i>Hewet</i> -furnished for him; and Mistress <i>Fraunces</i> -gave him his Wedding Dinner, and <i>Miles</i> -and I helped to eat it. The Wife, -though middle-aged, had a pleasant -Aspect; and I thought <i>Tomkins</i> had -done a very good Thing for himself; -but his Attick looked very dreary without -him.</p> - -<p>The Marching Watch was revived -with great Splendour this Year by the -Lord Mayor, Sir <i>John Gresham</i>, both on -St. <i>John's</i> Eve, and the Eve of St. <i>Peter</i>: -and the Array was augmented by three -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">{107}</a></span> -Hundred Demi-lances and light Horse, -prepared by the City to be sent into -<i>Scotland</i> for the Rescue of the Town of -<i>Haddington</i>. Five Hundred of the Cressets -were furnished by the great Companies, -the other two Hundred by the Chamber -of <i>London</i>, and every Cresset had two -Men, one to hold, and one to trim it: -and every Cresset-bearer had Wages, his -Breakfast, a Badge, and a Straw Hat. -And, what with Halberdiers, Billmen, -etc., there mustered about two Thousand. -There were also many City Feasts, some -of which Master <i>Hewet</i> and Mistress -<i>Fraunces</i> attended very richly dressed.</p> - -<p>It was some little Time after this, that -I, copying a Letter at my Master's Behest, -could not hinder myself of hearing the -following Address made to him by Mistress -<i>Fraunces</i>.</p> - -<p>"<i>William</i>, I have been laying up thy -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">{108}</a></span> -black Velvet Suit with Care, this Morning, -thinking thou wouldest have no -more present Occasion for it.—How well -thou becamest it, I thought! And so -thought Mistress <i>Beatrix</i>. She said she -had never seen a Man look so well -since thou warest thy white Sarcenet -Coat in the great Muster for King -<i>Harry</i>."</p> - -<p>"Sarcenet Speeches, Sister," sayth -Master <i>Hewet</i>.</p> - -<p>"Nay, I know not what you mean by -Sarcenet Speeches," returns she, "I am -sure they were sincere enough; and -truly I think, Brother, if you pushed -your Fortune a little in that Quarter, -you might have Success."</p> - -<p>Finding he uttered no Word, she, after -a little waiting, saith, "Dear <i>Alice</i> hath -now been long in her Grave, and would, -I am certified, wish you to be happy."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">{109}</a></span> -—"And what is to make me so?" -asks he, huskily.</p> - -<p>"Nay, Brother, a good Wife."</p> - -<p>"I've had one," quod he, "and one is -enough to my Share.—Are you tired of -keeping House for me? What would -you do, now, if I set a Lady above you -at my Table?"</p> - -<p>"Oh," quod she cheerfully, "I would -gladly take the second Place. Or, if -she preferred my Room to my Company, -I would take Pattern by the old -Lady at the Bridge End that lives all -alone by herself with her Cats."</p> - -<p>"No, dear <i>Fraunces</i>" sayth he,—and -I have Ground for thinking he kissed -her,—"you shall need neither Alternative—<i>Alice</i> -shall have no Successor in -mine House, since she can never have -one in my Heart ... and, as to happy,—why, -except for that one great Loss, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">{110}</a></span> -am I not happy as Man can be? Believe -me, I am content with the Present, -and trustful for the Future. I hope to -see...."</p> - -<p>But what he hoped to see, I heard -not.</p> - -<p>About this Time, <i>Miles</i> had formed -close Acquaintance with some Lads on -the Bridge, who gave their Masters more -Trouble than enough. I suppose he -thought it spirited of them, and worthy -of all Imitation. One Night, I awoke -out of my first Sleep, and lay listening -to the Uproar of the Winds and Waters, -which seemed quite to drown <i>Miles'</i> -Snoring, when the Door suddenly opened, -and my Master, with a Lamp in his -Hand, sayth, "<i>Ned</i>, are you in Bed?" I -say, "Yes, Master." "Then," quod he, -where is <i>Miles</i>?" I said, "In Bed too, -Master." But he turned his Light on -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">{111}</a></span> -<i>Miles'</i> Bed, and it was empty. Then -quod he, "The Bridge Watchman hath -just called under my Window to say -one of my 'Prentices was abroad, but -he wist not which, for in chasing him, -he stumbled over an Heap of Rubbish -before a House under Repair, and lost -him in the Dark."</p> - -<p>Then he left me, and I lay wondering -how <i>Miles</i> could have got out, since Mistress -<i>Fraunces</i> kept the House-key, and -what Account he would give of himself -when he came back. Master <i>Hewet</i>, I -afterwards learnt, found the Key in the -Door, outside, and took it in, and locked -the Door. And so, sate in Wait a good -While, till at length some one tries -the Door from without, then gropes -about the Ground for the Key, then -loudly whispers through the Keyhole, -"<i>Tib!</i> <i>Tib!</i>"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">{112}</a></span> -Thereupon the Door is opened, but -not by <i>Tib</i>; and my Master, collaring -<i>Miles</i>, strikes him, but not so severely -as for him to do what he did, which -was to fall all along on the Ground and -emit one or two hollow Grones. Master -<i>Hewet</i>, witting him to be scarce hurt, -waxed very angry, and pulling him up, -would know how he got out, but <i>Miles</i> -would not tell. Then he would know -why he called on <i>Tib</i> through the Keyhole, -as though expecting her to be at -Hand; and he made Answer, Because -her Name came readiest, and he was less -afeard of her than of any else, but she -wist not of his being out. My Master -said, That should be seen to, and how -did he get the Key? He said Mistress -<i>Fraunces</i> had forgotten to take it up. -But Mistress <i>Fraunces</i>, when called up, -remembered well to have laid it on her -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">{113}</a></span> -Toilette ere she went to Bed, and was -avised <i>Tib</i> must have fetched it while -she was asleep. But, on going to <i>Tib</i>, -Mistress <i>Fraunces</i> found her sleeping so -heavily, that after much shaking, all she -could get out of her was, "Thieves! -Thieves!" So the Matter stood over; -Master <i>Hewet</i> putting it to <i>Miles</i> whether -he wist not that he might have him up -before the Wardens, and see him hardly -dealt with. So <i>Miles</i> came back to his -Bed, sullen enough.</p> - -<p>But a Woman's own Tongue is oft -her worst Enemy. The next Morning, -though Nothing could be got out of -<i>Miles</i> nor of <i>Tib</i>, yet Mistress <i>Fraunces</i>, -being in her own Bed-chamber, instead -of at Market, as <i>Tib</i> supposed, hears <i>Tib</i>, -who was concluded to be making my -Master's Bed, a talking from his Window -to the Maid in the corresponding Window -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">{114}</a></span> -across the Strete. And although, by -Reason of the two Tenements being so -very few Feet apart in their upper Stories, -there was hardly need for <i>Tib</i> to speak -above her Breath, yet Mistress <i>Fraunces</i>, -quickened by Curiosity, could hear almost -every Word, and how that <i>Tib</i> had come -into her Chamber when she was asleep, -and took the Key and lent it to <i>Miles</i>, -who had promised her a tawdry Ribbon -for it: and how the Watchman saw him -go forth, and aroused my Master, who -set on him when he returned, and beat -him within an Inch of his Life. And -how Mistress <i>Fraunces</i>—But here Mistress -<i>Fraunces</i> spoiled all, in her Anxiety to -hear the Particulars of her own Character; -for, advancing a little too near the Casement, -that she might not lose a Syllable, -she was caught Sight of by the Neighbour's -Maid, who, without Doubt, made -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">{115}</a></span> -a Signal to <i>Tib</i>. Whereupon, <i>Tib</i>, after -a Moment's Pause, added, and how that -if Mistress <i>Fraunces</i> were not the sweetest -and mercifullest of Ladies, there would -be no Chance of her forgiving such a -Misdeed when she came to hear it, as -<i>Tib</i> meant she should the very first Time -she could find Heart to confess it to the -sweetest and best of Ladies.</p> - -<p>Oh what Potence hath a flattering -Tongue! Here was Mistress <i>Fraunces</i> -ready to fly out upon <i>Tib</i> and give her -Warning on the Spot, and, in a Minute, -in a Breath, her Wrath was allayed and -brought within Compass by the Commendation -of an artful Woman. She -goeth to the Stair-foot and calleth, -"<i>Tib!</i> <i>Tib!</i> come down with thee this -Instant!" but by the Time <i>Tib</i> appeared -with her Apron at her Eyes, she -had lost all Mind to cast her, characterless, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">{116}</a></span> -forth of the House, and it sufficed -her to bestow a severe Chiding. Whereat -<i>Tib</i> wept, and took Shame to herself, and -made her Peace; and so was kept on. -Which I ever thought an ill-advised -Thing. Where there's no Fidelity, there's -no Safety.</p> - -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">{117}</a></div> - -<h2>CHAPTER VII<br /> <i>Early Setting of a young Morning Star</i></h2> - -<div> - <img class="drop-cap" src="images/drop-a.jpg" width="100" height="107" alt="A"/> -</div> - -<p class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">And</span> -<i>Jacob</i> served <i>Laban</i> for -<i>Rachel</i> seven Years; and -they seemed unto him -but so many Days, for -the Love he had unto -her." Albeit I was not serving my -Master for my Master's Daughter, yet -her being in the House helped, I -wot, to make the seven Years speed -like seven Days. Sure, never was so -gracious a Creature! Her Nature was -so excellent, and her Countenance, which -was the Index of her Mind, was so -full of Sweetness and Goodness, that -one could scarce look upon her without -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">{118}</a></span> -blessing Him who had created her so -lovely.</p> - -<p>Meantime my Master's Fortune and -Credit from small Beginnings had risen -mightily, as is often the Case in this -commercial and prosperous City. He -had gone through the three Degrees of -Wardenship of his Company, had been -elected of the Common Council, and -was now Alderman of the Bridge Ward -Without. And if he still lived and -went plain, he laid by and laid out in -Commerce the more: there was no Shew, -nor no Stinting.</p> - -<p>Yes: those were happy Days! All -the fairer they seem now, for the dark -ones that were coming. The only Sorrow -among us that I remember was when the -Pestilence brake out, in the fifth Year of -our young King, which at first only prevailed -in the North, but at length reached -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">{119}</a></span> -<i>London</i>, where it raged with prodigious -Fury, carrying off eight Hundred Souls -the first Week, and mostly after a Sickness -of only twelve or twenty-four Hours. -We had it not on the Bridge, which was -attributed to the free Access of fresh -Air to our Dwellings; howbeit, Mistress -<i>Anne</i> (like a ministering Angel as she -was,—such a Child, too! only in her -twelfth Year!) must needs go about, relieving -poor Wretches in their Dwellings; -whereby she caught a low Fever that -brought her to Death's Door, and filled -the House with Tears. If my Master, -a Man in Years, forbare not to weep, -Reason was, a Lad such as I should -weep too. Howbeit, through the Grace -of God, she recovered: but for a long -Time she was too enfeebled to walk, -wherefore Master <i>Hewet</i> took her much -on the Water during the long Summer -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">{120}</a></span> -Evenings, after we had been nigh stifled -by the Day's sultry Heat. For the eastern -Side of the House was close; and the -western, though open, yet was much -exposed to the Glare of the Sun on the -River. We shut it out with Blinds and -Lattices all we could; but still, the -Crown of the Day was after Sundown -on the Water. Master <i>Hewet</i> liked his -'Prentices to pull; and sometimes we -fell into the Wake of some Court Barge -with Horns and Sackbuts, and lay on our -Oars; Mistress <i>Anne</i> full silent, resting -her Head, for Weakness, against my -Master's Shoulder, and with the Tears -sometimes stealing down from her large, -bright Eyes. My Master carried her -down to the Boat, but 'twas my Portion, -for I will not say Burthen, to carry her -up. How light she was! She did not -much like it, and managed presently to -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">{121}</a></span> -ascend slowly, with the help of my -Master's Arm; but I remember the -Goodness and Sweetness with which, -with a sweet Blush on her Face, she -sayth, "Do you remember the first -Time? But for thee, I had not been -here now."</p> - -<p>As she strengthened, we kept out -longer, and went up to <i>Chelsea</i> and -<i>Fulham</i>, and rambled about the pleasant -Fields; eating Curds and Cream at Milkhouses, -and returning by Moonlight; -<i>Miles</i> and I singing, "Row the Boat, -<i>Norman</i>."</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/139-img.jpg" width="400" height="570" alt="Cream"/> - <div class="caption"> - <p class="small cursive">J J</p> - <p class="cursive">"Eating Curds & Cream"</p> - </div> -</div> - -<p>Then Master <i>Hewet</i> carried her down -into the Country, to the Hall of his -Brother the Squire; and there she abode -till she was quite well. When she returned, -the Leaves were falling, and -Master <i>Hewet</i> would walk with her of -an Evening to <i>Finsbury Fields</i>, and stand -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">{122}</a></span> -with her at a Distance to see us young -Men shoot the long Bow, leap, wrestle, -cast the Stone, and practise our Shields; -in all which, <i>Miles</i> came in for his full -Share of Praise; and I was always well -content to be thought equal to him. -Sometimes I overshot him, sometimes -he overshot me; sometimes I outleaped -him, sometimes he outleaped me; but -we loved the Game beyond the Competition; -there was never any ill Blood -between us.</p> - -<p>'Twas on <i>All Saints'</i> Day, this Year, -that the new Service Book, called of -Common Prayer, was first used in <i>Paul's</i> -Church, and the like throughout the -whole City. Dr. <i>Ridley</i>, Bishop of <i>London</i>, -performed the same in <i>Paul's</i>, in his -Rochet only; and in the Afternoon -preached at <i>Paul's</i> Cross before the Lord -Mayor, Aldermen, and Livery Companies, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">{123}</a></span> -which Sermon, being on the Subject of -the new Service, lasted till five o' the -Clock, so that, the Days being short, we -returned by Torch-light.</p> - -<p>Then had the Church great Rest. -The Enemy, knowing his Time was at -Hand, lay mighty quiet: and, for the -Multitude of notable Foreigners that -resorted to us for Safeguard, <i>England</i> -might have been called <i>Christi Asylum</i>. -Howbeit, the Canker was already i' the -Bud!</p> - -<p>The King, earlier in the Year, had -ta'en the Measles; and during the -Summer, had ridden a Progress with -greater Magnificence than ever he had -done before. In the <i>January</i> following, -whether procured by sinister Practice or -natural Infirmity, he fell into an Indisposition -of Body which soon grew to a -Cough of the Lungs. Perhaps it had -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">{124}</a></span> -been happy if Lord <i>Robert Dudley</i> (now -my Lord of <i>Leicester</i>,) had not recently -been sworn one of the six Gentlemen of -the King's Chamber ... we must not -speak ill, <i>Hew</i>, of them that are set high -in Authority, save upon great Conviction -and Certitude: howbeit, you and I know -what the private Report of that Gentleman -is—When I'm sick, don't give me a -<i>Leicester Cordial</i>, that's all!</p> - -<p>The common Talk was, that a poisoned -Nosegay had been given the pretty Boy -at New-year's-tide, which brought him -into this slow but deadly Languishment. -To think, what Poison may lie 'neath -Flowers! At all Events, the Duke of -<i>Northumberland</i>, now the powerfullest -Man in the Realm since he had swallowed -up his unhappy Rival <i>Somerset</i>, -beginneth to aim at nothing short of -Crown matrimonial for his young Son -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">{125}</a></span> -Lord <i>Guilford Dudley</i>, lately espoused to -the Lady <i>Jane Grey</i>; therefore inculcateth -on the kingly Boy now a-dying, how -much it concerned him to have a Care -for Religion, not only during Life, but -after his Death; which could not be -preserved in its Purity to the Realm -should the Lady <i>Mary</i> succeed; and, if -he set aside one Sister, he might as well -put away the other also, and devise his -Crown to her who after them was his -next Kinswoman, the good and godly -Lady <i>Jane</i>.</p> - -<p>So soon as this was obtained of him, -he might die as soon as he would—the -sooner the better—and, to help Matters, -the Leeches were dismissed, and a Gentlewoman -(thought to have received her -Instructions before hand,) set over him; -under whose Applications his Pulse presently -failed, his Skin changed Colour, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">{126}</a></span> -and other Symptoms speedily appeared -of Mortal Dissolution. Turning his Face -then to the Wall like good <i>Hezekiah</i>, he -was heard by one that sate behind the -Curtain to say, "O <span class="smcap">Lord God</span>, deliver -me out of this miserable and wretched -Life! O <span class="smcap">Lord</span>, thou knowest how -happy it were for me to be with thee; -yet, for thy Chosen's Sake, if it be thy -Will, send me Life and Health that I -may truly serve thee!" After a little -Space, again he sigheth, "O save thy -People <i>England</i>!" Then, turning about, -and noting some one behind the Curtain, -"I had thought," saith he, "I was alone." -"Sir," sayth the Attendant, "I heard you -speak, but heard not what you were -saying." "Nay," sayth he, "I was -but praying to <span class="smcap">God</span>. Oh! I am faint! -faint unto Death! <span class="smcap">Lord</span>, receive my -Spirit!" And forthwith breathed out -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">{127}</a></span> -his white, innocent Soul. Early ripe, -early gathered!</p> - -<p>Thus we sometimes see the Nation's -prime Hope, the Desire of all Eyes, cut -off as a sweet Rose snaps its Stalk; and -we mourn, thinking the <span class="smcap">Lord</span> hath forgotten -to be gracious and will no more -be entreated, and his Mercy is clean gone -from us for ever; not knowing that, after -he hath tried and purified his own, yea, -like Silver over the Fire, till the thick -Scum separates and he seeth his own -Image reflected in the bright Metal, he -will return unto us and be gracious, like -as a Father pitieth his Children, and -make our latter Day better than our -Beginning. Had we not known the -early Setting of this young <i>Hesperus</i>, we -had not now sunned ourselves in the -Light of our bright Occidental Star.</p> - -<p>And now, the bright Boy being dead, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">{128}</a></span> -the Duke of <i>Northumberland</i> took upon -him to sit at the Stern, and order all -Things according unto his Pleasure. The -Demise of the Crown was kept close that -Day and the next, he hoping to obtain -Possession of the Lady <i>Mary</i>, who, however, -learned the Secret, and rode off to -the Coast. Meantime, he took heed to -occupy and fortify the <i>Tower</i>; and, on the -second Day, sent for the Lord Mayor, -six Aldermen, not including Master <i>Hewet</i>, -six Merchants of the Staple, and as -many Merchant Adventurers, to attend -the Council at <i>Greenwich</i>, where they -were advised of the King's Death and -how he had ordained for the Succession -by Letters Patent, to the which they -were sworn, and charged to keep the -Matter secret.</p> - -<p>When my Master presently heard of -this from one of his brother Aldermen, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">{129}</a></span> -(for such Secrets are not long kept,) he -said, in his own Family, that however -he might desire a Protestant Succession, -he was persuaded that this would not, -nor could not, come to Good. "To say -Nothing," quod he, "of the Lady -<i>Jane's</i> questionable Birth; for the -Duke, though few know it, had, when -he married her Mother, a Wife living -already."