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| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 05:30:09 -0700 |
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diff --git a/7727-h/7727-h.htm b/7727-h/7727-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..69c8b8e --- /dev/null +++ b/7727-h/7727-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,31074 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + The Last of the Barons, by Edward Bulwer Lytton + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd7; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +Project Gutenberg's The Last Of The Barons, Complete, by Edward Bulwer-Lytton + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Last Of The Barons, Complete + +Author: Edward Bulwer-Lytton + +Release Date: March 16, 2009 [EBook #7727] +Last Updated: August 28, 2016 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LAST OF THE BARONS, COMPLETE *** + + + + +Produced by Tapio Riikonen and David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + THE LAST OF THE BARONS + </h1> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Edward Bulwer Lytton + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> DEDICATORY EPISTLE. </a><br /><br /> <a + href="#link2H_PREF"> PREFACE TO THE LAST OF THE BARONS </a><br /><br /> <a + href="#link2H_4_0003"> BOOK I. </a> THE ADVENTURES OF MASTER + MARMADUKE NEVILE <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. </a> THE + PASTIME-GROUND OF OLD COCKAIGNE <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0002"> + CHAPTER II. </a> THE BROKEN GITTERN <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. </a> THE TRADER AND THE + GENTLE; OR, THE CHANGING GENERATION <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0004"> + CHAPTER IV. </a> ILL FARES THE COUNTRY MOUSE IN THE TRAPS OF + TOWN <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. </a> WEAL + TO THE IDLER, WOE TO THE WORKMAN <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0006"> + CHAPTER VI. </a> MASTER MARMADUKE NEVILE FEARS FOR THE + SPIRITUAL WEAL OF HIS HOST AND HOSTESS <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0007"> + CHAPTER VII. </a> THERE IS A ROD FOR THE BACK OF EVERY FOOL + WHO WOULD BE WISER THAN HIS GENERATION <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0008"> + CHAPTER VIII. </a> MASTER MARMADUKE NEVILE MAKES LOVE, AND IS + FRIGHTENED <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. </a> MASTER + MARMADUKE NEVILE LEAVES THE WIZARD’S HOUSE FOR THE GREAT WORLD <br /><br /> + <a href="#link2H_4_0013"> BOOK II. </a> THE KING’S COURT + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER I. </a> EARL + WARWICK THE KING-MAKER <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER II. + </a> KING EDWARD THE FOURTH <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0012"> + CHAPTER III. </a> THE ANTECHAMBER <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2H_4_0017"> BOOK III. </a> IN WHICH THE HISTORY + PASSES FROM THE KING’S COURT TO THE STUDENT’S CELL, AND RELATES THE + PERILS THAT BEFELL A PHILOSOPHER FOR MEDDLING WITH THE AFFAIRS OF THE + WORLD <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER I. </a> THE + SOLITARY SAGE AND THE SOLITARY MAID <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0014"> + CHAPTER II. </a> MASTER ADAM WARNER GROWS A MISER, AND + BEHAVES SHAMEFULLY <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER III. </a> A + STRANGE VISITOR.—ALL AGES OF THE WORLD BREED WORLD-BETTERS <br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER IV. </a> LORD HASTINGS <br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER V. </a> MASTER ADAM WARNER + AND KING HENRY THE SIXTH <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER VI. + </a> HOW, ON LEAVING KING LOG, FOOLISH WISDOM RUNS A-MUCK ON + KING STORK <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER VII. </a> MY + LADY DUCHESS’S OPINION OF THE UTILITY OF MASTER WARNER’S INVENTION, AND + HER ESTEEM FOR ITS—EXPLOSION <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0020"> + CHAPTER VIII. </a> THE OLD WOMAN TALKS OF SORROWS, THE YOUNG + WOMAN DREAMS OF LOVE; THE COURTIER FLIES FROM PRESENT POWER TO + REMEMBRANCES OF PAST HOPES, AND THE WORLD-BETTERED OPENS UTOPIA, WITH A + VIEW OF <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER IX. </a> HOW + THE DESTRUCTIVE ORGAN OF PRINCE RICHARD PROMISES GOODLY DEVELOPMENT + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0027"> BOOK IV. </a> INTRIGUES + OF THE COURT OF EDWARD IV <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER I. + </a> MARGARET OF ANJOU <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0023"> + CHAPTER II. </a> IN WHICH ARE LAID OPEN TO THE READER THE + CHARACTER OF EDWARD THE FOURTH AND THAT OF HIS COURT, WITH THE + MACHINATIONS OF THE WOODVILLES AGAINST THE EARL OF WARWICK <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER III. </a> WHEREIN MASTER + NICHOLAS ALWYN VISITS THE COURT, AND THERE LEARNS MATTER OF WHICH THE + ACUTE READER WILL JUDGE FOR HIMSELF <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0025"> + CHAPTER IV. </a> EXHIBITING THE BENEFITS WHICH ROYAL + PATRONAGE CONFERS ON GENIUS,—ALSO THE EARLY LOVES OF THE LORD + HASTINGS; WITH OTHER MATTERS EDIFYING AND DELECTABLE <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0026"> CHAPTER V. </a> THE WOODVILLE INTRIGUE + PROSPERS.—MONTAGU CONFERS WITH HASTINGS, VISITS THE ARCHBISHOP OF + YORK, AND IS MET ON THE ROAD BY A STRANGE PERSONAGE <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0027"> CHAPTER VI. </a> THE ARRIVAL OF THE + COUNT DE LA ROCHE, AND THE VARIOUS EXCITEMENT PRODUCED ON MANY + PERSONAGES BY THAT EVENT <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0028"> CHAPTER + VII. </a> THE RENOWNED COMBAT BETWEEN SIR ANTHONY WOODVILLE + AND THE BASTARD OF BURGUNDY <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0029"> CHAPTER + VIII. </a> HOW THE BASTARD OF BURGUNDY PROSPERED MORE IN HIS + POLICY THAN WITH THE POLE-AXE.-AND HOW KING EDWARD HOLDS HIS SUMMER + CHASE IN THE FAIR GROVES OF SHENE <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0030"> + CHAPTER IX. </a> THE GREAT ACTOR RETURNS TO FILL THE STAGE + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0031"> CHAPTER X. </a> HOW THE + GREAT LORDS COME TO THE KING-MAKER, AND WITH WHAT PROFFERS <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2H_4_0038"> BOOK V.</a> <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0032"> CHAPTER I. </a> RURAL ENGLAND IN THE + MIDDLE AGES—NOBLE VISITORS SEEK THE CASTLE OF MIDDLEHAM <br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0033"> CHAPTER II. </a> COUNCILS AND + MUSINGS <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0034"> CHAPTER III. </a> THE + SISTERS <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0035"> CHAPTER IV. </a> THE + DESTRIER <br /><br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0043"> BOOK VI. </a> + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0036"> CHAPTER I. </a> NEW + DISSENSIONS <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0037"> CHAPTER II. </a> THE + WOULD-BE IMPROVERS OF JOVE’S FOOTBALL, EARTH.—THE SAD FATHER AND + THE SAD CHILD.—THE FAIR RIVALS <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0038"> + CHAPTER III. </a> WHEREIN THE DEMAGOGUE SEEKS THE COURTIER + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0039"> CHAPTER IV. </a> SIBYLL + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0040"> CHAPTER V. </a> KATHERINE + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0041"> CHAPTER VI. </a> JOY FOR + ADAM, AND HOPE FOR SIBYLL—AND POPULAR FRIAR BUNGEY! <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0042"> CHAPTER VII. </a> A LOVE SCENE <br /><br /> + <a href="#link2H_4_0051"> BOOK VII. </a> THE POPULAR + REBELLION <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0043"> CHAPTER I. </a> THE + WHITE LION OF MARCH SHAKES HIS MANE <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0044"> + CHAPTER II. </a> THE CAMP AT OLNEY <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0045"> CHAPTER III. </a> THE CAMP OF THE + REBELS <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0046"> CHAPTER IV. </a> THE + NORMAN EARL AND THE SAXON DEMAGOGUE CONFER <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0047"> CHAPTER V. </a> WHAT FAITH EDWARD IV. + PURPOSETH TO KEEP WITH EARL AND PEOPLE <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0048"> + CHAPTER VI. </a> WHAT BEFALLS KING EDWARD ON HIS ESCAPE FROM + OLNEY <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0049"> CHAPTER VII. </a> HOW + KING EDWARD ARRIVES AT THE CASTLE OF MIDDLEHAM <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0050"> CHAPTER VIII. </a> THE ANCIENTS RIGHTLY + GAVE TO THE GODDESS OF ELOQUENCE A CROWN <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0051"> CHAPTER IX. </a> WEDDED CONFIDENCE AND + LOVE—THE EARL AND THE PRELATE—THE PRELATE AND THE KING—SCHEMES—WILES—AND + THE BIRTH OF A DARK THOUGHT DESTINED TO ECLIPSE A SUN <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2H_4_0061"> BOOK VIII. </a> IN WHICH THE LAST LINK + BETWEEN KING-MAKER AND KING SNAPS ASUNDER <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0052"> CHAPTER I. </a> THE LADY ANNE VISITS + THE COURT <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0053"> CHAPTER II. </a> THE + SLEEPING INNOCENCE—THE WAKEFUL CRIME <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0054"> CHAPTER III. </a> NEW DANGERS TO THE + HOUSE OF YORK—AND THE KING’S HEART ALLIES ITSELF WITH REBELLION + AGAINST THE KING’S THRONE <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0055"> CHAPTER + IV. </a> THE FOSTER-BROTHERS <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0056"> CHAPTER V. </a> THE LOVER AND THE + GALLANT—WOMAN’S CHOICE <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0057"> CHAPTER + VI. </a> WARWICK RETURNS—APPEASES A DISCONTENTED PRINCE—AND + CONFERS WITH A REVENGEFUL CONSPIRATOR <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0058"> + CHAPTER VII. </a> THE FEAR AND THE FLIGHT <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0059"> CHAPTER VIII. </a> THE GROUP ROUND THE + DEATH-BED OF THE LANCASTRIAN WIDOW <br /><br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0070"> + BOOK IX. </a> THE WANDERERS AND THE EXILES <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0060"> CHAPTER I. </a> HOW THE GREAT BARON + BECOMES AS GREAT A REBEL <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0061"> CHAPTER II. + </a> MANY THINGS BRIEFLY TOLD <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0062"> CHAPTER III. </a> THE PLOT OF THE + HOSTELRY—THE MAID AND THE SCHOLAR IN THEIR HOME <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0063"> CHAPTER IV. </a> THE WORLD’S JUSTICE, + AND THE WISDOM OF OUR ANCESTORS <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0064"> + CHAPTER V. </a> THE FUGITIVES ARE CAPTURED—THE + TYMBESTERES REAPPEAR—MOONLIGHT ON THE REVEL OF THE LIVING—MOONLIGHT + ON THE SLUMBER OF THE DEAD <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0065"> CHAPTER + VI. </a> THE SUBTLE CRAFT OF RICHARD OF GLOUCESTER <br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0066"> CHAPTER VII. </a> WARWICK AND HIS + FAMILY IN EXILE <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0067"> CHAPTER VIII. </a> HOW + THE HEIR OF LANCASTER MEETS THE KING-MAKER <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0068"> CHAPTER IX. </a> THE INTERVIEW OF EARL + WARWICK AND QUEEN MARGARET <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0069"> CHAPTER + X. </a> LOVE AND MARRIAGE—DOUBTS OF CONSCIENCE—DOMESTIC + JEALOUSY—AND HOUSEHOLD TREASON <br /><br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0081"> + BOOK X. </a> THE RETURN OF THE KING-MAKER <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0070"> CHAPTER I. </a> THE MAID’S HOPE, THE + COURTIER’S LOVE, AND THE SAGE’S COMFORT <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0071"> CHAPTER II. </a> THE MAN AWAKES IN THE + SAGE, AND THE SHE-WOLF AGAIN HATH TRACKED THE LAMB <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0072"> CHAPTER III. </a> VIRTUOUS RESOLVES + SUBMITTED TO THE TEST OF VANITY AND THE WORLD <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0073"> CHAPTER IV. </a> THE STRIFE WHICH + SIBYLL HAD COURTED, BETWEEN KATHERINE AND HERSELF, COMMENCES IN SERIOUS + EARNEST <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0074"> CHAPTER V. </a> THE + MEETING OF HASTINGS AND KATHERINE <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0075"> + CHAPTER VI. </a> HASTINGS LEARNS WHAT HAS BEFALLEN SIBYLL, + REPAIRS TO THE KING, AND ENCOUNTERS AN OLD RIVAL <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0076"> CHAPTER VII. </a> THE LANDING OF LORD + WARWICK, AND THE EVENTS THAT ENSUE THEREON <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0077"> CHAPTER VIII. </a> WHAT BEFELL ADAM + WARNER AND SIBYLL WHEN MADE SUBJECT TO THE GREAT FRIAR BUNGEY <br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0078"> CHAPTER IX. </a> THE DELIBERATIONS + OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL, WHILE LORD WARWICK MARCHES UPON LONDON <br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0079"> CHAPTER X. </a> THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY + OF THE EARL—THE ROYAL CAPTIVE IN THE TOWER—THE MEETING + BETWEEN KING-MAKER AND KING <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0080"> CHAPTER + XI. </a> THE TOWER IN COMMOTION <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2H_4_0093"> BOOK XI. </a> THE NEW POSITION OF THE + KING-MAKER <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0081"> CHAPTER I. </a> WHEREIN + MASTER ADAM WARNER IS NOTABLY COMMENDED AND ADVANCED—AND GREATNESS + SAYS TO WISDOM, “THY DESTINY BE MINE, AMEN.” <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0082"> CHAPTER II. </a> THE PROSPERITY OF THE + OUTER SHOW—THE CARES OF THE INNER MAN <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0083"> CHAPTER III. </a> FURTHER VIEWS INTO + THE HEART OF MAN, AND THE CONDITIONS OF POWER <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0084"> CHAPTER IV. </a> THE RETURN OF EDWARD + OF YORK <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0085"> CHAPTER V. </a> THE + PROGRESS OF THE PLANTAGENET <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0086"> CHAPTER + VI. </a> LORD WARWICK, WITH THE FOE IN THE FIELD AND THE + TRAITOR AT THE HEARTH <br /><br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0100"> BOOK XII. + </a> THE BATTLE OF BARNET <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0087"> + CHAPTER I. </a> A KING IN HIS CITY HOPES TO RECOVER HIS REALM—A + WOMAN IN HER CHAMBER FEARS TO FORFEIT HER OWN <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0088"> CHAPTER II. </a> SHARP IS THE KISS OF + THE FALCON’S BEAR <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0089"> CHAPTER III. </a> A + PAUSE <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0090"> CHAPTER IV. </a> THE + BATTLE <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0091"> CHAPTER V. </a> THE + BATTLE <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0092"> CHAPTER VI. </a> THE + BATTLE <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0093"> CHAPTER VII. </a> THE + LAST PILGRIMS IN THE LONG PROCESSION TO THE COMMON BOURNE <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2H_NOTE"> NOTES. </a> <br /><br /> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + DEDICATORY EPISTLE. + </h2> + <p> + I dedicate to you, my indulgent Critic and long-tried Friend, the work + which owes its origin to your suggestion. Long since, you urged me to + attempt a fiction which might borrow its characters from our own Records, + and serve to illustrate some of those truths which History is too often + compelled to leave to the Tale-teller, the Dramatist, and the Poet. + Unquestionably, Fiction, when aspiring to something higher than mere + romance, does not pervert, but elucidate Facts. He who employs it worthily + must, like a biographer, study the time and the characters he selects, + with a minute and earnest diligence which the general historian, whose + range extends over centuries, can scarcely be expected to bestow upon the + things and the men of a single epoch. His descriptions should fill up with + colour and detail the cold outlines of the rapid chronicler; and in spite + of all that has been argued by pseudo-critics, the very fancy which urged + and animated his theme should necessarily tend to increase the reader’s + practical and familiar acquaintance with the habits, the motives, and the + modes of thought which constitute the true idiosyncrasy of an age. More + than all, to Fiction is permitted that liberal use of Analogical + Hypothesis which is denied to History, and which, if sobered by research, + and enlightened by that knowledge of mankind (without which Fiction can + neither harm nor profit, for it becomes unreadable), tends to clear up + much that were otherwise obscure, and to solve the disputes and + difficulties of contradictory evidence by the philosophy of the human + heart. + </p> + <p> + My own impression of the greatness of the labour to which you invited me + made me the more diffident of success, inasmuch as the field of English + historical fiction had been so amply cultivated, not only by the most + brilliant of our many glorious Novelists, but by later writers of high and + merited reputation. But however the annals of our History have been + exhausted by the industry of romance, the subject you finally pressed on + my choice is unquestionably one which, whether in the delineation of + character, the expression of passion, or the suggestion of historical + truths, can hardly fail to direct the Novelist to paths wholly untrodden + by his predecessors in the Land of Fiction. + </p> + <p> + Encouraged by you, I commenced my task; encouraged by you, I venture, on + concluding it, to believe that, despite the partial adoption of that + established compromise between the modern and the elder diction, which Sir + Walter Scott so artistically improved from the more rugged phraseology + employed by Strutt, and which later writers have perhaps somewhat + overhackneyed, I may yet have avoided all material trespass upon ground + which others have already redeemed from the waste. Whatever the produce of + the soil I have selected, I claim, at least, to have cleared it with my + own labour, and ploughed it with my own heifer. + </p> + <p> + The reign of Edward IV. is in itself suggestive of new considerations and + unexhausted interest to those who accurately regard it. Then commenced the + policy consummated by Henry VII.; then were broken up the great elements + of the old feudal order; a new Nobility was called into power, to aid the + growing Middle Class in its struggles with the ancient; and in the fate of + the hero of the age, Richard Nevile, Earl of Warwick, popularly called the + King-maker, “the greatest as well as the last of those mighty Barons who + formerly overawed the Crown,” [Hume adds, “and rendered the people + incapable of civil government,”—a sentence which, perhaps, judges + too hastily the whole question at issue in our earlier history, between + the jealousy of the barons and the authority of the king.] was involved + the very principle of our existing civilization. It adds to the wide scope + of Fiction, which ever loves to explore the twilight, that, as Hume has + truly observed, “No part of English history since the Conquest is so + obscure, so uncertain, so little authentic or consistent, as that of the + Wars between the two Roses.” It adds also to the importance of that + conjectural research in which Fiction may be made so interesting and so + useful, that “this profound darkness falls upon us just on the eve of the + restoration of letters;” [Hume] while amidst the gloom, we perceive the + movement of those great and heroic passions in which Fiction finds + delineations everlastingly new, and are brought in contact with characters + sufficiently familiar for interest, sufficiently remote for adaptation to + romance, and above all, so frequently obscured by contradictory evidence, + that we lend ourselves willingly to any one who seeks to help our judgment + of the individual by tests taken from the general knowledge of mankind. + </p> + <p> + Round the great image of the “Last of the Barons” group Edward the Fourth, + at once frank and false; the brilliant but ominous boyhood of Richard the + Third; the accomplished Hastings, “a good knight and gentle, but somewhat + dissolute of living;” [Chronicle of Edward V., in Stowe] the vehement and + fiery Margaret of Anjou; the meek image of her “holy Henry,” and the pale + shadow of their son. There may we see, also, the gorgeous Prelate, + refining in policy and wile, as the enthusiasm and energy which had + formerly upheld the Ancient Church pass into the stern and persecuted + votaries of the New; we behold, in that social transition, the sober + Trader—outgrowing the prejudices of the rude retainer or rustic + franklin, from whom he is sprung—recognizing sagaciously, and + supporting sturdily, the sectarian interests of his order, and preparing + the way for the mighty Middle Class, in which our Modern Civilization, + with its faults and its merits, has established its stronghold; while, in + contrast to the measured and thoughtful notions of liberty which prudent + Commerce entertains, we are reminded of the political fanaticism of the + secret Lollard,—of the jacquerie of the turbulent mob-leader; and + perceive, amidst the various tyrannies of the time, and often partially + allied with the warlike seignorie, [For it is noticeable that in nearly + all the popular risings—that of Cade, of Robin of Redesdale, and + afterwards of that which Perkin Warbeck made subservient to his + extraordinary enterprise—the proclamations of the rebels always + announced, among their popular grievances, the depression of the ancient + nobles and the elevation of new men.]—ever jealous against all + kingly despotism,—the restless and ignorant movement of a democratic + principle, ultimately suppressed, though not destroyed, under the Tudors, + by the strong union of a Middle Class, anxious for security and order, + with an Executive Authority determined upon absolute sway. + </p> + <p> + Nor should we obtain a complete and comprehensive view of that most + interesting Period of Transition, unless we saw something of the influence + which the sombre and sinister wisdom of Italian policy began to exercise + over the councils of the great,—a policy of refined stratagem, of + complicated intrigue, of systematic falsehood, of ruthless, but secret + violence; a policy which actuated the fell statecraft of Louis XI.; which + darkened, whenever he paused to think and to scheme, the gaudy and jovial + character of Edward IV.; which appeared in its fullest combination of + profound guile and resolute will in Richard III.; and, softened down into + more plausible and specious purpose by the unimpassioned sagacity of Henry + VII., finally attained the object which justified all its villanies to the + princes of its native land,—namely, the tranquillity of a settled + State, and the establishment of a civilized but imperious despotism. + </p> + <p> + Again, in that twilight time, upon which was dawning the great invention + that gave to Letters and to Science the precision and durability of the + printed page, it is interesting to conjecture what would have been the + fate of any scientific achievement for which the world was less prepared. + The reception of printing into England chanced just at the happy period + when Scholarship and Literature were favoured by the great. The princes of + York, with the exception of Edward IV. himself, who had, however, the + grace to lament his own want of learning, and the taste to appreciate it + in others, were highly educated. The Lords Rivers and Hastings [The + erudite Lord Worcester had been one of Caxton’s warmest patrons, but that + nobleman was no more at the time in which printing is said to have been + actually introduced into England.] were accomplished in all the “witte and + lere” of their age. Princes and peers vied with each other in their + patronage of Caxton, and Richard III., during his brief reign, spared no + pains to circulate to the utmost the invention destined to transmit his + own memory to the hatred and the horror of all succeeding time. But when + we look around us, we see, in contrast to the gracious and fostering + reception of the mere mechanism by which science is made manifest, the + utmost intolerance to science itself. The mathematics in especial are + deemed the very cabala of the black art. Accusations of witchcraft were + never more abundant; and yet, strange to say, those who openly professed + to practise the unhallowed science, [Nigromancy, or Sorcery, even took its + place amongst the regular callings. Thus, “Thomas Vandyke, late of + Cambridge,” is styled (Rolls Parl. 6, p. 273) Nigromancer as his + profession.—Sharon Turner, “History of England,” vol iv. p. 6. + Burke, “History of Richard III.”] and contrived to make their deceptions + profitable to some unworthy political purpose, appear to have enjoyed + safety, and sometimes even honour, while those who, occupied with some + practical, useful, and noble pursuits uncomprehended by prince or people, + denied their sorcery were despatched without mercy. The mathematician and + astronomer Bolingbroke (the greatest clerk of his age) is hanged and + quartered as a wizard, while not only impunity but reverence seems to have + awaited a certain Friar Bungey, for having raised mists and vapours, which + greatly befriended Edward IV. at the battle of Barnet. + </p> + <p> + Our knowledge of the intellectual spirit of the age, therefore, only + becomes perfect when we contrast the success of the Impostor with the fate + of the true Genius. And as the prejudices of the populace ran high against + all mechanical contrivances for altering the settled conditions of labour, + [Even in the article of bonnets and hats, it appears that certain wicked + falling mills were deemed worthy of a special anathema in the reign of + Edward IV. These engines are accused of having sought, “by subtle + imagination,” the destruction of the original makers of hats and bonnets + by man’s strength,—that is, with hands and feet; and an act of + parliament was passed (22d of Edward IV.) to put down the fabrication of + the said hats and bonnets by mechanical contrivance.] so probably, in the + very instinct and destiny of Genius which ever drive it to a war with + popular prejudice, it would be towards such contrivances that a man of + great ingenuity and intellect, if studying the physical sciences, would + direct his ambition. + </p> + <p> + Whether the author, in the invention he has assigned to his philosopher + (Adam Warner), has too boldly assumed the possibility of a conception so + much in advance of the time, they who have examined such of the works of + Roger Bacon as are yet given to the world can best decide; but the + assumption in itself belongs strictly to the most acknowledged + prerogatives of Fiction; and the true and important question will + obviously be, not whether Adam Warner could have constructed his model, + but whether, having so constructed it, the fate that befell him was + probable and natural. + </p> + <p> + Such characters as I have here alluded to seemed, then, to me, in + meditating the treatment of the high and brilliant subject which your + eloquence animated me to attempt, the proper Representatives of the + multiform Truths which the time of Warwick the King-maker affords to our + interests and suggests for our instruction; and I can only wish that the + powers of the author were worthier of the theme. + </p> + <p> + It is necessary that I now state briefly the foundation of the Historical + portions of this narrative. The charming and popular “History of Hume,” + which, however, in its treatment of the reign of Edward IV. is more than + ordinarily incorrect, has probably left upon the minds of many of my + readers, who may not have directed their attention to more recent and + accurate researches into that obscure period, an erroneous impression of + the causes which led to the breach between Edward IV. and his great + kinsman and subject, the Earl of Warwick. The general notion is probably + still strong that it was the marriage of the young king to Elizabeth Gray, + during Warwick’s negotiations in France for the alliance of Bona of Savoy + (sister-in-law to Louis XI.), which exasperated the fiery earl, and + induced his union with the House of Lancaster. All our more recent + historians have justly rejected this groundless fable, which even Hume + (his extreme penetration supplying the defects of his superficial + research) admits with reserve. [“There may even some doubt arise with + regard to the proposal of marriage made to Bona of Savoy,” etc.—HUME, + note to p. 222, vol. iii. edit. 1825.] A short summary of the reasons for + this rejection is given by Dr. Lingard, and annexed below. [“Many writers + tell us that the enmity of Warwick arose from his disappointment caused by + Edward’s clandestine marriage with Elizabeth. If we may believe them, the + earl was at the very time in France negotiating on the part of the king a + marriage with Bona of Savoy, sister to the Queen of France; and having + succeeded in his mission, brought back with him the Count of Dampmartin as + ambassador from Louis. To me the whole story appears a fiction. 1. It is + not to be found in the more ancient historians. 2. Warwick was not at the + time in France. On the 20th of April, ten days before the marriage, he was + employed in negotiating a truce with the French envoys in London (Rym. xi. + 521), and on the 26th of May, about three weeks after it, was appointed to + treat of another truce with the King of Scots (Rym. xi. 424). 3. Nor could + he bring Dampmartin with him to England; for that nobleman was committed a + prisoner to the Bastile in September, 1463, and remained there till May, + 1465 (Monstrel. iii. 97, 109). Three contemporary and well-informed + writers, the two continuators of the History of Croyland and Wyrcester, + attribute his discontent to the marriages and honours granted to the + Wydeviles, and the marriage of the princess Margaret with the Duke of + Burgundy.”—LINGARD, vol. iii. c. 24, pp. 5, 19, 4to ed.] And, + indeed, it is a matter of wonder that so many of our chroniclers could + have gravely admitted a legend contradicted by all the subsequent conduct + of Warwick himself; for we find the earl specially doing honour to the + publication of Edward’s marriage, standing godfather to his first-born + (the Princess Elizabeth), employed as ambassador or acting as minister, + and fighting for Edward, and against the Lancastrians, during the five + years that elapsed between the coronation of Elizabeth and Warwick’s + rebellion. + </p> + <p> + The real causes of this memorable quarrel, in which Warwick acquired his + title of King-maker, appear to have been these. + </p> + <p> + It is probable enough, as Sharon Turner suggests, [Sharon Turner: History + of England, vol. iii. p. 269.] that Warwick was disappointed that, since + Edward chose a subject for his wife, he neglected the more suitable + marriage he might have formed with the earl’s eldest daughter; and it is + impossible but that the earl should have been greatly chafed, in common + with all his order, by the promotion of the queen’s relations, [W. Wyr. + 506, 7. Croyl. 542.] new men and apostate Lancastrians. But it is clear + that these causes for discontent never weakened his zeal for Edward till + the year 1467, when we chance upon the true origin of the romance + concerning Bona of Savoy, and the first open dissension between Edward and + the earl. + </p> + <p> + In that year Warwick went to France, to conclude an alliance with Louis + XI., and to secure the hand of one of the French princes [Which of the + princes this was does not appear, and can scarcely be conjectured. The + “Pictorial History of England” (Book v. 102) in a tone of easy decision + says “it was one of the sons of Louis XI.” But Louis had no living sons at + all at the time. The Dauphin was not born till three years afterwards. The + most probable person was the Duke of Guienne, Louis’s brother.] for + Margaret, sister to Edward IV.; during this period, Edward received the + bastard brother of Charles, Count of Charolois, afterwards Duke of + Burgundy, and arranged a marriage between Margaret and the count. + </p> + <p> + Warwick’s embassy was thus dishonoured, and the dishonour was aggravated + by personal enmity to the bridegroom Edward had preferred. [The Croyland + Historian, who, as far as his brief and meagre record extends, is the best + authority for the time of Edward IV., very decidedly states the Burgundian + alliance to be the original cause of Warwick’s displeasure, rather than + the king’s marriage with Elizabeth: “Upon which (the marriage of Margaret + with Charolois) Richard Nevile, Earl of Warwick, who had for so many years + taken party with the French against the Burgundians, conceived great + indignation; and I hold this to be the truer cause of his resentment than + the king’s marriage with Elizabeth, for he had rather have procured a + husband for the aforesaid princess Margaret in the kingdom of France.” The + Croyland Historian also speaks emphatically of the strong animosity + existing between Charolois and Warwick.—Cont. Croyl. 