</p> - -<p>Howbeit, at Three o' the Clock on -the Monday Afternoon, the Lady <i>Jane</i> -was conveyed, in Sight of us all, by -Water from <i>Syon</i> to the <i>Tower</i>, and there -received as Queen. At Five o' Clock, -the King's Death and her Accession were -proclaimed; but few cried "<span class="smcap">God</span> save -Queen <i>Jane</i>!" A Drawer at a Tavern -within <i>Ludgate</i> said in the Hearing of -some, that he thought the Lady <i>Mary</i> -had the better Title; whereon he was -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">{130}</a></span> -incontinent arrested and set in the Pillory -in <i>Chepe</i>, whereto both his Ears were -nailed, and then clean cut off.</p> - -<p>Meantime the Duke of <i>Northumberland</i> -heareth that the Lady <i>Mary's</i> Party makes -head, whereon he resolves to send Lady -<i>Jane's</i> Father, the Duke of <i>Suffolk</i>, to put -it down and seize her Person. Whereon -the Lady <i>Jane</i>, who hath all along had -no Mind to the Crown, weepeth sore, -and begs her Father may be let off that -Enterprize and that her Father-in-law -will take it on himself; which he, after -short Demur and much Flattery of his -Bravery and Skill, consenteth to do. -But his Heart misgiveth him, both as -to what he goes to and what he leaves -behind; and, sayth he to the Council, -"Should ye in mine Absence waver in -your Resolution, it may be ye will -contrive your own Safety with my -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">{131}</a></span> -Destruction." Quod they, "Your Grace -makes a Doubt of that which cannot -be, for which of us all can wash his -Hands clean of this Business?" So -the Duke set forth with eight Thousand -Foot and two Thousand Horse; and, as -he rode along <i>Shoreditch</i>, quod he to Lord -<i>Grey</i>, "See how the People press forward -to see us! but not one of them sayth, -'<span class="smcap">God</span> speed you!'"</p> - -<p>In Truth, Gentle and Simple fell off -to the Lady <i>Mary</i>, though Bishop <i>Ridley</i> -preached at <i>Paul's</i>, to invite us to stand -firm to Lady <i>Jane</i>. The Duke's Party -melted away; and the Duke of <i>Suffolk</i>, -learning how his Daughter's Partizans -had defalked to the Lady <i>Mary</i> or -been defeated and captivated, entereth -the young Queen's Chamber and telleth -her in brief, she must now put off her -royal Robes and be content with a -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">{132}</a></span> -private Life. To which the meek young -Lady made Answer, that she should put -them off with more Contentation than -she had put them on; and would never -have done so but to please him and her -Mother. And so ended her ten Days' -Reign.</p> - -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">{133}</a></div> - -<h2>CHAPTER VIII<br /> <i>The Defence of the Bridge</i></h2> - -<div> - <img class="drop-cap" src="images/drop-o.jpg" width="100" height="105" alt="O"/> -</div> - -<p class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">On</span> -the Third of <i>August</i>, the -Lady <i>Mary</i> entered <i>London</i> -as <i>Mary</i> the <i>Queen</i>; and -truly she began to make -short Work of it; for, the -next Day, she restored <i>Gardiner</i> to his -Bishopric of <i>Winchester</i>, and, a few Days -later, made him <i>Chancellor</i>; and, on the -Fifth, restored <i>Bonner</i> and <i>Tunstall</i> to -their Sees. <i>Ridley</i>, <i>Coverdale</i>, <i>Hooper</i>, and -the rest of our good reformed Bishops, of -course, were removed; and all beneficed -Men that were married, or would not -abjure the reformed Faith, were put out -of their Livings.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">{134}</a></span> -On the <i>13th</i>, <i>Miles</i> and I went to hear -what would be said at <i>Paul's Cross</i>. -There was one <i>Bourne</i>, a Canon, who -preached such arrant <i>Romanism</i> and -Flattery of <i>Bonner</i>, now Bishop of <i>London</i>, -to his Face, that the People hooted and -cried, "Pull him down," and <i>Miles</i>, -flinging his Cap with good Aim, hit him -on the Nose. Another flung a Dagger, -which just missed him, but caused him -to quit his Post; and honest Master -<i>Bradford</i>, stepping into it, spread forth -his Hands with, "Good <i>Christian</i> People"—whereon -there was great Quiet; and -by his savoury and peaceifying Doctrine -he allayed the Tumult. The same Day, -an old Priest said Mass at St. <i>Bartholomew's</i>, -albeit the People went nigh to pull him -in Pieces.</p> - -<p>The following <i>Sunday</i>, one Dr. <i>Watson</i> -preached at <i>Paul's Cross</i>, and the Churchyard -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">{135}</a></span> -was lined with Soldiers, for Fear of -like Tumult that was on the <i>Sunday</i> before. -During the Week, <i>Northumberland</i> had -been arraigned and condemned; and on -the <i>Monday</i> next following he was to be -beheaded; howbeit, he desired first to -hear Mass and receive the Sacrament -after the <i>Romish</i> Manner: thereby looking, -maybe, to obtain Pardon, but in sooth -only proving a Renegade and losing the -Grace of a Confessor. The Lady <i>Jane</i>, -looking forth of her Prison Window, -saw him on his Way to Mass; a grievouse -Thing to her pure Mind; whereof she -spake next Day at Table, saying, "Wo -worth him! Should I that am young -and in my few Yeres, forsake my Faith -for the <span class="smcap">Love</span> of Life? Much more he -should not, whose fatal Course could -not long have lasted."</p> - -<p>On the <i>14th Sept.</i> good Master <i>Latimer</i> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">{136}</a></span> -was sent Prisoner to the Tower. Seeing -a Warder there whose Face he remembered, -he cried cheerily, "What, old -Friend! how do you? See, I am come -to be your Neighbour again!" The -good <i>Cranmer</i> was committed thither the -same Day. But these Things were done -privately: a Boat, more or less, privily -shooting the Bridge and gliding aneath -the Traitors' Arch, was ta'en no Note of; -while the Stretes and Highways were all -astir with Preparations for the Queen's -Crownation, which was set for the <i>1st -Octr.</i> The <i>Easterlings</i> were providing -her a mighty fine Pageant, at <i>Gracechurch -Corner</i>, with a little Condyt that ran -Wine: the <i>Genouese</i> had theirs in <i>Phanechurchstrete</i>, -the <i>Florentines</i> at the farther -End of <i>Gracechurchstrete</i>, with an Angel -in Green and Gold, that, at pulling of a -String, set a Trumpet to his Mouth and -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">{137}</a></span> -made believe to blow it,—only a real -Trumpeter stood behind. With these -and such-like Toys the City amused their -Minds, and humoured themselves into -receiving the Queen with due Loyalty.</p> - -<p>But when she came forth ... alas! -what an ill-favoured Lady! Sure, we are -all as <span class="smcap">God</span> made us, for Homeliness or -Comeliness; but yet a sweet Nature may -be discerned through the plainest Favour; -but it could not be discerned here. And -she declined her Head upon her Hand, -as though for some Ache or Ail that -constrained her to regard Everything done -in her Honour askance and awry. 'Tis -Pity o' my Life! when a Lady is so ill -at Ease, she can't hold her Head strait -on her Crownation-day. Doubtless -crowned Heads are liable to Aches as -well as those that own ne'er a Cap; and -'tis a heaven-sent Immunity when they -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">{138}</a></span> -are able as well as willing for all Public -Occasions, like our Royal Lady that now -rules the Land. With Bone-fires and -Feastings, there were many private Families -enjoyed that Day more heartily, I -wot, than the Queen's Grace in her Chair -of State. The Ceremonial was spun out -beyond all Reason; and when she returned, -'twas with the three Swords of -the three Kingdoms borne sheathed before -her, and another unsheathed—alack! not -the <i>Sword of the Spirit</i>.</p> - -<p>Old Master <i>Cheke</i> dined with us next -Day ... he was now a withered little -old Man, with a frosty Bloom still on his -thin Cheek, but no Fire in his Eye. He -was mighty cast down at the late Imprisonment -of his Nephew, who, though -now set at large, had had a narrow -Escape of it, and behoved to lie close. -Wherefore, to the old Man's Thought, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">{139}</a></span> -all Joy had vanished, the Mirth of the -Land was gone: and he took up his -Parable and prophesied evil Things.</p> - -<p>"And who knows not," quod he, -"whether we shall not shortly have a -<i>Romish</i> King set over us? The Queen -is in Love to Death with <i>Reginald Pole</i>; -and although he will none of her, he -may not be able to resist a matrimonial -Crown. We shall have him sent for -presently, and released from his <span class="smcap">Vows</span>, -as sure as <i>London Bridge</i> is built on -Wool-packs."</p> - -<p>Well I wot Master <i>Cheke</i> had the -Truth on't. For the Queen's Grace, -being now seven an' thirty Year old, had -no Time to lose, if she minded to marry -at all; and <i>Reginald Pole</i>, albeit now in -his fifty-fourth Year, was the very handsomest -Man of his Time; more by Token -<i>Michael Angiolo</i> (the greater Shame to -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">{140}</a></span> -him!) had put in his Face for that of -our <span class="smcap">Saviour</span> in his Scholar's famous -Picture of the Raising of <i>Lazarus</i>. -Howbeit, e'en a Queen, it seemeth, may -woo in vain. She sent for <i>Pole</i> with a -legatine Power, and moreover writ private -Letters unto him and to the <i>Pope</i> with -her own Hand. But, albeit the <i>Pope</i> -rejoiced in his Heart at the Thought of -regaining <i>England</i>, <i>Pole</i> gave such manifest -Signals of hanging back until the -Queen were married, as that her Grace -without more Ado entertained Proposals -from <i>Philip</i> of <i>Spain</i>; she having, thirty -Years before, been promised to his -Father!</p> - -<p>This Year, Master <i>Hewet</i> was made -<i>Sheriff</i>. Well remember I young Mistress -<i>Anne</i>, tripping down from her Closet in -sky-blue Taffeta, and flirting a little -Feather-fan as she passed me, crying, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">{141}</a></span> -"Make Way for the <i>Sheriff's</i> Daughter! -Oh, <i>Ned</i>, how grand I am!—</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> - - <div class="verse quote">'Thereof the Mayor he was full fain,</div> - <div class="verse">An' eke the Sheriff also—'"</div> - -</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>I said, "Sure, Mistress, the <i>Sheriff</i> in that -Song came to no Good—I wist not ye -had so much Pride."</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/161-img.jpg" width="400" height="530" alt="Way"/> - <div class="caption"> - <p class="small cursive">J J</p> - <p class="cursive">"Make way for the Sheriff's Daughter"</p> - </div> -</div> - -<p>She looked about on me with her -sweet, smiling Face, and said, "I've no -Pride for myself, <i>Edward</i>, but I may -have for him!—May I not? may I -not?" playfully calling after me as I -turned away. I said, "Oh, forsooth, -Mistress, ye can do no Wrong."</p> - -<p>"Is that in jest or earnest?" saith -she, growing serious. "Am I proud, -<i>Edward</i>?"</p> - -<p>When I saw her wistful Look, and -thought within me how much indeed -she had to be both proud and vain of, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">{142}</a></span> -yet was neither, I could carry it no -farther, but said, "In sooth, sweet Mistress, -you are not."</p> - -<p>"All's right then," quod she gaily, -and hastened to the Window to see the -new Sheriff mount his gray Horse, richly -caparisoned. Thereafter, <i>Miles</i> and I attended -her and Mistress <i>Fraunces</i> to the -River Stairs, where the Company were -to embark on a Pleasure-party; I thought -the Barge had a goodly and lovely -Freight!</p> - -<p>Meantime, the Rumour of the Queen's -Match occasioned great Murmuring -throughout the Land. And Sir <i>Thomas -Wyat</i>, a <i>Kentish</i> Gentleman, concerted -with the Duke of <i>Suffolk</i> and Sir <i>Peter -Carew</i> to take Arms and promote a -general Rising, so soon as the <i>Prince</i> of -<i>Spain</i> should set Foot on <i>English</i> Ground. -The Duke, no Doubt, looked for the -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">{143}</a></span> -Re-establishment of his Daughter, Lady -<i>Jane</i>, now under Sentence, but allowed -the Liberty of the Tower. Sir <i>Thomas</i>, -Son to that <i>Wyat</i> of <i>Allington Castle</i> who -writ good Verses, had oft been Ambassadour -to <i>Spain</i>, where the Cruelty and -Subtlety of the People made him tremble -at the Thought of their obtaining a Footing -in his native Land. But alack! <i>Hew</i>, -how many crying Evils must conspire -together to give any just Pretence for -a Rising against constituted Authorities! -And a defeated Rebellion always -strengthens the Hands of Government. -So it was in this Instance. We had -not as yet been visited with Scourges -nor whipped with Scorpions; 'twas only -the Fear of what might be, (presaged, -'tis true enough, by many Foretokens,) -that tempted Men to shed Blood and endanger -their Heads for the Sake of their -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">{144}</a></span> -Country. Wherefore, a Bird of the Air, -I suppose, carrying the Matter, Sir <i>Peter -Carew</i>, finding the Plot bewrayed, takes -Thought only for himself, and flies over -Seas; and <i>Wyat</i>, thinking the Hour unripe, -yet purposing rather to hurry forward -than retreat, taketh Arms with the -declared Aim of doing no Hurt to the -Queen's Person, but of removing her evil -Counsellors.</p> - -<p>Thereon the City was all Confusion. -Though the 'Prentices had pelted the -<i>Spanish</i> Ambassadours with Snow-balls, -and elder People had spoken against -them under their Breath, yet that natural -Loyalty there is in the City, save under -the most aggravating Circumstances, drew -every one together to make common -Cause with the Queen so soon as 'twas -bruited that <i>Wyat</i> was up in <i>Kent</i>. Five -hundred of the Trained Bands were -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">{145}</a></span> -forthwith sent out against him, and the -City began to be kept with harnessed -Men.</p> - -<p>The Lord Mayor, this Year, was Sir -<i>Thomas White</i>, Merchant-taylor; he that -founded St. <i>John's</i> College, <i>Oxford</i>. To -him, at the <i>Guildhall</i>, cometh my Lord -Treasurer, and prayeth him to have at -the least two thousand Men in Harness -at all Hours, for the Safeguard of the -City. Now begin the young Men of -every Degree to look out and furbish -their Arms and Accoutrements; and the -Hum of Preparation is heard throughout -the Stretes. Post following hot upon -Post bringeth Tidings that the Duke of -<i>Suffolk</i> in <i>Warwickshire</i>, having with all -his Industry gotten together but fifty -Men, had given up the Game and betaken -himself to a Tenant of his, who -kept him three Days hid in a hollow -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">{146}</a></span> -Oak till he was taken; but that <i>Wyat</i>, -with at least four thousand Men, (some -made it fourteen thousand,) was marching -fast upon <i>Southwark</i>, and the Trained -Bands had gone over to him, which -caused the Duke of <i>Norfolk</i>, sent against -him, to retreat.</p> - -<p>Here then was a Prospect for the -Bridge! the only Access by which he -could command the City. Thou shouldst -have seen the Duke ride back, all crestfallen, -with his Guard at his Heels, all -smirched and tatterdemoiled, without -Arrows or Strings to their Bows, or a -Sword to their Sides, or a Cap to their -Heads. Some of the Urchins cried after -them, "A <i>Wyat</i>! a <i>Wyat</i>!" and got well -cuffed for their Pains.</p> - -<p>Then came the News of a Rising in -<i>Hertfordshire</i>. On this the Queen cometh -to <i>Guildhall</i>, with the Lord Chancellor -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">{147}</a></span> -and all her Council, guarded by a notable -Company of Men at Arms; and, bespeaking -the Lord Mayor and Aldermen, she -pleaded sore they would stand by her -against the Arch-traitor that aimed at -removing her Counsellors and having the -Custody of her Person; affirming and -alleging that she would never once have -entertained thought of her Marriage, had -it not been infused into her by others that -'twas expedient for the Country. When -I heard Master <i>Hewet's</i> Report of her -Argument, I remembered the Saying of -Master <i>Askew</i> the Draper to Lord <i>Warwick's</i> -Man, 'That the City could sometimes -better spare the Court than the -Court the City.'</p> - -<p>They protested they would stand by -her—could they do less? And forthwith, -Proclamation was made to this Effect:—Now -then, let every Man that is disaffected, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">{148}</a></span> -and every Man that is faint-hearted, -and every Man that is of unstable Mind, -be off as fast as he can. There's <i>Wyat</i> -ready to welcome all Well-wishers, coming -along the <i>Kent Road</i>; and <i>London Bridge</i> -is just now open to all those that like to -join him, which it will not be to-morrow; -for the Draw-bridge is going to be sawn -asunder and cast into the River, the Gates -are going to be shut, the Gate-houses are -going to be manned, the Cannons are -going to be planted to defend them and -to take the Range of the <i>Borough</i>, the -Lord Mayor and Sheriffs in Harness are -going to stand immediately behind the -Gate, and every Man on the Bridge will -close his Windows and stand in his Door -with his 'Prentices armed and ready to do -Battle. <span class="smcap">God</span> save the Queen!</p> - -<p>Not many crossed the Bridge after that. -Those that did were glad to explain 'twas -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">{149}</a></span> -on necessary and lawful Business, or they -got hooted and sometimes pelted. The -Lord Mayor went with my Master into -every House, to see its Condition and -Defence. When they reached the Door -of the old Lady that lived all by herself -alone with her Cats, they could gain no -Entrance, nor hear Sound of Life within -save a dismal Mewing. Master <i>Hewet</i> -was for departing, saying he believed the -House safe enough though its Owner was -shy of Strangers; but my Lord Mayor -said a silent House was not always the -safest, and there might be Spies and even -harnessed Men shut up. So they persisted -knocking; and at length a skinny old -Woman, all trembling with Fear, peered -forth and would wit what 'twas all about. -When they told her the Bridge was going -to be put in a State of Defence for Queen -<i>Mary</i>, she cried, "<span class="smcap">God</span> save her sweet -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">{150}</a></span> -Majesty!" and let them in, shutting and -bolting the Door behind them. She -sayth, "Oh! Sirs, I see ye be loyal and -honourable Gentlemen, well affected to -our blessed Queen, wherefore I fear not -to trust you with my Secret—howbeit, -I am not the only one in this House."</p> - -<p>The Lord Mayor gave a quick Look at -Master <i>Hewet</i>.</p> - -<p>—"I was, you must know," continued -she, "Sub-prioress of a small religious -House at <i>Mickleham</i> in <i>Surrey</i> ... there -were but six of us; we were harmless -and happy enough; howbeit, the Eighth -<i>Harry</i>, that called himself Defender of -our Faith, turned us out Neck and Heels -when he put down the lesser Monasteries; -and my Father, to whom this -House belonged, gave me Shelter in it -during his Life, and left it to me at his -Death. Whereby I have been enabled -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">{151}</a></span> -to give House-room and Board to my -aged Superior, who otherwise would -have been cast into the Strete, through -all the evil Times; none witting she -was under my Roof. And now that -better Days are come, she is past any -Advantage of them, being long Time -bed-rid, as ye shall see."