551.] The earl + retired in disgust to his castle. But Warwick’s nature, which Hume has + happily described as one of “undesigning frankness and openness,” [Hume, + “Henry VI.,” vol. iii. p. 172, edit. 1825.] does not seem to have long + harboured this resentment. By the intercession of the Archbishop of York + and others, a reconciliation was effected, and the next year, 1468, we + find Warwick again in favour, and even so far forgetting his own former + cause of complaint as to accompany the procession in honour of Margaret’s + nuptials with his private foe. [Lingard.] In the following year, however, + arose the second dissension between the king and his minister,—namely, + in the king’s refusal to sanction the marriage of his brother Clarence + with the earl’s daughter Isabel,—a refusal which was attended with a + resolute opposition that must greatly have galled the pride of the earl, + since Edward even went so far as to solicit the Pope to refuse his + sanction, on the ground of relationship. [Carte. Wm. Wyr.] The Pope, + nevertheless, grants the dispensation, and the marriage takes place at + Calais. A popular rebellion then breaks out in England. Some of Warwick’s + kinsmen—those, however, belonging to the branch of the Nevile family + that had always been Lancastrians, and at variance with the earl’s party—are + found at its head. The king, who is in imminent danger, writes a + supplicating letter to Warwick to come to his aid. [“Paston Letters,” + cxcviii. vol. ii., Knight’s ed. See Lingard, c. 24, for the true date of + Edward’s letters to Warwick, Clarence, and the Archbishop of York.] The + earl again forgets former causes for resentment, hastens from Calais, + rescues the king, and quells the rebellion by the influence of his popular + name. + </p> + <p> + We next find Edward at Warwick’s castle of Middleham, where, according to + some historians, he is forcibly detained,—an assertion treated by + others as a contemptible invention. This question will be examined in the + course of this work; [See Note II.] but whatever the true construction of + the story, we find that Warwick and the king are still on such friendly + terms, that the earl marches in person against a rebellion on the borders, + obtains a signal victory, and that the rebel leader (the earl’s own + kinsman) is beheaded by Edward at York. We find that, immediately after + this supposed detention, Edward speaks of Warwick and his brothers “as his + best friends;” [“Paston Letters,” cciv. vol. ii., Knight’s ed. The date of + this letter, which puzzled the worthy annotator, is clearly to be referred + to Edward’s return from York, after his visit to Middleham in 1469. No + mention is therein made by the gossiping contemporary of any rumour that + Edward had suffered imprisonment. He enters the city in state, as having + returned safe and victorious from a formidable rebellion. The letter goes + on to say: “The king himself hath (that is, holds) good language of the + Lords Clarence, of Warwick, etc., saying ‘they be his best friends.’” + Would he say this if just escaped from a prison? Sir John Paston, the + writer of the letter, adds, it is true, “But his household men have (hold) + other language.” very probably, for the household men were the court + creatures always at variance with Warwick, and held, no doubt, the same + language they had been in the habit of holding before.] that he betroths + his eldest daughter to Warwick’s nephew, the male heir of the family. And + then suddenly, only three months afterwards (in February, 1470), and + without any clear and apparent cause, we find Warwick in open rebellion, + animated by a deadly hatred to the king, refusing, from first to last, all + overtures of conciliation; and so determined is his vengeance, that he + bows a pride, hitherto morbidly susceptible, to the vehement insolence of + Margaret of Anjou, and forms the closest alliance with the Lancastrian + party, in the destruction of which his whole life had previously been + employed. + </p> + <p> + Here, then, where History leaves us in the dark, where our curiosity is + the most excited, Fiction gropes amidst the ancient chronicles, and seeks + to detect and to guess the truth. And then Fiction, accustomed to deal + with the human heart, seizes upon the paramount importance of a Fact which + the modern historian has been contented to place amongst dubious and + collateral causes of dissension. We find it broadly and strongly stated by + Hall and others, that Edward had coarsely attempted the virtue of one of + the earl’s female relations. “And farther it erreth not from the truth,” + says Hall, “that the king did attempt a thing once in the earl’s house, + which was much against the earl’s honesty; but whether it was the daughter + or the niece,” adds the chronicler, “was not, for both their honours, + openly known; but surely such a thing WAS attempted by King Edward,” etc. + </p> + <p> + Any one at all familiar with Hall (and, indeed, with all our principal + chroniclers, except Fabyan), will not expect any accurate precision as to + the date he assigns for the outrage. He awards to it, therefore, the same + date he erroneously gives to Warwick’s other grudges (namely, a period + brought some years lower by all judicious historians) a date at which + Warwick was still Edward’s fastest friend. + </p> + <p> + Once grant the probability of this insult to the earl (the probability is + conceded at once by the more recent historians, and received without + scruple as a fact by Rapia, Habington, and Carte), and the whole obscurity + which involves this memorable quarrel vanishes at once. Here was, indeed, + a wrong never to be forgiven, and yet never to be proclaimed. As Hall + implies, the honour of the earl was implicated in hushing the scandal, and + the honour of Edward in concealing the offence. That if ever the insult + were attempted, it must have been just previous to the earl’s declared + hostility is clear. Offences of that kind hurry men to immediate action at + the first, or else, if they stoop to dissimulation the more effectually to + avenge afterwards, the outbreak bides its seasonable time. But the time + selected by the earl for his outbreak was the very worst he could have + chosen, and attests the influence of a sudden passion,—a new and + uncalculated cause of resentment. He had no forces collected; he had not + even sounded his own brother-in-law, Lord Stanley (since he was uncertain + of his intentions); while, but a few months before, had he felt any desire + to dethrone the king, he could either have suffered him to be crushed by + the popular rebellion the earl himself had quelled, or have disposed of + his person as he pleased when a guest at his own castle of Middleham. His + evident want of all preparation and forethought—a want which drove + into rapid and compulsory flight from England the baron to whose banner, a + few months afterwards, flocked sixty thousand men—proves that the + cause of his alienation was fresh and recent. + </p> + <p> + If, then, the cause we have referred to, as mentioned by Hall and others, + seems the most probable we can find (no other cause for such abrupt + hostility being discernible), the date for it must be placed where it is + in this work,—namely, just prior to the earl’s revolt. The next + question is, who could have been the lady thus offended, whether a niece + or daughter. Scarcely a niece, for Warwick had one married brother, Lord + Montagu, and several sisters; but the sisters were married to lords who + remained friendly to Edward, [Except the sisters married to Lord Fitzhugh + and Lord Oxford. But though Fitzhugh, or rather his son, broke into + rebellion, it was for some cause in which Warwick did not sympathize, for + by Warwick himself was that rebellion put down; nor could the aggrieved + lady have been a daughter of Lord Oxford, for he was a stanch, though not + avowed, Lancastrian, and seems to have carefully kept aloof from the + court.] and Montagu seems to have had no daughter out of childhood, + [Montagu’s wife could have been little more than thirty at the time of his + death. She married again, and had a family by her second husband.] while + that nobleman himself did not share Warwick’s rebellion at the first, but + continued to enjoy the confidence of Edward. We cannot reasonably, then, + conceive the uncle to have been so much more revengeful than the parents,—the + legitimate guardians of the honour of a daughter. It is, therefore, more + probable that the insulted maiden should have been one of Lord Warwick’s + daughters; and this is the general belief. Carte plainly declares it was + Isabel. But Isabel it could hardly have been. She was then married to + Edward’s brother, the Duke of Clarence, and within a month of her + confinement. The earl had only one other daughter, Anne, then in the + flower of her youth; and though Isabel appears to have possessed a more + striking character of beauty, Anne must have had no inconsiderable charms + to have won the love of the Lancastrian Prince Edward, and to have + inspired a tender and human affection in Richard Duke of Gloucester. [Not + only does Majerus, the Flemish annalist, speak of Richard’s early + affection to Anne, but Richard’s pertinacity in marrying her, at a time + when her family was crushed and fallen, seems to sanction the assertion. + True, that Richard received with her a considerable portion of the estates + of her parents. But both Anne herself and her parents were attainted, and + the whole property at the disposal of the Crown. Richard at that time had + conferred the most important services on Edward. He had remained faithful + to him during the rebellion of Clarence; he had been the hero of the day + both at Barnet and Tewksbury. His reputation was then exceedingly high, + and if he had demanded, as a legitimate reward, the lands of Middleham, + without the bride, Edward could not well have refused them. He certainly + had a much better claim than the only other competitor for the confiscated + estates,—namely, the perjured and despicable Clarence. For Anne’s + reluctance to marry Richard, and the disguise she assumed, see Miss + Strickland’s “Life of Anne of Warwick.” For the honour of Anne, rather + than of Richard, to whose memory one crime more or less matters but + little, it may here be observed that so far from there being any ground to + suppose that Gloucester was an accomplice in the assassination of the + young prince Edward of Lancaster, there is some ground to believe that + that prince was not assassinated at all, but died (as we would fain hope + the grandson of Henry V. did die) fighting manfully in the field.—“Harleian + Manuscripts;” Stowe, “Chronicle of Tewksbury;” Sharon Turner, vol. iii. p. + 335.] It is also noticeable, that when, not as Shakspeare represents, but + after long solicitation, and apparently by positive coercion, Anne formed + her second marriage, she seems to have been kept carefully by Richard from + his gay brother’s court, and rarely, if ever, to have appeared in London + till Edward was no more. + </p> + <p> + That considerable obscurity should always rest upon the facts connected + with Edward’s meditated crime,—that they should never be published + amongst the grievances of the haughty rebel is natural from the very + dignity of the parties, and the character of the offence; that in such + obscurity sober History should not venture too far on the hypothesis + suggested by the chronicler, is right and laudable. But probably it will + be conceded by all, that here Fiction finds its lawful province, and that + it may reasonably help, by no improbable nor groundless conjecture, to + render connected and clear the most broken and the darkest fragments of + our annals. + </p> + <p> + I have judged it better partially to forestall the interest of the reader + in my narrative, by stating thus openly what he may expect, than to + encounter the far less favourable impression (if he had been hitherto a + believer in the old romance of Bona of Savoy), [I say the old romance of + Bona of Savoy, so far as Edward’s rejection of her hand for that of + Elizabeth Gray is stated to have made the cause of his quarrel with + Warwick. But I do not deny the possibility that such a marriage had been + contemplated and advised by Warwick, though he neither sought to negotiate + it, nor was wronged by Edward’s preference of his fair subject.] that the + author was taking an unwarrantable liberty with the real facts, when, in + truth, it is upon the real facts, as far as they can be ascertained, that + the author has built his tale, and his boldest inventions are but + deductions from the amplest evidence he could collect. Nay, he even + ventures to believe, that whoever hereafter shall write the history of + Edward IV. will not disdain to avail himself of some suggestions scattered + throughout these volumes, and tending to throw new light upon the events + of that intricate but important period. + </p> + <p> + It is probable that this work will prove more popular in its nature than + my last fiction of “Zanoni,” which could only be relished by those + interested in the examinations of the various problems in human life which + it attempts to solve. But both fictions, however different and distinct + their treatment, are constructed on those principles of art to which, in + all my later works, however imperfect my success, I have sought at least + steadily to adhere. + </p> + <p> + To my mind, a writer should sit down to compose a fiction as a painter + prepares to compose a picture. His first care should be the conception of + a whole as lofty as his intellect can grasp, as harmonious and complete as + his art can accomplish; his second care, the character of the interest + which the details are intended to sustain. + </p> + <p> + It is when we compare works of imagination in writing with works of + imagination on the canvas, that we can best form a critical idea of the + different schools which exist in each; for common both to the author and + the painter are those styles which we call the Familiar, the Picturesque, + and the Intellectual. By recurring to this comparison we can, without much + difficulty, classify works of Fiction in their proper order, and estimate + the rank they should severally hold. The Intellectual will probably never + be the most widely popular for the moment. He who prefers to study in this + school must be prepared for much depreciation, for its greatest + excellences, even if he achieve them, are not the most obvious to the + many. In discussing, for instance, a modern work, we hear it praised, + perhaps, for some striking passage, some prominent character; but when do + we ever hear any comment on its harmony of construction, on its fulness of + design, on its ideal character,—on its essentials, in short, as a + work of art? What we hear most valued in the picture, we often find the + most neglected in the book,—namely, the composition; and this, + simply because in England painting is recognized as an art, and estimated + according to definite theories; but in literature we judge from a taste + never formed, from a thousand prejudices and ignorant predilections. We do + not yet comprehend that the author is an artist, and that the true rules + of art by which he should be tested are precise and immutable. Hence the + singular and fantastic caprices of the popular opinion,—its + exaggerations of praise or censure, its passion and reaction. At one + while, its solemn contempt for Wordsworth; at another, its absurd + idolatry. At one while we are stunned by the noisy celebrity of Byron, at + another we are calmly told that he can scarcely be called a poet. Each of + these variations in the public is implicitly followed by the vulgar + criticism; and as a few years back our journals vied with each other in + ridiculing Wordsworth for the faults which he did not possess, they vie + now with each other in eulogiums upon the merits which he has never + displayed. + </p> + <p> + These violent fluctuations betray both a public and a criticism utterly + unschooled in the elementary principles of literary art, and entitle the + humblest author to dispute the censure of the hour, while they ought to + render the greatest suspicious of its praise. + </p> + <p> + It is, then, in conformity, not with any presumptuous conviction of his + own superiority, but with his common experience and common-sense, that + every author who addresses an English audience in serious earnest is + permitted to feel that his final sentence rests not with the jury before + which he is first heard. The literary history of the day consists of a + series of judgments set aside. + </p> + <p> + But this uncertainty must more essentially betide every student, however + lowly, in the school I have called the Intellectual, which must ever be + more or less at variance with the popular canons. It is its hard necessity + to vex and disturb the lazy quietude of vulgar taste; for unless it did + so, it could neither elevate nor move. He who resigns the Dutch art for + the Italian must continue through the dark to explore the principles upon + which he founds his design, to which he adapts his execution; in hope or + in despondence still faithful to the theory which cares less for the + amount of interest created than for the sources from which the interest is + to be drawn; seeking in action the movement of the grander passions or the + subtler springs of conduct, seeking in repose the colouring of + intellectual beauty. + </p> + <p> + The Low and the High of Art are not very readily comprehended. They depend + not upon the worldly degree or the physical condition of the characters + delineated; they depend entirely upon the quality of the emotion which the + characters are intended to excite,—namely, whether of sympathy for + something low, or of admiration for something high. There is nothing high + in a boor’s head by Teniers, there is nothing low in a boor’s head by + Guido. What makes the difference between the two? The absence or presence + of the Ideal! But every one can judge of the merit of the first, for it is + of the Familiar school; it requires a connoisseur to see the merit of the + last, for it is of the Intellectual. + </p> + <p> + I have the less scrupled to leave these remarks to cavil or to sarcasm, + because this fiction is probably the last with which I shall trespass upon + the Public, and I am desirous that it shall contain, at least, my avowal + of the principles upon which it and its later predecessors have been + composed. You know well, however others may dispute the fact, the + earnestness with which those principles have been meditated and pursued,—with + high desire, if but with poor results. + </p> + <p> + It is a pleasure to feel that the aim, which I value more than the + success, is comprehended by one whose exquisite taste as a critic is only + impaired by that far rarer quality,—the disposition to over-estimate + the person you profess to esteem! Adieu, my sincere and valued friend; and + accept, as a mute token of gratitude and regard, these flowers gathered in + the Garden where we have so often roved together. E. L. B. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + LONDON, January, 1843. +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_PREF" id="link2H_PREF"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PREFACE TO THE LAST OF THE BARONS + </h2> + <p> + This was the first attempt of the author in Historical Romance upon + English ground. Nor would he have risked the disadvantage of comparison + with the genius of Sir Walter Scott, had he not believed that that great + writer and his numerous imitators had left altogether unoccupied the + peculiar field in Historical Romance which the Author has here sought to + bring into cultivation. In “The Last of the Barons,” as in “Harold,” the + aim has been to illustrate the actual history of the period, and to bring + into fuller display than general History itself has done the characters of + the principal personages of the time, the motives by which they were + probably actuated, the state of parties, the condition of the people, and + the great social interests which were involved in what, regarded + imperfectly, appear but the feuds of rival factions. + </p> + <p> + “The Last of the Barons” has been by many esteemed the best of the + Author’s romances; and perhaps in the portraiture of actual character, and + the grouping of the various interests and agencies of the time, it may + have produced effects which render it more vigorous and lifelike than any + of the other attempts in romance by the same hand. + </p> + <p> + It will be observed that the purely imaginary characters introduced are + very few; and, however prominent they may appear, still, in order not to + interfere with the genuine passions and events of history, they are + represented as the passive sufferers, not the active agents, of the real + events. Of these imaginary characters, the most successful is Adam Warner, + the philosopher in advance of his age; indeed, as an ideal portrait, I + look upon it as the most original in conception, and the most finished in + execution, of any to be found in my numerous prose works, “Zanoni” alone + excepted. + </p> + <p> + For the rest, I venture to think that the general reader will obtain from + these pages a better notion of the important age, characterized by the + decline of the feudal system, and immediately preceding that great change + in society which we usually date from the accession of Henry VII., than he + could otherwise gather, without wading through a vast mass of neglected + chronicles and antiquarian dissertations. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + BOOK I. THE ADVENTURES OF MASTER MARMADUKE NEVILE. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. THE PASTIME-GROUND OF OLD COCKAIGNE. + </h2> + <p> + Westward, beyond the still pleasant, but even then no longer solitary, + hamlet of Charing, a broad space, broken here and there by scattered + houses and venerable pollards, in the early spring of 1467, presented the + rural scene for the sports and pastimes of the inhabitants of Westminster + and London. Scarcely need we say that open spaces for the popular games + and diversions were then numerous in the suburbs of the metropolis,—grateful + to some the fresh pools of Islington; to others, the grass-bare fields of + Finsbury; to all, the hedgeless plains of vast Mile-end. But the site to + which we are now summoned was a new and maiden holiday-ground, lately + bestowed upon the townsfolk of Westminster by the powerful Earl of + Warwick. + </p> + <p> + Raised by a verdant slope above the low, marsh-grown soil of Westminster, + the ground communicated to the left with the Brook-fields, through which + stole the peaceful Ty-bourne, and commanded prospects, on all sides fair, + and on each side varied. Behind, rose the twin green hills of Hampstead + and Highgate, with the upland park and chase of Marybone,—its + stately manor-house half hid in woods. In front might be seen the Convent + of the Lepers, dedicated to Saint James, now a palace; then to the left, + York House, [The residence of the Archbishops of York] now Whitehall; + farther on, the spires of Westminster Abbey and the gloomy tower of the + Sanctuary; next, the Palace, with its bulwark and vawmure, soaring from + the river; while eastward, and nearer to the scene, stretched the long, + bush-grown passage of the Strand, picturesquely varied with bridges, and + flanked to the right by the embattled halls of feudal nobles, or the inns + of the no less powerful prelates; while sombre and huge amidst hall and + inn, loomed the gigantic ruins of the Savoy, demolished in the + insurrection of Wat Tyler. Farther on, and farther yet, the eye wandered + over tower and gate, and arch and spire, with frequent glimpses of the + broad sunlit river, and the opposite shore crowned by the palace of + Lambeth, and the Church of St. Mary Overies, till the indistinct cluster + of battlements around the Fortress-Palatine bounded the curious gaze. As + whatever is new is for a while popular, so to this pastime-ground, on the + day we treat of, flocked, not only the idlers of Westminster, but the + lordly dwellers of Ludgate and the Flete, and the wealthy citizens of + tumultuous Chepe. + </p> + <p> + The ground was well suited to the purpose to which it was devoted. About + the outskirts, indeed, there were swamps and fish-pools; but a + considerable plot towards the centre presented a level sward, already worn + bare and brown by the feet of the multitude. From this, towards the left, + extended alleys, some recently planted, intended to afford, in summer, + cool and shady places for the favourite game of bowls; while scattered + clumps, chiefly of old pollards, to the right broke the space agreeably + enough into detached portions, each of which afforded its separate pastime + or diversion. Around were ranged many carts, or wagons; horses of all + sorts and value were led to and fro, while their owners were at sport. + Tents, awnings, hostelries, temporary buildings, stages for showmen and + jugglers, abounded, and gave the scene the appearance of a fair; but what + particularly now demands our attention was a broad plot in the ground, + dedicated to the noble diversion of archery. The reigning House of York + owed much of its military success to the superiority of the bowmen under + its banners, and the Londoners themselves were jealous of their reputation + in this martial accomplishment. For the last fifty years, notwithstanding + the warlike nature of the times, the practice of the bow, in the intervals + of peace, had been more neglected than seemed wise to the rulers. Both the + king and his loyal city had of late taken much pains to enforce the due + exercise of “Goddes instrumente,” [So called emphatically by Bishop + Latimer, in his celebrated Sixth Sermon.] upon which an edict had declared + that “the liberties and honour of England principally rested!” + </p> + <p> + And numerous now was the attendance, not only of the citizens, the + burghers, and the idle populace, but of the gallant nobles who surrounded + the court of Edward IV., then in the prime of his youth,—the + handsomest, the gayest, and the bravest prince in Christendom. + </p> + <p> + The royal tournaments (which were, however, waning from their ancient + lustre to kindle afresh, and to expire in the reigns of the succeeding + Tudors), restricted to the amusements of knight and noble, no doubt + presented more of pomp and splendour than the motley and mixed assembly of + all ranks that now grouped around the competitors for the silver arrow, or + listened to the itinerant jongleur, dissour, or minstrel, or, seated under + the stunted shade of the old trees, indulged, with eager looks and hands + often wandering to their dagger-hilts, in the absorbing passion of the + dice; but no later and earlier scenes of revelry ever, perhaps, exhibited + that heartiness of enjoyment, that universal holiday, which attended this + mixture of every class, that established a rude equality for the hour + between the knight and the retainer, the burgess and the courtier. + </p> + <p> + The revolution that placed Edward IV. upon the throne had, in fact, been a + popular one. Not only had the valour and moderation of his father, + Richard, Duke of York, bequeathed a heritage of affection to his brave and + accomplished son; not only were the most beloved of the great barons the + leaders of his party; but the king himself, partly from inclination, + partly from policy, spared no pains to win the good graces of that slowly + rising, but even then important part of the population,—the Middle + Class. He was the first king who descended, without loss of dignity and + respect, from the society of his peers and princes, to join familiarly in + the feasts and diversions of the merchant and the trader. The lord mayor + and council of London were admitted, on more than one solemn occasion, + into the deliberations of the court; and Edward had not long since, on the + coronation of his queen, much to the discontent of certain of his barons, + conferred the Knighthood of the hath upon four of the citizens. On the + other hand, though Edward’s gallantries—the only vice which tended + to diminish his popularity with the sober burgesses—were little + worthy of his station, his frank, joyous familiarity with his inferiors + was not debased by the buffooneries that had led to the reverses and the + awful fate of two of his royal predecessors. There must have been a + popular principle, indeed, as well as a popular fancy, involved in the + steady and ardent adherence which the population of London in particular, + and most of the great cities, exhibited to the person and the cause of + Edward IV. There was a feeling that his reign was an advance in + civilization upon the monastic virtues of Henry VI., and the stern + ferocity which accompanied the great qualities of “The Foreign Woman,” as + the people styled and regarded Henry’s consort, Margaret of Anjou. While + thus the gifts, the courtesy, and the policy of the young sovereign made + him popular with the middle classes, he owed the allegiance of the more + powerful barons and the favour of the rural population to a man who stood + colossal amidst the iron images of the Age,—the greatest and the + last of the old Norman chivalry, kinglier in pride, in state, in + possessions, and in renown than the king himself, Richard Nevile, Earl of + Salisbury and Warwick. + </p> + <p> + This princely personage, in the full vigour of his age, possessed all the + attributes that endear the noble to the commons. His valour in the field + was accompanied with a generosity rare in the captains of the time. He + valued himself on sharing the perils and the hardships of his meanest + soldier. His haughtiness to the great was not incompatible with frank + affability to the lowly. His wealth was enormous, but it was equalled by + his magnificence, and rendered popular by his lavish hospitality. No less + than thirty thousand persons are said to have feasted daily at the open + tables with which he allured to his countless castles the strong hands and + grateful hearts of a martial and unsettled population. More haughty than + ambitious, he was feared because he avenged all affront; and yet not + envied, because he seemed above all favour. + </p> + <p> + The holiday on the archery-ground was more than usually gay, for the + rumour had spread from the court to the city that Edward was about to + increase his power abroad, and to repair what he had lost in the eyes of + Europe through his marriage with Elizabeth Gray, by allying his sister + Margaret with the brother of Louis XI., and that no less a person than the + Earl of Warwick had been the day before selected as ambassador on the + important occasion. + </p> + <p> + Various opinions were entertained upon the preference given to France in + this alliance over the rival candidate for the hand of the princess,—namely, + the Count de Charolois, afterwards Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy. + </p> + <p> + “By ‘r Lady,” said a stout citizen about the age of fifty, “but I am not + over pleased with this French marriage-making! I would liefer the stout + earl were going to France with bows and bills than sarcenets and satins. + What will become of our trade with Flanders,—answer me that, Master + Stokton? The House of York is a good House, and the king is a good king, + but trade is trade. Every man must draw water to his own mill.” + </p> + <p> + “Hush, Master Heyford!” said a small lean man in a light-gray surcoat. + “The king loves not talk about what the king does. ‘T is ill jesting with + lions. Remember William Walker, hanged for saying his son should be heir + to the crown.” + </p> + <p> + “Troth,” answered Master Heyford, nothing daunted, for he belonged to one + of the most powerful corporations of London,—“it was but a scurvy + Pepperer [old name for Grocer] who made that joke; but a joke from a + worshipful goldsmith, who has moneys and influence, and a fair wife of his + own, whom the king himself has been pleased to commend, is another guess + sort of matter. But here is my grave-visaged headman, who always contrives + to pick up the last gossip astir, and has a deep eye into millstones. Why, + ho, there! Alwyn—I say, Nicholas Alwyn!—who would have thought + to see thee with that bow, a good half-ell taller than thyself? Methought + thou wert too sober and studious for such man-at-arms sort of devilry.” + </p> + <p> + “An’ it please you, Master Heyford,” answered the person thus addressed,—a + young man, pale and lean, though sinewy and large-boned, with a + countenance of great intelligence, but a slow and somewhat formal manner + of speech, and a strong provincial accent,—“an’ it please you, King + Edward’s edict ordains every Englishman to have a bow of his own height; + and he who neglects the shaft on a holiday forfeiteth one halfpenny and + some honour. For the rest, methinks that the citizens of London will + become of more worth and potency every year; and it shall not be my fault + if I do not, though but a humble headman to your worshipful mastership, + help to make them so.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, that’s well said, lad; but if the Londoners prosper, it is because + they have nobles in their gipsires, [a kind of pouch worn at the girdle] + not bows in their hands.” + </p> + <p> + “Thinkest thou then, Master Heyford, that any king at a pinch would leave + them the gipsire, if they could not protect it with the bow? That Age may + have gold, let not Youth despise iron.” + </p> + <p> + “Body o’ me!” cried Master Heyford, “but thou hadst better curb in thy + tongue. Though I have my jest,—as a rich man and a corpulent,—a + lad who has his way to make good should be silent and—But he’s + gone.” + </p> + <p> + “Where hooked you up that young jack fish?” said Master Stokton, the thin + mercer, who had reminded the goldsmith of the fate of the grocer. + </p> + <p> + “Why, he was meant for the cowl, but his mother, a widow, at his own wish, + let him make choice of the flat cap. He was the best ‘prentice ever I had. + By the blood of Saint Thomas, he will push his way in good time; he has a + head, Master Stokton,—a head, and an ear; and a great big pair of + eyes always looking out for something to his proper advantage.” + </p> + <p> + In the mean while, the goldsmith’s headman had walked leisurely up to the + archery-ground; and even in his gait and walk, as he thus repaired to a + pastime, there was something steady, staid, and business-like. + </p> + <p> + The youths of his class and calling were at that day very different from + their equals in this. Many of them the sons of provincial retainers, some + even of franklins and gentlemen, their childhood had made them familiar + with the splendour and the sports of knighthood; they had learned to + wrestle, to cudgel, to pitch the bar or the quoit, to draw the bow, and to + practise the sword and buckler, before transplanted from the village green + to the city stall. And even then, the constant broils and wars of the + time, the example of their betters, the holiday spectacle of mimic strife, + and, above all, the powerful and corporate association they formed amongst + themselves, tended to make them as wild, as jovial, and as dissolute a set + of young fellows as their posterity are now sober, careful, and discreet. + And as Nicholas Alwyn, with a slight inclination of his head, passed by, + two or three loud, swaggering, bold-looking groups of apprentices—their + shaggy hair streaming over their shoulders, their caps on one side, their + short cloaks of blue torn or patched, though still passably new, their + bludgeons under their arms, and their whole appearance and manner not very + dissimilar from the German collegians in the last century—notably + contrasted Alwyn’s prim dress, his precise walk, and the feline care with + which he stepped aside from any patches of mire that might sully the soles + of his square-toed shoes. + </p> + <p> + The idle apprentices winked and whispered, and lolled out their tongues at + him as he passed. “Oh, but that must be as good as a May-Fair day,—sober + Nick Alwyn’s maiden flight of the shaft! Hollo, puissant archer, take care + of the goslings yonder! Look this way when thou pull’st, and then woe to + the other side!” Venting these and many similar specimens of the humour of + Cockaigne, the apprentices, however, followed their quondam colleague, and + elbowed their way into the crowd gathered around the competitors at the + butt; and it was at this spot, commanding a view of the whole space, that + the spectator might well have formed some notion of the vast following of + the House of Nevile. For everywhere along the front lines, everywhere in + the scattered groups, might be seen, glistening in the sunlight, the + armourial badges of that mighty family. The Pied Bull, which was the + proper cognizance [Pied Bull the cognizance, the Dun Bull’s head the + crest] of the Neviles, was principally borne by the numerous kinsmen of + Earl Warwick, who rejoiced in the Nevile name. The Lord Montagu, Warwick’s + brother, to whom the king had granted the forfeit title and estates of the + earls of Northumberland, distinguished his own retainers, however, by the + special request of the ancient Montagus.