</p> - -<p>So she hobbled up-stairs before them, -followed by her half-dozen Cats, and led -the Way into a Chamber having a bright -Wood Fire kindled on the Hearth, but -nearly bare of Furniture, beyond a Chair, -a Table, a Crucifix, and a Couple of -Tressel-beds, on one of which lay an old -Woman, sleeping, on the utmost Verge of -Life. She mutely pointed to her, then -led them over the rest of the House, -which was utterly disfurnished and chiefly -shut up; she having got rid of the Moveables -for what they would fetch, through -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">{152}</a></span> -the Agency of her only Confidant, Sir -<i>Tobias</i>. So now you have the Story of -the old Lady that was supposed to live -all alone by herself with her Cats.</p> - -<p><i>Miles</i>' black Eyes kindled like Coals at -the Thought of defending the Bridge.... -I confess I felt a Glow within me, and -handled my Bill and Bow with exceeding -Complacence. The Mayor complimented -my Master on having a Couple of such -smart Lads, and said his Premises would -be well defended. Also he said he wished -he had such a fair Daughter as Mistress -<i>Anne</i>, who served him with Bread and -Wine.</p> - -<p>If the Queen were ever popular, it was -that Time! What joyous Smiles and -brisk Words were exchanged as People -ran along the Bridge!—what Glory attended -the Guards that manned the -Gates!—how we revelled in every Blow -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">{153}</a></span> -that cut down the Draw-bridge! Splash! -it went into the River. Spontaneously -we gave three Cheers. Just before the -Approach was cut off, Lord <i>William -Howard</i>, (since, Lord <i>Howard</i> of <i>Effingham</i>,) -with fifty of his Men, rode over -the Bridge to St. <i>George's</i> Church, <i>Southwark</i>, -to note the State of Things, and so -back. I remember his looking gaily over -his Shoulder as he passed, crying out in -Hearing of us all, "This Bridge hath -to-day a Chance of being the <i>Thermopylæ</i> -of <i>London</i>!"</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/175-img.jpg" width="400" height="560" alt="Bridge"/> - <div class="caption"> - <p class="small cursive">J Jellicoe</p> - <p class="cursive">"Rode over the Bridge"</p> - </div> -</div> - -<p>A Messenger from the Rebels came to -parley, and was led blindfold across the -Bridge, to and from Lord <i>Pembroke</i>, Commander -in Chief.</p> - -<p>On <i>Saturday</i> Morning, <i>Wyat</i> was proclaimed -Traitor, and a Price set on his -Head. There was a grand Muster of -Horse and Foot in <i>Finsbury Fields</i>. At -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">{154}</a></span> -three in the Afternoon, <i>Wyat</i> advanced -upon <i>London</i> from <i>Deptford</i>; and, as soon -as his Movement was perceived, an eight -Pounder was levelled at him from the -White Tower, the Shot of which took -none Effect. Immediately my Lord -Mayor and the Sheriffs made Haste to -<i>London Bridge</i>: we gave them three Cheers. -The Strete was presently choaked; People -removing their Stalls and Wares, Shop -Shutters putting up, young Men running -up and down to Weapons and Harness, -young Women beginning to shed Tears, -Children and Maids shutting themselves -up in the upper Stories.</p> - -<p>My Hands trembled so with Emotion -I could scarce fasten a Buckle. Mistress -<i>Anne</i>, passing, sayth, "Let me do it for -you—Ladies of old Time buckled on -Knights' Harness and bade them good -Speed, as I bid you.... But oh! <i>Ned</i>, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">{155}</a></span> -I am in Fear for my <i>Father</i>." I said, -"But he hath no Fear, unless for you. -Therefore look not forth; the only -Danger is in a random Shot."</p> - -<p>Then she asked me what I thought -would happen if the worst came to the -worst. I told her I had not thought -about it, so sure was I the best would -come to the best. She said she thought -so too; at least she hoped so; and bade -me tell every Word of News I heard -through the Wicket. Presently I heard -that <i>Wyat</i>, with his Army, was close -beyond the further Bridge Gate; and -had pointed two Pieces of Ordnance -against the Bridge: which I thought -needless to tell Mistress <i>Anne</i>.</p> - -<p>He was a fine Fellow, <i>Hew</i>, in his -Way, there's no gainsaying. He thought -to free his Country from Harm; and, -when he heard a Price was set upon his -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">{156}</a></span> -Head, he wrote his Name on a Slip of -Paper and set it on his Cap.</p> - -<p>My Master was a-foot and in Harness -on the Bridge all Night. The Women -kept close and quite still above-stairs, -while <i>Miles</i> and I kept Watch below, -but, I wot, they were as wakeful as ourselves. -Towards Daydawn my Master -comes in: Mistress <i>Anne</i>, in her white -Wrapper over her Dress, leans over the -Rail at the Stair-head, and cryeth, "Is -all well?" "All well, my Heart!" -returns her Father. "Oh! thank <span class="smcap">God</span>," -cries she; and meeting him half-way -down the Stair, casts herself into his -Arms.</p> - -<p>'Twas <i>Sunday</i> Morning; and maybe, a -Day of much Prayer, if of little Church-going: -but scarcely a Day of Rest. A -Banner of Defiance was unfurled a-top of -the Tower, and a heavy Piece of Ordnance -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">{157}</a></span> -discharged when they changed the -Watch.</p> - -<p>Lord <i>Howard</i> was walking to and fro -on the Bridge, his Sword clanking at -every firm, heavy Tread; and anon he -goeth to the Gate at the <i>Southwark</i> End, -and calleth in a loud, determined Voice, -"<i>Wyat!</i>"</p> - -<p>Presently some one makes Answer, -"What would ye with him?"</p> - -<p>"I would speak with him," sayth my -Lord.</p> - -<p>Answereth the other, "Our Captain is -busy; if ye have any Message for him, -I will bear it."</p> - -<p>"Marry," sayth my Lord, "ask of him -what he meaneth by this Invasion; and -whether he continue in his Purpose -or no."</p> - -<p>The Messenger departed; and in about -three Quarters of an Hour returned with -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">{158}</a></span> -a weighted Purse, containing Master -<i>Wyat's</i> Answer; which, being flung over -the Gate, was received and read by my -Lord, who tare it up, as good for Nought. -On the <i>Saturday</i> Afternoon, all Boats had -been brought to the City Side of the -River, not to be taken therefrom on Pain -of Death.</p> - -<p>My Lord <i>Howard</i> turning in to our -House about Noon, for Refreshment, -looketh fixedly on <i>Miles</i>, and sayth, "So -you are young <i>Osborne</i>." "No, my -Lord," quod I, stepping forward, "I am -he;" thinking he had Somewhat to say -unto me; but he only looked hard at me, -and said "Oh."</p> - -<p>At Table, my Master helping him to -Wine, he sayth, "That is a rare Brilliant -on your little Finger, Master -<i>Hewet</i>—may I be favoured with a -nearer View of it?" "My Lord," sayth -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">{159}</a></span> -Master <i>Hewet</i>, "it is a Token-ring: I -never take it off.—However," quod he -presently, "you shall see it, and read the -Posy inside; connecting it with the -Matter we spake of just now." I noted -a singular Smile on my Lord <i>Howard's</i> -Face as he returned it.</p> - -<p>That Night, like the last, was spent in -Harness, but passed not, like the last, -without Event. The Weather was piercing -cold; and a good Watch-fire was -kept up just within the Gate, whereat my -Lord <i>Howard</i>, Sir <i>Andrew Judd</i>, the <i>Lord -Mayor</i>, Master <i>Hewet</i>, and others, stood and -warmed themselves. Meantime, Master -<i>Wyat</i>, anxious to reconnoitre, breaks down -the Wall of a House adjoining the Gate -on his side the Draw-bridge, by which -Breach he ascendeth the Leads of the -Gate-house, and thence coming down into -the Porter's Lodge, it being about eleven -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">{160}</a></span> -o' the Clock, he findeth the Porter sleeping, -but his Wife, with sundry others, -watching over a Fire of Coals. On beholding -<i>Wyat</i> they suddenly started; but -he commanded them to keep quiet as they -valued their Lives, and they should sustain -no Hurt; so they having no Courage -to oppose him, he went forth of the other -Side the Gate-house to look across to the -Bridge. There, beyond the Chasm, within -the second Gate, he noteth my <i>Lord -Deputy</i>, the <i>Lord Mayor</i>, and the Rest -standing about the Fire in their Clokes. -After noting them well, and seeing there -was no Hope of taking them by Surprise, -he returneth whence he came, and doeth -his Party to wit how the City strengthened -itself and is on the Alert. Peradventure -to make farther Proof thereof, the -Men of <i>Kent</i> thereon made an Uproar as -it were in Sign of assaulting the Bridge, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">{161}</a></span> -and fired two Field Pieces. Whereat we -were all alive and to Arms in an Instant; -and the Cries that ran along the Bridge -shewed the Insurgents we were ready for -them.</p> - -<p>On <i>Monday</i> we were heartened, and -doubtless <i>Wyat</i> was disheartened, by the -Bruit of Lord <i>Abergavenny's</i> marching -upon him from <i>Blackheath</i> with three -Thousand Men. Thereon ensewed Diversity -of Councils, in the End whereof, -Master <i>Wyat</i> decided to march along the -<i>Thames</i> next Day, to get Access to <i>Middlesex</i> -by <i>Kingston Bridge</i>. One of the -Lieutenant's Men of the Tower being -despatched on special Charge across to -the Bishop of <i>Winchester's</i> Palace, a -Waterman of the Tower Stairs prayed -him for a Cast in his Boat, which he -granted. Seven of <i>Wyat's</i> Men being on -the Look-out, levelled their Arquebusses -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">{162}</a></span> -at the Boat, charging them to re-land, -which they not complying with, the -Men discharged their Pieces with mortal -Effect; for the poor Waterman fell dead, -and the Sculler with much Terror rowed -back, through the Bridge, to the Tower -Wharf. The Lieutenant, in a mighty -Heat at what had happened, levelled -seven great Pieces of Ordnance full -against the south End of the Bridge and -against <i>Southwark</i>, besides all the Guns on -the White Tower, and over the Watergate, -so that the Men and Women dwelling -in <i>Southwark</i> rushed confusedly to -Master <i>Wyat</i>, and prayed him to take -Pity on them, or they should be utterly -undone and destroyed. Whereat, he, -partly abashed, said, "I pray you, -Friends, have Patience a little, and -I will presently relieve you of your -Fears." And so, gave Orders to march; -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">{163}</a></span> -and cleared out of <i>Southwark</i> about eleven -of the Clock on <i>Shrove Tuesday</i>, without -leaving a Penny unpaid to the Inhabitants, -or doing the least Damage beyond -sacking and destroying the Bishop of -<i>Winchester's</i> Palace and Library. Thus -ended our three Days' Beleaguerment. -Now, leaving the Bridge in sufficient -Guard, Master <i>Hewet's</i> Post lay at one of -the City Gates: and a general Muster in -St. <i>James's Field</i> was proclaimed for Six -o' the Clock next Morning.</p> - -<p>At four o' Clock, however, the Drums -called to Arms, <i>Wyat</i> having crossed at -<i>Kingston</i> and being already at <i>Brentford</i>. -The Law-Serjeants went to <i>Westminster -Hall</i>, that Morning, with Harness under -their Gowns, and the Queen's Chaplain -sung Mass before her with Harness under -his Vestments. By ten o' the Clock my -Lord <i>Pembroke's</i> Troop of Horse hovered -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">{164}</a></span> -about <i>Wyat's</i> Party, and Ordnance began -to be fired on both Sides; whereon the -Screams of Women and peaceable People -at <i>Charing Cross</i>, as well as the Firing, -could be heard at the Tower. <i>Wyat</i> -drove back my <i>Lord Chamberlain's</i> Guard, -and marched on to <i>Ludgate</i> in disorderly -Array. There he knocked at the Gate; -and my Lord <i>Howard</i> from within asked -who knocked: and on his giving his -Name, cried, "Avaunt, Traitor! thou -enterest not here." Sundry of his Men -cried, "Queen <i>Mary</i> hath granted our -Request, and given us Pardon!" but -'twas known for a Feint; so they had -Nought for it but to return whence they -came; and at <i>Charing Cross</i> the Fight -was renewed and waxed hot. At length, -a Herald called on <i>Wyat</i> to yield rather -than shed more Blood, and trust to the -Queen's Mercy. Whereon, he, astonied -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">{165}</a></span> -and dejected, replied, "Well, if I must, -let me yield me to a Gentleman." Sir -<i>Morrice Berkeley</i> bade him leap up behind -him; and two others picked up young -<i>Cobham</i> and <i>Knevet</i>, and so carried them -off, and the Fight was ended. They lay, -that Night, in the Tower.</p> - -<p>There was Somewhat mighty kindling, -<i>Hew</i>, in that Defence of the Bridge: and -we all felt triumphant and thankful when -the Fight was over; but thereafter came -great Gravity and Sadness, to muse on -what might have been, and on what -would shortly befal those Men in the -Tower. A grievouse Thing is a Civil -War.</p> - -<p>Then Master <i>Hewet</i>,—ah! what a -Shrievalty was his! but yet he thanked -God in After-time that it fell not a Year -or two later—he must be present at the -beheading the poor guiltless Boy <i>Guilford</i> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">{166}</a></span> -<i>Dudley</i>, and also of the Lady <i>Jane</i>. That -same Day, <i>Hew</i>, there was set up a Gallows -at every Gate in <i>London</i>, and at -the Bridge-foot; three or four at <i>Charing -Cross</i> and in many other Places. About -four hundred Rebels were condemned in -one Day. The Prisons were so o'er-crowded -that they were kept in Ward -in Churches. The Lady <i>Elizabeth</i> was -committed to the <i>Tower</i>; daily, new -State Prisoners went in, and they that -came forth, 'twas but to their Scaffolds. -<i>Suffolk</i>, <i>Wyat</i>, the <i>Greys</i>—'twas an awful -Time to be Sheriff! There were City -Feasts; but Men met to look one another -in the Face and ask what would -come next, rather than for Potacion and -Refection.</p> - -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">{167}</a></div> - -<h2>CHAPTER IX<br /> <i>Osborne is out of his Time</i></h2> - -<div> - <img class="drop-cap" src="images/drop-i.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="I"/> -</div> - -<p class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">I was</span> -out of my Time; -and was examined by the -Master and Wardens of -our Company whether I -had duly and faithfully -served my Apprenticeship: and being -found sufficient and allowed, was presented -to the Chamberlain of <i>London</i> to -be made free; was sworn, and paid Two-and-sixpence.</p> - -<p>I remember one of the Wardens eyed -me rather curiously when I went up; -and said, "So thou art young <i>Osborne</i>?" -"Yea," quod the other, "the Knight -of the Flying Leap!" an old Joke I -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">{168}</a></span> -thought every one had forgotten. Howbeit -they shook Hands with me, and -said they wished every Master as good -a 'Prentice.</p> - -<p>Thereafter I went to see <i>Tomkins</i>, whom -I had lost Sight of a long Time. His -Wife was spreading a clean Diaper over -the Table, his little Girl playing with a -Kitten on the Hearth, and a straggling -Sunbeam through the Lattice was lighting -up his pale, placid Face as he sate at -his Loom. I have thought since, that -ministering Spirits might have been passing -to and fro on that Beam, unperceivable -to my mortal Sense.</p> - -<p>"Ha!" quod he, "this is a pleasant -Sight. What! the blue Gown is thrown -off at last! But how? no Scallops? -no Slashes? no Taffeta-lined Cloke, -nor Shirt edged with Silver? Thou -keepest within the Statute, at all Events. -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">{169}</a></span> -Why, <i>Miles</i> goes as fine as a Popinjay! -Howbeit, I like your dark brown better -than his Eggs and Spinach; 'tis good -Taste, Lad, not to dress above one's -Degree. All the World can see which -is the Gentleman's Son, which the -Burreller's."</p> - -<p>"Thou art e'en too hard on poor -<i>Miles</i>," quod I. "He is working very -hard just now in hope of marrying."</p> - -<p>"All the better," saith <i>Tomkins</i>; "many -a second-rate Fellow is made better by -a first-rate Wife. What? is he thinking -of <i>Tryphosa</i>?"</p> - -<p>"Oh no," quod I, laughing, "he thinks -her quite too old."</p> - -<p>"Look you there now!" quod he, -much amused, "too old, forsooth! To -hear how Boys talk! Marry, you must -sup with us, and tell me about Everything; -that is, if you can condescend -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">{170}</a></span> -to eat aught but Manchet-bread in these -grand Days. Step down to <i>Fishmongersrow</i>, -dear <i>Dinah</i>, and fetch us a Crab."</p> - -<p>"That's a long Step, <i>Tomkins</i>," observed -his Wife, "would not Something I could -get nearer do as well?"</p> - -<p>"No," quod he gently, "I want a -Crab, and I want it from thence; so -oblige me, good <i>Dinah</i>."</p> - -<p>"That I will," replied she, cheerfully, -tying on her Hood, and departing the -next Minute with her Child in her -Arms.</p> - -<p>"I remember," quod <i>Tomkins</i>, laughing, -"how you and <i>Miles</i> played away at -the Crab on our Wedding-day. And if -you spurn such homely Dainties now, -you'll be Home in Time for your real -Supper after all. 'Tis but Three o' the -Clock."</p> - -<p>"To hear you Talk," said I, "one -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">{171}</a></span> -would think we lived just now in <i>Lubberland</i>, -where the Rivers run Gravy -and Apple-sauce, and the roast Pigs run -about, saying, Come eat me."</p> - -<p>"Why, is not Master <i>Hewet</i> Sheriff?" -quod <i>Tomkins</i>, "and doth he not ride a -gray Horse and wear a velvet Coat and -a Jewel in his Cap? Sure, you must -be steeped in Wassail and Feasting."</p> - -<p>"Ah," quod I, "there's little real -Mirth in it. Seldom do we see a -Smile now on Master <i>Hewet's</i> Face ... -Mistress <i>Anne</i> is in the Country; Mistress -<i>Fraunces</i> does the Honours with all -Grace, many People come and go, new -Servants wait, many fine Dishes are -cooked and eaten; but the Times are -so bad, there is little Hilarity with -it all."</p> - -<p>"Aye?" quod he, lowering his Voice, -"is't e'en so?" Then changing his -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">{172}</a></span> -Manner altogether, he rose, sate by the -Fire, and pointed me to a Seat over-against -him.</p> - -<p>"<i>Ned</i>," saith he, "what is to be looked -for, when the very Heavens above, -though without articulate Voice or -Sound, proclaim coming Judgment? -Two Suns shining at once i' the Firmament! -The Bow of Mercy, not -indeed withdrawn, but <i>reversed</i>; the -Bow turned downward and the two -Ends standing upward! Didst see -it?"</p> - -<p>I said, I did; it had puzzled the Wise -and affrighted the Weak.</p> - -<p>"Well might it do either or both," -quod he. "Well! ... we shall see -what comes of it. These Foreshadows -are sometimes sent in Mercy, that -thoughtful People may prepare. 'Fearful -Sights and great Signs shall there -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">{173}</a></span> -be from Heaven.' 'And when these -Things begin to come to pass, lift up -your Heads, for your Redemption -draweth nigh.' 'And he that endureth -unto the End, the same shall be saved.' -'Settle it therefore in your Hearts not -to meditate beforehand what ye shall -answer; for <i>I</i> will give you a Mouth -and Wisdom that all your Adversaries -shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.' -'In your patience possess ye your -Souls.'"</p> - -<p>"<i>Tomkins!</i>" cried I, filled with sudden -Admiration, "thou couldst not always -have thus quoted and applied the -Bible!"</p> - -<p>"Lad," quod he, "Times are altered. -I don't suppose there was ever a quiet, -fair-spoken Man nearer the Edge of -the Pit of Destruction than I was, a -few Years back. Just as I was trifling -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">{174}</a></span> -on the Brink, <i>a Child's</i> Voice called -me back. <i>Ned!</i> 'twas thine. I had -known, for Months and Years, what -'twas to lie down with a Heart ill at -Peace with <span class="smcap">God</span>. He that is very glad -to get into a good and safe Covert, will -not waste his Time in dallying with -too curious Subtleties. Since I have -gone the Way I should, Years have -seemed like Days! I have tasted the -<i>Life of Life</i>: yet never was more ready -to lay it down at my Master's Feet! -'Tis all I have to give him!"</p> - -<p>"I hope," said I, after a Pause, "there -will be no Need."</p> - -<p>"But what have we to expect?" quod -he. "Here's the Mass and all its Mummery -revived on every Hand, Mass -Priests set in the Place of godly -Preachers, and good Men deprived and -cast into Prison. <i>Philip</i> of <i>Spain</i> and -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">{175}</a></span> -Cardinal <i>Pole</i> will presently sweep all -before them, and make a clear House -on 't! Do you remember—but, peradventure -'twas before thy Time—Master -<i>Chester</i> coming to Master <i>Hewet</i>, -and putting it to him what he should -do with a 'Prentice Lad of his, one -<i>Lawrence Saunders</i>, whom he had overheard -hard wrestling in Prayer, and -found wholly given to spiritual Contemplation -and the reading of godly -Books? Master <i>Hewet</i> advised his -cancelling his Indentures and sending -him to <i>Cambridge</i>, which he did; and -the good Youth did no small Credit to -his kind and enlightened Master. But, -last <i>October</i>, <i>Ned</i>, he preached a Sermon -in <i>All-hallows'</i> Church, the pure Doctrine -whereof brought him into Trouble; -for <i>Bonner</i> and the Chancellor called -him a frenzy Fool and committed him -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">{176}</a></span> -to Prison, where he hath lain, in great -hardness, ever since; nor will come -forth, I fear me, except to be burned. -Then there's good Bishop <i>Hooper</i>—"</p> - -<p>"Ah," said I, "when he was committed -to the <i>Fleet</i> last <i>September</i>, he -had nothing for his Bed but a little Pad -of Straw and a rotten Covering, with -a Tick and a few Feathers therein, in -a foul and unwholesome Chamber. -And this we had from his Man <i>John -Downton</i>, Brother to our Maid <i>Damaris</i>; -whereon Master <i>Hewet</i> sent him Money -and a good Bed."</p> - -<p>"Then there's young <i>Hunter</i> the 'Prentice," -continued <i>Tomkins</i>, "was brought -up for refusing to receive the Mass -Communion this Easter. His Master -contrived to send him down to his -Father's at <i>Brentwood</i>, where he presently -fell again into Trouble for reading -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">{177}</a></span> -of the Bible that lay on the Clerk's -Desk, and was set in the Stocks twenty-four -Hours. And then they sent him -up to <i>Bonner</i>, who set him in the Stocks -at his own Gate for two Days and two -Nights, with only a Crust of Bread -and a Cup of Water; the Lad's young -Brother all the while sitting by him. -Then he was cast into the Convict -Prison, as heavily ironed as one of -his tender Years could bear, and hath -lain there ever since, with a Halfpenny -a Day for his Keep. Could -you or I shew such Constancy, think -you?"</p> - -<p>"You might, but I could not," -said I.</p> - -<p>"<i>You</i> might, but <i>I</i> might not," -sighed he—"not the Thing that will -follow."</p> - -<p>And, suddenly thrusting his Hand into -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">{178}</a></span> -the very midst of the Fire, which was -burning fiercely, he as suddenly plucked -it out; turning on me a Look I shall -never forget! It expressed the Anguish -of a Man weighed in the Balance and -found wanting. We sate for a few -Seconds in perfect and most painful -Silence; his Hand, in great Blisters, -resting on his Knee. Suddenly I started -up and laid my Hand on his Shoulder.</p> - -<p>"<i>Tomkins</i>," cried I, "what are you -thinking of?"</p> - -<p>"I was thinking," returned he with -filling Eyes, "how unworthy I was of -the <span class="smcap">Saviour</span> that died for me."</p> - -<p>"But your Hand! did not you feel -the Smart?"</p> - -<p>"My <i>Hand</i>?" cried he, starting and -looking down upon it. "<i>No, not just -then!</i> I'd forgotten it."</p> - -<p>"See! see!" cried I, "what may be -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">{179}</a></span> -the Victory of the Spirit over the -Flesh! What has been, may be -again. As our Day, our Strength -shall be."</p> - -<p>The large Tears came into his Eyes. -"<i>Ned</i>," quod he, "I will never doubt -it again."</p> - -<p>"And now," said I, "let me dress -your Hand, for I know Something -of Burns." So I went out and got -white Cotton Wool, and wrapped a great -Pad of it about his Hand, and tied it up -neatly; and, just at that Time, his Wife -came in with the Crab.</p> - -<p>"Why, what's the Matter?" cried she, -changing Colour.</p> - -<p>"Nothing at all, my Love," returned -her Husband cheerfully, "save that I've -burnt my Hand."</p> - -<p>"Ah," said she, "you wist the Handle -of the Kettle was loose.... I won't -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">{180}</a></span> -pity you at all! <i>Is</i> it a very bad Hurt, -though?"</p> - -<p>"Nothing to speak of," quod he.</p> - -<p>"Forsooth, and you couldn't smile so, -an' 'twere—only thou hast made such a -great Bundle of it. Shall I tie it up -neater for thee, Husband?"</p> - -<p>"No, sweet Heart, it does well enough. -So now for the Crab.... And so -young Mistress <i>Anne</i> is in the Country?"</p> - -<p>"At the Hall," quod I, "with her -Uncle."</p> - -<p>"Ah," sayth he quietly, "the Squire -hath two fair Sons ... I think she -will settle down there one of these -Days."</p> - -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">{181}</a></div> - -<h2>CHAPTER X<br /> <i>Evil Times bring Evil Crimes</i></h2> - -<div> - <img class="drop-cap" src="images/drop-i.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="I"/> -</div> - -<p class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">I love</span> -not to think of -that Year: still less of -those which followed -after it! In <i>July</i>, <i>Philip</i> -of <i>Spain</i> landed on our -Shores, and as he placed his Foot for the -first Time on <i>British</i> Ground, he drew his -Sword, and carried it a little Way naked -in his Hand; which, if it meant Anything, -certes did mean no Good. The -Mayor of <i>Southampton</i> brought him the -Keys of the Town, which he took and -gave back without the least Token of -Good-will or Civility for the Respect. -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">{182}</a></span> -Five Days thereafter, his Marriage with -the Queen was solemnized at <i>Winchester</i>, -he being seven and twenty, and she eight -and thirty; and thereon they were together -proclaimed as King and Queen of -<i>England</i>. An Evil Song to <i>English</i> Ears! -But oh! the Shews and Pageants that -were got up to welcome them in <i>London</i>! -Giants, offering Addresses; our Condyts -running Wine; and what not?</p> - -<p>Thereafter, the Queen and her King -behoved to go to <i>Hampton Court</i>; where, -I will just observe, the Hall-door was -continually kept shut, so as no Man -might enter, unless his Errand were first -known; which might perhaps be the -Fashion in <i>Spain</i>, but to plain, honest -<i>Englishmen</i>, seemed very strange.</p> - -<p>About this Time there were so many -<i>Spaniards</i> in <i>London</i>, that for one <i>Englishman</i> -in the Stretes thou mightest meet -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">{183}</a></span> -four <i>Spaniards</i>, with their long, sly Slits of -Eyes, and hairy Faces; so that it behoved -<i>us</i> to keep our Hall-doors shut and look -to our Spoons, for I never heard the King -Consort undertook to stand Bail for them. -About <i>September</i> they went their Ways; -not entirely paying their Bills.</p> - -<p>About this Time, the Disaffection of -the Body Politic was betrayed by a small -Rising in <i>Suffolk</i>, soon put down. Howbeit, -it gave Occasion for a Talk of twelve -thousand <i>Spaniards</i> coming over to strengthen -the Crown. Also, from the Queen's -common Ordinary of her Household was -struck off twenty-two Messes of Meat; -which was considered to be paring the -Cheese rather close.</p> - -<p>Also, the new Coins were issued: them -that we call the Double-face. The -<i>Spanish</i> Prince, to buy good Opinion, had -brought over Heaps of Gold with him. -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">{184}</a></span> -In one Day, there came to the Tower -twenty Carts guarded by <i>Spaniards</i>, each -containing twenty-seven Chests of Treasure, -matted about with Mats. But Gold -won't buy Love: the common Talk was -how he held himself close, and lived -sullen, without ever an <i>English</i> Lord at -Court save only the Bishop of <i>Winchester</i>.</p> - -<p>Then Bishop <i>Bonner</i> began his Visitation, -to see the old Service set up, and -paint out the Scripture Texts on the -Church-walls, and set up the Images. -They say that, in conducting this Matter, -he was little short of a raging Madman, -whenever he met with any, the least -Opposition.... I think thou mayst -believe it of him, when thou hearest -what I have presently to say.</p> - -<p>Master <i>Hewet's</i> Shrievalty was out; and -never was Man better pleased to slip his -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">{185}</a></span> -Neck out of the Collar. We were sitting -peaceably together, when a Woman comes -in to him all in Tears. 'Twas <i>Tomkins'</i> -Wife, poor <i>Dinah</i>, to do us to wit that -<i>Tomkins</i>, with sundry others, had been -apprehended by Bishop <i>Bonner</i>, and taken -for Examination to his Palace at <i>Fulham</i>. -"And, unless their Manhood fail them," -quo' she, weeping, "we may give them -up for lost; for he makes the Real -Presence a Net for catching Small and -Great." We comforted her all we -could; but she spake too true a Word.</p> - -<p>The Constancy of this poor Weaver, -<i>Hew</i>, shewn under Examination, was very -notable. There were six Prisoners in all; -but <i>Tomkins</i>, perhaps on Account of his -being the elder of them, was brought -most forward. To intimidate these poor -Men the more, Bishop <i>Bonner</i> had got -together a goodly Muster of his Clergy -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">{186}</a></span> -and Friends, Dr. <i>Chedsey</i>, Master <i>Harpsfield</i>, -and others. Beginning the Attack, -according to his Wont, with the Real -Presence, he put it to <i>Tomkins</i> whether -or no he believed in Transubstantiation. -On <i>Tomkins'</i> meekly but firmly confessing -he did not, and giving his Reasons for -that Confession, <i>Bonner</i> struck him on -the Face with his Fist, and violently tore -out a Handful of his Beard. <i>Tomkins</i> -bare this in Silence, remembering Him -who stood before <i>Caiaphas</i>. Then <i>Bonner</i>, -lashing himself up, began anew to question -him; and being still unable to catch -him in his Talk, he seized him by the -Wrist; and holding his Hand over a -lighted Candle of three or four Wicks -that stood on the Table, savagely kept it -there till the Veins shrank and the Sinews -burst.</p> - -<p>"But, <i>Ned</i>," quoth this meek Martyr, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">{187}</a></span> -telling me of it in <i>Newgate</i>, "though one -of the Bishop's own Friends that stood -by turned so sick that he cried, 'Hold! -enough!' I affirm unto you that I was -so rapt, and in such immediate Communion -with my <span class="smcap">God</span> and <span class="smcap">Saviour</span>, -that, <i>at that Time</i>, I felt or was sensible -of no Pain! I say not I felt none -afterwards: I feel it now. But ne'er-theless, -I tell thee, <i>Ned</i>, I am ready not -only to suffer this, but also to die for -the Name of the <span class="smcap">Lord Jesus</span>, if it be -his Will."</p> - -<p>And many other such godly and comfortable -Words he spake, both then and -during the next six Months; for I was -continually with him. And, during all -that Time, his Courage never waxed faint, -but he bare that long Probation and Suspense -patiently and cheerfully; never -rising into Rapture, but full of Love and -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">{188}</a></span> -Hope; and grateful exceedingly unto -Master <i>Hewet</i>, for keeping his Wife and -Child in Bread all that Time.</p> - -<p>Then saw I, how diverse, yea, how inferior -is that Sort of instinctive animal -Courage which made me leap from -<i>London Bridge</i>, from that moral Courage -which enableth a Man kept low, and -contumeliously treated, to support, by -the Space of half an Year, the Prospect -of a cruel and lingering Death.</p> - -<p>—Ah, Boy, thou mayest say what -thou listest:—thou art a young Soldier.—Besides, -thou hast <i>both</i> Sorts; one, -maybe, from me; and one from <i>her</i>.</p> - -<p>And now, to crown all, came over -Cardinal <i>Pole</i>, whom our <i>Spanish</i> King -came down to the Water-side to meet, -so soon as he had learned he had shot -the Bridge. But in Faith, <i>Hew</i>, he was -not so evil as the others. He was no -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">{189}</a></span> -longer the Man for whom Queens might -die in Love; still less the Youth that -had bandied Jests with <i>More</i> and <i>Erasmus</i>:—he -had known Sorrow, I wot!—his -Mother, his Brother, his Cousin, had -been brought with Sorrow to their Graves; -and albeit his Friends did say of him he -should be called <i>non Polus Anglus, sed -Polus angelus</i>, he carried his Sadness in -his Face.</p> - -<p>And now, the Church and Realm of -<i>England</i> were proclaimed reconciled to -the Pope of <i>Rome</i>, the slavish Parliament -put its Neck under the Queen's Foot, -there was great singing of <i>Te Deum</i>, and -great kindling of Bone-fires;—Alas! there -were to be other Bone-fires soon.</p> - -<p>The New Year opened ominously. -About thirty Citizens, Men and Women, -privately receiving the Communion of -Mr. <i>Rose</i>, their Minister, in a House in -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">{190}</a></span> -<i>Bow Churchyard</i>, were haled to Prison. -For thou seest, <i>Hew</i>, Romanism had now, -through the Slavishness of our Parliament, -been re-established as <i>the Law of -the Land</i>, which all Friends of good -Order were bounden to uphold; wherefore -those were constrained to break it -and be classed as bad Citizens who chose -rather to abide by <i>the Law of</i> <span class="smcap">God</span>—a -Dilemma that ought never to have happened. -They that are set in foremost -Places are bounden to stand in the Breach, -that Evil ensew not unto them whose -Place is behind them.</p> - -<p>Now, see in what a Strait was Master -<i>Hewet</i>. He and every other Alderman -had to attend <i>Paul's</i> Church on <i>Paul's</i> -Day, where the King and Cardinal came -in great State, to give Thanks for the -Re-conversion of the Realm to the Roman -Catholic Church. This was on the 25<i>th</i>; -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">{191}</a></span> -and on the 28<i>th</i>, the Bishops had Commission -from the Cardinal to try all such -Preachers and Heretics as lay in Prison. -By Virtue whereof, <i>Gardiner</i> and the other -Bishops had up before them that very -Day, Bishop <i>Hooper</i>, Mr. <span class="smcap">Rogers</span>, Mr. -<i>Cardmaker</i>, and others, in the Church of -St. <i>Mary Overy</i>. I stood, with others, at -the Church Door, to see the Prisoners -come out. They were remanded to the -Compter in <i>Southwark</i> about four o' the -Clock, just as 'twas growing dark, till -nine the next Morning; and as they came -forth, I saw good Bishop <i>Hooper</i> look -back and wait a little for Master <i>Rogers</i>, -whom, when he came up, he cheerfully -addressed with, "Come, Brother <i>Rogers</i>, -must we two take this Matter first in -Hand, and begin to fry these Fagots?" -"By <span class="smcap">God's</span> Grace, Sir," quod <i>Rogers</i>, "we -will." "Doubt not," returns the good -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">{192}</a></span> -Bishop, "but <span class="smcap">God</span> will give us that." -And so passed on, Hand in Hand, -much cheered and pressed on by the -People.</p> - -<p>Next Day, they were re-examined and -condemned and degraded. The Sheriffs -had much ado to guard them to the <i>Clink</i> -in <i>Southwark</i>, where they kept them in -Ward till Dark, hoping the Throng would -disperse or ere they brought them across -the Bridge to <i>Newgate</i>. Howbeit, about -eight o' the Clock, I being alone and -busied, heard a great Rumour, followed -by sharp, shrill Cries along the Bridge, -and Master <i>Hewet</i>, stepping in, all in -a Heat, sayth, "Lights! Lights!" I -mutely gave him mine, and fetched -another, and we stood at the Door, protecting -the Candles from the Wind with -our Hands. Others were hastily bringing -Candles to their Doors; and still we -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">{193}</a></span> -could hear Men and 'Prentices running -forward and crying "Lights!"</p> - -<p>"They thought to do a Deed of Darkness -in the dark," quod Master <i>Hewet</i>, -wiping his Brow, "and to smuggle them -across to <i>Newgate</i> under cover of the -Night; and so sent forward to have -all the Candles at the Costermongers' -Stalls extinguished ... but, if they're -ashamed of their Work, let them -abye it!... <span class="smcap">God</span> speed you, Master -<i>Hooper</i>! <span class="smcap">God</span> save you, Master <i>Rogers</i>! -The Blessing of <span class="smcap">God</span> be on you and on -all like you!"</p> - -<p>"The same to you all, dear Friends!" -responded the cheerful Voice of the good -Bishop as he passed. "The <span class="smcap">Lord</span> have -you all evermore in his keeping."</p> - -<p>And then Master <i>Hewet</i> went in and -covered his Face and wept.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/217-img.jpg" width="400" height="553" alt="Wept"/> - <div class="caption"> - <p class="small cursive">J Jellicoe</p> - <p class="cursive">"Covered his face & wept"</p> - </div> -</div> - -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">{194}</a></div> - -<h2>CHAPTER XI<br /> <i>The Blood of the Martyrs, y<sup>e</sup> Seed - of y<sup>e</sup> Church</i></h2> - -<div> - <img class="drop-cap" src="images/drop-i.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="I"/> -</div> - -<p class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">I may</span> -as well tell thee -now, <i>Hew</i>, by way of -Relief to heavier Matters, -the ludicrous Form that -<i>Miles's</i> Protestantism took. -He was never one of the most serious; -and when Master <i>Hewet</i>, at the preceding -Easter, had, on Compulsion as Alderman -of the Ward, given formal Notice to -every Householder, with their Families, -to prepare to confess and receive the Sacrament, -<i>Miles</i> sayth with a knavish Look -at me, "I must do Somewhat first, to -confess about."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">{195}</a></span> -Presently after that I heard him coaxing -Mistress <i>Fraunces's</i> white Cat with, -"Pussy, Pussy, Pussy! come to Preferment, -Pussy!" But Puss, as if she -smelt Mischief in the Wind, flew up the -Chimney. Then quod he, "Thou'rt too -good for the Purpose, after all. I must -go pay my Duty to the Sub-prioress -that lives all alone with her Cats." -Quod I, "What Mischief are you about -now?" Saith he, "If you ask no unpleasant -Questions, you'll hear no unpleasant -Answers. What if I want to -get up a little Masque of Puss in -Boots?"</p> - -<p>Next Day, at dawning, there was seen -in <i>Chepe</i>, on the Gallows that had been -set up for the <i>Kentish</i> Rioters, a Cat suspended, -apparelled like a Priest ready to -say Mass, with a shaven Crown, and her -two forefeet tied over her Head, with a -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">{196}</a></span> -round Paper like a Wafer-cake put between -them, as though in the Act of -raising the Host. Fits of boisterous -Laughter rang through <i>Chepe</i>: howbeit, -the Queen and Bishops were in great -Dudgeon; and a Proclamation was made, -that same Afternoon, that whosoever -should bring forth the guilty Party should -have twenty Nobles, which was afterwards -increased to twenty Marks: but I -need not say that nobody ever claimed it. -I think I might have put the Money in -my Pocket if I would.