—a Gryphon issuant from a + ducal crown. But far more numerous than Bull or Gryphon (numerous as + either seemed) were the badges worn by those who ranked themselves among + the peculiar followers of the great Earl of Warwick. The cognizance of the + Bear and Ragged Staff, which he assumed in right of the Beauchamps, whom + he represented through his wife, the heiress of the lords of Warwick, was + worn in the hats of the more gentle and well-born clansmen and followers, + while the Ragged Staff alone was worked front and back on the scarlet + jackets of his more humble and personal retainers. It was a matter of + popular notice and admiration that in those who wore these badges, as in + the wearers of the hat and staff of the ancient Spartans, might be traced + a grave loftiness of bearing, as if they belonged to another caste, + another race, than the herd of men. Near the place where the rivals for + the silver arrow were collected, a lordly party had reined in their + palfreys, and conversed with each other, as the judges of the field were + marshalling the competitors. + </p> + <p> + “Who,” said one of these gallants, “who is that comely young fellow just + below us, with the Nevile cognizance of the Bull on his hat? He has the + air of one I should know.” + </p> + <p> + “I never saw him before, my Lord of Northumberland,” answered one of the + gentlemen thus addressed; “but, pardieu, he who knows all the Neviles by + eye must know half England.” The Lord Montagu—for though at that + moment invested with the titles of the Percy, by that name Earl Warwick’s + brother is known to history, and by that, his rightful name, he shall + therefore be designated in these pages—the Lord Montagu smiled + graciously at this remark, and a murmur through the crowd announced that + the competition for the silver arrow was about to commence. The butts, + formed of turf, with a small white mark fastened to the centre by a very + minute peg, were placed apart, one at each end, at the distance of eleven + score yards. At the extremity where the shooting commenced, the crowd + assembled, taking care to keep clear from the opposite butt, as the + warning word of “Fast” was thundered forth; but eager was the general + murmur, and many were the wagers given and accepted, as some well-known + archer tried his chance. Near the butt that now formed the target, stood + the marker with his white wand; and the rapidity with which archer after + archer discharged his shaft, and then, if it missed, hurried across the + ground to pick it up (for arrows were dear enough not to be lightly lost), + amidst the jeers and laughter of the bystanders, was highly animated and + diverting. As yet, however, no marksman had hit the white, though many had + gone close to it, when Nicholas Alwyn stepped forward; and there was + something so unwarlike in his whole air, so prim in his gait, so careful + in his deliberate survey of the shaft and his precise adjustment of the + leathern gauntlet that protected the arm from the painful twang of the + string, that a general burst of laughter from the bystanders attested + their anticipation of a signal failure. + </p> + <p> + “‘Fore Heaven!” said Montagu, “he handles his bow an’ it were a + yard-measure. One would think he were about to bargain for the bow-string, + he eyes it so closely.” + </p> + <p> + “And now,” said Nicholas, slowly adjusting the arrow, “a shot for the + honour of old Westmoreland!” And as he spoke, the arrow sprang gallantly + forth, and quivered in the very heart of the white. There was a general + movement of surprise among the spectators, as the marker thrice shook his + wand over his head. But Alwyn, as indifferent to their respect as he had + been to their ridicule, turned round and said, with a significant glance + at the silent nobles, “We springals of London can take care of our own, if + need be.” + </p> + <p> + “These fellows wax insolent. Our good king spoils them,” said Montagu, + with a curl of his lip. “I wish some young squire of gentle blood would + not disdain a shot for the Nevile against the craftsman. How say you, fair + sir?” And with a princely courtesy of mien and smile, Lord Montagu turned + to the young man he had noticed as wearing the cognizance of the First + House in England. The bow was not the customary weapon of the well-born; + but still, in youth, its exercise formed one of the accomplishments of the + future knight; and even princes did not disdain, on a popular holiday, to + match a shaft against the yeoman’s cloth-yard. [At a later period, Henry + VIII. was a match for the best bowman in his kingdom. His accomplishment + was hereditary, and distinguished alike his wise father and his pious + son.] The young man thus addressed, and whose honest, open, handsome, + hardy face augured a frank and fearless nature, bowed his head in silence, + and then slowly advancing to the umpires, craved permission to essay his + skill, and to borrow the loan of a shaft and bow. Leave given and the + weapons lent, as the young gentleman took his stand, his comely person, + his dress, of a better quality than that of the competitors hitherto, and, + above all, the Nevile badge worked in silver on his hat, diverted the + general attention from Nicholas Alwyn. A mob is usually inclined to + aristocratic predilections, and a murmur of goodwill and expectation + greeted him, when he put aside the gauntlet offered to him, and said, “In + my youth I was taught so to brace the bow that the string should not touch + the arm; and though eleven score yards be but a boy’s distance, a good + archer will lay his body into his bow [‘My father taught me to lay my body + in my bow,’ etc.,” said Latimer, in his well-known sermon before Edward + VI.,—1549. The bishop also herein observes that “it is best to give + the bow so much bending that the string need never touch the arm. This,” + he adds, “is practised by many good archers with whom I am acquainted, as + much as if he were to hit the blanc four hundred yards away.” + </p> + <p> + “A tall fellow this!” said Montagu; “and one I wot from the North,” as the + young gallant fitted the shaft to the bow. And graceful and artistic was + the attitude he assumed,—the head slightly inclined, the feet firmly + planted, the left a little in advance, and the stretched sinews of the + bow-hand alone evincing that into that grasp was pressed the whole + strength of the easy and careless frame. The public expectation was not + disappointed,—the youth performed the feat considered of all the + most dexterous; his arrow, disdaining the white mark, struck the small peg + which fastened it to the butts, and which seemed literally invisible to + the bystanders. + </p> + <p> + “Holy Saint Dunstan! there’s but one man who can beat me in that sort that + I know of,” muttered Nicholas, “and I little expected to see him take a + bite out of his own hip.” With that he approached his successful rival. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Master Marmaduke,” said he, “it is many a year since you showed me + that trick at your father, Sir Guy’s—God rest him! But I scarce take + it kind in you to beat your own countryman!” + </p> + <p> + “Beshrew me!” cried the youth, and his cheerful features brightened into + hearty and cordial pleasure, “but if I see in thee, as it seems to me, my + old friend and foster-brother, Nick Alwyn, this is the happiest hour I + have known for many a day. But stand back and let me look at thee, man. + Thou! thou a tame London trader! Ha! ha! is it possible?” + </p> + <p> + “Hout, Master Marmaduke,” answered Nicholas, “every crow thinks his own + baird bonniest, as they say in the North. We will talk of this anon an’ + thou wilt honour me. I suspect the archery is over now. Few will think to + mend that shot.” + </p> + <p> + And here, indeed, the umpires advanced, and their chief—an old + mercer, who had once borne arms, and indeed been a volunteer at the battle + of Towton—declared that the contest was over,—“unless,” he + added, in the spirit of a lingering fellow-feeling with the Londoner, + “this young fellow, whom I hope to see an alderman one of these days, will + demand another shot, for as yet there hath been but one prick each at the + butts.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, master,” returned Alwyn, “I have met with my betters,—and, + after all,” he added indifferently, “the silver arrow, though a pretty + bauble enough, is over light in its weight.” + </p> + <p> + “Worshipful sir,” said the young Nevile, with equal generosity, “I cannot + accept the prize for a mere trick of the craft,—the blanc was + already disposed of by Master Alwyn’s arrow. Moreover; the contest was + intended for the Londoners, and I am but an interloper, beholden to their + courtesy for a practice of skill, and even the loan of a bow; wherefore + the silver arrow be given to Nicholas Alwyn.” + </p> + <p> + “That may not be, gentle sir,” said the umpire, extending the prize. “Sith + Alwyn vails of himself, it is thine, by might and by right.” + </p> + <p> + The Lord Montagu had not been inattentive to this dialogue, and he now + said, in a loud tone that silenced the crowd, “Young Badgeman, thy + gallantry pleases me no less than thy skill. Take the arrow, for thou hast + won it; but as thou seemest a new comer, it is right thou shouldst pay thy + tax upon entry,—this be my task. Come hither, I pray thee, good + sir,” and the nobleman graciously beckoned to the mercer; “be these five + nobles the prize of whatever Londoner shall acquit himself best in the + bold English combat of quarter-staff, and the prize be given in this young + archer’s name. Thy name, youth?” + </p> + <p> + “Marmaduke Nevile, good my lord.” + </p> + <p> + Montagu smiled, and the umpire withdrew to make the announcement to the + bystanders. The proclamation was received with a shout that traversed from + group to group and line to line, more hearty from the love and honour + attached to the name of Nevile than even from a sense of the gracious + generosity of Earl Warwick’s brother. One man alone, a sturdy, well-knit + fellow, in a franklin’s Lincoln broadcloth, and with a hood half-drawn + over his features, did not join the popular applause. “These Yorkists,” he + muttered, “know well how to fool the people.” + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the young Nevile still stood by the gilded stirrup of the great + noble who had thus honoured him, and contemplated him with that respect + and interest which a youth’s ambition ever feels for those who have won a + name. + </p> + <p> + The Lord Montagu bore a very different character from his puissant + brother. Though so skilful a captain that he had never been known to lose + a battle, his fame as a warrior was, strange to say, below that of the + great earl, whose prodigious strength had accomplished those personal + feats that dazzled the populace, and revived the legendary renown of the + earlier Norman knighthood. The caution and wariness, indeed, which Montagu + displayed in battle probably caused his success as a general, and the + injustice done to him (at least by the vulgar) as a soldier. Rarely had + Lord Montagu, though his courage was indisputable, been known to mix + personally in the affray. Like the captains of modern times, he contented + himself with directing the manoeuvres of his men, and hence preserved that + inestimable advantage of coolness and calculation, which was not always + characteristic of the eager hardihood of his brother. The character of + Montagu differed yet more from that of the earl in peace than in war. He + was supposed to excel in all those supple arts of the courtier which + Warwick neglected or despised; and if the last was on great occasions the + adviser, the other in ordinary life was the companion of his sovereign. + Warwick owed his popularity to his own large, open, daring, and lavish + nature. The subtler Montagu sought to win, by care and pains, what the + other obtained without an effort. He attended the various holiday meetings + of the citizens, where Warwick was rarely seen. He was smooth-spoken and + courteous to his equals, and generally affable, though with constraint, to + his inferiors. He was a close observer, and not without that genius for + intrigue, which in rude ages passes for the talent of a statesman. And yet + in that thorough knowledge of the habits and tastes of the great mass, + which gives wisdom to a ruler, he was far inferior to the earl. In common + with his brother, he was gifted with the majesty of mien which imposes on + the eye; and his port and countenance were such as became the prodigal + expense of velvet, minever, gold, and jewels, by which the gorgeous + magnates of the day communicated to their appearance the arrogant + splendour of their power. + </p> + <p> + “Young gentleman,” said the earl, after eying with some attention the + comely archer, “I am pleased that you bear the name of Nevile. Vouchsafe + to inform me to what scion of our House we are this day indebted for the + credit with which you have upborne its cognizance?” + </p> + <p> + “I fear,” answered the youth, with a slight but not ungraceful hesitation, + “that my lord of Montagu and Northumberland will hardly forgive the + presumption with which I have intruded upon this assembly a name borne by + nobles so illustrious, especially if it belong to those less fortunate + branches of his family which have taken a different side from himself in + the late unhappy commotions. My father was Sir Guy Nevile, of Arsdale, in + Westmoreland.” + </p> + <p> + Lord Montagu’s lip lost its gracious smile; he glanced quickly at the + courtiers round him, and said gravely, “I grieve to hear it. Had I known + this, certes my gipsire had still been five nobles the richer. It becomes + not one fresh from the favour of King Edward IV. to show countenance to + the son of a man, kinsman though he was, who bore arms for the usurpers of + Lancaster. I pray thee, sir, to doff, henceforth, a badge dedicated only + to the service of Royal York. No more, young man; we may not listen to the + son of Sir Guy Nevile.—Sirs, shall we ride to see how the Londoners + thrive at quarter-staff?” + </p> + <p> + With that, Montagu, deigning no further regard at Nevile, wheeled his, + palfrey towards a distant part of the ground, to which the multitude was + already pressing its turbulent and noisy way. + </p> + <p> + “Thou art hard on thy namesake, fair my lord,” said a young noble, in + whose dark-auburn hair, aquiline, haughty features, spare but powerful + frame, and inexpressible air of authority and command, were found all the + attributes of the purest and eldest Norman race,—the Patricians of + the World. + </p> + <p> + “Dear Raoul de Fulke,” returned Montagu, coldly, “when thou hast reached + my age of thirty and four, thou wilt learn that no man’s fortune casts so + broad a shadow as to shelter from the storm the victims of a fallen + cause.” + </p> + <p> + “Not so would say thy bold brother,” answered Raoul de Fulke, with a + slight curl of his proud lip. “And I hold, with him, that no king is so + sacred that we should render to his resentments our own kith and kin. + God’s wot, whosoever wears the badge and springs from the stem of Raoul de + Fulke shall never find me question over much whether his father fought for + York or Lancaster.” + </p> + <p> + “Hush, rash babbler!” said Montagu, laughing gently; “what would King + Edward say if this speech reached his ears? Our friend,” added the + courtier, turning to the rest, “in vain would bar the tide of change; and + in this our New England, begirt with new men and new fashions, affect the + feudal baronage of the worn-out Norman. But thou art a gallant knight, De + Fulke, though a poor courtier.” + </p> + <p> + “The saints keep me so!” returned De Fulke. “From overgluttony, from over + wine-bibbing, from cringing to a king’s leman, from quaking at a king’s + frown, from unbonneting to a greasy mob, from marrying an old crone for + vile gold, may the saints ever keep Raoul de Fulke and his sons! Amen!” + This speech, in which every sentence struck its stinging satire into one + or other of the listeners, was succeeded by an awkward silence, which + Montagu was the first to break. + </p> + <p> + “Pardieu!” he said, “when did Lord Hastings leave us, and what fair face + can have lured the truant?” + </p> + <p> + “He left us suddenly on the archery-ground,” answered the young Lovell. + “But as well might we track the breeze to the rose as Lord William’s sigh + to maid or matron.” + </p> + <p> + While thus conversed the cavaliers, and their plumes waved, and their + mantles glittered along the broken ground, Marmaduke Nevile’s eye pursued + the horsemen with all that bitter feeling of wounded pride and impotent + resentment with which Youth regards the first insult it receives from + Power. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. THE BROKEN GITTERN. + </h2> + <p> + Rousing himself from his indignant revery, Marmaduke Nevile followed one + of the smaller streams into which the crowd divided itself on dispersing + from the archery-ground, and soon found himself in a part of the holiday + scene appropriated to diversions less manly, but no less characteristic of + the period than those of the staff and arrow. Beneath an awning, under + which an itinerant landlord dispensed cakes and ale, the humorous Bourdour + (the most vulgar degree of minstrel, or rather tale-teller) collected his + clownish audience; while seated by themselves—apart, but within + hearing—two harpers, in the king’s livery, consoled each other for + the popularity of their ribald rival, by wise reflections on the base + nature of common folk. Farther on, Marmaduke started to behold what seemed + to him the heads of giants at least six yards high; but on a nearer + approach these formidable apparitions resolved themselves to a company of + dancers upon stilts. There, one joculator exhibited the antics of his + well-tutored ape; there, another eclipsed the attractions of the baboon by + a marvellous horse that beat a tabor with his forefeet; there, the more + sombre Tregetour, before a table raised upon a lofty stage, promised to + cut off and refix the head of a sad-faced little boy, who in the mean time + was preparing his mortal frame for the operation by apparently larding + himself with sharp knives and bodkins. Each of these wonder-dealers found + his separate group of admirers, and great was the delight and loud the + laughter in the pastime-ground of old Cockaigne. + </p> + <p> + While Marmaduke, bewildered by this various bustle, stared around him, his + eye was caught by a young maiden, in evident distress, struggling in vain + to extricate herself from a troop of timbrel-girls, or tymbesteres (as + they were popularly called), who surrounded her with mocking gestures, + striking their instruments to drown her remonstrances, and dancing about + her in a ring at every effort towards escape. The girl was modestly + attired as one of the humbler ranks, and her wimple in much concealed her + countenance; but there was, despite her strange and undignified situation + and evident alarm, a sort of quiet, earnest self-possession,—an + effort to hide her terror, and to appeal to the better and more womanly + feelings of her persecutors. In the intervals of silence from the clamour, + her voice, though low, clear, well-tuned, and impressive, forcibly + arrested the attention of young Nevile; for at that day, even more than + this (sufficiently apparent as it now is), there was a marked distinction + in the intonation, the accent, the modulation of voice, between the better + bred and better educated and the inferior classes. But this difference, so + ill according with her dress and position, only served to heighten more + the bold insolence of the musical Bacchantes, who, indeed, in the eyes of + the sober, formed the most immoral nuisance attendant on the sports of the + time, and whose hardy license and peculiar sisterhood might tempt the + antiquary to search for their origin amongst the relics of ancient + Paganism. And now, to increase the girl’s distress, some half-score of + dissolute apprentices and journeymen suddenly broke into the ring of the + Maenads, and were accosting her with yet more alarming insults, when + Marmaduke, pushing them aside, strode to her assistance. “How now, ye lewd + varlets! ye make me blush for my countrymen in the face of day! Are these + the sports of merry England,—these your manly contests,—to + strive which can best affront a poor maid? Out on ye, cullions and + bezonians! Cling to me, gentle donzel, and fear not. Whither shall I lead + thee?” The apprentices were not, however, so easily daunted. Two of them + approached to the rescue, flourishing their bludgeons about their heads + with formidable gestures. “Ho, ho!” cried one, “what right hast thou to + step between the hunters and the doe? The young quean is too much honoured + by a kiss from a bold ‘prentice of London.” + </p> + <p> + Marmaduke stepped back, and drew the small dagger which then formed the + only habitual weapon of a gentleman. [Swords were not worn, in peace, at + that period.] This movement, discomposing his mantle, brought the silver + arrow he had won (which was placed in his girdle) in full view of the + assailants. At the same time they caught sight of the badge on his hat. + These intimidated their ardour more than the drawn poniard. + </p> + <p> + “A Nevile!” said one, retreating. “And the jolly marksman who beat Nick + Alwyn,” said the other, lowering his bludgeon, and doffing his cap. + “Gentle sir, forgive us, we knew not your quality. But as for the girl—your + gallantry misleads you.” + </p> + <p> + “The Wizard’s daughter! ha, ha! the Imp of Darkness!” screeched the + timbrel-girls, tossing up their instruments, and catching them again on + the points of their fingers. “She has enchanted him with her glamour. Foul + is fair! Foul fair thee, young springal, if thou go to the nets. Shadow + and goblin to goblin and shadow! Flesh and blood to blood and flesh!”—and + dancing round him, with wanton looks and bare arms, and gossamer robes + that brushed him as they circled, they chanted,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Come, kiss me, my darling, + Warm kisses I trade for; + Wine, music, and kisses + What else was life made for?” + </pre> + <p> + With some difficulty, and with a disgust which was not altogether without + a superstitious fear of the strange words and the outlandish appearance of + these loathsome Delilahs, Marmaduke broke from the ring with his new + charge; and in a few moments the Nevile and the maiden found themselves, + unmolested and unpursued, in a deserted quarter of the ground; but still + the scream of the timbrel-girls, as they hurried, wheeling and dancing, + into the distance, was borne ominously to the young man’s ear. “Ha, ha! + the witch and her lover! Foul is fair! foul is fair! Shadow to goblin, + goblin to shadow,—and the devil will have his own!” + </p> + <p> + “And what mischance, my poor girl,” asked the Nevile, soothingly, “brought + thee into such evil company?” + </p> + <p> + “I know not, fair sir,” said the girl, slowly recovering her self; “but my + father is poor, and I had heard that on these holiday occasions one who + had some slight skill on the gittern might win a few groats from the + courtesy of the bystanders. So I stole out with my serving-woman, and had + already got more than I dared hope, when those wicked timbrel-players came + round me, and accused me of taking the money from them. And then they + called an officer of the ground, who asked me my name and holding; so when + I answered, they called my father a wizard, and the man broke my poor + gittern,—see!”—and she held it up, with innocent sorrow in her + eyes, yet a half-smile on her lips,—“and they soon drove poor old + Madge from my side, and I knew no more till you, worshipful sir, took pity + on me.” + </p> + <p> + “But why,” asked the Nevile, “did they give to your father so unholy a + name?” + </p> + <p> + “Alas, sir! he is a great scholar, who has spent his means in studying + what he says will one day be of good to the people.” + </p> + <p> + “Humph!” said Marmaduke, who had all the superstitions of his time, who + looked upon a scholar, unless in the Church, with mingled awe and + abhorrence, and who, therefore, was but ill-satisfied with the girl’s + artless answer, + </p> + <p> + “Humph! your father—but—” checking what he was about, perhaps + harshly, to say, as he caught the bright eyes and arch, intelligent face + lifted to his own—“but it is hard to punish the child for the + father’s errors.” + </p> + <p> + “Errors, sir!” repeated the damsel, proudly, and with a slight disdain in + her face and voice. “But yes, wisdom is ever, perhaps, the saddest error!” + </p> + <p> + This remark was of an order superior in intellect to those which had + preceded it: it contrasted with the sternness of experience the simplicity + of the child; and of such contrasts, indeed, was that character made up. + For with a sweet, an infantine change of tone and countenance, she added, + after a short pause, “They took the money! The gittern—see, they + left that, when they had made it useless.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot mend the gittern, but I can refill the gipsire,” said Marmaduke. + </p> + <p> + The girl coloured deeply. “Nay, sir, to earn is not to beg.” Marmaduke did + not heed this answer; for as they were now passing by the stunted trees, + under which sat several revellers, who looked up at him from their cups + and tankards, some with sneering, some with grave looks, he began, more + seriously than in his kindly impulse he had hitherto done, to consider the + appearance it must have to be thus seen walking in public with a girl of + inferior degree, and perhaps doubtful repute. Even in our own day such an + exhibition would be, to say the least, suspicious; and in that day, when + ranks and classes were divided with iron demarcations, a young gallant, + whose dress bespoke him of gentle quality, with one of opposite sex, and + belonging to the humbler orders, in broad day too, was far more open to + censure. The blood mounted to his brow, and halting abruptly, he said, in + a dry and altered voice: “My good damsel, you are now, I think, out of + danger; it would ill beseem you, so young and so comely, to go farther + with one not old enough to be your protector; so, in God’s name, depart + quickly, and remember me when you buy your new gittern, poor child!” So + saying, he attempted to place a piece of money in her hand. She put it + back, and the coin fell on the ground. “Nay, this is foolish,” said he. + </p> + <p> + “Alas, sir!” said the girl, gravely, “I see well that you are ashamed of + your goodness. But my father begs not. And once—but that matters + not.” + </p> + <p> + “Once what?” persisted Marmaduke, interested in her manner, in spite of + himself. + </p> + <p> + “Once,” said the girl, drawing herself up, and with an expression that + altered the whole character of her face—“the beggar ate at my + father’s gate. He is a born gentleman and a knight’s son.” + </p> + <p> + “And what reduced him thus?” + </p> + <p> + “I have said,” answered the girl, simply, yet with the same half-scorn on + her lip that it had before betrayed; “he is a scholar, and thought more of + others than himself.” + </p> + <p> + “I never saw any good come to a gentleman from those accursed books,” said + the Nevile,—“fit only for monks and shavelings. But still, for your + father’s sake, though I am ashamed of the poorness of the gift—” + </p> + <p> + “No; God be with you, sir, and reward you.” She stopped short, drew her + wimple round her face, and was gone. Nevile felt an uncomfortable + sensation of remorse and disapproval at having suffered her to quit him + while there was yet any chance of molestation or annoyance, and his eye + followed her till a group of trees veiled her from his view. + </p> + <p> + The young maiden slackened her pace as she found herself alone under the + leafless boughs of the dreary pollards,—a desolate spot, made + melancholy by dull swamps, half overgrown with rank verdure, through which + forced its clogged way the shallow brook that now gives its name (though + its waves are seen no more) to one of the main streets in the most + polished quarters of the metropolis. Upon a mound formed by the gnarled + roots of the dwarfed and gnome-like oak, she sat down and wept. In our + earlier years, most of us may remember that there was one day which made + an epoch in life,—that day that separated Childhood from Youth; for + that day seems not to come gradually, but to be a sudden crisis, an abrupt + revelation. The buds of the heart open to close no more. Such a day was + this in that girl’s fate. But the day was not yet gone! That morning, when + she dressed for her enterprise of filial love, perhaps for the first time + Sibyll Warner felt that she was fair—who shall say whether some + innocent, natural vanity had not blended with the deep, devoted + earnestness, which saw no shame in the act by which the child could aid + the father? Perhaps she might have smiled to listen to old Madge’s praises + of her winsome face, old Madge’s predictions that the face and the gittern + would not lack admirers on the gay ground; perhaps some indistinct, vague + forethoughts of the Future to which the sex will deem itself to be born + might have caused the cheek—no, not to blush, but to take a rosier + hue, and the pulse to beat quicker, she knew not why. At all events, to + that ground went the young Sibyll, cheerful, and almost happy, in her + inexperience of actual life, and sure, at least, that youth and innocence + sufficed to protect from insult. And now she sat down under the leafless + tree to weep; and in those bitter tears, childhood itself was laved from + her soul forever. + </p> + <p> + “What ailest thou, maiden?” asked a deep voice; and she felt a hand laid + lightly on her shoulder. She looked up in terror and confusion, but it was + no form or face to inspire alarm that met her eye. It was a cavalier, + holding by the rein a horse richly caparisoned; and though his dress was + plainer and less exaggerated than that usually worn by men of rank, its + materials were those which the sumptuary laws (constantly broken, indeed, + as such laws ever must be) confined to nobles. Though his surcoat was but + of cloth, and the colour dark and sober, it was woven in foreign looms,—an + unpatriotic luxury, above the degree of knight,—and edged deep with + the costliest sables. The hilt of the dagger, suspended round his breast, + was but of ivory, curiously wrought, but the scabbard was sown with large + pearls. For the rest, the stranger was of ordinary stature, well knit and + active rather than powerful, and of that age (about thirty-five) which may + be called the second prime of man. His face was far less handsome than + Marmaduke Nevile’s, but infinitely more expressive, both of intelligence + and command,—the features straight and sharp, the complexion clear + and pale, and under the bright gray eyes a dark shade spoke either of + dissipation or of thought. + </p> + <p> + “What ailest thou, maiden,—weepest thou some faithless lover? Tush! + love renews itself in youth, as flower succeeds flower in spring.” + </p> + <p> + Sibyll made no reply; she rose and moved a few paces, then arrested her + steps, and looked around her. She had lost all clew to her way homeward, + and she saw with horror, in the distance, the hateful timbrel-girls, + followed by the rabble, and weaving their strange dances towards the spot. + </p> + <p> + “Dost thou fear me, child? There is no cause,” said the stranger, + following her. “Again I say, What ailest thou?” This time his voice was + that of command, and the poor girl involuntarily obeyed it. She related + her misfortunes, her persecution by the tymbesteres, her escape,—thanks + to the Nevile’s courtesy,—her separation from her attendant, and her + uncertainty as to the way she should pursue. + </p> + <p> + The nobleman listened with interest: he was a man sated and wearied by + pleasure and the world, and the evident innocence of Sibyll was a novelty + to his experience, while the contrast between her language and her dress + moved his curiosity. “And,” said he, “thy protector left thee, his work + half done; fie on his chivalry! But I, donzel, wear the spurs of + knighthood, and to succour the distressed is a duty my oath will not let + me swerve from. I will guide thee home, for I know well all the purlieus + of this evil den of London. Thou hast but to name the suburb in which thy + father dwells.” + </p> + <p> + Sibyll involuntarily raised her wimple, lifted her beautiful eyes to the + stranger, in bewildered gratitude and surprise. Her childhood had passed + in a court, her eye, accustomed to rank, at once perceived the high degree + of the speaker. The contrast between this unexpected and delicate + gallantry and the condescending tone and abrupt desertion of Marmaduke + affected her again to tears. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, worshipful sir!” she said falteringly, “what can reward thee for this + unlooked-for goodness?” + </p> + <p> + “One innocent smile, sweet virgin!