</p> - -<p>Howbeit, neither <i>Miles</i> nor I felt ourselves -called upon to confess to the Priest; -in special as Master <i>Hewet</i> never enforced -it on any, after the first formal Notice: -and I wot, he went not himself. Indeed, -it was marvellous, he said in after Years, -that considering how open he laid himself -to Animadversion on these Matters, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">{197}</a></span> -no Enemy took Advantage of him; howbeit, -I doubt if he had one; there were -many to make common Cause with him, -and he was much loved throughout the -Ward.</p> - -<p>But I have not done with <i>Miles</i> yet. -The next Offence his Protestantism took -was at an Idol of <i>Thomas à Becket</i>, which -the <i>Lord Chancellor</i> caused to be set up -over the Mercers' Chapel Door, in <i>Chepe</i>: -which, within two Days, had its Head -lopped off in the Night. Upon this rose -great Disturbance, and one Mr. <i>Barnes</i>, a -Mercer, who lived over-against the Chapel, -was vehemently accused by my Lord -<i>Wriothesley</i> of being Principal or Accessary -to the Deed. He defended himself with -every Semblance of Innocence; nevertheless, -he and three 'Prentices were imprisoned -for a Day or two; and, though -Nothing was proven against him, he was, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">{198}</a></span> -on his Delivery, bound in a great Sum of -Money to repair the Image so often as it -should be broken down, and also to watch -and defend the same. I should never -have suspected <i>Miles</i> of having had Aught -to do with this Matter, save for his -gloomy and guilty Looks while <i>Barnes</i> -lay in Ward, and for his great Access of -Gaiety when he was let forth. Howbeit, -there are some People whose absolute -Genius and Destiny seems to be Mischief; -and, a Day or two after the Image's -Restoration, I heard <i>Miles</i>, after pacing -up and down the Chamber awhile like a -chafed Lion in a Cage, exclaim in a Sort -of Desperation, "I must do it again!" -And next Day, the <i>second</i> Head was -missing. This Time, a hundred Crowns -of Gold were offered for Discovery of the -Culprit. But they never were claimed. -Then quod <i>Miles</i>, embracing me with an -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">{199}</a></span> -unwonted Ardour of Affection, "Ned! -thou'rt a capital Fellow!"</p> - -<p>Howbeit, <i>Miles</i> presently became absorbed -in his Love-affair, which brought -his protestant Zeal to a very ignoble -Termination. He now lodged at some -Distance from us, and kept his private -Concerns very much to himself. Having -one Day Occasion to speak to him at his -Lodging, I there found not only his -Mother, but an exceeding pretty young -Woman. "<i>Ned!</i>" quod he, "this is my -Wife; I forgot to tell you before, that -I was married!" "I've a great Mind -to forget it too!" sayth she, pouting, -as I went up to salute her, "the Saints -be my Witness!" at which, I looked -attentively at her and then at him.</p> - -<p>He followed me to the Door when -mine Errand was sped. "<i>Ned</i>," whispered -he, and coloured all over, "there'll -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">{200}</a></span> -be no more hanging of Cats!... -She's a staunch <i>Roman</i>, is <i>Nell</i>! and -I'm obliged to conform, I can tell -thee! Rely on't, there's much to be -said upon both Sides!" And this was -he, had said he was as firm as <i>London -Stone</i>.</p> - -<p>I shook my Head at him, but was not, -just then, going to attempt his Conversion. -By way of confirming myself in -the Faith, I passed on to <i>Newgate</i>, where -I saw <i>Tomkins</i>, young <i>Hunter</i>, and their -Fellow-prisoner in the <span class="smcap">Lord</span>, Master -<i>Rogers</i>, who was to suffer the next -Morning. To hear him talk, one would -have thought he saw Heaven opened, and -the bright Vision that St. <i>Stephen</i> had, -revealed to his inward Eye; and he -mightily strengthened his Brethren. His -Wife being denied Access to him, he -prayed me give her a Kerchief, the only -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">{201}</a></span> -poor Token he had to send; and to bid -her, if she had Strength for 't, to be -by the Wayside with the Children, next -Morn, on the Way to <i>Smithfield</i>. I took -her there myself; the poor Soul was -wondrously supported; and when the -good Man came by, I held one of his -little Children towards him, prompting -him to say, "The <span class="smcap">Lord</span> will strengthen -thee, Father!" Which, indeed, he -did.</p> - -<p>Well, after the Euthanasy of this -blessed Proto-martyr, who, as though to -confirm the Courage of those that came -after, did literally wash his Hands in the -Flame as if he felt no Smart, <i>Tomkins'</i> -Courage, strange to say, greatly departed -from him, and he doubted much if he -should hold firm unto the End. Thereon, -great Prayer was made for him by his -Brethren in Bonds, and, I am bold to say, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">{202}</a></span> -at one or two solitary Bed-sides: and -it came to pass, at all Events, that he -was strengthened to go through his next -Examination, with young <i>Hunter</i> and the -Rest, in <i>Paul's</i> Consistory, five Days after -<i>Rogers</i> was burned. The Lad <i>Hunter</i>, -who stood by his Brother to the Last, -heard all five Prisoners condemned to die -by <i>Bonner</i>.</p> - -<p>Thereon Mistress <i>Fraunces</i> and I went, -under Shadow of Evening, to <i>Tomkins'</i> -Wife. She was in strong Fits, with -sundry poor Women about her; and, -leaving Mistress <i>Fraunces</i> to add to their -tender Ministrations, I went on to <i>Newgate</i>, -if haply Master <i>Hewet's</i> Name might -still serve me to have Access to my poor -Friend. Directly I saw him I knew, by -the mild steady Light in his Eye, that -his Courage was safe! "<i>Ned</i>," quod he, -"I was given over a little While unto -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">{203}</a></span> -Darkness, just to let me feel that the -Strength within me was none of mine; -but now, my Friend hath come back -to me, and I rejoice in his Light! -Soon we shall be eternally together; -and oh! how much we shall have to -tell and to hear. Little will it matter, -then, whether my Ashes were scattered -to the four Winds, or collected in a -stone Jug like a <i>Roman's</i>. Direct poor -<i>Dinah</i> to the seventy-seventh Psalm; I -know it will comfort her. Dear Master -<i>Hewet</i> will keep her from Want; and -she will presently retire to her Friends -in the Country. So, thou seest, I have -no Fear for Temporalities! Look! she -hath made me this long white Shirt to -wear to-morrow; my Wedding-garment, -I call it. Tell her every Stitch she set -in it evidenced her Faith, as every Blow -wherewith <i>Abraham</i> clave the Fagots -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">{204}</a></span> -whereon to offer his Son, proved his. -And a lighter Sacrifice is exacted of her, -for she hath not to slay me, only to resign -me. And now, good speed, good <i>Ned</i>.... -Don't be at <i>Smithfield</i> to-morrow, -only stand by the Way as I go along -... thou hast risked too much for me -already."</p> - -<p>In Sooth I ne'er thought twice of the -Risk; but I doubted whether what he -could bear to <i>feel</i>, I could bear to <i>see</i>. I -stood over-against the Door as he came -forth; our Eyes met; and in a Tone -that had Somewhat of Musicalness in it -that searched and sank into the very -Heart, he sayth, "The Night is far spent, -Lad! the Day is at Hand!"</p> - -<p>Those Token-words drew me irresistibly -after him. I felt no Fear, no -Horror just then; only that our two -Souls clave together, and that mine must -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">{205}</a></span> -keep near his till 'twas caught up. So I -kept a little in advance, and eyed him -now and then, that he might just see I -stood by him; and I think it gave him -Pleasure, for I once heard him say, "The -Presence of a Friend, that cleaveth to -us unto Death, how good is it!"</p> - -<p>But Martyrs were forbidden to make -long Speeches on Pain of having their -Tongues cut out; and indeed, their Constancy -preached enow. Wherefore this -was the last Word I heard from his Lips, -for he seemed entirely addressing himself -to another Friend whom we could neither -hear nor see. And, when he got to the -Place, I saw him put his Arms affectionately -about the Stake and kiss it, (they -all did that,) and then lay aside his poor -Weaver's Garments, prison-worn and tattered, -and put on what seemed indeed -the white Robe of Immortality, and then -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">{206}</a></span> -stand firm while they put the Chain about -his Waist. Just then a Man pushed -rudely past me with a Fagot; and there -was a Rush and a Press of New-comers -that jostled me from my Place and wanted -to feed their greedy Appetites with a -good Man's Pain as if 'twere a mere -Show. I pushed at them again, and -struggled forward, amid Blows and reviling, -and gat Sight of a Puff of Smoke, -and a bright Flame leaping up. Just -then, the Sun, breaking forth from a -stormy Cloud, shone full upon his Face, -which, looking upward with a joyous -Smile, seemed transfigured by it. I could -see no more ... mine Eyes were blinded, -my Throat choked. I pushed my Way -through the Crowd and went Home to -pray for—myself, not for him!</p> - -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">{207}</a></div> - -<h2>CHAPTER XII<br /> <i>A Snake among y<sup>e</sup> Flowers</i></h2> - -<div> - <img class="drop-cap" src="images/drop-i.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="I"/> -</div> - -<p class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">I can</span> -give thee, <i>Hew</i>, no -very connected Account of -the Rest of that Season.... -One Horror followed -another—the Land was -full of Blood, and Fire, and Vapour of -Smoke. We went softly, and lived -gloomy, and wretched, and desolate.</p> - -<p>Sometimes I wished my Turn would -come: then, dreaded it. <i>Tomkins</i> was -continually before mine Eyes. At last, -I suppose I altered so, that Master <i>Hewet</i> -sent me down to my Mother, to keep -quiet awhile in the Country.</p> - -<p>Oh! what Happiness that was! The -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">{208}</a></span> -Tears we then shed together had Healing -in them; and soon, away from all hateful -Sounds and Sights, we gave over weeping -altogether. My Mother, I found, had, in -the first Instance, outwardly conformed; -<i>kissed Baal</i>, in Fact; and then, like a good -many other timid yet well-meaning Persons, -found many Excuses to make for -having so done, which yet failed to allay -Self-disapprobation, and ended in Contrition -and Resolutions of doing so no more. -She was favourably placed for the keeping -of such Resolves; having moved out of -<i>Ashford</i>, to a remote Country-farm, too -far from a Place of Worship for regular -Attendance, wherefore she had set a-foot -a little Church within her House, that -was served, under the Rose, by a deprived -Minister harbouring in the Neighbourhood. -One of my younger Brothers, a -goodly Lad, was at School; the other, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">{209}</a></span> -a sickly Urchin, dwelt at Home, inactive -but very happy.</p> - -<p>So here I tarried, Thanks to good -Master <i>Hewet</i>! till my Mind quite regained -its Strength, as happy as a Rook -on <i>Sundays</i>, as we say in <i>Kent</i>. The -Change was so great, that my Absence -seemed much longer than it really was. -On my Return to <i>London</i>, as I rode along -<i>Kentstrete</i>, my Heart seemed to fly forward -to what, in Course of Years, had become -my very Home. And, when we were all -re-united beneath the same Roof, and I -had fallen into my old Course, with very -little Interference with the World without, -I shortly began to be ware of a deep, -new, inward Source of Happiness, that -for a While I neither could nor would -understand. Whatever I did, wherever -I went, the very Air I breathed seemed -to have a Glow, and Sweetness, and Freshness -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">{210}</a></span> -in it, whether my Errand led me -through the Skinners' Yards in <i>Budgerow</i>, -or the Butchers' Stalls in <i>Eastchepe</i>; 'twas -all the same!—let the Stretes be ringing -with Noises, there was a Song of Angels -in my Head that made me deaf thereunto. -And soon I was ware that this -new Sweetness of Living, which was -Serenity abroad, was Rapture at Home; -and so all-satisfying was it, that I took no -Care for the Morrow, nor aspired for -Aught I had not, but only coveted to go -on just as I was.</p> - -<p>Master <i>Hewet</i>, about this Time, was -full content with me, and reposed in me -more and more Trust. Whereby I became -aware that his Ventures were -becoming more important, his Connexions -more extended, his Credit higher, -his Gains greater; and yet, withal, no -Abatement of his old Rule of Simplicity -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">{211}</a></span> -and Plainness; unless with regard to -Mistress <i>Anne</i>. No Money was in Sooth -spared on her for Teaching or Dressing: -her Chambers for Night and Day had, I -believe, every Adornment that Money and -Taste could procure: if her Ornaments -were few, it was rather that she did not -affect wearing many, than that there was -Anything her Eye coveted that her Father -would not buy for her. But she was one -whom Indulgence could not spoil. Her -Money, of which she had ample Allowance -from an early Age, (it being one of -Master <i>Hewet's</i> sage Maxims, that Children -should be irresponsible Controulers -of some regular Stipend, however small, -to teach them Self-denial, Liberality, and -Charity,) her Money, I say, was freely -expended upon others, and employed in -gratifying many an innocent Taste for -Flowers, Birds, and such-like. Thus it -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">{212}</a></span> -fell, that I was now and then made Party -to some little Mystery that gave me -Pleasure she wist not she was bestowing, -for I am persuaded she was at this Time -living chiefly in a little Dream-land of -her own, peopled with none but good -Spirits and fair Prospects. It was, "<i>Osborne</i>, -dost thou care to favour me so -much as to step down to the <i>Blanche -Chapelton</i>, and slip this into the Hand of -the poor Basket-maker whose House -was burned down last Night?"—or, -<i>Edward</i>, I want to buy my Father an -Inkstand I have seen in <i>Lyme-strete</i>; -'tis of rare Fancy, and, I think, a real -Antique—a Hare in her Form, made -of some glossy, brown Substance; and -between the Hare's Ears is the Mouth -of the Inkstand.—The Shop looks not -like one I should care to enter, but 'tis -over-against the Green-gate of <i>Miguel</i> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">{213}</a></span> -<i>Pistoy</i>. Mind not the Price, but see -thou tell not even <i>Damaris</i>."</p> - -<p>Now, though Master <i>Hewet</i> so liberally -supplied her Privy-purse, there were certain -Household Expenses he made her -reckon to a Penny; and, if she were at -Fault, she had to make it good. 'Twas -pretty, and diverting, to hear these two -sometimes arguing together over their -Account-book: for Mistress <i>Anne</i> was not -a ready Reckoner, and he would by no -Means be put off with a Quip. One -Day, they were counting out their Money, -when he said, "<i>Ned</i>, this young Gentlewoman -can never attain to a competent -Knowledge of Figures. I'll give thee a -Couple of Angels to carry her on into -Practice, for I shall save Money i' the -End."</p> - -<p>So when he is gone, I say, "Come, -Mistress, the Bribe is very high ... -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">{214}</a></span> -where shall we begin? I suppose 'twill -shame you to be put too far back."</p> - -<p>"I hardly know what will be too far -back," saith she, rogueing a little—"My -Father sayeth I have done this -wrong—" and she gives me a little -Slip of Paper, inscribed with the neatest, -prettiest little Figures.</p> - -<p>"Good now!" said I, "the only Mistake -herein is,—you have essayed to -subtract the greater Number from the -less; which you know can never be."</p> - -<p>"Yes, it can be, sometimes," saith she, -quickly.</p> - -<p>"Never!" say I. "How?"</p> - -<p>"Take <span class="smcap">V</span> from <span class="smcap">IV</span> and <span class="smcap">I</span> remains!" -quod she. So I laughed, and told -her many a Spendthrift would like that -Reckoning.</p> - -<p>"Well," said I, "I suppose you desire -not to begin with Enumeration."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">{215}</a></span> -"Since your Time is so valuable," -sayth she, "you need not teach me at -all."</p> - -<p>"Nay, Mistress," say I, "count a -Million if you will! I can tarry."</p> - -<p>"How long will that take me?" quod -she.</p> - -<p>"Why," say I, "if you count a Hundred -a Minute, that is, six Thousand -in an Hour, and count at that Rate -for fourteen Hours in the twenty-four, -you may in twelve Days count -a Million."</p> - -<p>"Hold, hold!" cries she, "you will -make me puzzle-headed for a week!" -and so, runs off.</p> - -<p>Next Time I saw her alone, I say, -"Well, Mistress, are you in the Humour -for Practice?"</p> - -<p>"No," quoth she with Decision, "I -know Figures already!" And commenced -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">{216}</a></span> -tinkling on her Virginals. So, -there an End ... or might ha' been, -were any Woman two Days o' the same -Mind. But, shortly, she cometh to me -with a Tear in her Eye.</p> - -<p>"<i>Ned</i>," saith she, "what's to be done? -I gave all the Money in my Purse (there -wasn't much), to the Girdler's Widow, -hard by St. <i>Anne</i> in the Willows; and -now, I can't make up my Father's -Accounts, and shall seem unto him a -Defaulter."</p> - -<p>"Or be one ... which?" quod I. -"What is to do?"</p> - -<p>"What <i>can</i> I do?" returns she.</p> - -<p>"Marry," say I, "I can lend you the -Money."</p> - -<p>"Nay," quoth she quickly, "it would -not be right in me to take it."</p> - -<p>"You have Reason," say I. "It would -not."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">{217}</a></span> -"Then what remaineth?" she said.</p> - -<p>"Honesty afore Charity," I made -Answer. "You must ask Master <i>Hewet</i> -to deduct it from your next Quarterage, -and henceforth give not away his -Money when you have spent your -own."</p> - -<p>"He would never have grutched it!" -cries she, kindling.</p> - -<p>"Forsooth, then, all's said," quod I, -and turned to go.</p> - -<p>"<i>Ned!</i> stop," cries she, "how <i>canst</i> -thou be so ill-natured?" and began to -cry a little. "Why did you not, the -other Day, as my Father bade you, -put me on some better Method with -my Accounts?"</p> - -<p>"Why," said I, "I was about to try, -when you started off like a young Deer -from a Gad-fly."</p> - -<p>"Well," saith she, "run this up for -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">{218}</a></span> -me, at all Events, and see if there be -any Error in the Sum-total ... I shall -be grateful to you either Way."</p> - -<p>So I began,—"<i>To Groceries, four-and-fourpence</i>...."</p> - -<p>"Four-and-fourpence!" cries she, -"Four Pound four!"</p> - -<p>"'Tis here plainly set down," say I, -"as four-and-fourpence."</p> - -<p>"Oh, charming!" cries she, "then -all's straight!"</p> - -<p>And, catching the Paper from mine -Hand, she goes off with it, and I see no -more of her nor her Accounts.</p> - -<p>Only, about a Month after, Master -<i>Hewet</i> says, "Well, <i>Ned</i>, I have not paid -thee thy two Angels?"</p> - -<p>"I have not earned them, Sir," I say, -"Mistress <i>Anne</i> will none of my teaching."</p> - -<p>"In Faith, then, she has schooled -herself to some Purpose," saith he, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">{219}</a></span> -smiling, "for she is ready enough -now, both at Proportion and Practice. -What a whimsical young Lass it is!"</p> - -<p>In Fact she had, as about this Time, -that Necessity for Application to practical -Affairs which makes many Women good -Reckoners whether they have a natural -Turn for it or no. For Mistress <i>Fraunces's</i> -Health failing her a little, Mistress <i>Anne</i> -undertook the Conduct of the Household, -which the other as readily yielded unto -her, witting that the Pratique would do -her good. So she went about, demurely, -with the Keys, measuring this and weighing -that, and setting down Everything in -a little Book at her Girdle. 'Twas a -Lesson, to see her Tendance, in all duteous -Affectuousness, on good Mistress <i>Fraunces</i>, -who indeed merited of her the Love of -a Daughter, and whom she soon nursed -well. Mistress <i>Fraunces</i>, always very softhearted, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">{220}</a></span> -told me I should find she had -not forgotten my Care of her, in her Will. -Howbeit, I was thankful no Occasion -came of opening it.</p> - -<p>On my Birthday, Mistress <i>Anne</i> came to -me smiling, with her Hands behind her, -and said, "Which Hand will you have?"</p> - -<p>I regarded her earnestly, and said, "The -right Hand, Mistress."</p> - -<p>"Oh, miserable Choice!" cried she, -laughing, and throwing me a worn Glove -of her own; "hadst thou said 'Left,' -thou shouldest have had this brave new -Pair of scented Gloves!"</p> - -<p>I said, "I'm content," and took up the -cast Glove with Pleasure.</p> - -<p>"Well," sayth she, "you are too indifferent -by half about your Blunder—howbeit, -here they are for you; I bought -them of Purpose."</p> - -<p>So I bowed reverently and took them -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">{221}</a></span> -in my Hand; but, when she was gone, I -put the other in my Bosom.</p> - -<p>Another Time, I was arranging a Sunshade -for Mistress <i>Fraunces</i>, in the blue-buckram -Chamber, when Mistress <i>Anne</i> -calleth me into the Balcony to look at -some sunset Clouds, which she likened -unto an Oliphant with a Princess on its -Back, and to Armies and Fairy Palaces -and such-like, till I told her if she span -any more of her gold Cobwebs about me, -I should be unable to leave the Balcony. -Without heeding me, she giveth a great -Sigh, and says, "There's one Thing I -should like, that I know my Father -would forbid. Pshaw, <i>Ned!</i> thou needs -not look so surprise-stricken! 'tis but to -have my Fortune told, by a real Fortune-teller."</p> - -<p>"And so double your Sorrows and -deaden your Pleasures, Mistress?" say -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">{222}</a></span> -I. "Ah, no, 'tis bad tampering with unlawful -Quests."</p> - -<p>And then I told her a Tale current in -the Part of the Country I came from, -of a Lady who would dabble in Things -supernal; and how her Fore-knowledge, -actual or phansied, bred in her -such Impatience of her present Lot and -Greediness for Things to come, as to lead -her to poison her Husband. And how -the Grass would ne'er grow over his -Body, but left the exact Outline of it, -Arms, Legs, Feet, Hands, traced out -a-top of his Grave; as may be seen -this Day: and how she, a likely and -well-favoured Woman, finding herself -viewed askance by all, albeit no Crime -could be proven against her, did call on -Heaven to make her as thin as a Willowwand -if she had any hidden Guilt upon -her Soul; and how from that self-same -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">{223}</a></span> -Day she peaked and pined, dwindled, and -fell away, till there was no Substance, so -to speak, in her; for a Child might ha' -carried her, she was the Lightness of one -of Mistress <i>Anne's</i> satin Slippers.</p> - -<p>At the End of this Tale, Mistress <i>Anne</i> -drew a deep Breath, and, saith she, "<i>Ned</i>, -thou wert always a marvellous Recounter!—Tell -me another Tale, as -moving as the last." So I told her -another and another; till the Stars began -to come out; and a Singer in a Boat lying -a little Way off began to sing—</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> - - <div class="verse quote">"What though thine Eyes be like the Sun</div> - <div class="verse">That lights up all he looks upon—"</div> - -</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>"Whose can those be?" quod she. -"Aye! whose, indeed?" said I. But I -thought I knew.—Thus, in honeyed -Sweetness, lapsed Day after Day.</p> - -<p>But it came to an End. I found at -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">{224}</a></span> -last, whether I would shut mine Eyes or -no, whether I would give Ear or feign -Dullness, that I was seeing, hearing Nothing -but Mistress <i>Anne</i>. At first, I -would not attend to this; then said (in -<i>Answer</i> to Something,) "What Harm?" -But yet Something answered back again, -There <i>is</i> Harm. Then quod I, To -whom? There is none, nor never shall -be to any save myself, and the only Harm -to me is the Pain; and if the Pain is a -Pleasure, or I choose to bear it and count -it as such, where's the Harm and where's -the Wrong?</p> - -<p>But the Pleasure was gone. At least, -there was so much Pain overlying it, that -it was crushed down and smothered, and -struggling to get free of its Burthen. -Then I asked myself what this was about, -and whither could it tend, and what had -I lost that I had had before, that made -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">{225}</a></span> -me seem a different <i>Ned Osborne</i>? Also, -why did I bring Shame on myself and -bring Master <i>Hewet's</i> keen Observance on -me by such and such a Blunder in my -daily Charge? Was his Eye altering -towards me? Would it not needs alter, -did he wit the foolish, impossible Things -I spent the best (the <i>worst</i>) of my Time -in dreaming of? Oh! my Heart would -not bear it! There was Something eating -its Way into my Soul, as a Weevil gnaws -its Way into a Garner.</p> - -<p>—No, this could not go on. I thought -over it and took my Part; and after -watching and letting slip many Opportunities, -I at length, in Desperation, took -the very first that came next, and stood -beside Master <i>Hewet</i> at his Desk when I -wist that no Other was or would soon -be within Earshot; and said, "Master, I -must go."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">{226}</a></span> -"Whither, Lad?" quod he, surprised, -yet kindly,—"On some Errand of thine -own about the Town?"</p> - -<p>I tried to get back my Voice, it faltered -so!—and said, "Away ... away from -here."</p> - -<p>"Art ill?" quod he, laying down his -Pen, and suddenly looking full at me. -"Dost thou want to go for a While into -the Country?"</p> - -<p>"No," I said, "I must go seek another -Service."</p> - -<p>"Another Service?" repeated he, with -a yet more piercing Look.—"This is -strange ... and sudden. We thought -you were so happy."</p> - -<p>"I was," said I. "Only—"</p> - -<p>"Only what?" And he waited: but -I spake never a Word mo'.</p> - -<p>"I see how it is!" cried he, suddenly -growing red, "Master <i>Groggett</i> hath -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">{227}</a></span> -tempted thee away from me, with Promise -of higher Salary. Pitiful Fellow! -I wot he hath long envied me a faithful -Servant. 'Tis against our Company's -Ordinance, to tempt a Man from his -Master! Go, however, since thou wilt, -ungrateful Youth!—thy Fidelity hath -been undermined; thou hast never apprized -our Kindness, hast never loved -us!"</p> - -<p>This unloosed my Tongue, and I said, -"I have felt, if I have not deserved your -Kindness, Master <i>Hewet</i>. No one hath -tempted, nor could tempt me away, and -I but seek to go for that I love you e'en -too well."</p> - -<p>"How can you love us too well?" -quod he distrustfully.</p> - -<p>—"<i>One</i> of you," I said, faltering.</p> - -<p>"<i>Anne</i>?" cried he. And saw it in my -Face.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">{228}</a></span> -—"Well, Lad," quod he, softer, "no -Need to blush scarlet nor weep, where -no Shame lieth. <i>That</i> would be in <i>not</i> -loving her, I think. You may love too -much, you can't love too well."</p> - -<p>"Too well for my Peace," quod I, -turning my Head away—"You had better -let me go."</p> - -<p>"Well, I think not," quod he, after a -Pause of some Length. "Go to what? -To another House, where Everything -will be worse for thee, save that <i>Anne</i> -will be not only out of Reach but out -of Sight. You must perforce conquer -yourself <i>then</i>, you know. Try to conquer -yourself <i>now</i>."</p> - -<p>"I don't think I can," I said; so -huskily, that he made me repeat it -twice.</p> - -<p>"You meant to try, I suppose," quod -he, "when you spake of going away."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">{229}</a></span> -"Yes, Master."</p> - -<p>"Well, try here:—for a little While, -that I may think where to place you. -<i>Ned!</i>—I have had some Trial of thee; -I have tested thee, and I have trusted -thee. Don't betray my Trust in this -Matter."</p> - -<p>I said, "I will not."</p> - -<p>"And do thou," quod he, with all his -old Kindness, "trust in me. I shall do -what, on Deliberation, I think best for -you. And stay thyself with this Reflection: -that if thou wert the first -Noble in the Land, sueing for my -Daughter, I would not, in these her -so early Days, give her to thee. Keep -a brave, honest Heart, and take Things -quietly. You have not been such a -Knave as to speak to her?"</p> - -<p>"No, Master."</p> - -<p>"Your Word is enough," quod he, and -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">{230}</a></span> -left me. I put my Head down on mine -Arms and shed hot Tears that had no -Relief in them. Just then, I felt a kind -Hand laid with strong emphatic Pressure -on my Shoulder. I kissed it, in Sign of -Reverence and Good-faith: he understood -it for such, and left me without a Word. -And I went on mine Affairs with a -lightened Heart.</p> - -<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">{231}</a></div> - -<h2>CHAPTER XIII<br /> <i>Master Hewet ordereth Things discretely</i></h2> - -<div> - <img class="drop-cap" src="images/drop-t.jpg" width="100" height="102" alt="T"/> -</div> - -<p class="drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">Two</span> -Days after this, Master -<i>Hewet</i> sent me to <i>Antwerp</i>. -I abode there six Months, -transacting his Affairs. -There was much to learn, -much to see. When I returned Home, it -was with a strong Heart. Directly I saw -Mistress <i>Anne</i>, I felt that I loved her as -much as ever; but I also felt that I could -rule myself. She cried, "Oh, <i>Osborne</i>, -thou art returned at last! How glad I -am!" with her dear, innocent Eyes fixed -brightly on mine; and forthwith began -to tell me that one of her Dormice had -died, and to ask me to get her another. -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">{232}</a></span> -I told her I had brought her a Guinea-pig; -she thanked me, but said she did -not think she should like it as much as -the Dormouse.</p> - -<p>I found that some Change in Household -Arrangements had been made in -mine Absence, whereby my old Quarters -were pre-occupied; and that Master -<i>Hewet</i> had taken a Lodging for me at the -Barbitonsor's over the Way; where, in -Sooth, both Master <i>Soper</i> and the young -Women failed not in Aught that should -be for my Comfort, and at very reasonable -Charges. Howbeit, an Alarm of Housebreakers -soon recalled me to mine old -Post again, save that I had the Attick in -Place of the Loft; every Woman in the -House thinking it safe with me and unsafe -without me. And Master <i>Hewet</i> said -I made the old Place look more like -itself.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">{233}</a></span> -Now, mark me, <i>Hew</i>! Thus went I -on <i>for three whole Years</i>, and ne'er once -lost Hold of my Stay. What Man hath -done, Man may do. I was not like one -working on Hope, for I had had none -given me. I say not that I was always -borne up to High-water Mark. Questionless, -there were daily Ebbs and Flows; -and ever and anon, a mighty, powerful, -rushing Wind would come, and drive -back the Current on an Heap, leaving -bare the stony Channel; till after a While, -with strong Recoil, it came hurrying -back, ready to sweep all before it. But, -<i>I never let go the Rope</i>! Many Waters -cannot quench Love, neither can the -Floods drown it. Deep might call -hoarsely unto Deep, but not prevail....</p> - -<p>Speak as if I felt it? Why, I <i>do</i>! -I am an oldish Man now, at least you -think me not over young; but there are -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">{234}</a></span> -some good and pure Feelings, Lad, thou -wilt never become dull to, so long as -thou keepest thy Heart with all Diligence. -And the best of it is, that whilst -those Feelings, so far as they were pleasant, -are pleasant still, the Pains, then so -bitter, that came from keeping down all -that was wrong with a strong Hand, are -now Pleasures too!—that are recalled -over and over again: when, maybe, we -seem cogitating or dozing. Give me thy -Hand, Lad: I see you believe me.</p> - -<p>So did Master <i>Hewet</i> believe me. We -were, I fancy, often thinking at the same -Time of the same Matter; but thereof -spake we none. I was not watched; -neither did he make a Shew of not -watching me: only gave me daily Proofs -of a deepening and enlarging Confidence. -I heard him say one Day to one of his -fellow Aldermen, ere the Door was well -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">{235}</a></span> -closed behind me, "It were a poor Word, -Master <i>Bowyer</i>, to say I could trust that -young Man with untold Gold."</p> - -<p>But those Ebbs and Flows I spake of -... sometimes they arose from mine own -unmanageable Thoughts, I wist not why -nor wherefore; sometimes from the Approach -of this or that Suitor ... for, -towards the End of the Term I named, -there were full many, I promise you; -though, for the most Part, not dangerous -ones: sometimes from Mistress <i>Anne</i> herself, -who began to have <i>her</i> Ebbs and Flows -too, both of Spirits and Temper; and who, -when some of her Suitors, more unpleasing -unto her than the Rest, did make Suit -to her with Over-boldness, would become -pettish and captious, not only with them -but with me and with every one else.</p> - -<p>In one of these little Humours, she -accused me of being less regardful of -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">{236}</a></span> -pleasing her than any one in the House: -I would do Nothing for her. I said there -was Nothing I would not do. She said -that was fine Talking. I said, Would -she prove me? She was leaning over the -Balcony at the Time; and, looking down -therefrom, said, Would I bring her that -yellow Fumitory that grew in the Cleft -of the Bridge-buttress? I looked at it -and then at her, and said gravely, it could -not be done without imperilling of Life, -but that if she bade me, I would try. -She said, turning red as she spake, she <i>did</i> -bid me. Then I said I would take my -Reward beforehand, as I might not be -fortunate enough to come back. And -kissed her Hand, and the same Instant -was over the Parapet. She cries, "Oh -<i>Edward</i>, stay!" and gives a Scream that -rings through my Ears and makes People -look forth of their Casements. I was -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">{237}</a></span> -hanging by my two Hands to the Ballusters, -seeking some Ledge for my Foot; -but, seeing her white Face, and knowing -she had sent me on a sinfully reckless -Errand, I, without more Ado, gave a -sudden Spring back into the Balcony. -She meanwhile, in the Buckram-chamber, -had hidden her Face in her Hands, and -was weeping bitterly. I was never so -near losing Command of myself as that -Time.</p> - -<p>'Twould amuse thee—it amuses me,—to -pass in Review all her Suitors of that -Season. There was Master <i>Bolsover</i>, the -Merchant-tailor—young <i>Bowes</i>, the Goldsmith, -Son of Sir <i>Martin</i>—<i>Guy Burrell</i>, -the Clothworker;—pretty near all the -great Companies, except the Fishmongers', -had their Representative, I think.—Then, -for the Court, there were <i>Ralph de Cobham</i>, -a Spendthrift, <i>Lancelyn Ferrars</i>, and -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">{238}</a></span> -a sixth Cousin of the <i>Percies</i>. These -all came and went, like Players in a -Droll.</p> - -<p>Meantime, I came and went, too; ... -to <i>Leeds</i>, to <i>Halifax</i>, to <i>Norwich</i>, to <i>Stratford</i>; -and again to <i>Cales</i>, <i>Abbeville</i>, and -<i>Antwerp</i>. Master <i>Hewet</i> supplied me -with plenty of Money, and kept me -abroad longer than before. I had Time -to look at Pictures and Churches, and to -learn to speak the Tongues of the Countries -I abode in with some Fluency. I -had Introductions to Merchants of the -Staple, among whom were Men as -friendly and enlightened as any I ever -knew.</p> - -<p>When I learned that Queen <i>Mary</i> had -deceased, and that our gracious Lady -<i>Elizabeth</i> was set on the Throne in her -Stead, I thought it hard to be still kept -from Home, where Terror and Tears had -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">{239}</a></span> -now given Place to Joy and Gladness. -Howbeit, Master <i>Hewet</i> would still keep -me Abroad, on some Affairs that seemed -of less Moment to me than they did to -him.</p> - -<p>I set my Face towards <i>England</i> at last, -with a greater Longing for Home than -I had ever had before. That Home was -now changed: Master <i>Hewet</i> had removed -into a goodly Mansion in <i>Philpot -Lane</i>, fit for a Merchant Prince, and -plainly yet nobly furnished. His Household -was also increased by the Addition -of several new Servants; but the House -on the Bridge was still his House of -Business.</p> - -<p>I know not when I had so desired to -see his Face, and to breathe the same -Air with Mistress <i>Anne</i>. I hastened to -<i>Philpot Lane</i>, and the first Sound I heard -on entering the House, was of a Lute, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">{240}</a></span> -rarely touched. I stood at Pause and -listened with Rapture. I thought, Oh, -what heaven-like Sounds! how sweet an -Air! how greatly hath she improved! -when, of a sudden, the Prelude, for 'twas -no more, was succeeded by a lovesick -Ballad, sung by a <i>Man's</i> mellow Voice! -Oh, my Heart seemed to leap to my -Lips, so great was the Revulsion. I -staggered as though I were shrew-struck; -and leaning against the Wall, tried to -deafen my Ears to the hateful Sound. -How all the sweet Chords seemed jangled! -Who was the Singer? and what was his -Footing here?</p> - -<p>While I put to myself these bootless -Questions, the Door at the Stair-head -opened, Voices spake Farewell, some one -came forth, a light Foot ran down the -Stair, and, or ever I was aware, or could -move off, a very young Man, habited -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">{241}</a></span> -in russet Damask and blue embroidered -Satin, handsome and of lordly Bearing, -nearly ran over me. Looking forth of -the House-door, he turned about again -and said to me abruptly, "Canst tell me -where are my People?"</p> - -<p>I made Answer, "I know not your -People's Liveries, my Lord," (for I felt -assured he was a Nobleman,) "but I saw -a Party of Men in watchet Coats, with -a spotted Dog on their Badges, at the -Lane-end."</p> - -<p>"All right," quod he, and proffered -me a Piece of Money with a good-natured -Air; but I drew back, on which -he looked surprised, gave me a second -Look, slightly bent his Head, and went -forth.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/267-img.jpg" width="400" height="551" alt="004"/> - <div class="caption"> - <p class="small cursive">J J</p> - <p class="cursive">"Proferred me a Piece of Money"</p> - </div> -</div> - -<p>I saw he had offered me a Gift, mistaking -my Degree; but what I could -not help chiefly noting was, the exceeding -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">{242}</a></span> -smallness of the Coin. I marvelled -so fine a young Gentleman could proffer -so mean a Gift. "Ah," thought I, "'tis -the City Wealth brings these Gallants -so far east. A Bag of Gold would be -as welcome to them tied round the -Neck of <i>Damaris</i> as of sweet Mistress -<i>Anne</i>. 'Tis for their own Ends they -hawk low, like a Swift for a Dragonfly."</p> - -<p>Then I leaned against the Wall for -a Moment, and said within myself, "O -God, I have Everything that is dear -to me at Stake. However my Patience -may be tried, yet make me patient, I -beseech thee: I know it is the Thing -of all others in which I am most to -seek; yet let me, as at this Time, -struggle with myself not in vain, O -<span class="smcap">Lord</span>."