—for such I’ll be sworn thou art.” + </p> + <p> + He did not offer her his hand, but hanging the gold-enamelled rein over + his arm, walked by her side; and a few words sufficing for his guidance, + led her across the ground, through the very midst of the throng. He felt + none of the young shame, the ingenious scruples of Marmaduke, at the gaze + he encountered, thus companioned. But Sibyll noted that ever and anon + bonnet and cap were raised as they passed along, and the respectful murmur + of the vulgar, who had so lately jeered her anguish, taught her the + immeasurable distance in men’s esteem between poverty shielded by virtue, + and poverty protected by power. + </p> + <p> + But suddenly a gaudy tinsel group broke through the crowd, and wheeling + round their path, the foremost of them daringly approached the nobleman, + and looking full into his disdainful face, exclaimed, “Tradest thou, too, + for kisses? Ha, ha! life is short,—the witch is outwitched by thee! + But witchcraft and death go together, as peradventure thou mayest learn at + the last, sleek wooer.” Then darting off, and heading her painted, tawdry + throng, the timbrel-girl sprang into the crowd and vanished. + </p> + <p> + This incident produced no effect upon the strong and cynical intellect of + the stranger. Without allusion to it, he continued to converse with his + young companion, and artfully to draw out her own singular but energetic + and gifted mind. He grew more than interested,—he was both touched + and surprised. His manner became yet more respectful, his voice more + subdued and soft. + </p> + <p> + On what hazards turns our fate! On that day, a little, and Sibyll’s pure + but sensitive heart had, perhaps, been given to the young Nevile. He had + defended and saved her; he was fairer than the stranger, he was more of + her own years and nearer to her in station; but in showing himself ashamed + to be seen with her, he had galled her heart, and moved the bitter tears + of her pride. What had the stranger done? Nothing but reconciled the + wounded delicacy to itself; and suddenly he became to her one ever to be + remembered, wondered at,—perhaps more. They reached an obscure + suburb, and parted at the threshold of a large, gloomy, ruinous house, + which Sibyll indicated as her father’s home. + </p> + <p> + The girl lingered before the porch; and the stranger gazed, with the + passionless admiration which some fair object of art produces on one who + has refined his taste, but who has survived enthusiasm, upon the downcast + cheek that blushed beneath his gaze. “Farewell!” he said; and the girl + looked up wistfully. He might, without vanity, have supposed that look to + imply what the lip did not dare to say,—“And shall we meet no more?” + </p> + <p> + But he turned away, with formal though courteous salutation; and as he + remounted his steed, and rode slowly towards the interior of the city, he + muttered to himself, with a melancholy smile upon his lips, “Now might the + grown infant make to himself a new toy; but an innocent heart is a brittle + thing, and one false vow can break it. Pretty maiden! I like thee well + eno’ not to love thee. So, as my young Scotch minstrel sings and plays,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Christ keep these birdis bright in bowers, + Sic peril lies in paramours!’” + </pre> + <p> + [A Scotch poet, in Lord Hailes’s Collection, has the following lines in + the very pretty poem called “Peril in Paramours:”— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Wherefore I pray, in termys short, + Christ keep these birdis bright in bowers, + Fra false lovers and their disport, + Sic peril lies in paramours.”] +</pre> + <p> + We must now return to Marmaduke. On leaving Sibyll, and retracing his + steps towards the more crowded quarter of the space, he was agreeably + surprised by encountering Nicholas Alwyn, escorted in triumph by a legion + of roaring apprentices from the victory he had just obtained over six + competitors at the quarter-staff. + </p> + <p> + When the cortege came up to Marmaduke, Nicholas halted, and fronting his + attendants, said, with the same cold and formal stiffness that had + characterized him from the beginning, “I thank you, lads, for your + kindness. It is your own triumph. All I cared for was to show that you + London boys are able to keep up your credit in these days, when there’s + little luck in a yard-measure, if the same hand cannot bend a bow, or + handle cold steel. But the less we think of the strife when we are in the + stall, the better for our pouches. And so I hope we shall hear no more + about it, until I get a ware of my own, when the more of ye that like to + talk of such matters the better ye will be welcome,—always provided + ye be civil customers, who pay on the nail, for as the saw saith, ‘Ell and + tell makes the crypt swell.’ For the rest, thanks are due to this brave + gentleman, Marmaduke Nevile, who, though the son of a knight-banneret who + never furnished less to the battle-field than fifty men-at-arms, has + condescended to take part and parcel in the sports of us peaceful London + traders; and if ever you can do him a kind turn—for turn and turn is + fair play—why, you will, I answer for it. And so one cheer for old + London, and another for Marmaduke Nevile. Here goes! Hurrah, my lads!” And + with this pithy address Nicholas Alwyn took off his cap and gave the + signal for the shouts, which, being duly performed, he bowed stiffly to + his companions, who departed with a hearty laugh, and coming to the side + of Nevile, the two walked on to a neighbouring booth, where, under a rude + awning, and over a flagon of clary, they were soon immersed in the + confidential communications each had to give and receive. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. THE TRADER AND THE GENTLE; OR, THE CHANGING GENERATION. + </h2> + <p> + “No, my dear foster-brother,” said the Nevile, “I do not yet comprehend + the choice you have made. You were reared and brought up with such careful + book-lere, not only to read and to write—the which, save the mark! I + hold to be labour eno’—but chop Latin and logic and theology with + Saint Aristotle (is not that his hard name?) into the bargain, and all + because you had an uncle of high note in Holy Church. I cannot say I would + be a shaveling myself; but surely a monk with the hope of preferment is a + nobler calling to a lad of spirit and ambition than to stand out at a door + and cry, ‘Buy, buy,’ ‘What d’ye lack?’ to spend youth as a Flat-cap, and + drone out manhood in measuring cloth, hammering metals, or weighing out + spices?” + </p> + <p> + “Fair and softly, Master Marmaduke,” said Alwyn, “you will understand me + better anon. My uncle, the sub-prior, died,—some say of austerities, + others of ale,—that matters not; he was a learned man and a cunning. + ‘Nephew Nicholas,’ said he on his death-bed, ‘think twice before you tie + yourself up to the cloister; it’s ill leaping nowadays in a sackcloth bag. + If a pious man be moved to the cowl by holy devotion, there is nothing to + be said on the subject; but if he take to the Church as a calling, and + wish to march ahead like his fellows, these times show him a prettier path + to distinction. The nobles begin to get the best things for themselves; + and a learned monk, if he is the son of a yeoman, cannot hope, without a + specialty of grace, to become abbot or bishop. The king, whoever he be, + must be so drained by his wars, that he has little land or gold to bestow + on his favourites; but his gentry turn an eye to the temporalities of the + Church, and the Church and the king wish to strengthen themselves by the + gentry. This is not all; there are free opinions afloat. The House of + Lancaster has lost ground, by its persecutions and burnings. Men dare not + openly resist, but they treasure up recollections of a fried grandfather, + or a roasted cousin,—recollections which have done much damage to + the Henries, and will shake Holy Church itself one of these days. The + Lollards lie hid, but Lollardism will never die. There is a new class + rising amain, where a little learning goes a great way, if mixed with + spirit and sense. Thou likest broad pieces and a creditable name,—go + to London and be a trader. London begins to decide who shall wear the + crown, and the traders to decide what king London shall befriend. + Wherefore, cut thy trace from the cloister, and take thy road to the + shop.’ The next day my uncle gave up the ghost.—They had better + clary than this at the convent, I must own; but every stone has its flaw.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet,” said Marmaduke, “if you took distaste to the cowl, from reasons + that I pretend not to judge of, but which seem to my poor head very bad + ones, seeing that the Church is as mighty as ever, and King Edward is no + friend to the Lollards, and that your uncle himself was at least a + sub-prior—” + </p> + <p> + “Had he been son to a baron, he had been a cardinal,” interrupted + Nicholas, “for his head was the longest that ever came out of the north + country. But go on; you would say my father was a sturdy yeoman, and I + might have followed his calling?” + </p> + <p> + “You hit the mark, Master Nicholas.” + </p> + <p> + “Hout, man. I crave pardon of your rank, Master Nevile. But a yeoman is + born a yeoman, and he dies a yeoman—I think it better to die Lord + Mayor of London; and so I craved my mother’s blessing and leave, and a + part of the old hyde has been sold to pay for the first step to the red + gown, which I need not say must be that of the Flat-cap. I have already + taken my degrees, and no longer wear blue. I am headman to my master, and + my master will be sheriff of London.” + </p> + <p> + “It is a pity,” said the Nevile, shaking his head; “you were ever a tall, + brave lad, and would have made a very pretty soldier.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, Master Marmaduke, but I leave cut and thrust to the gentles. I + have seen eno’ of the life of a retainer. He goes out on foot with his + shield and his sword, or his bow and his quiver, while Sir Knight sits on + horseback, armed from the crown to the toe, and the arrow slants off from + rider and horse, as a stone from a tree. If the retainer is not sliced and + carved into mincemeat, he comes home to a heap of ashes, and a handful of + acres, harried and rivelled into a common; Sir Knight thanks him for his + valour, but he does not build up his house; Sir Knight gets a grant from + the king, or an heiress for his son, and Hob Yeoman turns gisarme and bill + into ploughshares. Tut, tut, there’s no liberty, no safety, no getting on, + for a man who has no right to the gold spurs, but in the guild of his + fellows; and London is the place for a born Saxon like Nicholas Alwyn.” + </p> + <p> + As the young aspirant thus uttered the sentiments, which though others + might not so plainly avow and shrewdly enforce them, tended towards that + slow revolution, which, under all the stormy events that the superficial + record we call HISTORY alone deigns to enumerate, was working that great + change in the thoughts and habits of the people,—that impulsion of + the provincial citywards, that gradual formation of a class between knight + and vassal,—which became first constitutionally visible and distinct + in the reign of Henry VII., Marmaduke Nevile, inly half-regretting and + half-despising the reasonings of his foster-brother, was playing with his + dagger, and glancing at his silver arrow. + </p> + <p> + “Yet you could still have eno’ of the tall yeoman and the stout retainer + about you to try for this bauble, and to break half a dozen thick heads + with your quarter-staff!” + </p> + <p> + “True,” said Nicholas; “you must recollect we are only, as yet, between + the skin and the selle,—half-trader, half-retainer. The old leaven + will out,—‘Eith to learn the cat to the kirn,’ as they say in the + North. But that’s not all; a man, to get on, must win respect from those + who are to jostle him hereafter, and it’s good policy to show those + roystering youngsters that Nick Alwyn, stiff and steady though he be, has + the old English metal in him, if it comes to a pinch; it’s a lesson to yon + lords too, save your quality, if they ever wish to ride roughshod over our + guilds and companies. But eno’ of me.—Drawer, another stoup of the + clary—Now, gentle sir, may I make bold to ask news of yourself? I + saw, though I spake not before of it, that my Lord Montagu showed a cold + face to his kinsman. I know something of these great men, though I be but + a small one,—a dog is no bad guide in the city he trots through.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear foster-brother,” said the Nevile, “you had ever more brains than + myself, as is meet that you should have, since you lay by the steel + casque,—which, I take it, is meant as a substitute for us gentlemen + and soldiers who have not so many brains to spare; and I will willingly + profit by your counsels. You must know,” he said, drawing nearer to the + table, and his frank, hardy face assuming a more earnest expression, “that + though my father, Sir Guy, at the instigation of his chief, the Earl of + Westmoreland, and of the Lord Nevile, bore arms at the first for King + Henry—” + </p> + <p> + “Hush! hush! for Henry of Windsor!” + </p> + <p> + “Henry of Windsor!—so be it! yet being connected, like the nobles I + have spoken of, with the blood of Warwick and Salisbury, it was ever with + doubt and misgiving, and rather in the hope of ultimate compromise between + both parties (which the Duke of York’s moderation rendered probable) than + of the extermination of either. But when, at the battle of York, Margaret + of Anjou and her generals stained their victory by cruelties which could + not fail to close the door on all conciliation; when the infant son of the + duke himself was murdered, though a prisoner, in cold blood; when my + father’s kinsman, the Earl of Salisbury, was beheaded without trial; when + the head of the brave and good duke, who had fallen in the field, was, + against all knightly and king-like generosity, mockingly exposed, like a + dishonoured robber, on the gates of York, my father, shocked and revolted, + withdrew at once from the army, and slacked not bit or spur till he found + himself in his hall at Arsdale. His death, caused partly by his travail + and vexation of spirit, together with his timely withdrawal from the + enemy, preserved his name from the attainder passed on the Lords + Westmoreland and Nevile; and my eldest brother, Sir John, accepted the + king’s proffer of pardon, took the oaths of allegiance to Edward, and + lives safe, if obscure, in his father’s halls. Thou knowest, my friend, + that a younger brother has but small honour at home. Peradventure, in + calmer times, I might have bowed my pride to my calling, hunted my + brother’s dogs, flown his hawks, rented his keeper’s lodge, and gone to my + grave contented. But to a young man, who from his childhood had heard the + stirring talk of knights and captains, who had seen valour and fortune + make the way to distinction, and whose ears of late had been filled by the + tales of wandering minstrels and dissours, with all the gay wonders of + Edward’s court, such a life soon grew distasteful. My father, on his + death-bed (like thy uncle, the sub-prior), encouraged me little to follow + his own footsteps. ‘I see,’ said he, ‘that King Henry is too soft to rule + his barons, and Margaret too fierce to conciliate the commons; the only + hope of peace is in the settlement of the House of York. Wherefore, let + not thy father’s errors stand in the way of thy advancement;’ and + therewith he made his confessor—for he was no penman himself, the + worthy old knight!—indite a letter to his great kinsman, the Earl of + Warwick, commending me to his protection. He signed his mark, and set his + seal to this missive, which I now have at mine hostelrie, and died the + same day. My brother judged me too young then to quit his roof; and + condemned me to bear his humours till, at the age of twenty-three, I could + bear no more! So having sold him my scant share in the heritage, and + turned, like thee, bad land into good nobles, I joined a party of horse in + their journey to London, and arrived yesterday at Master Sackbut’s + hostelrie in Eastchepe. I went this morning to my Lord of Warwick; but he + was gone to the king’s, and hearing of the merry-makings here, I came + hither for kill-time. A chance word of my Lord of Montagu—whom Saint + Dunstan confound!—made me conceit that a feat of skill with the + cloth-yard might not ill preface my letter to the great earl. But, pardie! + it seems I reckoned without my host, and in seeking to make my fortunes + too rashly, I have helped to mar them.” Wherewith he related the + particulars of his interview with Montagu. + </p> + <p> + Nicholas Alwyn listened to him with friendly and thoughtful interest, and, + when he had done, spoke thus,— + </p> + <p> + “The Earl of Warwick is a generous man, and though hot, bears little + malice, except against those whom he deems misthink or insult him; he is + proud of being looked up to as a protector, especially by those of his own + kith and name. Your father’s letter will touch the right string, and you + cannot do better than deliver it with a plain story. A young partisan like + thee is not to be despised. Thou must trust to Lord Warwick to set matters + right with his brother; and now, before I say further, let me ask thee, + plainly, and without offence, Dost thou so love the House of York that no + chance could ever make thee turn sword against it? Answer as I ask,—under + thy breath; those drawers are parlous spies!” + </p> + <p> + And here, in justice to Marmaduke Nevile and to his betters, it is + necessary to preface his reply by some brief remarks, to which we must + crave the earnest attention of the reader. What we call PATRIOTISM, in the + high and catholic acceptation of the word, was little if at all understood + in days when passion, pride, and interest were motives little softened by + reflection and education, and softened still less by the fusion of classes + that characterized the small States of old, and marks the civilization of + a modern age. Though the right by descent of the House of York, if + genealogy alone were consulted, was indisputably prior to that of + Lancaster, yet the long exercise of power in the latter House, the genius + of the Fourth Henry, and the victories of the Fifth, would no doubt have + completely superseded the obsolete claims of the Yorkists, had Henry VI. + possessed any of the qualities necessary for the time. As it was, men had + got puzzled by genealogies and cavils; the sanctity attached to the king’s + name was weakened by his doubtful right to his throne, and the Wars of the + rival Roses were at last (with two exceptions, presently to be noted) the + mere contests of exasperated factions, in which public considerations were + scarcely even made the blind to individual interest, prejudice, or + passion. + </p> + <p> + Thus, instances of desertion, from the one to the other party, even by the + highest nobles, and on the very eve of battle, had grown so common that + little if any disgrace was attached to them; and any knight or captain + held an affront to himself an amply sufficient cause for the transfer of + his allegiance. It would be obviously absurd to expect in any of the + actors of that age the more elevated doctrines of party faith and public + honour, which clearer notions of national morality, and the salutary + exercise of a large general opinion, free from the passions of single + individuals, have brought into practice in our more enlightened days. The + individual feelings of the individual MAN, strong in himself, became his + guide, and he was free in much from the regular and thoughtful virtues, as + well as from the mean and plausible vices, of those who act only in bodies + and corporations. The two exceptions to this idiosyncrasy of motive and + conduct were, first, in the general disposition of the rising middle + class, especially in London, to connect great political interests with the + more popular House of York. The commons in parliament had acted in + opposition to Henry the Sixth, as the laws they wrung from him tended to + show, and it was a popular and trading party that came, as it were, into + power under King Edward. It is true that Edward was sufficiently arbitrary + in himself; but a popular party will stretch as much as its antagonists in + favour of despotism,—exercised, on its enemies. And Edward did his + best to consult the interests of commerce, though the prejudices of the + merchants interpreted those interests in a way opposite to that in which + political economy now understands them. The second exception to the mere + hostilities of individual chiefs and feudal factions has, not less than + the former, been too much overlooked by historians. But this was a still + more powerful element in the success of the House of York. The hostility + against the Roman Church and the tenets of the Lollards were shared by an + immense part of the population. In the previous century an ancient writer + computes that one half the population were Lollards; and though the sect + were diminished and silenced by fear, they still ceased not to exist, and + their doctrines not only shook the Church under Henry VIII., but destroyed + the throne by the strong arm of their children, the Puritans, under + Charles I. It was impossible that these men should not have felt the + deepest resentment at the fierce and steadfast persecution they endured + under the House of Lancaster; and without pausing to consider how far they + would benefit under the dynasty of York, they had all those motives of + revenge which are mistaken so often for the counsels of policy, to rally + round any standard raised against their oppressors. These two great + exceptions to merely selfish policy, which it remains for the historian + clearly and at length to enforce, these: and these alone will always, to a + sagacious observer, elevate the Wars of the Roses above those bloody + contests for badges which we are at first sight tempted to regard them. + But these deeper motives animated very little the nobles and the knightly + gentry; [Amongst many instances of the self-seeking of the time, not the + least striking is the subservience of John Mowbray, the great Duke of + Norfolk, to his old political enemy, the Earl of Oxford, the moment the + last comes into power, during the brief restoration of Henry VI. John + Paston, whose family had been sufficiently harassed by this great duke, + says, with some glee, “The Duke and Duchess (of Norfolk) sue to him (Lord + Oxford) as humbly as ever I did to them.”—Paston Letters, cccii.] + and with them the governing principles were, as we have just said, + interest, ambition, and the zeal for the honour and advancement of Houses + and chiefs. + </p> + <p> + “Truly,” said Marmaduke, after a short and rather embarrassed pause, “I am + little beholden as yet to the House of York. There where I see a noble + benefactor, or a brave and wise leader, shall I think my sword and heart + may best proffer allegiance.” + </p> + <p> + “Wisely said,” returned Alwyn, with a slight but half sarcastic smile; “I + asked thee the question because—draw closer—there are wise men + in our city who think the ties between Warwick and the king less strong + than a ship’s cable; and if thou attachest thyself to Warwick, he will be + better pleased, it may be, with talk of devotion to himself than + professions of exclusive loyalty to King Edward. He who has little silver + in his pouch must have the more silk on his tongue. A word to a + Westmoreland or a Yorkshire man is as good as a sermon to men not born so + far north. One word more, and I have done. Thou art kind and affable and + gentle, my dear foster-brother, but it will not do for thee to be seen + again with the goldsmith’s headman. If thou wantest me, send for me at + nightfall; I shall be found at Master Heyford’s, in the Chepe. And if,” + added Nicholas, with a prudent reminiscence, “thou succeedest at court, + and canst recommend my master,—there is no better goldsmith,—it + may serve me when I set up for myself, which I look to do shortly.” + </p> + <p> + “But to send for thee, my own foster-brother, at nightfall, as if I were + ashamed!” + </p> + <p> + “Hout, Master Marmaduke, if thou wert not ashamed of me, I should be + ashamed to be seen with a gay springal like thee. Why, they would say in + the Chepe that Nick Alwyn was going to ruin. No, no. Birds of a feather + must keep shy of those that moult other colours; and so, my dear young + master, this is my last shake of the hand. But hold: dost thou know thy + way back?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes,—never fear!” answered Marmaduke; “though I see not why so + far, at least, we may not be companions.” + </p> + <p> + “No, better as it is; after this day’s work they will gossip about both of + us, and we shall meet many who know my long visage on the way back. God + keep thee; avise me how thou prosperest.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, Nicholas Alwyn walked off, too delicate to propose to pay his + share of the reckoning with a superior; but when he had gone a few paces + he turned back, and accosting the Nevile, as the latter was rebuckling his + mantle, said,— + </p> + <p> + “I have been thinking, Master Nevile, that these gold nobles, which it has + been my luck to bear off, would be more useful in thy gipsire than mine. I + have sure gains and small expenses; but a gentleman gains nothing, and his + hand must be ever in his pouch, so—” + </p> + <p> + “Foster-brother,” said Marmaduke, haughtily, “a gentleman never borrows,—except + of the Jews, and with due interest. Moreover, I too have my calling; and + as thy stall to thee, so to me my good sword. Saints keep thee! Be sure I + will serve thee when I can.” + </p> + <p> + “The devil’s in these young strips of the herald’s tree,” muttered Alwyn, + as he strode off; “as if it were dishonest to borrow a broad piece without + cutting a throat for it! Howbeit, money is a prolific mother: and here is + eno’ to buy me a gold chain against I am alderman of London. Hout, thus + goes the world,—the knight’s baubles become the alderman’s badges—so + much the better!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. ILL FARES THE COUNTRY MOUSE IN THE TRAPS OF TOWN. + </h2> + <p> + We trust we shall not be deemed discourteous, either, on the one hand, to + those who value themselves on their powers of reflection, or, on the + other, to those who lay claim to what, in modern phrenological jargon, is + called the Organ of Locality, when we venture to surmise that the two are + rarely found in combination; nay, that it seems to us a very evident + truism, that in proportion to the general activity of the intellect upon + subjects of pith and weight, the mind will be indifferent to those minute + external objects by which a less contemplative understanding will note, + and map out, and impress upon the memory, the chart of the road its owner + has once taken. Master Marmaduke Nevile, a hardy and acute forester from + childhood, possessed to perfection the useful faculty of looking well and + closely before him as he walked the earth; and ordinarily, therefore, the + path he had once taken, however intricate and obscure, he was tolerably + sure to retrace with accuracy, even at no inconsiderable distance of time,—the + outward senses of men are usually thus alert and attentive in the savage + or the semi-civilized state. He had not, therefore, over-valued his + general acuteness in the note and memory of localities, when he boasted of + his power to refind his way to his hostelrie without the guidance of + Alwyn. But it so happened that the events of this day, so memorable to + him, withdrew his attention from external objects, to concentrate it + within. And in marvelling and musing over the new course upon which his + destiny had entered, he forgot to take heed of that which his feet should + pursue; so that, after wandering unconsciously onward for some time, he + suddenly halted in perplexity and amaze to find himself entangled in a + labyrinth of scattered suburbs, presenting features wholly different from + the road that had conducted him to the archery-ground in the forenoon. The + darkness of the night had set in; but it was relieved by a somewhat faint + and mist-clad moon, and some few and scattered stars, over which rolled, + fleetly, thick clouds, portending rain. No lamps at that time cheered the + steps of the belated wanderer; the houses were shut up, and their inmates, + for the most part, already retired to rest, and the suburbs did not + rejoice, as the city, in the round of the watchman with his drowsy call to + the inhabitants, “Hang out your lights!” The passengers, who at first, in + various small groups and parties, had enlivened the stranger’s way, seemed + to him, unconscious as he was of the lapse of time, to have suddenly + vanished from the thoroughfares; and he found himself alone in places + thoroughly unknown to him, waking to the displeasing recollection that the + approaches to the city were said to be beset by brawlers and ruffians of + desperate characters, whom the cessation of the civil wars had flung loose + upon the skirts of society, to maintain themselves by deeds of rapine and + plunder. As might naturally be expected, most of these had belonged to the + defeated party, who had no claim to the good offices or charity of those + in power. And although some of the Neviles had sided with the + Lancastrians, yet the badge worn by Marmaduke was considered a pledge of + devotion to the reigning House, and added a new danger to those which + beset his path. Conscious of this—for he now called to mind the + admonitions of his host in parting from the hostelrie—he deemed it + but discreet to draw the hood of his mantle over the silver ornament; and + while thus occupied, he heard not a step emerging from a lane at his rear, + when suddenly a heavy hand was placed on his shoulder. He started, turned, + and before him stood a man, whose aspect and dress betokened little to + lessen the alarm of the uncourteous salutation. Marmaduke’s dagger was + bare on the instant. + </p> + <p> + “And what wouldst thou with me?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Thy purse and thy dagger!” answered the stranger. + </p> + <p> + “Come and take them,” said the Nevile, unconscious that he uttered a reply + famous in classic history, as he sprang backward a step or so, and threw + himself into an attitude of defence. The stranger slowly raised a rude + kind of mace, or rather club, with a ball of iron at the end, garnished + with long spikes, as he replied, “Art thou mad eno’ to fight for such + trifles?” + </p> + <p> + “Art thou in the habit of meeting one Englishman who yields his goods + without a blow to another?” retorted Marmaduke. “Go to! thy club does not + daunt me.” The stranger warily drew back a step, and applied a whistle to + his mouth. The Nevile sprang at him, but the stranger warded off the + thrust of the poniard with a light flourish of his heavy weapon; and had + not the youth drawn back on the instant, it had been good-night and a long + day to Marmaduke Nevile. Even as it was, his heart beat quick, as the + whirl of the huge weapon sent the air like a strong wind against his face. + Ere he had time to renew his attack, he was suddenly seized from behind, + and found himself struggling in the arms of two men. From these he broke, + and his dagger glanced harmless against the tough jerkin of his first + assailant. The next moment his right arm fell to his side, useless and + deeply gashed. A heavy blow on the head—the moon, the stars reeled + in his eyes—and then darkness,—he knew no more. His assailants + very deliberately proceeded to rifle the inanimate body, when one of them, + perceiving the silver badge, exclaimed, with an oath, “One of the rampant + Neviles! This cock at least shall crow no more.” And laying the young + man’s head across his lap, while he stretched back the throat with one + hand, with the other he drew forth a long sharp knife, like those used by + huntsmen in despatching the hart. Suddenly, and in the very moment when + the blade was about to inflict the fatal gash, his hand was forcibly + arrested, and a man, who had silently and unnoticed joined the ruffians, + said in a stern whisper, “Rise and depart from thy brotherhood forever. We + admit no murderer.” + </p> + <p> + The ruffian looked up in bewilderment. “Robin—captain—thou + here!” he said falteringly. + </p> + <p> + “I must needs be everywhere, I see, if I would keep such fellows as thou + and these from the gallows. What is this?—a silver arrow—the + young archer—Um.” + </p> + <p> + “A Nevile!” growled the would-be murderer. + </p> + <p> + “And for that very reason his life should be safe. Knowest thou not that + Richard of Warwick, the great Nevile, ever spares the commons? Begone! I + say.” The captain’s low voice grew terrible as he uttered the last words. + The savage rose, and without a word stalked away. + </p> + <p> + “Look you, my masters,” said Robin, turning to the rest, “soldiers must + plunder a hostile country. While York is on the throne, England is a + hostile country to us Lancastrians. Rob, then, rifle, if ye will; but he + who takes life shall lose it. Ye know me!” The robbers looked down, silent + and abashed. Robin bent a moment over the youth. “He will live,” he + muttered. “So! he already begins to awaken. One of these houses will give + him shelter. Off, fellows, and take care of your necks!” + </p> + <p> + When Marmaduke, a few minutes after this colloquy, began to revive, it was + with a sensation of dizziness, pain, and extreme cold. He strove to lift + himself from the ground, and at length succeeded. He was alone; the place + where he had lain was damp and red with stiffening blood. He tottered on + for several paces, and perceived from a lattice, at a little distance, a + light still burning. Now reeling, now falling, he still dragged on his + limbs as the instinct attracted him to that sign of refuge. He gained the + doorway of a detached and gloomy house, and sank on the stone before it to + cry aloud; but his voice soon sank into deep groans, and once more, as his + efforts increased the rapid gush of the blood, became insensible. The man + styled Robin, who had so opportunely saved his life, now approached from + the shadow of a wall, beneath which he had watched Marmaduke’s movements. + He neared the door of the house, and cried, in a sharp, clear voice, + “Open, for the love of Christ!” + </p> + <p> + A head was now thrust from the lattice, the light vanished; a minute more, + the door opened; and Robin, as if satisfied, drew hastily back, and + vanished, saying to himself, as he strode along, “A young man’s life must + needs be dear to him; yet had the lad been a lord, methinks I should have + cared little to have saved for the people one tyrant more.” + </p> + <p> + After a long interval, Marmaduke again recovered, and his eyes turned with + pain from the glare of a light held to his face. + </p> + <p> + “He wakes, Father,—he will live!” cried a sweet voice. “Ay, he will + live, child!” answered a deeper tone; and the young man muttered to + himself, half audibly, as in a dream, “Holy Mother be blessed! it is sweet + to live.” The room in which the sufferer lay rather exhibited the remains + of better fortunes than testified to the solid means of the present + possessor. The ceiling was high and groined, and some tints of faded but + once gaudy painting blazoned its compartments and hanging pendants. The + walls had been rudely painted (for arras [Mr. Hallam (“History of the + Middle Ages,” chap. ix. part 2) implies a doubt whether great houses were + furnished with hangings so soon as the reign of Edward IV.; but there is + abundant evidence to satisfy our learned historian upon that head. The + Narrative of the “Lord of Grauthuse,” edited by Sir F. Madden, specifies + the hangings of cloth of gold in the apartments in which that lord was + received by Edward IV.; also the hangings of white silk and linen in the + chamber appropriated to himself at Windsor. But long before this period + (to say nothing of the Bayeux Tapestry),—namely, in the reign of + Edward III. (in 1344),—a writ was issued to inquire into the mystery + of working tapestry; and in 1398 Mr. Britton observes that the celebrated + arras hangings at Warwick Castle are mentioned. (See Britton’s “Dictionary + of Architecture and Archaelogy,” art. “Tapestry.”)] then was rare, even + among the wealthiest); but the colours were half obliterated by time and + damp. The bedstead on which the wounded man reclined was curiously carved, + with a figure of the Virgin at the head, and adorned with draperies, in + which were wrought huge figures from scriptural subjects, but in the dress + of the date of Richard II.,—Solomon in pointed upturned shoes, and + Goliath, in the armour of a crusader, frowning grimly upon the sufferer. + By the bedside stood a personage, who, in reality, was but little past the + middle age, but whose pale visage, intersected with deep furrows, whose + long beard and hair, partially gray, gave him the appearance of advanced + age: nevertheless there was something peculiarly striking in the aspect of + the man. His forehead was singularly high and massive; but the back of the + head was disproportionately small, as if the intellect too much + preponderated over all the animal qualities for strength in character and + success in life. The eyes were soft, dark, and brilliant, but dreamlike + and vague; the features in youth must have been regular and beautiful, but + their contour was now sharpened by the hollowness of the cheeks and + temples. The form, in the upper part, was nobly shaped, sufficiently + muscular, if not powerful, and with the long throat and falling shoulders + which always gives something of grace and dignity to the carriage; but it + was prematurely bent, and the lower limbs were thin and weak, as is common + with men who have sparely used them; they seemed disproportioned to that + broad chest, and still more to that magnificent and spacious brow. The + dress of this personage corresponded with the aspect of his abode. The + materials were those worn by the gentry, but they were old, threadbare, + and discoloured with innumerable spots and stains. His hands were small + and delicate, with large blue veins, that spoke of relaxed fibres; but + their natural whiteness was smudged with smoke-stains, and his beard—a + masculine ornament utterly out of fashion among the younger race in King + Edward’s reign, but when worn by the elder gentry carefully trimmed and + perfumed—was dishevelled into all the spiral and tangled curls + displayed in the sculptured head of some old Grecian sage or poet. + </p> + <p> + On the other side of the bed knelt a young girl of about sixteen, with a + face exquisitely lovely in its delicacy and expression. She seemed about + the middle stature, and her arms and neck, as displayed by the + close-fitting vest, had already the smooth and rounded contour of dawning + womanhood, while the face had still the softness, innocence, and + inexpressible bloom of a child. There was a strong likeness between her + and her father (for such the relationship, despite the difference of sex + and years),—the same beautiful form of lip and brow, the same rare + colour of the eyes, dark-blue, with black fringing lashes; and perhaps the + common expression, at that moment, of gentle pity and benevolent anxiety + contributed to render the resemblance stronger. + </p> + <p> + “Father, he sinks again!” said the girl. + </p> + <p> + “Sibyll,” answered the man, putting his finger upon a line in a manuscript + book that he held, “the authority saith, that a patient so contused should + lose blood, and then the arm must be tightly bandaged. Verily we lack the + wherewithal.” + </p> + <p> + “Not so, Father!” said the girl, and blushing, she turned aside, and took + off the partelet of lawn, upon which holiday finery her young eyes perhaps + that morning had turned with pleasure, and white as snow was the neck + which was thus displayed; “this will suffice to bind his arm.” + </p> + <p> + “But the book,” said the father, in great perplexity—“the book + telleth us not how the lancet should be applied. It is easy to say, ‘Do + this and do that;’ but to do it once, it should have been done before. + This is not among my experiments.” + </p> + <p> + Luckily, perhaps, for Marmaduke, at this moment there entered an old + woman, the solitary servant of the house, whose life, in those warlike + times, had made her pretty well acquainted with the simpler modes of + dealing with a wounded arm and a broken head. She treated with great + disdain the learned authority referred to by her master; she bound the + arm, plastered the head, and taking upon herself the responsibility to + promise a rapid cure, insisted upon the retirement of father and child, + and took her solitary watch beside the bed. + </p> + <p> + “If it had been any other mechanism than that of the vile human body!” + muttered the philosopher, as if apologizing to himself; and with that he + recovered his self-complacency and looked round him proudly. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. WEAL TO THE IDLER, WOE TO THE WORKMAN. + </h2> + <p> + As Providence tempers the wind to the shorn lamb, so it possibly might + conform the heads of that day to a thickness suitable for the blows and + knocks to which they were variously subjected; yet it was not without + considerable effort and much struggling that Marmaduke’s senses recovered + the shock received, less by his flesh-wound and the loss of blood, than a + blow on the seat of reason that might have despatched a passable ox of + these degenerate days. Nature, to say nothing of Madge’s leechcraft, + ultimately triumphed, and Marmaduke woke one morning in full possession of + such understanding as Nature had endowed him with. He was then alone, and + it was with much simple surprise that he turned his large hazel eyes from + corner to corner of the unfamiliar room. He began to retrace and weave + together sundry disordered and vague reminiscences: he commenced with the + commencement, and clearly satisfied himself that he had been grievously + wounded and sorely bruised; he then recalled the solitary light at the + high lattice, and his memory found itself at the porch of the large, + lonely, ruinous old house; then all became a bewildered and feverish + dream. He caught at the vision of an old man with a long beard, whom he + associated, displeasingly, with recollections of pain; he glanced off to a + fair face, with eyes that looked tender pity whenever he writhed or + groaned under the tortures that, no doubt, that old accursed carle had + inflicted upon him. But even this face did not dwell with pleasure in his + memory,—it woke up confused and labouring associations of something + weird and witchlike, of sorceresses and tymbesteres, of wild warnings + screeched in his ear, of incantations and devilries and doom. Impatient of + these musings, he sought to leap from his bed, and was amazed that the + leap subsided into a tottering crawl. He found an ewer and basin, and his + ablutions refreshed and invigorated him. He searched for his raiment, and + discovered it all except the mantle, dagger, hat, and girdle; and while + looking for these, his eye fell on an old tarnished steel mirror. He + started as if he had seen his ghost; was it possible that his hardy face + could have waned into that pale and almost femininely delicate visage? + With the pride (call it not coxcombry) that then made the care of person + the distinction of gentle birth, he strove to reduce into order the + tangled locks of the long hair, of which a considerable portion above a + part that seemed peculiarly sensitive to the touch had been mercilessly + clipped; and as he had just completed this task, with little satisfaction + and much inward chafing at the lack of all befitting essences and + perfumes, the door gently opened, and the fair face he had dreamed of + appeared at the aperture. + </p> + <p> + The girl uttered a cry of astonishment and alarm at seeing the patient + thus arrayed and convalescent, and would suddenly have retreated; but the + Nevile advanced, and courteously taking her hand— + </p> + <p> + “Fair maiden,” said he, “if, as I trow, I owe to thy cares my tending and + cure—nay, it may be a life hitherto of little worth, save to myself—do + not fly from my thanks. May Our Lady of Walsingham bless and reward thee!” + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” answered Sibyll, gently withdrawing her hands from his clasp, “our + poor cares have been a slight return for thy generous protection to + myself.” + </p> + <p> + “To thee! ah, forgive me—how could I be so dull? I remember thy face + now; and, perchance, I deserve the disaster I met with in leaving thee so + discourteously. My heart smote me for it as my light footfall passed from + thy side.” + </p> + <p> + A slight blush, succeeded by a thoughtful smile—the smile of one who + recalls and caresses some not displeasing remembrance—passed over + Sibyll’s charming countenance, as the sufferer said this with something of + the grace of a well-born man, whose boyhood had been taught to serve God + and the Ladies. + </p> + <p> + There was a short pause before she answered, looking down, “Nay, sir, I + was sufficiently beholden to you; and for the rest, all molestation was + over. But I will now call your nurse—for it is to our servant, not + us, that your thanks are due—to see to your state, and administer + the proper medicaments.” + </p> + <p> + “Truly, fair damsel, it is not precisely medicaments that I hunger and + thirst for; and if your hospitality could spare me from the larder a + manchet, or a corner of a pasty, and from the cellar a stoup of wine or a + cup of ale, methinks it would tend more to restore me than those potions + which are so strange to my taste that they rather offend than tempt it; + and, pardie, it seemeth to my poor senses as if I had not broken bread for + a week!” + </p> + <p> + “I am glad to hear you of such good cheer,” answered Sibyll; “wait but a + moment or so, till I consult your physician.” + </p> + <p> + And, so saying, she closed the door, slowly descended the steps, and + pursued her way into what seemed more like a vault than a habitable room, + where she found the single servant of the household. Time, which makes + changes so fantastic in the dress of the better classes, has a greater + respect for the costume of the humbler; and though the garments were of a + very coarse sort of serge, there was not so great a difference, in point + of comfort and sufficiency, as might be supposed, between the dress of old + Madge and that of some primitive servant in the North during the last + century. The old woman’s face was thin and pinched; but its sharp + expression brightened into a smile as she caught sight, through the damps + and darkness, of the gracious form of her young mistress. “Ah, Madge,” + said Sibyll, with a sigh, “it is a sad thing to be poor!” + </p> + <p> + “For such as thou, Mistress Sibyll, it is indeed. It does not matter for + the like of us. But it goes to my old heart when I see you shut up here, + or worse, going out in that old courtpie and wimple,—you, a knight’s + grandchild; you, who have played round a queen’s knees, and who might have + been so well-to-do, an’ my master had thought a little more of the gear of + this world. But patience is a good palfrey, and will carry us a long day. + And when the master has done what he looks for, why, the king—sith + we must so call the new man on the throne—will be sure to reward + him; but, sweetheart, tarry not here; it’s an ill air for your young lips + to drink in. What brings you to old Madge?” + </p> + <p> + “The stranger is recovered, and—” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, I warrant me, I have cured worse than he. He must have a spoonful of + broth,—I have not forgot it. You see I wanted no dinner myself—what + is dinner to old folks!—so I e’en put it all in the pot for him. The + broth will be brave and strong.” + </p> + <p> + “My poor Madge, God requite you for what you suffer for us! But he has + asked”—here was another sigh, and a downcast look that did not dare + to face the consternation of Madge, as she repeated, with a half-smile—“he + has asked—for meat, and a stoup of wine, Madge!” + </p> + <p> + “Eh, sirs! And where is he to get them? Not that it will be bad for the + lad, either. Wine! There’s Master Sancroft of the Oak will not trust us a + penny, the seely hilding, and—” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Madge, I forgot!—we can still sell the gittern for something. + Get on your wimple, Madge—quick,—while I go for it.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, Mistress Sibyll, that’s your only pleasure when you sit all alone, + the long summer days.” + </p> + <p> + “It will be more pleasure to remember that it supplied the wants of my + father’s guest,” said Sibyll; and retracing the way up the stairs, she + returned with the broken instrument, and despatched Madge with it, laden + with instructions that the wine should be of the best. She then once more + mounted the rugged steps, and halting a moment at Marmaduke’s door, as she + heard his feeble step walking impatiently to and fro, she ascended higher, + where the flight, winding up a square, dilapidated turret, became rougher, + narrower, and darker, and opened the door of her father’s retreat. + </p> + <p> + It was a room so bare of ornament and furniture that it seemed merely + wrought out of the mingled rubble and rough stones which composed the + walls of the mansion, and was lighted towards the street by a narrow slit, + glazed, it is true,—which all the windows of the house were not,—but + the sun scarcely pierced the dull panes and the deep walls in which they + were sunk. The room contained a strong furnace and a rude laboratory. + There were several strange-looking mechanical contrivances scattered + about, several manuscripts upon some oaken shelves, and a large pannier of + wood and charcoal in the corner. In that poverty-stricken house, the money + spent on fuel alone, in the height of summer, would have comfortably + maintained the inmates; but neither Sibyll nor Madge ever thought to + murmur at this waste, dedicated to what had become the vital want of a man + who drew air in a world of his own. This was the first thing to be + provided for; and Science was of more imperative necessity than even + Hunger. + </p> + <p> + Adam Warner was indeed a creature of remarkable genius,—and genius, + in an age where it is not appreciated, is the greatest curse the iron + Fates can inflict on man. If not wholly without the fond fancies which led + the wisdom of the darker ages to the philosopher’s stone and the elixir, + he had been deterred from the chase of a chimera by want of means to + pursue it! for it required the resources or the patronage of a prince or + noble to obtain the costly ingredients consumed in the alchemist’s + crucible. In early life, therefore, and while yet in possession of a + competence derived from a line of distinguished and knightly ancestors, + Adam Warner had devoted himself to the surer and less costly study of the + mathematics, which then had begun to attract the attention of the learned, + but which was still looked upon by the vulgar as a branch of the black + art. This pursuit had opened to him the insight into discoveries equally + useful and sublime. They necessitated a still more various knowledge; and + in an age when there was no division of labour and rare and precarious + communication among students, it became necessary for each discoverer to + acquire sufficient science for his own collateral experiments. + </p> + <p> + In applying mathematics to the practical purposes of life, in recognizing + its mighty utilities to commerce and civilization, Adam Warner was driven + to conjoin with it, not only an extensive knowledge of languages, but many + of the rudest tasks of the mechanist’s art; and chemistry was, in some of + his researches, summoned to his aid. By degrees, the tyranny that a man’s + genius exercises over his life, abstracted him from all external objects. + He had loved his wife tenderly, but his rapid waste of his fortune in the + purchase of instruments and books, then enormously dear, and the neglect + of all things not centred in the hope to be the benefactor of the world, + had ruined her health and broken her heart. Happily Warner perceived not + her decay till just before her death; happily he never conceived its + cause, for her soul was wrapped in his. She revered, and loved, and never + upbraided him. Her heart was the martyr to his mind. Had she foreseen the + future destinies of her daughter, it might have been otherwise. She could + have remonstrated with the father, though not with the husband. But, + fortunately, as it seemed to her, she (a Frenchwoman by birth) had passed + her youth in the service of Margaret of Anjou, and that haughty queen, who + was equally warm to friends and inexorable to enemies, had, on her + attendant’s marriage, promised to ensure the fortunes of her offspring. + Sibyll at the age of nine—between seven and eight years before the + date the story enters on, and two years prior to the fatal field of + Towton, which gave to Edward the throne of England—had been admitted + among the young girls whom the custom of the day ranked amidst the + attendants of the queen; and in the interval that elapsed before Margaret + was obliged to dismiss her to her home, her mother died. She died without + foreseeing the reverses that were to ensue, in the hope that her child, at + least, was nobly provided for, and not without the belief (for there is so + much faith in love!) that her husband’s researches, which in his youth had + won favour of the Protector Duke of Gloucester, the most enlightened + prince of his time, would be crowned at last with the rewards and favours + of his king. That precise period was, indeed, the fairest that had yet + dawned upon the philosopher. Henry VI., slowly recovering from one of + those attacks which passed for imbecility, had condescended to amuse + himself with various conversations with Warner, urged to it first by + representations of the unholy nature of the student’s pursuits; and, + having satisfied his mind of his learned subject’s orthodoxy, the poor + monarch had taken a sort of interest, not so much, perhaps, in the objects + of Warner’s occupations, as in that complete absorption from actual life + which characterized the subject, and gave him in this a melancholy + resemblance to the king. While the House of Lancaster was on the throne, + the wife felt that her husband’s pursuits would be respected, and his + harmless life safe from the fierce prejudices of the people; and the good + queen would not suffer him to starve, when the last mark was expended in + devices how to benefit his country:—and in these hopes the woman + died! + </p> + <p> + A year afterwards, all at court was in disorder,—armed men supplied + the service of young girls, and Sibyll, with a purse of broad pieces, soon + converted into manuscripts, was sent back to her father’s desolate home. + There had she grown a flower amidst ruins, with no companion of her own + age, and left to bear, as her sweet and affectionate nature well did, the + contrast between the luxuries of a court and the penury of a hearth which, + year after year, hunger and want came more and more sensibly to invade. + </p> + <p> + Sibyll had been taught, even as a child, some accomplishments little + vouchsafed then to either sex,—she could read and write; and + Margaret had not so wholly lost, in the sterner North, all reminiscence of + the accomplishments that graced her father’s court as to neglect the + education of those brought up in her household. Much attention was given + to music, for it soothed the dark hours of King Henry; the blazoning of + missals or the lives of saints, with the labours of the loom, were also + among the resources of Sibyll’s girlhood, and by these last she had, from + time to time, served to assist the maintenance of the little family of + which, child though she was, she became the actual head. But latterly—that + is, for the last few weeks—even these sources failed her; for as + more peaceful times allowed her neighbours to interest themselves in the + affairs of others, the dark reports against Warner had revived. His name + became a by-word of horror; the lonely light at the lattice burning till + midnight, against all the early usages and habits of the day; the dark + smoke of the furnace, constant in summer as in winter, scandalized the + religion of the place far and near. And finding, to their great + dissatisfaction, that the king’s government and the Church interfered not + for their protection, and unable themselves to volunteer any charges + against the recluse (for the cows in the neighbourhood remained + provokingly healthy), they came suddenly, and, as it were by one of those + common sympathies which in all times the huge persecutor we call the + PUBLIC manifests when a victim is to be crushed, to the pious resolution + of starving where they could not burn. Why buy the quaint devilries of the + wizard’s daughter?—no luck could come of it. A missal blazoned by + such hands, an embroidery worked at such a loom, was like the Lord’s + Prayer read backwards. And one morning, when poor Sibyll stole out as + usual to vend a month’s labour, she was driven from door to door with + oaths and curses. + </p> + <p> + Though Sibyll’s heart was gentle, she was not without a certain strength + of mind. She had much of the patient devotion of her mother, much of the + quiet fortitude of her father’s nature. If not comprehending to the full + the loftiness of Warner’s pursuits, she still anticipated from them an + ultimate success which reconciled her to all temporary sacrifices. The + violent prejudices, the ignorant cruelty, thus brought to bear against + existence itself, filled her with sadness, it is true, but not unmixed + with that contempt for her persecutors, which, even in the meekest + tempers, takes the sting from despair. But hunger pressed. Her father was + nearing the goal of his discoveries, and in a moment of that pride which + in its very contempt for appearances braves them all, Sibyll had stolen + out to the pastime-ground,—with what result has been seen already. + Having thus accounted for the penury of the mansion, we return to its + owner. + </p> + <p> + Warner was contemplating with evident complacency and delight the model of + a machine which had occupied him for many years, and which he imagined he + was now rapidly bringing to perfection. His hands and face were grimed + with the smoke of his forge, and his hair and beard, neglected as usual, + looked parched and dried up, as if with the constant fever that burned + within. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes!” he muttered, “how they will bless me for this! What Roger + Bacon only suggested I shall accomplish! How it will change the face of + the globe! What wealth it will bestow on ages yet unborn!” + </p> + <p> + “My father,” said the gentle voice of Sibyll, “my poor father, thou hast + not tasted bread to-day.” + </p> + <p> + Warner turned, and his face relaxed into a tender expression as he saw his + daughter. + </p> + <p> + “My child,” he said, pointing to his model, “the time comes when it will + live! Patience! patience!” + </p> + <p> + “And who would not have patience with thee, and for thee, Father?” said + Sibyll, with enthusiasm speaking on every feature. “What is the valour of + knight and soldier—dull statues of steel—to thine? Thou, with + thy naked breast, confronting all dangers,—sharper than the lance + and glaive, and all—” + </p> + <p> + “All to make England great!” + </p> + <p> + “Alas! what hath England merited from men like thee? The people, more + savage than their rulers, clamour for the stake, the gibbet, and the + dungeon, for all who strive to make them wiser. Remember the death of + Bolingbroke, [A mathematician accused as an accomplice, in sorcery, of + Eleanor Cobham, wife of Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, and hanged upon that + charge. His contemporary (William Wyrcestre) highly extols his learning.]—a + wizard, because, O Father!—because his pursuits were thine!” + </p> + <p> + Adam, startled by this burst, looked at his daughter with more attention + than he usually evinced to any living thing. “Child,” he said at length, + shaking his head in grave reproof, “let me not say to thee, ‘O thou of + little faith!’ There were no heroes were there no martyrs!” + </p> + <p> + “Do not frown on me, Father,” said Sibyll, sadly; “let the world frown,—not + thou! Yes, thou art right. Thou must triumph at last.” And suddenly, her + whole countenance changing into a soft and caressing endearment, she + added, “But now come, Father. Thou hast laboured well for this morning. We + shall have a little feast for thee in a few minutes. And the stranger is + recovered, thanks to our leechcraft. He is impatient to see and thank + thee.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, well, I come, Sibyll,” said the student, with a regretful, + lingering look at his model, and a sigh to be disturbed from its + contemplation; and he slowly quitted the room with Sibyll. + </p> + <p> + “But not, dear sir and father, not thus—not quite thus—will + you go to the stranger, well-born like yourself? Oh, no! your Sibyll is + proud, you know,—proud of her father.” So saying, she clung to him + fondly, and drew him mechanically, for he had sunk into a revery, and + heeded her not, into an adjoining chamber, in which he slept. The comforts + even of the gentry, of men with the acres that Adam had sold, were then + few and scanty. The nobles and the wealthy merchants, indeed, boasted many + luxuries that excelled in gaud and pomp those of their equals now. But the + class of the gentry who had very little money at command were contented + with hardships from which a menial of this day would revolt. What they + could spend in luxury was usually consumed in dress and the table they + were obliged to keep. These were the essentials of dignity. Of furniture + there was a woful stint. In many houses, even of knights, an edifice large + enough to occupy a quadrangle was composed more of offices than chambers + inhabited by the owners; rarely boasting more than three beds, which were + bequeathed in wills as articles of great value. The reader must, + therefore, not be surprised that Warner’s abode contained but one bed, + properly so called, and that was now devoted to Nevile. The couch which + served the philosopher for bed was a wretched pallet, stretched on the + floor, stuffed with straw,—with rough say, or serge, and an old + cloak for the coverings. His daughter’s, in a room below, was little + better. The walls were bare; the whole house boasted but one chair, which + was in Marmaduke’s chamber; stools or settles of rude oak elsewhere + supplied their place. There was no chimney except in Nevile’s room, and in + that appropriated to the forge. + </p> + <p> + To this chamber, then, resembling a dungeon in appearance, Sibyll drew the + student, and here, from an old worm-eaten chest, she carefully extracted a + gown of brown velvet, which his father, Sir Armine, had bequeathed to him + by will,—faded, it is true, but still such as the low-born wore not, + [By the sumptuary laws only a knight was entitled to wear velvet.] trimmed + with fur, and clasped with a brooch of gold. And then she held the ewer + and basin to him, while, with the docility of a child, he washed the + smoke-soil from his hands and face. It was touching to see in this, as in + all else, the reverse of their natural position,—the child tending + and heeding and protecting, as it were, the father; and that not from his + deficiency, but his greatness; not because he was below the vulgar + intelligences of life, but above them. And certainly, when, his + patriarchal hair and beard smoothed into order, and his velvet gown + flowing in majestic folds around a figure tall and commanding, Sibyll + followed her father into Marmaduke’s chamber, she might well have been + proud of his appearance; and she felt the innocent vanity of her sex and + age in noticing the half-start of surprise with which Marmaduke regarded + his host, and the tone of respect in which he proffered him his + salutations and thanks. Even his manner altered to Sibyll; it grew less + frank and affable, more courtly and reserved: and when Madge came to + announce that the refection was served, it was with a blush of shame, + perhaps, at his treatment of the poor gittern-player on the + pastime-ground, that the Nevile extended his left hand, for his right was + still not at his command, to lead the damsel to the hall. + </p> + <p> + This room, which was divided from the entrance by a screen, and, except a + small closet that adjoined it, was the only sitting-room in a day when, as + now on the Continent, no shame was attached to receiving visitors in + sleeping apartments, was long and low; an old and very narrow table, that + might have feasted thirty persons, stretched across a dais raised upon a + stone floor; there was no rere-dosse, or fireplace, which does not seem at + that day to have been an absolute necessity in the houses of the + metropolis and its suburbs, its place being supplied by a movable brazier. + Three oak stools were placed in state at the board, and to one of these + Marmaduke, in a silence unusual to him, conducted the fair Sibyll. + </p> + <p> + “You will forgive our lack of provisions,” said Warner, relapsing into the + courteous fashions of his elder days, which the unwonted spectacle of a + cold capon, a pasty, and a flask of wine brought to his mind by a train of + ideas that actively glided by the intervening circumstances, which ought + to have filled him with astonishment at the sight, “for my Sibyll is but a + young housewife, and I am a simple scholar, of few wants.” + </p> + <p> + “Verily,” answered Marmaduke, finding his tongue as he attacked the pasty, + “I see nothing that the most dainty need complain of; fair Mistress + Sibyll, your dainty lips will not, I trow, refuse me the waisall. [I.e. + waissail or wassal; the spelling of the time is adopted in the text.] To + you also, worshipful sir! Gramercy! it seems that there is nothing which + better stirs a man’s appetite than a sick bed. And, speaking thereof, + deign to inform me, kind sir, how long I have been indebted to your + hospitality. Of a surety, this pasty hath an excellent flavour, and if not + venison, is something better. But to return, it mazes me much to think + what time hath passed since my encounter with the robbers.” + </p> + <p> + “They were robbers, then, who so cruelly assailed thee?” observed Sibyll. + </p> + <p> + “Have I not said so—surely, who else? And, as I was remarking to + your worshipful father, whether this mischance happened hours, days, + months, or years ago, beshrew me if I can venture the smallest guess.” + </p> + <p> + Master Warner smiled, and observing that some reply was expected from him, + said, “Why, indeed, young sir, I fear I am almost as oblivious as + yourself. It was not yesterday that you arrived, nor the day before, nor—Sibyll, + my child, how long is it since this gentleman hath been our guest?” + </p> + <p> + “This is the fifth day,” answered Sibyll. + </p> + <p> + “So long! and I like a senseless log by the wayside, when others are + pushing on, bit and spur, to the great road. I pray you, sir, tell me the + news of the morning. The Lord Warwick is still in London, the court still + at the Tower?” + </p> + <p> + Poor Adam, whose heart was with his model, and who had now satisfied his + temperate wants, looked somewhat bewildered and perplexed by this + question. “The king, save his honoured head,” said he, inclining his own, + “is, I fear me, always at the Tower, since his unhappy detention, but he + minds it not, sir,—he heeds it not; his soul is not on this side + Paradise.” + </p> + <p> + Sibyll uttered a faint exclamation of fear at this dangerous indiscretion + of her father’s absence of mind; and drawing closer to Nevile, she put her + hand with touching confidence on his arm, and whispered, “You will not + repeat this, Sir! my father lives only in his studies, and he has never + known but one king!” + </p> + <p> + Marmaduke turned his bold face to the maid, and pointed to the + salt-cellar, as he answered in the same tone, “Does the brave man betray + his host?” + </p> + <p> + There was a moment’s silence. Marmaduke rose. “I fear,” said he, “that I + must now leave you; and while it is yet broad noon, I must indeed be blind + if I again miss my way.” + </p> + <p> + This speech suddenly recalled Adam from his meditations; for whenever his + kindly and simple benevolence was touched, even his mathematics and his + model were forgotten. “No, young sir,” said he, “you must not quit us yet; + your danger is not over. Exercise may bring fever. Celsus recommends + quiet. You must consent to tarry with us a day or two more.” + </p> + <p> + “Can you tell me,” said the Nevile, hesitatingly, “what distance it is to + the Temple-gate, or the nearest wharf on the river?” + </p> + <p> + “Two miles, at the least,” answered Sibyll. + </p> + <p> + “Two miles!—and now I mind me, I have not the accoutrements that + beseem me. Those hildings have stolen my mantle (which, I perceive, by the + way, is but a rustic garment, now laid aside for the super-tunic), and my + hat and dague, nor have they left even a half groat to supply their place. + Verily, therefore, since ye permit me to burden your hospitality longer, I + will not say ye nay, provided you, worshipful sir, will suffer one of your + people to step to the house of one Master Heyford, goldsmith, in the + Chepe, and crave one Nicholas Alwyn, his freedman, to visit me. I can + commission him touching my goods left at mine hostelrie, and learn some + other things which it behooves me to know.” + </p> + <p> + “Assuredly. Sibyll, tell Simon or Jonas to put himself under our guest’s + order.” + </p> + <p> + Simon or Jonas! The poor Adam absolutely forgot that Simon and Jonas had + quitted the house these six years! How could he look on the capon, the + wine, and the velvet gown trimmed with fur, and not fancy himself back in + the heyday of his wealth? + </p> + <p> + Sibyll half smiled and half sighed, as she withdrew to consult with her + sole counsellor, Madge, how the guest’s orders were to be obeyed, and how, + alas! the board was to be replenished for the evening meal. But in both + these troubles she was more fortunate than she anticipated. Madge had sold + the broken gittern, for musical instruments were then, comparatively + speaking, dear (and this had been a queen’s gift), for sufficient to + provide decently for some days; and, elated herself with the prospect of + so much good cheer, she readily consented to be the messenger to Nicholas + Alwyn. When with a light step and a lighter heart Sibyll tripped back to + the hall, she was scarcely surprised to find the guest alone. Her father, + after her departure, had begun to evince much restless perturbation. He + answered Marmaduke’s queries but by abstracted and desultory + monosyllables; and seeing his guest at length engaged in contemplating + some old pieces of armour hung upon the walls, he stole stealthily and + furtively away, and halted not till once more before his beloved model. + </p> + <p> + Unaware of his departure, Marmaduke, whose back was turned to him, was, as + he fondly imagined, enlightening his host with much soldier-like learning + as to the old helmets and weapons that graced the hall. “Certes, my host,” + said he, musingly, “that sort of casque, which has not, I opine, been worn + this century, had its merits; the vizor is less open to the arrows. But as + for these chain suits, they suited only—I venture, with due + deference, to declare—the Wars of the Crusades, where the enemy + fought chiefly with dart and scymetar. They would be but a sorry defence + against the mace and battle-axe; nevertheless, they were light for man and + horse, and in some service, especially against foot, might be revived with + advantage. Think you not so?” + </p> + <p> + He turned, and saw the arch face of Sibyll. + </p> + <p> + “I crave pardon for my blindness, gentle damsel,” said he, in some + confusion, “but your father was here anon.” + </p> + <p> + “His mornings are so devoted to labour,” answered Sibyll, “that he + entreats you to pardon his discourtesy. Meanwhile if you would wish to + breathe the air, we have a small garden in the rear;” and so saying, she + led the way into the small withdrawing-room, or rather closet, which was + her own favourite chamber, and which communicated, by another door, with a + broad, neglected grassplot, surrounded by high walls, having a raised + terrace in front, divided by a low stone Gothic palisade from the green + sward. + </p> + <p> + On the palisade sat droopingly, and half asleep, a solitary peacock; but + when Sibyll and the stranger appeared at the door, he woke up suddenly, + descended from his height, and with a vanity not wholly unlike his young + mistress’s wish to make the best possible display in the eyes of a guest, + spread his plumes broadly in the sun. Sibyll threw him some bread, which + she had taken from the table for that purpose; but the proud bird, however + hungry, disdained to eat, till he had thoroughly satisfied himself that + his glories had been sufficiently observed. + </p> + <p> + “Poor proud one,” said Sibyll, half to herself, “thy plumage lasts with + thee through all changes.” + </p> + <p> + “Like the name of a brave knight,” said Marmaduke, who overheard her. + </p> + <p> + “Thou thinkest of the career of arms.” + </p> + <p> + “Surely,—I am a Nevile!” + </p> + <p> + “Is there no fame to be won but that of a warrior?” + </p> + <p> + “Not that I weet of, or heed for, Mistress Sibyll.” + </p> + <p> + “Thinkest thou it were nothing to be a minstrel, who gave delight; a + scholar, who dispelled darkness?” + </p> + <p> + “For the scholar? Certes, I respect holy Mother Church, which they tell me + alone produces that kind of wonder with full safety to the soul, and that + only in the higher prelates and dignitaries. For the minstrel, I love him, + I would fight for him, I would give him at need the last penny in my + gipsire; but it is better to do deeds than to sing them.” + </p> + <p> + Sibyll smiled, and the smile perplexed and half displeased the young + adventurer. But the fire of the young man had its charm. + </p> + <p> + By degrees, as they walked to and fro the neglected terrace, their talk + flowed free and familiar; for Marmaduke, like most young men full of + himself, was joyous with the happy egotism of a frank and careless nature. + He told his young confidante of a day his birth, his history, his hopes, + and fears; and in return he learned, in answer to the questions he + addressed to her, so much, at least, of her past and present life, as the + reverses of her father, occasioned by costly studies, her own brief + sojourn at the court of Margaret, and the solitude, if not the struggles, + in which her youth was consumed. It would have been a sweet and grateful + sight to some kindly bystander to hear these pleasant communications + between two young persons so unfriended, and to imagine that hearts thus + opened to each other might unite in one. But Sibyll, though she listened + to him with interest, and found a certain sympathy in his aspirations, was + ever and anon secretly comparing him to one, the charm of whose voice + still lingered in her ears; and her intellect, cultivated and acute, + detected in Marmaduke deficient education, and that limited experience + which is the folly and the happiness of the young. + </p> + <p> + On the other hand, whatever admiration Nevile might conceive was strangely + mixed with surprise, and, it might almost be said, with fear. This girl, + with her wise converse and her child’s face, was a character so thoroughly + new to him. Her language was superior to what he had ever heard, the words + more choice, the current more flowing: was that to be attributed to her + court-training or her learned parentage? + </p> + <p> + “Your father, fair mistress,” said he, rousing himself in one of the + pauses of their conversation—“your father, then, is a mighty + scholar, and I suppose knows Latin like English?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, a hedge-priest pretends to know Latin,” said Sibyll, smiling; “my + father is one of the six men living who have learned the Greek and the + Hebrew.” + </p> + <p> + “Gramercy!” cried Marmaduke, crossing himself. “That is awsome indeed! He + has taught you his lere in the tongues?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, I know but my own and the French; my mother was a native of France.” + </p> + <p> + “The Holy Mother be praised!” said Marmaduke, breathing more freely; “for + French I have heard my father and uncle say is a language fit for gentles + and knights, specially those who come, like the Neviles, from Norman + stock. This Margaret of Anjou—didst thou love her well, Mistress + Sibyll?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” answered Sibyll, “Margaret commanded awe, but she scarcely + permitted love from an inferior: and though gracious and well-governed + when she so pleased, it was but to those whom she wished to win. She cared + not for the heart, if the hand or the brain could not assist her. But, + poor queen, who could blame her for this?—her nature was turned from + its milk; and, when, more lately, I have heard how many she trusted most + have turned against her, I rebuked myself that—” + </p> + <p> + “Thou wert not by her side?” added the Nevile, observing her pause, and + with the generous thought of a gentleman and a soldier. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, I meant not that so expressly, Master Nevile, but rather that I had + ever murmured at her haste and shrewdness of mood. By her side, said you?—alas! + I have a nearer duty at home; my father is all in this world to me! Thou + knowest not, Master Nevile, how it flatters the weak to think there is + some one they can protect. But eno’ of myself. Thou wilt go to the stout + earl, thou wilt pass to the court, thou wilt win the gold spurs, and thou + wilt fight with the strong hand, and leave others to cozen with the keen + head.” + </p> + <p> + “She is telling my fortune!” muttered Marmaduke, crossing himself again. + “The gold spurs—I thank thee, Mistress Sibyll!—will it be on + the battle-field that I shall be knighted, and by whose hand?” + </p> + <p> + Sibyll glanced her bright eye at the questioner, and seeing his wistful + face, laughed outright. + </p> + <p> + “What, thinkest thou, Master Nevile, I can read thee all riddles without + my sieve and my shears?” + </p> + <p> + “They are essentials, then, Mistress Sibyll?” said the Nevile, with blunt + simplicity. “I thought ye more learned damozels might tell by the palm, or + the—why dost thou laugh at me?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” answered Sibyll, composing herself. “It is my right to be angered. + Sith thou wouldst take me to be a witch, all that I can tell thee of thy + future” (she added touchingly) “is from that which I have seen of thy + past. Thou hast a brave heart, and a gentle; thou hast a frank tongue, and + a courteous; and these qualities make men honoured and loved,—except + they have the gifts which turn all into gall, and bring oppression for + honour, and hate for love.” + </p> + <p> + “And those gifts, gentle Sibyll?” + </p> + <p> + “Are my father’s,” answered the girl, with another and a sadder change in + her expressive countenance. And the conversation flagged till Marmaduke, + feeling more weakened by his loss of blood than he had conceived it + possible, retired to his chamber to repose himself. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. MASTER MARMADUKE NEVILE FEARS FOR THE SPIRITUAL WEAL OF HIS + HOST AND HOSTESS. + </h2> + <p> + Before the hour of supper, which was served at six o’clock, Nicholas Alwyn + arrived at the house indicated to him by Madge. Marmaduke, after a sound + sleep, which was little flattering to Sibyll’s attractions, had descended + to the hall in search of the maiden and his host, and finding no one, had + sauntered in extreme weariness and impatience into the little + withdrawing-closet, where as it was now dusk, burned a single candle in a + melancholy and rustic sconce; standing by the door that opened on the + garden, he amused himself with watching the peacock, when his friend, + following Madge into the chamber, tapped him on the shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Master Nevile. Ha! by Saint Thomas, what has chanced to thee? Thine + arm swathed up, thy locks shorn, thy face blanched! My honoured + foster-brother, thy Westmoreland blood seems over-hot for Cockaigne!” + </p> + <p> + “If so, there are plenty in this city of cut-throats to let out the + surplusage,” returned Marmaduke; and he briefly related his adventure to + Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + When he had done, the kind trader reproached himself for having suffered + Marmaduke to find his way alone. “The suburbs abound with these + miscreants,” said he; “and there is more danger in a night walk near + London than in the loneliest glens of green Sherwood—more shame to + the city! An’ I be Lord Mayor one of these days, I will look to it better. + But our civil wars make men hold human life very cheap, and there’s + parlous little care from the great of the blood and limbs of the + wayfarers. But war makes thieves—and peace hangs them! Only wait + till I manage affairs!” + </p> + <p> + “Many thanks to thee, Nicholas,” returned the Nevile; “but foul befall me + if ever I seek protection from sheriff or mayor! A man who cannot keep his + own life with his own right hand merits well to hap-lose it; and I, for + one, shall think ill of the day when an Englishman looks more to the laws + than his good arm for his safety; but, letting this pass, I beseech thee + to avise me if my Lord Warwick be still in the city?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, marry, I know that by the hostelries, which swarm with his badges, + and the oxen, that go in scores to the shambles! It is a shame to the + Estate to see one subject so great, and it bodes no good to our peace. The + earl is preparing the most magnificent embassage that ever crossed the + salt seas—I would it were not to the French, for our interests lie + contrary; but thou hast some days yet to rest here and grow stout, for I + would not have thee present thyself with a visage of chalk to a man who + values his kind mainly by their thews and their sinews. Moreover, thou + shouldst send for the tailor, and get thee trimmed to the mark. It would + be a long step in thy path to promotion, an’ the earl would take thee in + his train; and the gaudier thy plumes, why, the better chance for thy + flight. Wherefore, since thou sayest they are thus friendly to thee under + this roof, bide yet a while peacefully; I will send thee the mercer, and + the clothier, and the tailor, to divert thy impatience. And as these + fellows are greedy, my gentle and dear Master Nevile, may I ask, without + offence, how thou art provided?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, nay, I have moneys at the hostelrie, an’ thou wilt send me my mails. + For the rest, I like thy advice, and will take it.” + </p> + <p> + “Good!” answered Nicholas. “Hem! thou seemest to have got into a poor + house,—a decayed gentleman, I wot, by the slovenly ruin!” + </p> + <p> + “I would that were the worst,” replied Marmaduke, solemnly, and under his + breath; and therewith he repeated to Nicholas the adventure on the + pastime-ground, the warnings of the timbrel-girls, and the “awsome” + learning and strange pursuits of his host. As for Sibyll, he was evidently + inclined to attribute to glamour the reluctant admiration with which she + had inspired him. “For,” said he, “though I deny not that the maid is + passing fair, there be many with rosier cheeks, and taller by this hand!” + </p> + <p> + Nicholas listened, at first, with the peculiar expression of shrewd + sarcasm which mainly characterized his intelligent face, but his attention + grew more earnest before Marmaduke had concluded. + </p> + <p> + “In regard to the maiden,” said he, smiling and shaking his head, “it is + not always the handsomest that win us the most,—while fair Meg went + a maying, black Meg got to church; and I give thee more reasonable warning + than thy timbrel-girls, when, in spite of thy cold language, I bid thee + take care of thyself against her attractions; for, verily, my dear + foster-brother, thou must mend and not mar thy fortune, by thy love + matters; and keep thy heart whole for some fair one with marks in her + gipsire, whom the earl may find out for thee. Love and raw pease are two + ill things in the porridge-pot. But the father!—I mind me now that I + have heard of his name, through my friend Master Caxton, the mercer, as + one of prodigious skill in the mathematics. I should like much to see him, + and, with thy leave (an’ he ask me), will tarry to supper. But what are + these?”—and Nicholas took up one of the illuminated manuscripts + which Sibyll had prepared for sale. “By the blood! this is couthly and + marvellously blazoned.” + </p> + <p> + The book was still in his hands when Sibyll entered. Nicholas stared at + her, as he bowed with a stiff and ungraceful embarrassment, which often at + first did injustice to his bold, clear intellect, and his perfect + self-possession in matters of trade or importance. + </p> + <p> + “The first woman face,” muttered Nicholas to himself, “I ever saw that had + the sense of a man’s. And, by the rood, what a smile!” + </p> + <p> + “Is this thy friend, Master Nevile?” said Sibyll, with a glance at the + goldsmith. “He is welcome. But is it fair and courteous, Master Nelwyn—” + </p> + <p> + “Alwyn, an’ it please you, fair mistress. A humble name, but good Saxon,—which, + I take it, Nelwyn is not,” interrupted Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + “Master Alwyn, forgive me; but can I forgive thee so readily for thy + espial of my handiwork, without license or leave?” + </p> + <p> + “Yours, comely mistress!” exclaimed Nicholas, opening his eyes, and + unheeding the gay rebuke—“why, this is a master-hand. My Lord Scales—nay, + the Earl of Worcester himself—hath scarce a finer in all his + amassment.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I forgive thy fault for thy flattery; and I pray thee, in my + father’s name, to stay and sup with thy friend.” Nicholas bowed low, and + still riveted his eyes on the book with such open admiration, that + Marmaduke thought it right to excuse his abstraction; but there was + something in that admiration which raised the spirits of Sibyll, which + gave her hope when hope was well-nigh gone; and she became so vivacious, + so debonair, so charming, in the flow of a gayety natural to her, and very + uncommon with English maidens, but which she took partly, perhaps, from + her French blood, and partly from the example of girls and maidens of + French extraction in Margaret’s court, that Nicholas Alwyn thought he had + never seen any one so irresistible. Madge had now served the evening meal, + put in her head to announce it, and Sibyll withdrew to summon her father. + </p> + <p> + “I trust he will not tarry too long, for I am sharp set!” muttered + Marmaduke. “What thinkest thou of the damozel?” + </p> + <p> + “Marry,” answered Alwyn, thoughtfully, “I pity and marvel at her. There is + eno’ in her to furnish forth twenty court beauties. But what good can so + much wit and cunning do to an honest maiden?” + </p> + <p> + “That is exactly my own thought,” said Marmaduke; and both the young men + sunk into silence, till Sibyll re-entered with her father. + </p> + <p> + To the surprise of Marmaduke, Nicholas Alwyn, whose less gallant manner he + was inclined to ridicule, soon contrived to rouse their host from his + lethargy, and to absorb all the notice of Sibyll; and the surprise was + increased, when he saw that his friend appeared not unfamiliar with those + abstruse and mystical sciences in which Adam was engaged. + </p> + <p> + “What!” said Adam, “you know, then, my deft and worthy friend Master + Caxton! He hath seen notable things abroad—” + </p> + <p> + “Which, he more than hints,” said Nicholas, “will lower the value of those + manuscripts this fair damozel has so couthly enriched; and that he hopes, + ere long, to show the Englishers how to make fifty, a hundred,—nay + even five hundred exemplars of the choicest book, in a much shorter time + than a scribe would take in writing out two or three score pages in a + single copy.” + </p> + <p> + “Verily,” said Marmaduke, with a smile of compassion, “the poor man must + be somewhat demented; for I opine that the value of such curiosities must + be in their rarity; and who would care for a book, if five hundred others + had precisely the same?—allowing always, good Nicholas, for thy + friend’s vaunting and over-crowing. Five hundred! By’r Lady, there would + be scarcely five hundred fools in merry England to waste good nobles on + spoilt rags, specially while bows and mail are so dear.” + </p> + <p> + “Young gentleman,” said Adam, rebukingly, “meseemeth that thou wrongest + our age and country, to the which, if we have but peace and freedom, I + trust the birth of great discoveries is ordained. Certes, Master Alwyn,” + he added, turning to the goldsmith, “this achievement maybe readily + performed, and hath existed, I heard an ingenious Fleming say years ago, + for many ages amongst a strange people [Query, the Chinese?] known to the + Venetians! But dost thou think there is much appetite among those who + govern the State to lend encouragement to such matters?” + </p> + <p> + “My master serves my Lord Hastings, the king’s chamberlain, and my lord + has often been pleased to converse with me, so that I venture to say, from + my knowledge of his affection to all excellent craft and lere, that + whatever will tend to make men wiser will have his countenance and favour + with the king.” + </p> + <p> + “That is it, that is it!” exclaimed Adam, rubbing his hands. “My invention + shall not die!” + </p> + <p> + “And that invention—” + </p> + <p> + “Is one that will multiply exemplars of books without hands; works of + craft without ‘prentice or journeyman; will move wagons and litters + without horses; will direct ships without sails; will—But, alack! it + is not yet complete, and, for want of means, it never may be.” + </p> + <p> + Sibyll still kept her animated countenance fixed on Alwyn, whose + intelligence she had already detected, and was charmed with the profound + attention with which he listened. But her eye glancing from his sharp + features to the handsome, honest face of the Nevile, the contrast was so + forcible, that she could not restrain her laughter, though, the moment + after, a keen pang shot through her heart. The worthy Marmaduke had been + in the act of conveying his cup to his lips; the cup stood arrested + midway, his jaws dropped, his eyes opened to their widest extent, an + expression of the most evident consternation and dismay spoke in every + feature; and when he heard the merry laugh of Sibyll, he pushed his stool + from her as far as he well could, and surveyed her with a look of mingled + fear and pity. + </p> + <p> + “Alas! thou art sure my poor father is a wizard now?” + </p> + <p> + “Pardie!” answered the Nevile. “Hath he not said so? Hath he not spoken of + wagons without horses, ships without sails? And is not all this what every + dissour and jongleur tells us of in his stories of Merlin? Gentle maiden,” + he added earnestly, drawing nearer to her, and whispering in a voice of + much simple pathos, “thou art young, and I owe thee much. Take care of + thyself. Such wonders and derring-do are too solemn for laughter.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah,” answered Sibyll, rising, “I fear they are. How can I expect the + people to be wiser than thou, or their hard natures kinder in their + judgment than thy kind heart?” Her low and melancholy voice went to the + heart thus appealed to. Marmaduke also rose, and followed her into the + parlour, or withdrawing-closet, while Adam and the goldsmith continued to + converse (though Alwyn’s eye followed the young hostess), the former + appearing perfectly unconscious of the secession of his other listeners. + But Alwyn’s attention occasionally wandered, and he soon contrived to draw + his host into the parlour. + </p> + <p> + When Nicholas rose, at last, to depart, he beckoned Sibyll aside. “Fair + mistress,” said he, with some awkward hesitation, “forgive a plain, blunt + tongue; but ye of the better birth are not always above aid, even from + such as I am. If you would sell these blazoned manuscripts, I can not only + obtain you a noble purchaser in my Lord Scales, or in my Lord Hastings, an + equally ripe scholar, but it may be the means of my procuring a suitable + patron for your father; and, in these times, the scholar must creep under + the knight’s manteline.” + </p> + <p> + “Master Alwyn,” said Sibyll, suppressing her tears, “it was for my + father’s sake that these labours were wrought. We are poor and friendless. + Take the manuscripts, and sell them as thou wilt, and God and Saint Mary + requite thee!” + </p> + <p> + “Your father is a great man,” said Alwyn, after a pause. + </p> + <p> + “But were he to walk the streets, they would stone him,” replied Sibyll, + with a quiet bitterness. + </p> + <p> + Here the Nevile, carefully shunning the magician, who, in the nervous + excitement produced by the conversation of a mind less uncongenial than he + had encountered for many years, seemed about to address him—here, I + say, the Nevile chimed in, “Hast thou no weapon but thy bludgeon? Dear + foster-brother, I fear for thy safety.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, robbers rarely attack us mechanical folk; and I know my way better + than thou. I shall find a boat near York House; so pleasant night and + quick cure to thee, honoured foster-brother. I will send the tailor and + other craftsmen to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “And at the same time,” whispered Marmaduke, accompanying his friend to + the door, “send me a breviary, just to patter an ave or so. This + gray-haired carle puts my heart in a tremble. Moreover, buy me a gittern—a + brave one—for the damozel. She is too proud to take money, and, + ‘fore Heaven, I have small doubts the old wizard could turn my hose into + nobles an’ he had a mind for such gear. Wagons without horses, ships + without sails, quotha!” + </p> + <p> + As soon as Alwyn had departed, Madge appeared with the final refreshment, + called “the Wines,” consisting of spiced hippocras and confections, of the + former of which the Nevile partook in solemn silence. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. THERE IS A ROD FOR THE BACK OF EVERY FOOL WHO WOULD BE WISER + THAN HIS GENERATION. + </h2> + <p> + The next morning, when Marmaduke descended to the hall, Madge, accosting + him on the threshold, informed him that Mistress Sibyll was unwell, and + kept her chamber, and that Master Warner was never visible much before + noon. He was, therefore, prayed to take his meal alone. “Alone” was a word + peculiarly unwelcome to Marmaduke Nevile, who was an animal thoroughly + social and gregarious. He managed, therefore, to detain the old servant, + who, besides the liking a skilful leech naturally takes to a thriving + patient, had enough of her sex about her to be pleased with a comely face + and a frank, good-humoured voice. Moreover, Marmaduke, wishing to satisfy + his curiosity, turned the conversation upon Warner and Sibyll, a theme + upon which the old woman was well disposed to be garrulous. He soon + learned the poverty of the mansion and the sacrifice of the gittern; and + his generosity and compassion were busily engaged in devising some means + to requite the hospitality he had received, without wounding the pride of + his host, when the arrival of his mails, together with the visits of the + tailor and mercer, sent to him by Alwyn, diverted his thoughts into a new + channel. + </p> + <p> + Between the comparative merits of gowns and surcoats, broad-toed shoes and + pointed, some time was disposed of with much cheerfulness and edification; + but when his visitors had retired, the benevolent mind of the young guest + again recurred to the penury of his host. Placing his marks before him on + the table in the little withdrawing parlour, he began counting them over, + and putting aside the sum he meditated devoting to Warner’s relief. “But + how,” he muttered, “how to get him to take the gold. I know, by myself, + what a gentleman and a knight’s son must feel at the proffer of alms—pardie! + I would as lief Alwyn had struck me as offered me his gipsire,—the + ill-mannered, affectionate fellow! I must think—I must think—” + </p> + <p> + And while still thinking, the door softly opened, and Warner himself, in a + high state of abstraction and revery, stalked noiselessly into the room, + on his way to the garden, in which, when musing over some new spring for + his invention, he was wont to peripatize. The sight of the gold on the + table struck full on the philosopher’s eyes, and waked him at once from + his revery. That gold—oh, what precious instruments, what learned + manuscripts it could purchase! That gold, it was the breath of life to his + model! He walked deliberately up to the table, and laid his hand upon one + of the little heaps. Marmaduke drew back his stool, and stared at him with + open mouth. + </p> + <p> + “Young man, what wantest thou with all this gold?” said Adam, in a + petulant, reproachful tone. “Put it up! put it up! Never let the poor see + gold; it tempts them, sir,—it tempts them.” And so saying, the + student abruptly turned away his eyes, and moved towards the garden. + Marmaduke rose and put himself in Adam’s way. “Honoured sir,” said the + young man, “you say justly what want I with all this gold? The only gold a + young man should covet is eno’ to suffice for the knight’s spurs to his + heels. If, without offence, you would—that is—ahem!—I + mean,—Gramercy! I shall never say it, but I believe my father owed + your father four marks, and he bade me repay them. Here, sir!” He held out + the glittering coins; the philosopher’s hand closed on them as the fish’s + maw closes on the bait. Adam burst into a laugh, that sounded strangely + weird and unearthly upon Marmaduke’s startled ear. + </p> + <p> + “All this for me!” he exclaimed. “For me! No, no, no! for me, for IT—I + take it—I take it, sir! I will pay it back with large usury. Come to + me this day year, when this world will be a new world, and Adam Warner + will be—ha! ha! Kind Heaven, I thank thee!” Suddenly turning away, + the philosopher strode through the hall, opened the front door, and + escaped into the street. + </p> + <p> + “By’r Lady,” said Marmaduke, slowly recovering his surprise, “I need not + have been so much at a loss; the old gentleman takes to my gold as kindly + as if it were mother’s milk. ‘Fore Heaven, mine host’s laugh is a ghastly + thing!” So soliloquizing, he prudently put up the rest of his money, and + locked his mails. + </p> + <p> + As time went on, the young man became exceedingly weary of his own + company. Sibyll still withheld her appearance; the gloom of the old hall, + the uncultivated sadness of the lonely garden, preyed upon his spirits. At + length, impatient to get a view of the world without, he mounted a high + stool in the hall, and so contrived to enjoy the prospect which the + unglazed wicker lattice, deep set in the wall, afforded. But the scene + without was little more animated than that within,—all was so + deserted in the neighbourhood,—the shops mean and scattered, the + thoroughfare almost desolate. At last he heard a shout, or rather hoot, at + a distance; and, turning his attention whence it proceeded, he beheld a + figure emerge from an alley opposite the casement, with a sack under one + arm, and several books heaped under the other. At his heels followed a + train of ragged boys, shouting and hallooing, “The wizard! the wizard!—Ah! + Bah! The old devil’s kin!” At this cry the dull neighbourhood seemed + suddenly to burst forth into life. From the casements and thresholds of + every house curious faces emerged, and many voices of men and women + joined, in deeper bass, with the shrill tenor of the choral urchins, “The + wizard! the wizard! out at daylight!” The person thus stigmatized, as he + approached the house, turned his face with an expression of wistful + perplexity from side to side. His lips moved convulsively, and his face + was very pale, but he spoke not. And now, the children, seeing him near + his refuge, became more outrageous. They placed themselves menacingly + before him, they pulled his robe, they even struck at him; and one, bolder + than the rest, jumped up, and plucked his beard. At this last insult, Adam + Warner, for it was he, broke silence; but such was the sweetness of his + disposition, that it was rather with pity than reproof in his voice, that + he said,— + </p> + <p> + “Fie, little one! I fear me thine own age will have small honour if thou + thus mockest mature years in me.” + </p> + <p> + This gentleness only served to increase the audacity of his persecutors, + who now, momently augmenting, presented a formidable obstacle to further + progress. Perceiving that he could not advance without offensive measures + on his own part, the poor scholar halted; and looking at the crowd with + mild dignity, he asked, “What means this, my children? How have I injured + you?” + </p> + <p> + “The wizard! the wizard!” was the only answer he received. Adam shrugged + his shoulders, and strode on with so sudden a step, that one of the + smaller children, a curly-headed laughing rogue, of about eight years old, + was thrown down at his feet, and the rest gave way. But the poor man, + seeing one of his foes thus fallen, instead of pursuing his victory, again + paused, and forgetful of the precious burdens he carried, let drop the + sack and books, and took up the child in his arms. On seeing their + companion in the embrace of the wizard, a simultaneous cry of horror broke + from the assemblage, “He is going to curse poor Tim!” + </p> + <p> + “My child! my boy!” shrieked a woman, from one of the casements; “let go + my child!” + </p> + <p> + On his part, the boy kicked and shrieked lustily, as Adam, bending his + noble face tenderly over him, said, “Thou art not hurt, child. Poor boy! + thinkest thou I would harm thee?” While he spoke a storm of missiles—mud, + dirt, sticks, bricks, stones—from the enemy, that had now fallen + back in the rear, burst upon him. A stone struck him on the shoulder. Then + his face changed; an angry gleam shot from his deep, calm eyes; he put + down the child, and, turning steadily to the grown people at the windows, + said, “Ye train your children ill;” picked up his sack and books, sighed, + as he saw the latter stained by the mire, which he wiped with his long + sleeve, and too proud to show fear, slowly made for his door. Fortunately + Sibyll had heard the clamour, and was ready to admit her father, and close + the door upon the rush which instantaneously followed his escape. The + baffled rout set up a yell of wrath, and the boys were now joined by + several foes more formidable from the adjacent houses; assured in their + own minds that some terrible execration had been pronounced upon the limbs + and body of Master Tim, who still continued bellowing and howling, + probably from the excitement of finding himself raised to the dignity of a + martyr, the pious neighbours poured forth, with oaths and curses, and such + weapons as they could seize in haste, to storm the wizard’s fortress. + </p> + <p> + From his casement Marmaduke Nevile had espied all that had hitherto + passed, and though indignant at the brutality of the persecutors, he had + thought it by no means unnatural. “If men, gentlemen born, will read + uncanny books, and resolve to be wizards, why, they must reap what they + sow,” was the logical reflection that passed through the mind of that + ingenuous youth; but when he now perceived the arrival of more important + allies, when stones began to fly through the wicker lattice, when threats + of setting fire to the house and burning the sorcerer who muttered spells + over innocent little boys were heard, seriously increasing in depth and + loudness, Marmaduke felt his chivalry called forth, and with some + difficulty opening the rusty wicket in the casement, he exclaimed: “Shame + on you, my countrymen, for thus disturbing in broad day a peaceful + habitation! Ye call mine host a wizard. Thus much say I on his behalf: I + was robbed and wounded a few nights since in your neighbourhood, and in + this house alone I found shelter and healing.” + </p> + <p> + The unexpected sight of the fair young face of Marmaduke Nevile, and the + healthful sound of his clear ringing voice, produced a momentary effect on + the besiegers, when one of them, a sturdy baker, cried out, “Heed him not,—he + is a goblin. Those devil-mongers can bake ye a dozen such every moment, as + deftly as I can draw loaves from the oven!” + </p> + <p> + This speech turned the tide, and at that instant a savage-looking man, the + father of the aggrieved boy, followed by his wife, gesticulating and + weeping, ran from his house, waving a torch in his right hand, his arm + bare to the shoulder; and the cry of “Fire the door!” was universal. + </p> + <p> + In fact, the danger now grew imminent: several of the party were already + piling straw and fagots against the threshold, and Marmaduke began to + think the only chance of life to his host and Sibyll was in flight by some + back way, when he beheld a man, clad somewhat in the fashion of a country + yeoman, a formidable knotted club in his hand, pushing his way, with + Herculean shoulders, through the crowd; and stationing himself before the + threshold and brandishing aloft his formidable weapon, he exclaimed, + “What! In the devil’s name, do you mean to get yourselves all hanged for + riot? Do you think that King Edward is as soft a man as King Henry was, + and that he will suffer any one but himself to set fire to people’s houses + in this way? I dare say you are all right enough in the main, but by the + blood of Saint Thomas, I will brain the first man who advances a step,—by + way of preserving the necks of the rest!” + </p> + <p> + “A Robin! a Robin!” cried several of the mob. “It is our good friend + Robin. Harken to Robin. He is always right.