</p> - -<p>Then I ran nimbly up-stairs, into the -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">{243}</a></span> -pleasant Summer-chamber the young -Lord had just left. Therein found I -Mistress <i>Anne</i>, hanging in a thoughtful -Posture, over a Posy of rare Flowers on -the Table. Starting when she saw me, she -said, "Oh, <i>Osborne</i>, is it you?" and blushed.</p> - -<p>I stood at Pause, without a Word to -proffer. Quod she, "I am glad thou -art safe returned—hast thou seen my -Father?" I said, "No, Mistress. -Have you fared quite well since I -left?" She saith, "Quite well." Then -I said, "What rare Flowers! shall I -bring you some Water for them?" -"No," quod she carelessly, "they are -scarce worth the keeping." "Scarce -worth the keeping!" quod I, "nay, -they are not such as are to be bought -in a <i>London</i> Herb-market.... Divers -of them, these Coronations for Example, -must have come from far." "They all -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">{244}</a></span> -come from far," quod she, "but what -of that? I like them none the better." -And commenced pulling a Gilly-flower -to Pieces. I said, "I am glad I am not -that Gilly-flower." She saith, "Why?" -But I made no Answer, for how witted -I that I was any better prized? So I -turned to go; and just as I gained the -Door, I heard her softly say, "<i>Edward!</i>" -Then I stayed. She saith, "You will -find my Father in his Closet;" and so, -passed me with the Flowers in her Hand; -and I saw that her Eyes were full of -Tears ready to shed. When she was -gone, I went back and took up some of -the Gilly-flower Leaves she had scattered, -and kissed them. Just then enters -Master <i>Hewet</i> from his Closet beyond, -wherein he might ha' heard every Word -had been said; but there was Nought to -be shamed of, if he did.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">{245}</a></span> -He saith, "<i>Ned!</i> I am glad to see thee, -Lad! How well thou look'st! And -yet, now I observe thee more narrowly, -thou look'st amiss. Hath Aught gone -wrong? Nay then, that's well. Methinks, -with thine Allowance, thou -mightest go a little braver; which is -what few young Men need the egging -on to ... and yet thou gracest whatsoe'er -thou hast on."</p> - -<p>Then he told me what he called the -grand News of the Day—my Lord <i>Talbot's</i> -Suit to Mistress <i>Anne</i>. I said, "Oh! -Master, don't kill me," and hid my -Face in my Hands. He saith, "Why, -<i>Ned</i>, whom am I saving her for, but -<i>you</i>? Look up, Boy! He that did -save, the same shall have! I have but -one Child, and I mean to make her -happy. But mark me, <i>Ned</i>, I wot not -whether that is to be done by giving -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">{246}</a></span> -her unto mine adopted Son; nor, peradventure, -art thou any more assured of -it. Woo her then, Lad, with my free -Consent, but tell her not just yet, that -thou hast it. My Fancy—a strange -one, maybe—is to see what she will in -that Case do."</p> - -<p>I knelt, and caught his Hand to my -Lips.</p> - -<p>"Thy Father's own Son," quod he -smiling, "he had the darker Beard, thou -hast the better Eye. Thou art a Gentleman's -Son, and I am no more. Start -fair with the young Lord; he dines -with me to-day, and so shalt thou. -And now, be off with thee."</p> - -<p>I passed forth into the Stretes, not -heeding in what Direction, for my Brain -was a-fire, and I wanted to quiet it and -to think over many Things—no Place for -Solitariness like the Stretes! Then I returned -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">{247}</a></span> -to my old Quarters on the Bridge, -and looked out a Suit I had bought and -wore once at <i>Antwerp</i>, but had thought -almost too fine for Home, albe but little -garnished ... to wit, of murray-colour, -overlaid with a good silk Lace; and a -<i>Mechlin</i> Edge and Tassels to my Bands. -Thought I, peradventure the 'Prentice in -his blue Gown had most reason to be -proud of his Favour ... she kissed me -then, when she could scarce hold on by -my Hair, 'twas so short; and now it -might wind twice round her Finger.... -Then I went across to Master <i>Soper</i>, and -quod I, "Now, Master Tonsor, thou -must trim me for a Feast; but, mark -me, mine Hair was cut last in <i>Flanders</i>, -where they trim the Hair little and the -Beard close; so follow the Lead and -keep the foreign Fashion, and I'll give -thee Twopence."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">{248}</a></span> -"Marry come up," muttered he, "what -Airs these Youngsters bring from over -Seas!" And I felt I was in his power, -and that one malicious snip might put -me past Redress; howbeit, he stayed -himself with less Work, more Pay, and -acquitted himself handsomely. Then I -took my <i>Flemish</i> Beaver, and my new -Cloke across my Arm, and sallied forth; -and chancing to look back, was avised of -<i>Tryphena</i> and <i>Tryphosa</i> leaning forth of -their upper Casement to look after me. -Being caught at which, they disappeared.</p> - -<p>As I entered the House, I heard Mistress -<i>Fraunces</i> say to <i>Damaris</i>, "Be sure -they spoil not the Mortreuse," which -avised me we were to have state. Howbeit, -there was a rich plainness in Everything; -the parcel-gilt double Salt-cellar -and chased Flagons alone calling Attention -to their Cost. And though Everything -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">{249}</a></span> -set on Table was far-fetched and of -the best, far exceeding the Tables of the -best Merchants in <i>Antwerp</i>, we had not -too much nor too many of any Thing. -I could not note that Mistress <i>Anne</i> had -made any Difference for him—a few -Strings of Pearls were warped into her -Hair, and she ware her mouse-coloured -Velvet, which she never thought too fine, -with or without Company; but no Posy. -Two Men with <i>Talbot</i> Badges helped -Master <i>Hewet's</i> Men to wait; my Lord -sat next Mistress <i>Anne</i>, and I over-against -them. As we took our Places, he seemed -to remember my Face, and to be surprised -at my sitting down with him; -which Master <i>Hewet</i> noting, in a certain -haughtiness in his Air, he saith, "Mine -adopted Son, my Lord, and the Son of -mine earliest Friend.... We are all -plain People, but the <i>Osbornes</i> as good -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">{250}</a></span> -as any here sitting, saving your Lordship's -Presence." Whereon, my Lord, -recovering, pledged me.</p> - -<p>Now, Mistress <i>Fraunces</i> was so abashed -at entertaining an Earl's Son, as that -she lost all her natural Easiness, and -could bethink her of Nothing to say but -to ask him ever and anon, whether he -liked what he ate, which he professed to -do once and again, though I believe he -scarce marked the Difference of one Dish -from another. For the first Time, I -learned what the fair Speech of Lordlings -to Ladies is made of ... it seemed to me -rather a flimsy Stuff, Warp and Woof; -over-stretched and loose-wove. Then -Master <i>Hewet</i>, to leave him and <i>Anne</i> to -themselves, kept up a By-talk with me -about <i>Flanders</i>; drawing forth of me -not so much about the Staple as about -the Country, Towns, Rivers, Houses, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">{251}</a></span> -Churches, and People. I had been to -<i>Nürnberg</i>, and could tell him of the -mighty Works of Genius produced by -the Artists of the free Imperial City, and -of the Wealth and Splendour of its Merchants. -Mistress <i>Fraunces</i> was afterwards -pleased to say I took the Colour out of the -young Lord: what she intended thereby -I never clearly made out—peradventure, -being a Woman, she meant I was brown -and red, and he pink and white; for -indeed I was sore sunburned. For good -Looks, there was no Fault to find in my -Lord: he had that Easiness of Carriage -and Manner which I think none but -young Lords have. He took not much -upon him, considering what he was and -with whom; and, for the Rest, he was -pleasant, but not bright. His Hands -were womanish for Softness, and I heard -from <i>Damaris</i>, who had it from his Men, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">{252}</a></span> -that one Reason thereof was, he never -washed them in cold Water, only dabbed -them a little with a soft Napkin. Methought, -rather than that, I would choose -my Hands of a little coarser Grain. I -think he parleyed for a Quarter of an -Hour on the Christian Names of his -Ancestry, how the Heads of his House -had been alternately a <i>Richard</i> and a -<i>Gilbert</i>, a <i>Richard</i> and a <i>Gilbert</i>, for I -wot not how many Generations; and -then how the Name of <i>George</i> got in, -and then of <i>Frauncis</i>, and how he was a -<i>George</i> again ... flimsy Talk and tedious. -Mistress <i>Anne</i> sate wondrous quiet, and -once gave me, across the Table, such a -Look! Methought if she were secretly -amusing herself, I had no Need to be so -jealous unto Death as I felt.</p> - -<p>When my Lord took Leave, he, to my -Surprise, invited me to attend him a little -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">{253}</a></span> -Way. I looked at him, to be assured -there was no Mistake; and, seeing he -awaited me, I followed; Master <i>Hewet</i> -saying as I departed, "Fail not to look in -on us as thou returnest." In the open -Air, my Lord and I walked awhile without -speaking, by Reason of the People we -met; but, proceeding to a side Aisle of -<i>Paul's</i>, he spake to me of this and that, I -following his Lead, and leaving him to -start his Subject.</p> - -<p>At length, quod he, "Master <i>Hewet</i> -lives quietly ... they that save most, -shew least; ha, Master <i>Osborne</i>?" I -coolly replied, "My Lord, it may be so."—"A -rich Man," pursued he, "like a -Prophet, may have least Honour in his -own Street and his own House. Why -now, there may be many cross daily his -Threshold and have Speech of him on -ordinary Affairs, that wot not he, for as -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">{254}</a></span> -homely as he is, hath six thousand -Pounds by the Year ... am I within -the Mark, Master <i>Osborne</i>?" "Marry, -my Lord," quod I, "your honourable -Lordship seemeth to know much more -of the Secrets of his strong Box than I -do. I never yet asked of him what it -held, nor never was told." "That may -be true," quod he, "and yet you may -guess."—"But I never did guess," interrupted -I, "I know him for rich, and -liberal, and of high Credit at Home and -Abroad; and that is all." "You would -surprise me," quod my Lord, "unless it -were clear to me that you resent my -Freedom with you in this Matter." -"On my Faith, my Lord," quod I, "I -resent Nothing. I may know the -Amount and Success of this or that -Venture of Master <i>Hewet's</i>, without -having any Key to the Sum total of his -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">{255}</a></span> -Wealth; but whatever came to my -Knowledge, whether by Chance, by -Confidence, or in the Way of Business, -it is certain I should keep locked in my -Heart as faithfully as his Trade Secrets -what Time I was his 'Prentice." -"Nay, you are a good and honest Heart," -quod my Lord. "Be as honourable to -me as to him, I beseech you, and say -Nothing that shall minish me in his -good Liking." "Why should I, my -good Lord?" quod I, "our Paths lie -wide enough asunder." "Aye, but you -have his Ear," quod he, "in the Way -of daily Business, and he spake of you -as his adopted Son. If you are as a -Son unto him, his Daughter is unto you -as a Sister, and you may do a good -Turn for me, peradventure, with fair -Mistress <i>Anne</i>." "My Lord," quod I, -"we are on quite a different Footing -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">{256}</a></span> -from what you suppose, and your Suit -would gain no better Favour from -passing through my Hands." "Will -you try that?" quod he, smiling. -"Marry, my Lord, why should you put -it upon me?" quod I, "you are far -better able to make Suit for yourself ... -Earls' Sons do not commonly seek in -vain for fair Ladies' Favour."... "You -will, at least, not be my Foe?" quod he. -"No, my Lord," quod I, "unless you -give me greater Reason to be than you -have done yet: howbeit, I marvel your -Lordship should value my good or ill -Favour at a Pin's Purchase."</p> - -<p>"Ah," quod he, after a Pause, during -which we paced half the Length of the -Aisle, "there be some Things that neither -Rank nor Money can buy; and I saw -that Mistress <i>Anne</i> had you in her -Regard."—"Did you, my Lord?" cried -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">{257}</a></span> -I, "wherein did she shew it?" But he -was thinking of his own Matters rather -than of mine, therefore only said, "I -could discern it and am assured of it; -therefore be my good Friend, good -<i>Osborne</i>, and speak a good Word for me -when you can."</p> - -<p>Then taking a Ring off his Finger, he -saith, "I beseech you, accept this Ruby -for the Esteem I bear unto you ... a -mere Trifle, yet a good Stone, I assure -you—nay, Sir, be not so unkindly—'beseech -you, for my Love."</p> - -<p>I put it aside, saying, "In a Word, my -Lord, I cannot. Faith, it were well -your honourable Lordship would turn -into another Aisle, for there is a Tailor -behind yonder Pillar taking down the -Particulars of your Apparel in his Notebook, -which 'twere Pity o' my Life, -for the excellent Devising thereof, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">{258}</a></span> -should be copied and sold in a City -Frippery."</p> - -<p>He moved off with a Start and a Smile, -replacing his Ring. At the same Time -we were accosted by one of those habitual -Frequenters of <i>Paul's Walk</i>, that will sue -your Charity first, and pick your Pocket -afterwards. My Lord affected first not to -hear him, but seeing me feel for a Trifle -to be quit of him, he sought his own -Purse, which, not finding, he turned -about in some Anxiety to his Men, who -were some Way behind, and accosted -them as soon as they came up, with -"Here, <i>Cresswell</i>, <i>Jenkyn</i>! I have lost my -Purse,—hie back, one of you, to Master -<i>Hewet's</i>, where, methinks, I dropped -it." "My Lord, I will return and aid -in the Search," quod I, glad of an -Excuse for ending so troublesome a Dialogue; -albeit I thought it much more -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">{259}</a></span> -likely he had lost his Purse in the Place -we were in than dropped it at our House.</p> - -<p>However, there I was wrong, for -<i>Damaris</i> met us on our Return, saying, -"Oh yes, here is my Lord's Purse," and -gave it unto his Man. When she had -watched him depart, "'Twas hardly -worth returning for," quod she disdainfully, -"there were but three Nobles; and -albeit the Purse had a Hole in't, 'twas -not big enow for a Penny-piece to -drop through. But peradventure he was -ashamed we should see it, so was anxious -to have it back." "There's no Shame -in Poverty, <i>Damaris</i>," quod I, "if we -are not proud with it."—"Nay, I know -not," quod she, doubtfully; "Folks -always <i>are</i> ashamed of it, that's certain."</p> - -<p>In the withdrawing Chamber sate Mistress -<i>Anne</i> at her Needle, beside Master -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">{260}</a></span> -<i>Hewet</i> in his great Chair. "Now then," -thought I, "every good Angel be my -speed! I believe I can tell as well as -most whether a Man be only setting -himself to sleep, or verily and indeed -sleeping; and I see that at this present, -Master <i>Hewet</i> is truly and soundly asleep, -but yet his being at his Daughter's Side -gives me Freedom of Access unto her I -should not in other Wise enjoy, and will -now neither abuse nor neglect."</p> - -<p>So, without a second Thought, and -armed with my Possession of the Father's -private Grace, I sate down over-against -her. She said, "So soon returned?" and -began to question me of my Travel. -Then my Tongue unloosed, and I told -her how many fair Things I had seen, -how many notable People and Places, yet -how none of these had been able to damp -for one Moment my Desire to be at -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">{261}</a></span> -Home, within Sight and Sound of her. -As I went on, waxing more and more -fluent, more and more passionate, so did -her Colour wax deeper and deeper, until, -with a Look of extreme Displeasure and -Aversion, she said, "<i>Edward</i>, thou art -beside thyself ... pray let me never -more hear such foolish Talk as this—I -had better Thoughts of thee." And -arose to go. I arose too, and stayed her, -and prayed her to forgive me if I had -spoken Aught amiss,—if she did not, I -could have no Peace. She said, "I cannot -just now, I am wounded so much;" -and went away, with flushed Cheeks and -Eyes full of Tears. Master <i>Hewet</i> was -roused by her Departure, and, rubbing his -Eyes, smiled and said, "I thought <i>Anne</i> -had been here." "She is but just -gone," I made Answer; and the rest of -the Evening was sad enough.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">{262}</a></span> -Next Day, I had long Speech of Master -<i>Hewet</i>, touching foreign Affairs. He -told me of this and that Estate in <i>Yorkshire</i> -he had been buying, in the Parishes -of <i>Wales</i> and <i>Hartshill</i>, and of his minding -to send me down to see them, if I were -ready to start off again so soon. I said, -"I am quite ready, Sir." "Shortly thou -shalt go, then," quod he. "And now -take up these Letters to <i>Anne</i>, for they -concern her more than me, being -Thanks from some of her poor Pensioners." -Adding, just as I was leaving, -"Thou didst not make much way last -Night, <i>Ned</i> ..." and smiled; which -bewrayed to me that he had heard at -least Part of what was said; which I was -mad with him for, and thought not fair.</p> - -<p>And now I began to muse within myself -what a provoking Thing it was, that -when all the Obstacles I had counted insurmountable -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">{263}</a></span> -between <i>Anne</i> and me had -suddenly given Way, I should be brought -up short by herself! Certes, an' she -cared not for me, there was no more to -be said; and Master <i>Hewet</i> would in no -Ways be to blame if he gave her to -Somebody else; neither had I ever sought -nor had she ever bestowed any such -Tokens of especial and considerable Regard -as should encourage me to suppose -I had only to ask and have. And yet, -I had somehow always thought, "Only -give me my fair Chance with the Rest, -and I ask for nothing better." That -was my Conceit and Presumption. Therefore -with a very sad and sorry Aspect did -I carry up the Letters to Mistress <i>Anne</i>, -and used as few Words as need be in the -delivering of them. She on her Part -was equally dry, and gave me no Pretence -to tarry, and yet I lingered. Seeing -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">{264}</a></span> -which, and that I was about to speak, -(though I protest, on Somewhat quite as -trivial as the Weather,) she suddenly -coloured up very much and said, "<i>Edward</i>, -if you are going to talk any -more Nonsense, as you did last Night, -I would rather go away." "There's no -Need, Madam," said I coolly, "I had -not such a Thought in my Head." -On which she coloured still worse, and -sitting down again began to read her -Letters.</p> - -<p><i>Damaris</i> now came in, and began to -stitch away at a distant Window. "I -have but to say Farewell, Mistress -<i>Anne</i>," quod I, "before I start on my -next Journey." "So soon again? where -are you going?" quod she, without -looking up from her Letters. "A rolling -Stone gathers no Moss." (This was an -unkind Cut, considering her own Father -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">{265}</a></span> -set me rolling.) "To <i>Yorkshire</i>," replied -I, "and perhaps I had best say Farewell -at once, for Lord <i>Talbot</i> is coming in at -the Gate."</p> - -<p>"Oh then, <i>Edward</i>, stay!" cries she -with all her old Frankness: starting up -and dropping her Letters. As we both -stooped to pick them up, I said, "I will, -if you wish it; but are you assured you -know your own Mind?" "Quite," -said she very determinately, "so leave -me not by any Means."