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, that I am!” quoth the defender; “you know that well enough. If I had + my way, the world should be turned upside down, but what the poor folk + should get nearer to the sun! But what I say is this, never go against + law, while the law is too strong. And it were a sad thing to see fifty + fine fellows trussed up for burning an old wizard. So, be off with you, + and let us, at least all that can afford it, make for Master Sancroft’s + hostelrie and talk soberly over our ale. For little, I trow, will ye work + now your blood’s up.” + </p> + <p> + This address was received with a shout of approbation. The father of the + injured child set his broad foot on his torch, the baker chucked up his + white cap, the ragged boys yelled out, “A Robin! a Robin!” and in less + than two minutes the place was as empty as it had been before the + appearance of the scholar. Marmaduke, who, though so ignorant of books, + was acute and penetrating in all matters of action, could not help + admiring the address and dexterity of the club-bearer; and the danger + being now over, withdrew from the casement, in search of the inmates of + the house. Ascending the stairs, he found on the landing-place, near his + room, and by the embrasure of a huge casement which jutted from the wall, + Adam and his daughter. Adam was leaning against the wall, with his arms + folded, and Sibyll, hanging upon him, was uttering the softest and most + soothing words of comfort her tenderness could suggest. + </p> + <p> + “My child,” said the old man, shaking his head sadly, “I shall never again + have heart for these studies,—never! A king’s anger I could brave, a + priest’s malice I could pity; but to find the very children, the young + race for whose sake I have made thee and myself paupers, to find them thus—thus—” + He stopped, for his voice failed him, and the tears rolled down his + cheeks. + </p> + <p> + “Come and speak comfort to my father, Master Nevile,” exclaimed Sibyll; + “come and tell him that whoever is above the herd, whether knight or + scholar, must learn to despise the hootings that follow Merit. Father, + Father, they threw mud and stones at thy king as he passed through the + streets of London. Thou art not the only one whom this base world + misjudges.” + </p> + <p> + “Worthy mine host!” said Marmaduke, thus appealed to, “Algates, it were + not speaking truth to tell thee that I think a gentleman of birth and + quality should walk the thoroughfares with a bundle of books under his + arm; yet as for the raptril vulgar, the hildings and cullions who hiss one + day what they applaud the next, I hold it the duty of every Christian and + well-born man to regard them as the dirt on the crossings. Brave soldiers + term it no disgrace to receive a blow from a base hind. An’ it had been + knights and gentles who had insulted thee, thou mightest have cause for + shame. But a mob of lewd rascallions and squalling infants—bah! + verily, it is mere matter for scorn and laughter.” + </p> + <p> + These philosophical propositions and distinctions did not seem to have + their due effect upon Adam. He smiled, however, gently upon his guest, and + with a blush over his pale face, said, “I am rightly chastised, good young + man; mean was I, methinks, and sordid to take from thee thy good gold. But + thou knowest not what fever burns in the brain of a man who feels that, + had he wealth, his knowledge could do great things,—such things!—I + thought to repay thee well. Now the frenzy is gone, and I, who an hour ago + esteemed myself a puissant sage, sink in mine own conceit to a miserable + blinded fool. Child, I am very weak; I will lay me down and rest.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, the poor philosopher went his way to his chamber, leaning on + his daughter’s arm. + </p> + <p> + In a few minutes Sibyll rejoined Marmaduke, who had returned to the hall, + and informed him that her father had lain down a while to compose himself. + </p> + <p> + “It is a hard fate, sir,” said the girl, with a faint smile,—“a hard + fate, to be banned and accursed by the world, only because one has sought + to be wiser than the world is.” + </p> + <p> + “Douce maiden,” returned the Nevile, “it is happy for thee that thy sex + forbids thee to follow thy father’s footsteps, or I should say his hard + fate were thy fair warning.” + </p> + <p> + Sibyll smiled faintly, and after a pause, said, with a deep blush,— + </p> + <p> + “You have been generous to my father; do not misjudge him. He would give + his last groat to a starving beggar. But when his passion of scholar and + inventor masters him, thou mightest think him worse than miser. It is an + overnoble yearning that ofttimes makes him mean.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” answered Marmaduke, touched by the heavy sigh and swimming eyes + with which the last words were spoken; “I have heard Nick Alwyn’s uncle, + who was a learned monk, declare that he could not constrain himself to + pray to be delivered from temptation, seeing that he might thereby lose an + occasion for filching some notable book! For the rest,” he added, “you + forget how much I owe to Master Warner’s hospitality.” + </p> + <p> + He took her hand with a frank and brotherly gallantry as he spoke; but the + touch of that small, soft hand, freely and innocently resigned to him, + sent a thrill to his heart—and again the face of Sibyll seemed to + him wondrous fair. + </p> + <p> + There was a long silence, which Sibyll was the first to break. She turned + the conversation once more upon Marmaduke’s views in life. It had been + easy for a deeper observer than he was to see that, under all that young + girl’s simplicity and sweetness, there lurked something of dangerous + ambition. She loved to recall the court-life her childhood had known, + though her youth had resigned it with apparent cheerfulness. Like many who + are poor and fallen, Sibyll built herself a sad consolation out of her + pride; she never forgot that she was well-born. But Marmaduke, in what was + ambition, saw but interest in himself, and his heart beat more quickly as + he bent his eyes upon that downcast, thoughtful, earnest countenance. + </p> + <p> + After an hour thus passed, Sibyll left the guest, and remounted to her + father’s chamber. She found Adam pacing the narrow floor, and muttering to + himself. He turned abruptly as she entered, and said, “Come hither, child; + I took four marks from that young man, for I wanted books and instruments, + and there are two left; see, take them back to him.” + </p> + <p> + “My father, he will not receive them. Fear not, thou shalt repay him some + day.” + </p> + <p> + “Take them, I say, and if the young man says thee nay, why, buy thyself + gauds and gear, or let us eat, and drink, and laugh. What else is life + made for? Ha, ha! Laugh, child, laugh!” + </p> + <p> + There was something strangely pathetic in this outburst, this terrible + mirth, born of profound dejection. Alas for this guileless, simple + creature, who had clutched at gold with a huckster’s eagerness! who, + forgetting the wants of his own child, had employed it upon the service of + an Abstract Thought, and whom the scorn of his kind now pierced through + all the folds of his close-webbed philosophy and self forgetful genius. + Awful is the duel between MAN and THE AGE in which he lives! For the gain + of posterity, Adam Warner had martyrized existence,—and the children + pelted him as he passed the streets! Sibyll burst into tears. + </p> + <p> + “No, my father, no,” she sobbed, pushing back the money into his hands. + “Let us both starve rather than you should despond. God and man will bring + you justice yet.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah,” said the baffled enthusiast, “my whole mind is one sore now! I feel + as if I could love man no more. Go, and leave me. Go, I say!” and the poor + student, usually so mild and gall-less, stamped his foot in impotent rage. + Sibyll, weeping as if her heart would break, left him. + </p> + <p> + Then Adam Warner again paced to and fro restlessly, and again muttered to + himself for several minutes. At last he approached his Model,—the + model of a mighty and stupendous invention, the fruit of no chimerical and + visionary science; a great Promethean THING, that, once matured, would + divide the Old World from the New, enter into all operations of Labour, + animate all the future affairs, colour all the practical doctrines of + active men. He paused before it, and addressed it as if it heard and + understood him: “My hair was dark, and my tread was firm, when, one night, + a THOUGHT passed into my soul,—a thought to make Matter the gigantic + slave of Mind. Out of this thought, thou, not yet born after + five-and-twenty years of travail, wert conceived. My coffers were then + full, and my name was honoured; and the rich respected and the poor loved + me. Art thou a devil, that has tempted me to ruin, or a god, that has + lifted me above the earth? I am old before my time, my hair is blanched, + my frame is bowed, my wealth is gone, my name is sullied. And all, dumb + idol of Iron and the Element, all for thee! I had a wife whom I adored; + she died,—I forgot her loss in the hope of thy life. I have a child + still—God and our Lady forgive me! she is less dear to me than thou + hast been. And now”—the old man ceased abruptly, and folding his + arms, looked at the deaf iron sternly, as on a human foe. By his side was + a huge hammer, employed in the toils of his forge; suddenly he seized and + swung it aloft. One blow, and the labour of years was shattered into + pieces! One blow!—But the heart failed him, and the hammer fell + heavily to the ground. + </p> + <p> + “Ay!” he muttered, “true, true! if thou, who hast destroyed all else, wert + destroyed too, what were left me? Is it a crime to murder Alan?—a + greater crime to murder Thought, which is the life of all men! Come, I + forgive thee!” + </p> + <p> + And all that day and all that night the Enthusiast laboured in his + chamber, and the next day the remembrance of the hooting, the pelting, the + mob, was gone,—clean gone from his breast. The Model began to move, + life hovered over its wheels; and the Martyr of Science had forgotten the + very world for which he, groaning and rejoicing, toiled! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. MASTER MARMADUKE NEVILE MAKES LOVE, AND IS FRIGHTENED. + </h2> + <p> + For two or three days Marmaduke and Sibyll were necessarily brought much + together. Such familiarity of intercourse was peculiarly rare in that + time, when, except perhaps in the dissolute court of Edward IV., the + virgins of gentle birth mixed sparingly, and with great reserve, amongst + those of opposite sex. Marmaduke, rapidly recovering from the effect of + his wounds, and without other resource than Sibyll’s society in the + solitude of his confinement, was not proof against the temptation which + one so young and so sweetly winning brought to his fancy or his senses. + The poor Sibyll—she was no faultless paragon,—she was a rare + and singular mixture of many opposite qualities in heart and in intellect! + She was one moment infantine in simplicity and gay playfulness; the next a + shade passed over her bright face, and she uttered some sentence of that + bitter and chilling wisdom, which the sense of persecution, the cruelty of + the world, had already taught her. She was, indeed, at that age when the + Child and the Woman are struggling against each other. Her character was + not yet formed,—a little happiness would have ripened it at once + into the richest bloom of goodness. But sorrow, that ever sharpens the + intellect, might only serve to sour the heart. Her mind was so innately + chaste and pure, that she knew not the nature of the admiration she + excited; but the admiration pleased her as it pleases some young child; + she was vain then, but it was an infant’s vanity, not a woman’s. And thus, + from innocence itself, there was a fearlessness, a freedom, a something + endearing and familiar in her manner, which might have turned a wiser head + than Marmaduke Nevile’s. And this the more, because, while liking her + young guest, confiding in him, raised in her own esteem by his gallantry, + enjoying that intercourse of youth with youth so unfamiliar to her, and + surrendering herself the more to its charm from the joy that animated her + spirits, in seeing that her father had forgotten his humiliation, and + returned to his wonted labours,—she yet knew not for the handsome + Nevile one sentiment that approached to love. Her mind was so superior to + his own, that she felt almost as if older in years, and in their talk her + rosy lips preached to him in grave advice. + </p> + <p> + On the landing, by Marmaduke’s chamber, there was a large oriel casement + jutting from the wall. It was only glazed at the upper part, and that most + imperfectly, the lower part being closed at night or in inclement weather + with rude shutters. The recess formed by this comfortless casement + answered, therefore, the purpose of a balcony; it commanded a full view of + the vicinity without, and gave to those who might be passing by the power + also of indulging their own curiosity by a view of the interior. + </p> + <p> + Whenever he lost sight of Sibyll, and had grown weary of the peacock, this + spot was Marmaduke’s favourite haunt. It diverted him, poor youth, to look + out of the window upon the livelier world beyond. The place, it is true, + was ordinarily deserted, but still the spires and turrets of London were + always discernible,—and they were something. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, in this embrasure stood Marmaduke, when one morning, Sibyll, + coming from her father’s room, joined him. + </p> + <p> + “And what, Master Nevile,” said Sibyll, with a malicious yet charming + smile, “what claimed thy meditations? Some misgiving as to the trimming of + thy tunic, or the length of thy shoon?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” returned Marmaduke, gravely, “such thoughts, though not without + their importance in the mind of a gentleman, who would not that his + ignorance of court delicacies should commit him to the japes of his + equals, were not at that moment uppermost. I was thinking—” + </p> + <p> + “Of those mastiffs, quarrelling for a bone. Avow it.” + </p> + <p> + “By our Lady, I saw them not, but now I look, they are brave dogs. Ha! + seest thou how gallantly each fronts the other, the hair bristling, the + eyes fixed, the tail on end, the fangs glistening? Now the lesser one + moves slowly round and round the bigger, who, mind you, Mistress Sibyll, + is no dullard, but moves, too, quick as thought, not to be taken unawares. + Ha! that is a brave spring! Heigh, dogs, Neigh! a good sight!—it + makes the blood warm! The little one hath him by the throat!” + </p> + <p> + “Alack,” said Sibyll, turning away her eyes, “can you find pleasure in + seeing two poor brutes mangle each other for a bone?” + </p> + <p> + “By Saint Dunstan! doth it matter what may be the cause of quarrel, so + long as dog or man bears himself bravely, with a due sense of honour and + derring-do? See! the big one is up again. Ah, foul fall the butcher, who + drives them away! Those seely mechanics know not the joyaunce of fair + fighting to gentle and to hound. For a hound, mark you, hath nothing + mechanical in his nature. He is a gentleman all over,—brave against + equal and stranger, forbearing to the small and defenceless, true in + poverty and need where he loveth, stern and ruthless where he hateth, and + despising thieves, hildings, and the vulgar as much as e’er a gold spur in + King Edward’s court! Oh, certes, your best gentleman is the best hound!” + </p> + <p> + “You moralize to-day; and I know not how to gainsay you,” returned Sibyll, + as the dogs, reluctantly beaten off, retired each from each, snarling and + reluctant, while a small black cur, that had hitherto sat unobserved at + the door of a small hostelrie, now coolly approached and dragged off the + bone of contention. “But what sayst thou now? See! see! the patient + mongrel carries off the bone from the gentleman-hounds. Is that the way of + the world?” + </p> + <p> + “Pardie! it is a naught world, if so, and much changed from the time of + our fathers, the Normans. But these Saxons are getting uppermost again, + and the yard measure, I fear me, is more potent in these holiday times + than the mace or the battle-axe.” The Nevile paused, sighed, and changed + the subject: “This house of thine must have been a stately pile in its + day. I see but one side of the quadrangle is left, though it be easy to + trace where the other three have stood.” + </p> + <p> + “And you may see their stones and their fittings in the butcher’s and + baker’s stalls over the way,” replied Sibyll. + </p> + <p> + “Ay!” said the Nevile, “the parings of the gentry begin to be the wealth + of the varlets.” + </p> + <p> + “Little ought we to pine at that,” returned Sibyll, “if the varlets were + but gentle with our poverty; but they loathe the humbled fortunes on which + they rise, and while slaves to the rich, are tyrants to the poor.” + </p> + <p> + This was said so sadly, that the Nevile felt his eyes overflow; and the + humble dress of the girl, the melancholy ridges which evinced the site of + a noble house, now shrunk into a dismal ruin, the remembrance of the + pastime-ground, the insults of the crowd, and the broken gittern, all + conspired to move his compassion, and to give force to yet more tender + emotions. + </p> + <p> + “Ah,” he said suddenly, and with a quick faint blush over his handsome and + manly countenance,—“ah, fair maid—fair Sibyll—God grant + that I may win something of gold and fortune amidst yonder towers, on + which the sun shines so cheerly. God grant it, not for my sake,—not + for mine; but that I may have something besides a true heart and a + stainless name to lay at thy feet. Oh, Sibyll! By this hand, by my + father’s soul, I love thee, Sibyll! Have I not said it before? Well, hear + me now,—I love thee!” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, he clasped her hand in his own, and she suffered it for one + instant to rest in his. Then withdrawing it, and meeting his enamoured + eyes with a strange sadness in her own darker, deeper, and more + intelligent orbs, she said,— + </p> + <p> + “I thank thee,—thank thee for the honour of such kind thoughts; and + frankly I answer, as thou hast frankly spoken. It was sweet to me, who + have known little in life not hard and bitter,—sweet to wish I had a + brother like thee, and, as a brother, I can love and pray for thee. But + ask not more, Marmaduke. I have aims in life which forbid all other love.” + </p> + <p> + “Art thou too aspiring for one who has his spurs to win?” + </p> + <p> + “Not so; but listen. My mother’s lessons and my own heart have made my + poor father the first end and object of all things on earth to me. I live + to protect him, work for him, honour him; and for the rest, I have + thoughts thou canst not know, an ambition thou canst not feel. Nay,” she + added, with that delightful smile which chased away the graver thought + which had before saddened her aspect, “what would thy sober friend Master + Alwyn say to thee, if he heard thou hadst courted the wizard’s daughter?” + </p> + <p> + “By my faith,” exclaimed Marmaduke, “thou art a very April,—smiles + and clouds in a breath! If what thou despisest in me be my want of + bookcraft, and such like, by my halidame I will turn scholar for thy sake; + and—” + </p> + <p> + Here, as he had again taken Sibyll’s hand, with the passionate ardour of + his bold nature, not to be lightly daunted by a maiden’s first “No,” a + sudden shrill, wild burst of laughter, accompanied with a gusty fit of + unmelodious music from the street below, made both maiden and youth start, + and turn their eyes; there, weaving their immodest dance, tawdry in their + tinsel attire, their naked arms glancing above their heads, as they waved + on high their instruments, went the timbrel-girls. + </p> + <p> + “Ha, ha!” cried their leader, “see the gallant and the witch-leman! The + glamour has done its work! Foul is fair! foul is fair! and the devil will + have his own!” + </p> + <p> + But these creatures, whose bold license the ancient chronicler records, + were rarely seen alone. They haunted parties of pomp and pleasure; they + linked together the extremes of life,—the grotesque Chorus that + introduced the terrible truth of foul vice and abandoned wretchedness in + the midst of the world’s holiday and pageant. So now, as they wheeled into + the silent, squalid street, they heralded a goodly company of dames and + cavaliers on horseback, who were passing through the neighbouring plains + into the park of Marybone to enjoy the sport of falconry. The splendid + dresses of this procession, and the grave and measured dignity with which + it swept along, contrasted forcibly with the wild movements and disorderly + mirth of the timbrel-players. These last darted round and round the + riders, holding out their instruments for largess, and retorting, with + laugh and gibe, the disdainful look or sharp rebuke with which their + salutations were mostly received. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly, as the company, two by two, paced up the street, Sibyll uttered + a faint exclamation, and strove to snatch her hand from the Nevile’s + grasp. Her eye rested upon one of the horsemen, who rode last, and who + seemed in earnest conversation with a dame, who, though scarcely in her + first youth, excelled all her fair companions in beauty of face and grace + of horsemanship, as well as in the costly equipments of the white barb + that caracoled beneath her easy hand. At the same moment the horseman + looked up and gazed steadily at Sibyll, whose countenance grew pale, and + flushed, in a breath. His eye then glanced rapidly at Marmaduke; a + half-smile passed his pale, firm lips; he slightly raised the plumed cap + from his brow, inclined gravely to Sibyll, and, turning once more to his + companion, appeared to answer some question she addressed to him as to the + object of his salutation, for her look, which was proud, keen, and lofty, + was raised to Sibyll, and then dropped somewhat disdainfully, as she + listened to the words addressed her by the cavalier. + </p> + <p> + The lynx eyes of the tymbesteres had seen the recognition; and their + leader, laying her bold hand on the embossed bridle of the horseman, + exclaimed, in a voice shrill and loud enough to be heard in the balcony + above, “Largess! noble lord, largess! for the sake of the lady thou lovest + best!” + </p> + <p> + The fair equestrian turned away her head at these words; the nobleman + watched her a moment, and dropped some coins into the timbrel. + </p> + <p> + “Ha, ha!” cried the tymbestere, pointing her long arm to Sibyll, and + springing towards the balcony,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “The cushat would mate + Above her state, + And she flutters her wings round the falcon’s beak; + But death to the dove + Is the falcon’s love! + Oh, sharp is the kiss of the falcon’s beak!” + </pre> + <p> + Before this rude song was ended, Sibyll had vanished from the place; the + cavalcade had disappeared. The timbrel-players, without deigning to notice + Marmaduke, darted elsewhere to ply their discordant trade, and the Nevile, + crossing himself devoutly, muttered, “Jesu defend us! Those she + Will-o’-the-wisps are eno’ to scare all the blood out of one’s body. What—a + murrain on them!—do they portend, flitting round and round, and + skirting off, as if the devil’s broomstick was behind them! By the Mass! + they have frighted away the damozel, and I am not sorry for it. They have + left me small heart for the part of Sir Launval.” + </p> + <p> + His meditations were broken off by the sudden sight of Nicholas Alwyn, + mounted on a small palfrey, and followed by a sturdy groom on horseback, + leading a steed handsomely caparisoned. In another moment, Marmaduke had + descended, opened the door, and drawn Alwyn into the hall. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. MASTER MARMADUKE NEVILE LEAVES THE WIZARD’S HOUSE FOR THE + GREAT WORLD. + </h2> + <p> + “Right glad am I,” said Nicholas, “to see you so stout and hearty, for I + am the bearer of good news. Though I have been away, I have not forgotten + you; and it so chanced that I went yesterday to attend my Lord of Warwick + with some nowches [buckles and other ornaments] and knackeries, that he + takes out as gifts and exemplars of English work. They were indifferently + well wrought, specially a chevesail, of which the—” + </p> + <p> + “Spare me the fashion of thy mechanicals, and come to the point,” + interrupted Marmaduke, impatiently. + </p> + <p> + “Pardon me, Master Nevile. I interrupt thee not when thou talkest of + bassinets and hauberks,—every cobbler to his last. But, as thou + sayest, to the point: the stout earl, while scanning my workmanship, for + in much the chevesail was mine, was pleased to speak graciously of my + skill with the bow, of which he had heard; and he then turned to thyself, + of whom my Lord Montagu had already made disparaging mention. When I told + the earl somewhat more about thy qualities and disposings, and when I + spoke of thy desire to serve him, and the letter of which thou art the + bearer, his black brows smoothed mighty graciously, and he bade me tell + thee to come to him this afternoon, and he would judge of thee with his + own eyes and ears. Wherefore I have ordered the craftsman to have all thy + gauds and gear ready at thine hostelrie, and I have engaged thee henchmen + and horses for thy fitting appearance. Be quick: time and the great wait + for no man. So take whatever thou needest for present want from thy mails, + and I will send a porter for the rest ere sunset.” + </p> + <p> + “But the gittern for the damozel?” + </p> + <p> + “I have provided that for thee, as is meet.” And Nicholas, stepping back, + eased the groom of a case which contained a gittern, whose workmanship and + ornaments delighted the Nevile. + </p> + <p> + “It is of my lord the young Duke of Gloucester’s own musical-vendor; and + the duke, though a lad yet, is a notable judge of all appertaining to the + gentle craft. [For Richard III.‘s love of music, and patronage of + musicians and minstrels, see the discriminating character of that prince + in Sharon Turner’s “History of England,” vol. IV. p. 66.] So despatch, and + away!” + </p> + <p> + Marmaduke retired to his chamber, and Nicholas, after a moment spent in + silent thought, searched the room for the hand-bell, which then made the + mode of communication between the master and domestics. Not finding this + necessary luxury, he contrived at last to make Madge hear his voice from + her subterranean retreat; and on her arrival, sent her in quest of Sibyll. + </p> + <p> + The answer he received was, that Mistress Sibyll was ill, and unable to + see him. Alwyn looked disconcerted at this intelligence, but, drawing from + his girdle a small gipsire, richly broidered, he prayed Madge to deliver + it to her young mistress, and inform her that it was the fruit of the + commission with which she had honoured him. + </p> + <p> + “It is passing strange,” said he, pacing the hall alone,—“passing + strange, that the poor child should have taken such hold on me. After all, + she would be a bad wife for a plain man like me. Tush! that is the + trader’s thought all over. Have I brought no fresher feeling out of my + fair village-green? Would it not be sweet to work for her, and rise in + life, with her by my side? And these girls of the city, so prim and so + brainless!—as well marry a painted puppet. Sibyll! Am I dement? + Stark wode? What have I to do with girls and marriage? Humph! I marvel + what Marmaduke still thinks of her,—and she of him.” + </p> + <p> + While Alwyn thus soliloquized, the Nevile having hastily arranged his + dress, and laden himself with the moneys his mails contained, summoned old + Madge to receive his largess, and to conduct him to Warner’s chamber, in + order to proffer his farewell. + </p> + <p> + With somewhat of a timid step he followed the old woman (who kept + muttering thanks and benedicites as she eyed the coin in her palm) up the + ragged stairs, and for the first time knocked at the door of the student’s + sanctuary. No answer came. “Eh, sir! you must enter,” said Madge; “an’ you + fired a bombard under his ear he would not heed you.” So, suiting the + action to the word, she threw open the door, and closed it behind him, as + Marmaduke entered. + </p> + <p> + The room was filled with smoke, through which mirky atmosphere the clear + red light of the burning charcoal peered out steadily like a Cyclop’s eye. + A small, but heaving, regular, labouring, continuous sound, as of a fairy + hammer, smote the young man’s ear. But as his gaze, accustoming itself to + the atmosphere, searched around, he could not perceive what was its cause. + Adam Warner was standing in the middle of the room, his arms folded, and + contemplating something at a little distance, which Marmaduke could not + accurately distinguish. The youth took courage, and approached. “Honoured + mine host,” said he, “I thank thee for hospitality and kindness, I crave + pardon for disturbing thee in thy incanta—ehem!—thy—thy + studies, and I come to bid thee farewell.” + </p> + <p> + Adam turned round with a puzzled, absent air, as if scarcely recognizing + his guest; at length, as his recollection slowly came back to him, he + smiled graciously, and said: “Good youth, thou art richly welcome to what + little it was in my power to do for thee. Peradventure a time may come + when they who seek the roof of Adam Warner may find less homely cheer, a + less rugged habitation,—for look you!” he exclaimed suddenly, with a + burst of irrepressible enthusiasm—and laying his hand on Nevile’s + arm, as, through all the smoke and grime that obscured his face, flashed + the ardent soul of the triumphant Inventor,—“look you! since you + have been in this house, one of my great objects is well-nigh matured,—achieved. + Come hither,” and he dragged the wondering Marmaduke to his model, or + Eureka, as Adam had fondly named his contrivance. The Nevile then + perceived that it was from the interior of this machine that the sound + which had startled him arose; to his eye the THING was uncouth and + hideous; from the jaws of an iron serpent, that, wreathing round it, rose + on high with erect crest, gushed a rapid volume of black smoke, and a damp + spray fell around. A column of iron in the centre kept in perpetual and + regular motion, rising and sinking successively, as the whole mechanism + within seemed alive with noise and action. + </p> + <p> + “The Syracusan asked an inch of earth, beyond the earth, to move the + earth,” said Adam; “I stand in the world, and lo! with this engine the + world shall one day be moved.” + </p> + <p> + “Holy Mother!” faltered Marmaduke; “I pray thee, dread sir, to ponder well + ere thou attemptest any such sports with the habitation in which every + woman’s son is so concerned. Bethink thee, that if in moving the world + thou shouldst make any mistake, it would—” + </p> + <p> + “Now stand there and attend,” interrupted Adam, who had not heard one word + of this judicious exhortation. + </p> + <p> + “Pardon me, terrible sir!” exclaimed Marmaduke, in great trepidation, and + retreating rapidly to the door; “but I have heard that the fiends are + mighty malignant to all lookers-on not initiated.” + </p> + <p> + While he spoke, fast gushed the smoke, heavily heaved the fairy hammers, + up and down, down and up, sank or rose the column, with its sullen sound. + The young man’s heart sank to the soles of his feet. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed and in truth,” he stammered out, “I am but a dolt in these + matters; I wish thee all success compatible with the weal of a Christian, + and bid thee, in sad humility, good day:” and he added, in a whisper—“the + Lord’s forgiveness! Amen!” + </p> + <p> + Marmaduke then fairly rushed through the open door, and hurried out of the + chamber as fast as possible. + </p> + <p> + He breathed more freely as he descended the stairs. “Before I would call + that gray carle my father, or his child my wife, may I feel all the + hammers of the elves and sprites he keeps tortured within that ugly little + prison-house playing a death’s march on my body! Holy Saint Dunstan, the + timbrel-girls came in time! They say these wizards always have fair + daughters, and their love can be no blessing!” + </p> + <p> + As he thus muttered, the door of Sibyll’s chamber opened, and she stood + before him at the threshold. Her countenance was very pale, and bore + evidence of weeping. There was a silence on both sides, which the girl was + the first to break. + </p> + <p> + “So, Madge tells me thou art about to leave us?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, gentle maiden! I—I—that is, my Lord of Warwick has + summoned me. I wish and pray for all blessings on thee! and—and—if + ever it be mine to serve or aid thee, it will be—that is—verily, + my tongue falters, but my heart—that is—fare thee well, + maiden! Would thou hadst a less wise father; and so may the saints (Saint + Anthony especially, whom the Evil One was parlous afraid of) guard and + keep thee!” + </p> + <p> + With this strange and incoherent address, Marmaduke left the maiden + standing by the threshold of her miserable chamber. Hurrying into the + hall, he summoned Alwyn from his meditations, and, giving the gittern to + Madge, with an injunction to render it to her mistress, with his greeting + and service, he vaulted lightly on his steed; the steady and more sober + Alwyn mounted his palfrey with slow care and due caution. As the air of + spring waved the fair locks of the young cavalier, as the good horse + caracoled under his lithesome weight, his natural temper of mind, hardy, + healthful, joyous, and world-awake, returned to him. The image of Sibyll + and her strange father fled from his thoughts like sickly dreams. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0013" id="link2H_4_0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BOOK II. THE KING’S COURT. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. EARL WARWICK THE KING-MAKER. + </h2> + <p> + The young men entered the Strand, which, thanks to the profits of a + toll-bar, was a passable road for equestrians, studded towards the river, + as we have before observed, with stately and half-fortified mansions; + while on the opposite side, here and there, were straggling houses of a + humbler kind,—the mediaeval villas of merchant and trader (for, from + the earliest period since the Conquest, the Londoners had delight in such + retreats), surrounded with blossoming orchards, [On all sides, without the + suburbs, are the citizens’ gardens and orchards, etc.