</p> - -<p>Then cometh in my Lord, very brave, -in blue Silk and Silver. How laughable -it was, if I could but have felt merry! -<i>Damaris</i>, questionless, was laughing in -her Sleeve. My Lord steps up to Mistress -<i>Anne</i>, with easy Assuredness, and -touches with his Lips a very pretty Fabrick -of Silk rayed with Silver, for she -gave him a gloved Hand. Then he -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">{266}</a></span> -hoped she had rested better than he had, -as in Sooth he saw by her divine Looks -she must needs have done; and he marvelled -not that Roses were at no Price to -be had just now at Court, since 'twas -plain they found a more nourishing Soil -in the City; and so forth, like a Valentine, -calling her Looks Nature's sweetest -Books, her Tresses golden Meshes, her -Voice Musick, her Favour Heaven, with -Apostrophes to <i>Venus</i> and <i>Cupid</i>, and -Asseverations that he was a Prey to a -Mind delighting in Sorrow, Spirits wasted -with Passion, a Heart torn in Pieces with -Care. To which she made Answer, that -she hoped he overstated his ill Condition. -To which he responded that if he did, -'twas <i>error amoris</i>, not <i>amor erroris</i>. With -othermuch i' the same Vein, that he cared -no Whit for mine hearing, but rather -enjoyed having another Listener while he -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">{267}</a></span> -ran off Phrases that it seemed to me he -must needs have got by Heart. I thought, -As she liketh not my Fashion, maybe she -liketh this. Howbeit, there was Nothing -in her Favour to discover whether she -did or no. So after a set Time given to -this Court-like Parry and Thrust, this -Quip and Compliment, whereby I wist -not how a Man could suppose his Suit -moved one Way or the other, my Lord -takes leave with easy Grace, as a Man -who had, in one Affair, transacted the -Business of the Day to his Satisfaction.</p> - -<p>So soon as he hath departed, Mistress -<i>Anne</i> falls a laughing, when in cometh -Master <i>Hewet</i>, looking somewhat harassed; -seeing which, <i>Damaris</i> sweeps up -her Work and departs, leaving us all with -grave Faces.</p> - -<p>"<i>Nan</i>," quoth Master <i>Hewet</i>, casting -himself into his Arm-chair, "I must have -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">{268}</a></span> -a few Words with thee of this Suitor -of thine."</p> - -<p>"We are not alone, <i>Father</i>," interrupted -Mistress <i>Anne</i>, casting a quick, -apprehensive Look towards me.</p> - -<p>"Tilly-valley," he responded, "none -other is within Earshot of us but <i>Ned -Osborne</i>, who is only an <i>alter ego</i>."</p> - -<p>"He may be thine, <i>Father</i>, but he is -not mine," quod Mistress <i>Anne</i>, somewhat -captiously, "and I pray you to defer -what you have to say to me till we are -by ourselves."</p> - -<p>"Maiden, thou art over-hasty," quod -Master <i>Hewet</i>, looking fixedly at her, -"and, in thy Fear of being over-civil -unto one who has been unto thee as a -Brother, and to whom, moreover, thou -owest thy Life, art somewhat failing in -good Manners."</p> - -<p>Her Eye sank before his, and she submissively -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">{269}</a></span> -replied, "Well, then, <i>Father</i>, -what is it thou wouldest say?"</p> - -<p>"Just this," he returned, "whether -Lord or Commoner, the Youth must -have an Answer, so soon as thou -knowest thine own Mind."</p> - -<p>"I know it already," quod Mistress -<i>Anne</i>, shortly.</p> - -<p>"What is it?" saith her Father. She -faltered for a Moment,—"Not to have -him," she replied softly.</p> - -<p>"<i>Ned</i>, thou hast thine Answer," quod -Master <i>Hewet</i>.</p> - -<p>"<i>I</i>, Sir?" quod I, starting.</p> - -<p>"Hear'st thou not?" returned he imperturbably, -"thou hast it from herself. -I told thee I but sought to make my -only Child happy,—you can't make her -so, it seemeth,—she won't have you."</p> - -<p>"<i>Father!</i> what <i>are</i> you saying?" cried -Mistress <i>Anne</i>, trembling exceedingly.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">{270}</a></span> -He looked at her, but made no -Answer.</p> - -<p>"Were you not," said she, leaning -over him breathlessly, her Dress vibrating -with the quick beating of her Heart,—"were -you not making Question of -Lord <i>Talbot</i>?"</p> - -<p>—"Lord <i>Talbot</i>? Lord <i>Marlingspike</i>!"—quod -he, "my Thoughts were as far -from him as from the City Giants! -Said I not 'this Suitor of thine'? -Whom should I think of but <i>Ned -Osborne</i>?"</p> - -<p>"You never told me before, that <i>I</i> -might," quod she, turning scarlet, and -then bursting into Tears. I sprang towards -her, but she brake away from me, -and was gone in a Moment. Master -<i>Hewet</i> leaned back in his Chair and -smiled. "Methinks, <i>Ned</i>," quod he, -"the Day is thine, this Time." And, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">{271}</a></span> -taking the Ring off his Finger, that he -had shown Lord <i>Howard</i> of <i>Effingham</i> on -the Bridge, "See," quod he, "how long I -have destined her for thee!"</p> - -<p>—Here 'tis, <i>Hew</i>—I always wear it -now. Thou mark'st the Posy:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> - - <div class="verse quote">"He that did save,</div> - <div class="verse">The same shall have."</div> - -</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>—Many a goodly Hereditament had I -with her, too ... the <i>Barking</i> Estate, -and those <i>Yorkshire</i> Lands inclusive. The -<i>Settings</i> of my Ring, Lad! no more—the -Casket that went with my Treasure—the -binding of my Book.</p> - -<p>So now thou seest how thou mayest -wait a little longer for fair Mistress -<i>Joyeuse</i>, without fuming and chafing, lest -this Hurt, got in a good Cause, should -lose thee thy Place among thy Rivals. -Tut, Lad, 'twill only grace thee in her -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">{272}</a></span> -Eyes all the more! See how Things -came round in my Case. I had not half -thy good Favour, nor the brightness that -a Sword carrieth in a Woman's Eyes. -"A plain Man, dwelling in Tents...." -Nothing more!</p> - -<p>Well, what remains to tell? We married, -we were happy? Thou knowest it, -and yet sayest, "Go on." <i>Anne</i> and I -were married early in the <i>October</i> of that -Year; and on the <i>29th</i> of that same -Month, Master <i>Hewet</i> was chosen Lord -<i>Mayor</i> of <i>London</i>, and knighted at <i>Westminster</i>. -What a Pageant we got up for -him! I was a young Husband, full of -Spirits, and ready for Anything that came -in my Way, Feasting or Fighting; in -special, then, to do Honour to him unto -whom, under Heaven, I owed all earthly -Good. So I took Council with the -Master-revellers; and, between us, we -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">{273}</a></span> -concocted as pretty a Subtlety as ever -was devised! Don't laugh, Sirrah! you'd -have thought it very fine. There was -the Symbol of our Mystery, a Golden -Ram, ridden by a little Child, cherub-like -for Beauty, followed by rustical Shepherds -and Shepherdesses with Pipes and Tabors -and flower-wreathed Crooks. Then came -the Players of the Pageant, which was -the Story of <i>Apollo</i> keeping the Flocks -of <i>Admetus</i>, and helping him to win his -fair Wife; all which was to be enacted -at the proper Time on a goodly Stage -representing a pastoral Wilderness, with -Trees, Bushes, Shrubs, Brambles, and -Thickets, interspersed with Birds and -Beasts. In the Midst, <i>Apollo</i> playing on -his Lyre: on either Side a Satyr, mopping, -mowing, and curvetting. This was, -as you may plainly perceive, altogether -diverse from and very superior to the -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">{274}</a></span> -Drapers' tasteless Pageant of <i>Salisbury -Plain</i>, whereon were assembled Shepherds, -Shepherdesses, Carders, Spinners, -Dyers, Wool-combers, Shermen, Dressers, -Fullers, Weavers, without any Order or -Propriety.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/301-img.jpg" width="400" height="548" alt="Masque"/> - <div class="caption"> - <p class="small cursive">J Jellicoe</p> - <p class="cursive">The Masque</p> - </div> -</div> - -<p>Ours was of another guess Sort, Sir! -I fancy there was some little Classicality -in it; though I say it that should not. -After the Hall Dinner, ('twas noted of -all how pretty <i>Anne</i>, the young Bride, -looked as Lady Mayoress!) the Players -having set up their Stage, <i>Apollo</i> was -discovered lying all along, a playing of -his Lyre, with his Crook cast aside and -his Sheep scattered hither and thither: -and, quod he,</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> - - <div class="verse quote">"Whoe'er may it gainsay,</div> - <div class="verse">I am the God of Day;</div> - <div class="verse">And it is also I</div> - <div class="verse">Am God of Poetry:</div> - <div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">{275}</a></div> - <div class="verse">Howbeit, 'tis my Fate,</div> - <div class="verse">Thus cast from high Estate,</div> - <div class="verse">In these poor Weeds to keep</div> - <div class="verse">The good Admetus' Sheep."</div> - -</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>—And so forth, explaining why he had -been banished from Heaven by <i>Jupiter</i>. -Entereth to him <i>Admetus</i>, not wisting -who he is, beyond his hired Servant, -whereon they parley on Things in general, -especially the Wool Trade and Clothworking, -(with a Hit, here and there, -at the Drapers.) Then the merry Sound -of Drumes and Pfiffes causeth them to -step aside behind the Trees, and there -entereth a Company of Shepherds and -Shepherdesses singing the Praises of their -fair Lady <i>Alcestis</i>, represented by a fair -Boy i' the Midst, crowned with Guirlands. -Then <i>Admetus</i> doeth <i>Apollo</i> to -wit how that he is enamoured of <i>Alcestis</i>, -whose Father will in no wise bestow her -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">{276}</a></span> -save on one that shall yoke a Boar and -Lion together in a Car. Then <i>Apollo</i>, -who hath a dark Lanthorn aneath his -Cloke wherewith he ever and anon -maketh a sudden Flare into <i>Admetus'</i> -Eyes, who wisteth not whence it cometh, -nor wotteth 'tis the sunbright Glory of -his celestial Guest, biddeth <i>Admetus</i> not -to lose Heart, for that he will accomplish -his Task for him. And thereupon -taking up his Lyre, he beginneth to -sing and play after such a transporting -Manner, that the Birds give over singing -in the Trees and hop down on his -Shoulders, the Beasts begin to glare at -him through the Thickets, and then to -gather about him, subdued unto a kind -of surly Softness,—whereon <i>Apollo</i>, giving -<i>Admetus</i> a private Nod and continuing -his playing, <i>Admetus</i> without more Ado -takes a Yoke wreathed with Flowers -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">{277}</a></span> -from one of the Shepherds, yoketh -therewith a Lion and a Boar into a -Car that is presently brought in, placeth -<i>Alcestis</i> in it, driveth her to the Feet -of her Father, (a King,) who arriveth -opportunely and can no longer say why -the Marriage should not be solemnizated; -and, their Hands being joined by him, -the Shepherds and Shepherdesses dance -about them, <i>Apollo</i> still playing; and -one and all chant a Chorus in Praise of -Clothworking.</p> - -<p>Ha! that was a notable good Pageant! -Far better than mine own, many Years -after, which I need not tell thee, Lad, -I did not devise myself. The Toy was -pretty, too, and appropriate—the Story -of <i>Jason</i>, whom I believe to have been -nothing more nor less than a Merchant-adventurer -that equipped his Ship the -<i>Argonaut</i>, and by his Traffic and Commerce -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">{278}</a></span> -carried off the Golden Fleece; that -is to say, the Trade of the World.</p> - -<p>Scarce were the Pageants over, and -Master <i>Hewet</i>, that is to say Sir <i>William</i>, -set to his daily and hard Work—(for a -Lord Mayor, <i>Hew</i>, hath no lazy Time -on't! He presides at the Sittings of -the Court of Aldermen, Common Council, -and Common Hall, is Judge of the <i>London</i> -Sessions at <i>Guildhall</i>, Justice of the Peace -for <i>Southwark</i>, Escheator in <i>London</i> and -<i>Southwark</i>, Conservator of the <i>Thames</i>, -signs notarial Documents, presides at -Public Meetings, founds Charities, is -Trustee for Hospitals, attends the Privy -Council on the Accession of Sovereigns, -and—not to weary thee with the hearing -of what I've had the doing,—sits daily -in his own Justice Room by the Space -of four or five Hours). Well, but, to -begin a new Parenthesis, have we not -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">{279}</a></span> -had some fine Fellows among us? Look -at <i>Fitz-Alwin</i> resisting one Sovereign, -<i>Walworth</i> defending another, <i>Picard</i> feasting -four Kings at his Table, <i>Philpot</i> -raising a thousand Men at his private -Charges to put down Pirates, <i>Bamne</i> relieving -a great Dearth by importing -foreign Corn, <i>Falconer</i> supplying <i>Henry</i> -the <i>Fifth</i> with the Wherewithal for his -<i>French</i> Wars, <i>Whittington</i> founding Divinity -Lectures and building <i>Newgate</i>, <i>Wells</i> supplying -the City with fresh Water, <i>Eyre</i> -building <i>Leadenhall</i> for a Public Garner, -and bestowing five thousand Marks on the -Poor, <i>Stockton</i> knighted on the Field by -his King for good Service in Battle, <i>Fabian</i> -compiling Chronicles, <i>White</i> founding a -College, and defending our Bridge; and, -not to be farther tedious unto thee, Sir -<i>William Hewet</i>, the Benefactor of every -Hospital, and of the Poor of every Parish, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">{280}</a></span> -besides bequeathing a Dowry to every -poor Maid in the Parish of <i>Wales</i> or -<i>Hartshill</i> in <i>Yorkshire</i> that should marry -within a Year of his Decease. These -Men, <i>Hew</i>, were Worthies in their -Generation! And if Master <i>Hewet</i> had -a hard Shrievalty, he had a joyous -Mayoralty, under the early Rays of that -fostering Sun, our glorious Sovereign -Lady <i>Elizabeth</i>!</p> - -<p>There is great Peace in the Land. I -say not we are better than we were, but -we are happier and more prosperous. -Sometimes I think those Days of Trial -did us good: they tried us even as Silver -is tried; the baser Metal perished. Let -us not settle on the Lees, lest a worse -Thing come upon us.</p> - -<p class="gap-above center x-small">Printed by <span class="smcap">Ballantyne, -Hanson & Co.</span><br />Edinburgh & London</p> - -<div id="box"> - -<p class="center">Works by the Author of<br />"Mary Powell"</p> - -<p class="center"><i>In crown 8vo, cloth, gilt top, illustrated by</i><br /> -<span class="smcap">John Jellicoe</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Herbert Railton</span>,<br /> -<i>price 6s. each</i>.</p> - -<ol> - - <li>The Household of Sir Thos. More.</li> - - <li>Cherry & Violet: A Tale of the Great Plague.</li> - - <li>The Maiden and Married Life of Mary Powell, afterwards Mrs. Milton; - with the Sequel thereto, Deborah's Diary.</li> - - <li>The Old Chelsea Bun-Shop: A Tale of the Last Century.</li> - - <li>The Colloquies of Edward Osborne, Citizen and Clothworker of London.</li> - -</ol> - -<p><i>The many other interesting works of this author -will be published from time to time uniformly with -the above.</i></p> - -</div> - - -<p id="auth">BY THE SAME AUTHOR</p> - -<p class="gap-above center">In crown 8vo, with Illustrations by <span class="smcap">John Jellicoe</span> -and <span class="smcap">Herbert Railton</span>, price 6s., cloth elegant, gilt top.</p> - -<p class="center"><i><b>Some Press Notices</b></i></p> - -<p class="gap-above center"><span class="large">The Household of</span> <span class="x-large">Sir Thos. More</span></p> - -<p class="small"><b>Graphic.</b>—"A picture, not merely of great charm, but of infinite -value in helping the many to understand a famous Englishman and -the times in which he lived."</p> - -<p class="small"><b>Scotsman.</b>—"This clever work of the historical imagination has -gone through several editions, and is one of the most successful artistic -creations of its kind."</p> - -<p class="small"><b>Sketch.</b>—"In the front rank of the gift-books of the season is this -beautiful and very cleverly illustrated reprint of a work which has lasting -claims to popularity."</p> - -<p class="small"><b>Magazine of Art.</b>—"The grace and beauty of the late Miss -Manning's charming work, 'The Household of Sir Thomas More,' -has been greatly enhanced by the new edition now put forth by Mr. -John C. Nimmo.... This remarkable work is not to be read without -keen delight."</p> - -<p class="gap-above center"><span class="large">The Maiden and Married Life of</span> <span class="x-large">Mary Powell</span><br /> -<span class="large">(Afterwards Mistress Milton) And the Sequel thereto, Deborah's Diary</span></p> - -<p class="small"><b>Literary World.</b>—"It is rare in these days of sensational literature, -when the demand for novels of action is supreme, to take up a book -which is so palpitating with real humanity as this, in which the good and -evil are depicted dividing their power over one heart, and not broadly -separated into heroine and villain."</p> - -<p class="small"><b>Athenæum.</b>—"Many will welcome the pretty new edition of the late -Miss Manning's most popular work."</p> - -<p class="small"><b>Gentlewoman.</b>—"Too much praise cannot be bestowed upon Mr. -John Jellicoe and Mr. Herbert Railton, whose dainty illustrations have -so well caught the spirit of the book."</p> - -<p class="gap-above center"><span class="x-large">Cherry & Violet</span><br /> -<span class="large">A Tale of the Great Plague</span></p> - -<p class="small"><b>Athenæum.</b>—"The late Miss Manning's delicate and fanciful little -cameos of historical romance possess a flavour of their own.... The -numerous illustrations by Mr. Jellicoe and Mr. Railton are particularly -pretty."</p> - -<p class="small"><b>Sketch.</b>—"A beautiful book! is the verdict, and one to read and -read again. A similar verdict is to be passed on the drawings with -which Messrs. Herbert Railton and John Jellicoe have enriched this -edition."</p> - -<p class="small"><b>Literary World.</b>—"Nearly thirty illustrations by Mr. John Jellicoe -and Mr. Herbert Railton enrich the volume, and materially help to make -it a dainty and acceptable book for presentation purposes."</p> - -<p class="small"><b>Magazine of Art.</b>—"With such a work of fiction before her as -Defoe's 'Journal of the Plague,' Miss Manning showed not only extraordinary -courage, but even a touch of genius, in approaching a similar -theme, and dealing with it charmingly and successfully. It is her own -grace and charm which have rendered this book worth preserving, fit to -place with others of our foremost women writers."</p> - -<p class="gap-above center"><span class="x-large">The Old Chelsea Bun-Shop</span><br /> -<span class="large">A Tale of the Last Century</span></p> - -<p class="small"><b>Athenæum.</b>—"A handsome reprint of Miss Manning's pleasant tale. -The illustrations add to the attractions of the volume."</p> - -<p class="small"><b>Bookman.</b>—"The illustrations are capital."</p> - -<p class="small"><b>Notes and Queries.</b>—"The work constitutes a delightful gift-book."</p> - -<p class="small"><b>Artist.</b>—"We cannot thank Mr. Nimmo sufficiently for bringing out -so charming an edition. If there is any one who does not know 'The Old -Chelsea Bun-Shop,' he must get it and read it now."</p> - -<p class="small"><b>Art Journal.</b>—"Mr. Railton's and Mr. Jellicoe's illustrations are as -refined as ever."</p> - -<p class="gap-above center small"><span class="smcap">London: JOHN C. NIMMO, 14 King William St., Strand</span></p> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's The Colloquies of Edward Osborne, by Anne Manning - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE COLLOQUIES OF EDWARD OSBORNE *** - -***** This file should be named 51557-h.htm or 51557-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/1/5/5/51557/ - -Produced by Chris Pinfield and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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