—FITZSTEPHEN.] + and adorned in front with the fleur-de-lis, emblem of the vain victories + of renowned Agincourt. But by far the greater portion of the road + northward stretched, unbuilt upon, towards a fair chain of fields and + meadows, refreshed by many brooks, “turning water-mills with a pleasant + noise.” High rose, on the thoroughfare, the famous Cross, at which “the + Judges Itinerant whilome sate, without London.” [Stowe.] There, hallowed + and solitary, stood the inn for the penitent pilgrims, who sought “the + murmuring runnels” of St. Clement’s healing well; for in this + neighbourhood, even from the age of the Roman, springs of crystal wave and + salubrious virtue received the homage of credulous disease. Through the + gloomy arches of the Temple Gate and Lud, our horsemen wound their way, + and finally arrived in safety at Marmaduke’s hostelrie in the East Chepe. + Here Marmaduke found the decorators of his comely person already + assembled. The simpler yet more manly fashions he had taken from the + provinces were now exchanged for an attire worthy the kinsman of the great + minister of a court unparalleled, since the reign of William the Red King, + for extravagant gorgeousness of dress. His corset was of the finest cloth, + sown with seed pearls; above it the lawn shirt, worn without collar, + partially appeared, fringed with gold; over this was loosely hung a + super-tunic of crimson sarcenet, slashed and pounced with a profusion of + fringes. His velvet cap, turned up at the sides, extended in a point far + over the forehead. His hose—under which appellation is to be + understood what serves us of the modern day both for stockings and + pantaloons—were of white cloth; and his shoes, very narrow, were + curiously carved into chequer work at the instep, and tied with bobbins of + gold thread, turning up like skates at the extremity, three inches in + length. His dagger was suspended by a slight silver-gilt chain, and his + girdle contained a large gipsire, or pouch, of embossed leather, richly + gilt. + </p> + <p> + And this dress, marvellous as it seemed to the Nevile, the tailor gravely + assured him was far under the mark of the highest fashion, and that an’ + the noble youth had been a knight, the shoes would have stretched at least + three inches farther over the natural length of the feet, the placard have + shone with jewels, and the tunic luxuriated in flowers of damacene. Even + as it was, however, Marmaduke felt a natural diffidence of his + habiliments, which cost him a round third of his whole capital; and no + bride ever unveiled herself with more shamefaced bashfulness than did + Marmaduke Nevile experience when he remounted his horse, and, taking leave + of his foster-brother, bent his way to Warwick Lane, where the earl + lodged. + </p> + <p> + The narrow streets were, however, crowded with equestrians whose dress + eclipsed his own, some bending their way to the Tower, some to the palaces + of the Flete. Carriages there were none, and only twice he encountered the + huge litters, in which some aged prelate or some high-born dame veiled + greatness from the day. But the frequent vistas to the river gave glimpses + of the gay boats and barges that crowded the Thames, which was then the + principal thoroughfare for every class, but more especially the noble. The + ways were fortunately dry and clean for London, though occasionally deep + holes and furrows in the road menaced perils to the unwary horseman. The + streets themselves might well disappoint in splendour the stranger’s eye; + for although, viewed at a distance, ancient London was incalculably more + picturesque and stately than the modern, yet when fairly in its tortuous + labyrinths, it seemed to those who had improved the taste by travel the + meanest and the mirkiest capital of Christendom. The streets were + marvellously narrow, the upper stories, chiefly of wood, projecting far + over the lower, which were formed of mud and plaster. The shops were + pitiful booths, and the ‘prentices standing at the entrance bare-headed + and cap in hand, and lining the passages, as the old French writer avers, + comme idoles, [Perlin] kept up an eternal din with their clamorous + invitations, often varied by pert witticisms on some churlish passenger, + or loud vituperations of each other. The whole ancient family of the + London criers were in full bay. Scarcely had Marmaduke’s ears recovered + the shock of “Hot peascods,—all hot!” than they were saluted with + “Mackerel!” “Sheep’s feet! hot sheep’s feet!” At the smaller taverns stood + the inviting vociferaters of “Cock-pie,” “Ribs of beef,—hot beef!” + while, blended with these multi-toned discords, whined the vielle, or + primitive hurdy-gurdy, screamed the pipe, twanged the harp, from every + quarter where the thirsty paused to drink, or the idler stood to gape. + [See Lydgate: London Lyckpenny.] + </p> + <p> + Through this Babel Marmaduke at last slowly wound his way, and arrived + before the mighty mansion in which the chief baron of England held his + state. + </p> + <p> + As he dismounted and resigned his steed to the servitor hired for him by + Alwyn, Marmaduke paused a moment, struck by the disparity, common as it + was to eyes more accustomed to the metropolis, between the stately edifice + and the sordid neighbourhood. He had not noticed this so much when he had + repaired to the earl’s house on his first arrival in London, for his + thoughts then had been too much bewildered by the general bustle and + novelty of the scene; but now it seemed to him that he better comprehended + the homage accorded to a great noble in surveying, at a glance, the + immeasurable eminence to which he was elevated above his fellow-men by + wealth and rank. + </p> + <p> + Far on either side of the wings of the earl’s abode stretched, in numerous + deformity, sheds rather than houses, of broken plaster and crazy timbers. + But here and there were open places of public reception, crowded with the + lower followers of the puissant chief; and the eye rested on many idle + groups of sturdy swash-bucklers, some half-clad in armour, some in rude + jerkins of leather, before the doors of these resorts,—as others, + like bees about a hive, swarmed in and out with a perpetual hum. + </p> + <p> + The exterior of Warwick House was of a gray but dingy stone, and presented + a half-fortified and formidable appearance. The windows, or rather + loop-holes, towards the street were few, and strongly barred. The black + and massive arch of the gateway yawned between two huge square towers; and + from a yet higher but slender tower on the inner side, the flag gave the + “White Bear and Ragged Staff” to the smoky air. Still, under the portal as + he entered, hung the grate of the portcullis, and the square court which + he saw before him swarmed with the more immediate retainers of the earl, + in scarlet jackets, wrought with their chieftain’s cognizance. A man of + gigantic girth and stature, who officiated as porter, leaning against the + wall under the arch, now emerged from the shadow, and with sufficient + civility demanded the young visitor’s name and business. On hearing the + former, he bowed low as he doffed his hat, and conducted Marmaduke through + the first quadrangle. The two sides to the right and left were devoted to + the offices and rooms of retainers, of whom no less than six hundred, not + to speak of the domestic and more orderly retinue, attested the state of + the Last of the English Barons on his visits to the capital. Far from + being then, as now, the object of the great to thrust all that belongs to + the service of the house out of sight, it was their pride to strike awe + into the visitor by the extent of accommodation afforded to their + followers: some seated on benches of stone ranged along the walls; some + grouped in the centre of the court; some lying at length upon the two + oblong patches of what had been turf, till worn away by frequent feet,—this + domestic army filled the young Nevile with an admiration far greater than + the gay satins of the knights and nobles who had gathered round the lord + of Montagu and Northumberland at the pastime-ground. + </p> + <p> + This assemblage, however, were evidently under a rude discipline of their + own. They were neither noisy nor drunk. They made way with surly obeisance + as the cavalier passed, and closing on his track like some horde of wild + cattle, gazed after him with earnest silence, and then turned once more to + their indolent whispers with each other. + </p> + <p> + And now Nevile entered the last side of the quadrangle. The huge hall, + divided from the passage by a screen of stone fretwork, so fine as to + attest the hand of some architect in the reign of Henry III., stretched to + his right; and so vast, in truth, it was, that though more than fifty + persons were variously engaged therein, their number was lost in the + immense space. Of these, at one end of the longer and lower table beneath + the dais, some squires of good dress and mien were engaged at chess or + dice; others were conferring in the gloomy embrasures of the casements; + some walking to and fro, others gathered round the shovel-board. At the + entrance of this hall the porter left Marmaduke, after exchanging a + whisper with a gentleman whose dress eclipsed the Nevile’s in splendour; + and this latter personage, who, though of high birth, did not disdain to + perform the office of chamberlain, or usher, to the king-like earl, + advanced to Marmaduke with a smile, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “My lord expects you, sir, and has appointed this time to receive you, + that you may not be held back from his presence by the crowds that crave + audience in the forenoon. Please to follow me!” This said, the gentleman + slowly preceded the visitor, now and then stopping to exchange a friendly + word with the various parties he passed in his progress; for the urbanity + which Warwick possessed himself, his policy inculcated as a duty on all + who served him. A small door at the other extremity of the hall admitted + into an anteroom, in which some half score pages, the sons of knights and + barons, were gathered round an old warrior, placed at their head as a sort + of tutor, to instruct them in all knightly accomplishments; and beckoning + forth one of these youths from the ring, the earl’s chamberlain said, with + a profound reverence, “Will you be pleased, my young lord, to conduct your + cousin, Master Marmaduke Nevile, to the earl’s presence?” The young + gentleman eyed Marmaduke with a supercilious glance. + </p> + <p> + “Marry!” said he, pertly, “if a man born in the North were to feed all his + cousins, he would soon have a tail as long as my uncle, the stout earl’s. + Come, sir cousin, this way.” And without tarrying even to give Nevile + information of the name and quality of his new-found relation,—who + was no less than Lord Montagu’s son, the sole male heir to the honours of + that mighty family, though now learning the apprenticeship of chivalry + amongst his uncle’s pages,—the boy passed before Marmaduke with a + saunter, that, had they been in plain Westmoreland, might have cost him a + cuff from the stout hand of the indignant elder cousin. He raised the + tapestry at one end of the room, and ascending a short flight of broad + stairs, knocked gently on the panels of an arched door sunk deep in the + walls. + </p> + <p> + “Enter!” said a clear, loud voice, and the next moment Marmaduke was in + the presence of the King-maker. + </p> + <p> + He heard his guide pronounce his name, and saw him smile maliciously at + the momentary embarrassment the young man displayed, as the boy passed by + Marmaduke, and vanished. The Earl of Warwick was seated near a door that + opened upon an inner court, or rather garden, which gave communication to + the river. The chamber was painted in the style of Henry III., with huge + figures representing the battle of Hastings, or rather, for there were + many separate pieces, the conquest of Saxon England. Over each head, to + enlighten the ignorant, the artist had taken the precaution to insert a + label, which told the name and the subject. The ceiling was groined, + vaulted, and emblazoned with the richest gilding and colours. The + chimneypiece (a modern ornament) rose to the roof, and represented in bold + reliefs, gilt and decorated, the signing of Magna Charta. The floor was + strewed thick with dried rushes and odorous herbs; the furniture was + scanty, but rich. The low-backed chairs, of which there were but four, + carved in ebony, had cushions of velvet with fringes of massive gold; a + small cupboard, or beaufet, covered with carpetz de cuir (carpets of gilt + and painted leather), of great price, held various quaint and curious + ornaments of plate inwrought with precious stones; and beside this—a + singular contrast—on a plain Gothic table lay the helmet, the + gauntlets, and the battle-axe of the master. Warwick himself, seated + before a large, cumbrous desk, was writing,—but slowly and with + pain,—and he lifted his finger as the Nevile approached, in token of + his wish to conclude a task probably little congenial to his tastes. But + Marmaduke was grateful for the moments afforded him to recover his + self-possession, and to examine his kinsman. + </p> + <p> + The earl was in the lusty vigour of his age. His hair, of the deepest + black, was worn short, as if in disdain of the effeminate fashions of the + day; and fretted bare from the temples by the constant and early friction + of his helmet, gave to a forehead naturally lofty yet more majestic + appearance of expanse and height. His complexion, though dark and + sunburned, glowed with rich health. The beard was closely shaven, and left + in all its remarkable beauty the contour of the oval face and strong jaw,—strong + as if clasped in iron. The features were marked and aquiline, as was + common to those of Norman blood. The form spare, but of prodigious width + and depth of chest, the more apparent from the fashion of the short + surcoat, which was thrown back, and left in broad expanse a placard, not + of holiday velvet and satins, but of steel polished as a mirror, and + inlaid with gold. And now as, concluding his task, the earl rose and + motioned Marmaduke to a stool by his side, his great stature, which, from + the length of his limbs, was not so observable when he sat, actually + startled his guest. Tall as Marmaduke was himself, the earl towered [The + faded portrait of Richard Nevile, Earl of Warwick, in the Rous Roll, + preserved at the Herald’s College, does justice, at least, to the height + and majesty of his stature. The portrait of Edward IV. is the only one in + that long series which at all rivals the stately proportions of the + King-maker.] above him,—with his high, majestic, smooth, unwrinkled + forehead,—like some Paladin of the rhyme of poet or romancer; and, + perhaps, not only in this masculine advantage, but in the rare and + harmonious combination of colossal strength with graceful lightness, a + more splendid union of all the outward qualities we are inclined to give + to the heroes of old never dazzled the eye or impressed the fancy. But + even this effect of mere person was subordinate to that which this eminent + nobleman created—upon his inferiors, at least—by a manner so + void of all arrogance, yet of all condescension, so simple, open, cordial, + and hero-like, that Marmaduke Nevile, peculiarly alive to external + impressions, and subdued and fascinated by the earl’s first word, and that + word was “Welcome!” dropped on his knee, and kissing the hand extended to + him, said, “Noble kinsman, in thy service and for thy sake let me live and + die!” Had the young man been prepared by the subtlest master of courtcraft + for this interview, so important to his fortunes, he could not have + advanced a hundredth part so far with the great earl as he did by that + sudden, frank burst of genuine emotion; for Warwick was extremely + sensitive to the admiration he excited,—vain or proud of it, it + matters not which; grateful as a child for love, and inexorable as a woman + for slight or insult: in rude ages, one sex has often the qualities of the + other. + </p> + <p> + “Thou hast thy father’s warm heart and hasty thought, Marmaduke,” said + Warwick, raising him; “and now he is gone where, we trust, brave men, + shrived of their sins, look down upon us, who should be thy friend but + Richard Nevile? So—so—yes, let me look at thee. Ha! stout + Guy’s honest face, every line of it: but to the girls, perhaps, comelier, + for wanting a scar or two. Never blush,—thou shalt win the scars + yet. So thou hast a letter from thy father?” + </p> + <p> + “It is here, noble lord.” + </p> + <p> + “And why,” said the earl, cutting the silk with his dagger—“why hast + thou so long hung back from presenting it? But I need not ask thee. These + uncivil times have made kith and kin doubt worse of each other than thy + delay did of me. Sir Guy’s mark, sure eno’! Brave old man! I loved him the + better for that, like me, the sword was more meet than the pen for his + bold hand.” Here Warwick scanned, with some slowness, the lines dictated + by the dead to the priest; and when he had done, he laid the letter + respectfully on his desk, and bowing his head over it, muttered to + himself,—it might be an Ave for the deceased. “Well,” he said, + reseating himself, and again motioning Marmaduke to follow his example, + “thy father was, in sooth, to blame for the side he took in the Wars. What + son of the Norman could bow knee or vail plume to that shadow of a king, + Henry of Windsor? And for his bloody wife—she knew no more of an + Englishman’s pith and pride than I know of the rhymes and roundels of old + Rene, her father. Guy Nevile—good Guy—many a day in my boyhood + did he teach me how to bear my lance at the crest, and direct my sword at + the mail joints. He was cunning at fence—thy worshipful father—but + I was ever a bad scholar; and my dull arm, to this day, hopes more from + its strength than its craft.” + </p> + <p> + “I have heard it said, noble earl, that the stoutest hand can scarcely + lift your battle-axe.” + </p> + <p> + “Fables! romaunt!” answered the earl, smiling; “there it lies,—go + and lift it.” + </p> + <p> + Marmaduke went to the table, and, though with some difficulty, raised and + swung this formidable weapon. + </p> + <p> + “By my halidame, well swung, cousin mine! Its use depends not on the + strength, but the practice. Why, look you now, there is the boy Richard of + Gloucester, who comes not up to thy shoulder, and by dint of custom each + day can wield mace or axe with as much ease as a jester doth his + lathesword. Ah, trust me, Marmaduke, the York House is a princely one; and + if we must have a king, we barons, by stout Saint George, let no meaner + race ever furnish our lieges. But to thyself, Marmaduke—what are thy + views and thy wishes?” + </p> + <p> + “To be one of thy following, noble Warwick.” + </p> + <p> + “I thank and accept thee, young Nevile; but thou hast heard that I am + about to leave England, and in the mean time thy youth would run danger + without a guide.” The earl paused a moment, and resumed: “My brother of + Montagu showed thee cold countenance; but a word from me will win thee his + grace and favour. What sayest thou, wilt thou be one of his gentlemen? If + so, I will tell thee the qualities a man must have,—a discreet + tongue, a quick eye, the last fashion in hood and shoe-bobbins, a perfect + seat on thy horse, a light touch for the gittern, a voice for a love-song, + and—” + </p> + <p> + “I have none of these save the horsemanship, gracious my lord; and if thou + wilt not receive me thyself, I will not burden my Lord of Montagu and + Northumberland.” + </p> + <p> + “Hot and quick! No! John of Montagu would not suit thee, nor thou him. But + how to provide for thee till my return I know not.” + </p> + <p> + “Dare I not hope, then, to make one of your embassage, noble earl?” + </p> + <p> + Warwick bent his brows, and looked at him in surprise. “Of our embassage! + Why, thou art haughty, indeed! Nay, and so a soldier’s son and a Nevile + should be! I blame thee not; but I could not make thee one of my train, + without creating a hundred enemies—to me (but that’s nothing) and to + thee, which were much. Knowest thou not that there is scarce a gentleman + of my train below the state of a peer’s son, and that I have made, by + refusals, malcontents eno’, as it is?—Yet, bold! there is my learned + brother, the Archbishop of York. Knowest thou Latin and the schools?” + </p> + <p> + “‘Fore Heaven, my lord,” said the Nevile, bluntly, “I see already I had + best go back to green Westmoreland, for I am as unfit for his grace the + archbishop as I am for my Lord Montagu.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then,” said the earl, dryly, “since thou hast not yet station + enough for my train, nor glosing for Northumberland, nor wit and lere for + the archbishop, I suppose, my poor youth, I must e’en make you only a + gentleman about the king! It is not a post so sure of quick rising and + full gipsires as one about myself or my brethren, but it will be less + envied, and is good for thy first essay. How goes the clock? Oh, here is + Nick Alwyn’s new horologe. He tells me that the English will soon rival + the Dutch in these baubles. [Clockwork appears to have been introduced + into England in the reign of Edward III., when three Dutch horologers were + invited over from Delft. They must soon have passed into common use, for + Chaucer thus familiarly speaks of them:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Full sickerer was his crowing in his loge + Than is a clock or any abbey orloge.”] +</pre> + <p> + The more the pity!—our red-faced yeomen, alas, are fast sinking into + lank-jawed mechanics! We shall find the king in his garden within the next + half-hour. Thou shalt attend me.” + </p> + <p> + Marmaduke expressed, with more feeling than eloquence, the thanks he owed + for an offer that, he was about to say, exceeded his hopes; but he had + already, since his departure from Westmoreland, acquired sufficient wit to + think twice of his words. And so eagerly, at that time, did the youth of + the nobility contend for the honour of posts about the person of Warwick, + and even of his brothers, and so strong was the belief that the earl’s + power to make or to mar fortune was all-paramount in England, that even a + place in the king’s household was considered an inferior appointment to + that which made Warwick the immediate patron and protector. This was more + especially the case amongst the more haughty and ancient gentry since the + favour shown by Edward to the relations of his wife, and his own + indifference to the rank and birth of his associates. Warwick had + therefore spoken with truth when he expressed a comparative pity for the + youth, whom he could not better provide for than by a place about the + court of his sovereign! + </p> + <p> + The earl then drew from Marmaduke some account of his early training, his + dependence on his brother, his adventures at the archery-ground, his + misadventure with the robbers, and even his sojourn with Warner,—though + Marmaduke was discreetly silent as to the very existence of Sibyll. The + earl, in the mean while, walked to and fro the chamber with a light, + careless stride, every moment pausing to laugh at the frank simplicity of + his kinsman, or to throw in some shrewd remark, which he cast purposely in + the rough Westmoreland dialect; for no man ever attains to the popularity + that rejoiced or accursed the Earl of Warwick, without a tendency to broad + and familiar humour, without a certain commonplace of character in its + shallower and more every-day properties. This charm—always great in + the great—Warwick possessed to perfection; and in him—such was + his native and unaffected majesty of bearing, and such the splendour that + surrounded his name—it never seemed coarse or unfamiliar, but + “everything he did became him best.” Marmaduke had just brought his + narrative to a conclusion, when, after a slight tap at the door, which + Warwick did not hear, two fair young forms bounded joyously in, and not + seeing the stranger, threw themselves upon Warwick’s breast with the + caressing familiarity of infancy. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Father,” said the elder of these two girls, as Warwick’s hand + smoothed her hair fondly, “you promised you would take us in your barge to + see the sports on the river, and now it will be too late.” + </p> + <p> + “Make your peace with your young cousins here,” said the earl, turning to + Marmaduke; “you will cost them an hour’s joyaunce. This is my eldest + daughter, Isabel; and this soft-eyed, pale-cheeked damozel—too loyal + for a leaf of the red rose—is the Lady Anne.” + </p> + <p> + The two girls had started from their father’s arms at the first address to + Marmaduke, and their countenances had relapsed from their caressing and + childlike expression into all the stately demureness with which they had + been brought up to regard a stranger. Howbeit, this reserve, to which he + was accustomed, awed Marmaduke less than the alternate gayety and sadness + of the wilder Sibyll, and he addressed them with all the gallantry to the + exercise of which he had been reared, concluding his compliments with a + declaration that he would rather forego the advantage proffered him by the + earl’s favour with the king, than foster one obnoxious and ungracious + memory in damozels so fair and honoured. + </p> + <p> + A haughty smile flitted for a moment over the proud young face of Isabel + Nevile; but the softer Anne blushed, and drew bashfully behind her sister. + </p> + <p> + As yet these girls, born for the highest and fated to the most wretched + fortunes, were in all the bloom of earliest youth; but the difference + between their characters might be already observable in their mien and + countenance. Isabel; of tall and commanding stature, had some resemblance + to her father, in her aquiline features, rich, dark hair, and the lustrous + brilliancy of her eyes; while Anne, less striking, yet not less lovely, of + smaller size and slighter proportions, bore in her pale, clear face, her + dove-like eyes, and her gentle brow an expression of yielding meekness not + unmixed with melancholy, which, conjoined with an exquisite symmetry of + features, could not fail of exciting interest where her sister commanded + admiration. Not a word, however, from either did Marmaduke abstract in + return for his courtesies, nor did either he or the earl seem to expect + it; for the latter, seating himself and drawing Anne on his knee, while + Isabella walked with stately grace towards the table that bore her + father’s warlike accoutrements, and played, as it were, unconsciously with + the black plume on his black burgonet, said to Nevile, + </p> + <p> + “Well, thou hast seen enough of the Lancastrian raptrils to make thee true + to the Yorkists. I would I could say as much for the king himself, who is + already crowding the court with that venomous faction, in honour of Dame + Elizabeth Gray, born Mistress Woodville, and now Queen of England. Ha, my + proud Isabel, thou wouldst have better filled the throne that thy father + built!” + </p> + <p> + And at these words a proud flash broke from the earl’s dark eyes, + betraying even to Marmaduke the secret of perhaps his earliest alienation + from Edward IV. Isabella pouted her rich lip, but said nothing. “As for + thee, Anne,” continued the earl, “it is a pity that monks cannot marry,—thou + wouldst have suited some sober priest better than a mailed knight. ‘Fore + George, I would not ask thee to buckle my baldrick when the war-steeds + were snorting, but I would trust Isabel with the links of my hauberk.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, Father,” said the low, timid voice of Anne, “if thou wert going to + danger, I could be brave in all that could guard thee!” + </p> + <p> + “Why, that’s my girl! kiss me! Thou hast a look of thy mother now,—so + thou hast! and I will not chide thee the next time I hear thee muttering + soft treason in pity of Henry of Windsor.” + </p> + <p> + “Is he not to be pitied?—Crown, wife, son, and Earl Warwick’s stout + arm lost—lost!” + </p> + <p> + “No!” said Isabel, suddenly; “no, sweet sister Anne, and fie on thee for + the words! He lost all, because he had neither the hand of a knight nor + the heart of a man! For the rest—Margaret of Anjou, or her butchers, + beheaded our father’s father.” + </p> + <p> + “And may God and Saint George forget me, when I forget those gray and gory + hairs!” exclaimed the earl; and putting away the Lady Anne somewhat + roughly, he made a stride across the room, and stood by his hearth. “And + yet Edward, the son of Richard of York, who fell by my father’s side—he + forgets, he forgives! And the minions of Rivers the Lancastrian tread the + heels of Richard of Warwick.” + </p> + <p> + At this unexpected turn in the conversation, peculiarly unwelcome, as it + may be supposed, to the son of one who had fought on the Lancastrian side + in the very battle referred to, Marmaduke felt somewhat uneasy; and + turning to the Lady Anne, he said, with the gravity of wounded pride, “I + owe more to my lord, your father, than I even wist of,—how much he + must have overlooked to—” + </p> + <p> + “Not so!” interrupted Warwick, who overheard him,—“not so; thou + wrongest me! Thy father was shocked at those butcheries; thy father + recoiled from that accursed standard; thy father was of a stock ancient + and noble as my own! But, these Woodvilles!—tush! my passion + overmasters me. We will go to the king,—it is time.” + </p> + <p> + Warwick here rang the hand-bell on his table, and on the entrance of his + attendant gentleman, bade him see that the barge was in readiness; then + beckoning to his kinsman, and with a nod to his daughters, he caught up + his plumed cap, and passed at once into the garden. + </p> + <p> + “Anne,” said Isabel, when the two girls were alone, “thou hast vexed my + father, and what marvel? If the Lancastrians can be pitied, the Earl of + Warwick must be condemned!” + </p> + <p> + “Unkind!” said Anne, shedding tears; “I can pity woe and mischance, + without blaming those whose hard duty it might be to achieve them.” + </p> + <p> + “In good sooth cannot I! Thou wouldst pity and pardon till thou leftst no + distinction between foeman and friend, leife and loathing. Be it mine, + like my great father, to love and to hate!” + </p> + <p> + “Yet why art thou so attached to the White Rose?” said Anne, stung, if not + to malice, at least to archness. “Thou knowest my father’s nearest wish + was that his eldest daughter might be betrothed to King Edward. Dost thou + not pay good for evil when thou seest no excellence out of the House of + York?” + </p> + <p> + “Saucy Anne,” answered Isabel, with a half smile, “I am not raught by thy + shafts, for I was a child for the nurses when King Edward sought a wife + for his love. But were I chafed—as I may be vain enough to know + myself—whom should I blame?—Not the king, but the Lancastrian + who witched him!” + </p> + <p> + She paused a moment, and, looking away, added in a low tone, “Didst thou + hear, sister Anne, if the Duke of Clarence visited my father the + forenoon?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Isabel, Isabel!” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, sister Anne, sister Anne! Wilt thou know all my secrets ere I know + them myself?”—and Isabel, with something of her father’s + playfulness, put her hands to Anne’s laughing lips. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Warwick, after walking musingly a few moments along the garden, + which was formed by plots of sward, bordered with fruit-trees, and white + rose-trees not yet in blossom, turned to his silent kinsman, and said, + “Forgive me, cousin mine, my mannerless burst against thy brave father’s + faction; but when thou hast been a short while at court, thou wilt see + where the sore is. Certes, I love this king!” Here his dark face lighted + up. “Love him as a king,—ay, and as a son! And who would not love + him; brave as his sword, gallant, and winning, and gracious as the noonday + in summer? Besides, I placed him on his throne; I honour myself in him!” + </p> + <p> + The earl’s stature dilated as he spoke the last sentence, and his hand + rested on his dagger hilt. He resumed, with the same daring and incautious + candour that stamped his dauntless, soldier-like nature, “God hath given + me no son. Isabel of Warwick had been a mate for William the Norman; and + my grandson, if heir to his grandsire’s soul, should have ruled from the + throne of England over the realms of Charlemagne! But it hath pleased Him + whom the Christian knight alone bows to without shame, to order otherwise. + So be it. I forgot my just pretensions,—forgot my blood, and + counselled the king to strengthen his throne with the alliance of Louis + XI. He rejected the Princess Bona of Savoy, to marry widow Elizabeth Gray; + I sorrowed for his sake, and forgave the slight to my counsels. At his + prayer I followed the train of his queen, and hushed the proud hearts of + our barons to obeisance. But since then, this Dame Woodville, whom I + queened, if her husband mated, must dispute this roiaulme with mine and + me,—a Nevile, nowadays, must vail his plume to a Woodville! And not + the great barons whom it will suit Edward’s policy to win from the + Lancastrians—not the Exeters and the Somersets—but the craven + varlets and lackeys and dross of the camp—false alike to Henry and + to Edward—are to be fondled into lordships and dandled into power. + Young man, I am speaking hotly—Richard Nevile never lies nor + conceals; but I am speaking to a kinsman, am I not? Thou hearest,—thou + wilt not repeat?” + </p> + <p> + “Sooner would I pluck forth my tongue by the roots.” + </p> + <p> + “Enough!” returned the earl, with a pleased smile. “When I come from + France, I will speak more to thee. Meanwhile be courteous to all men, + servile to none. Now to the king.” + </p> + <p> + So speaking, he shook back his surcoat, drew his cap over his brow, and + passed to the broad stairs, at the foot of which fifty rowers, with their + badges on their shoulders, waited in the huge barge, gilt richly at prow + and stern, and with an awning of silk, wrought with the earl’s arms and + cognizance. As they pushed off, six musicians, placed towards the helm, + began a slow and half Eastern march, which, doubtless, some crusader of + the Temple had brought from the cymbals and trumps of Palestine. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. KING EDWARD THE FOURTH. + </h2> + <p> + The Tower of London, more consecrated to associations of gloom and blood + than those of gayety and splendour, was, nevertheless, during the reign of + Edward IV., the seat of a gallant and gorgeous court. That king, from the + first to the last so dear to the people of London, made it his principal + residence when in his metropolis; and its ancient halls and towers were + then the scene of many a brawl and galliard. As Warwick’s barge now + approached its huge walls, rising from the river, there was much that + might either animate or awe, according to the mood of the spectator. The + king’s barge, with many lesser craft reserved for the use of the + courtiers, gay with awnings and streamers and painting and gilding, lay + below the wharfs, not far from the gate of St. Thomas, now called the + Traitor’s Gate. On the walk raised above the battlemented wall of the + inner ward, not only paced the sentries, but there dames and knights were + inhaling the noonday breezes, and the gleam of their rich dresses of + cloth-of-gold glanced upon the eye at frequent intervals from tower to + tower. Over the vast round turret, behind the Traitor’s Gate, now called + “The Bloody Tower,” floated cheerily in the light wind the royal banner. + Near the Lion’s Tower, two or three of the keepers of the menagerie, in + the king’s livery, were leading forth, by a strong chain, the huge white + bear that made one of the boasts of the collection, and was an especial + favourite with the king and his brother Richard. The sheriffs of London + were bound to find this grisly minion his chain and his cord, when he + deigned to amuse himself with bathing or “fishing” in the river; and + several boats, filled with gape-mouthed passengers, lay near the wharf, to + witness the diversions of Bruin. These folks set up a loud shout of—“A + Warwick! a Warwick!” “The stout earl, and God bless him!” as the gorgeous + barge shot towards the fortress. The earl acknowledged their greeting by + vailing his plumed cap; and passing the keepers with a merry allusion to + their care of his own badge, and a friendly compliment to the grunting + bear, he stepped ashore, followed by his kinsman. Now, however, he paused + a moment; and a more thoughtful shade passed over his countenance, as, + glancing his eye carelessly aloft towards the standard of King Edward, he + caught sight of the casement in the neighbouring tower, of the very room + in which the sovereign of his youth, Henry the Sixth, was a prisoner, + almost within hearing of the revels of his successor; then, with a quick + stride, he hurried on through the vast court, and, passing the White + Tower, gained the royal lodge. Here, in the great hall, he left his + companion, amidst a group of squires and gentlemen, to whom he formally + presented the Nevile as his friend and kinsman, and was ushered by the + deputy-chamberlain (with an apology for the absence of his chief, the Lord + Hastings, who had gone abroad to fly his falcon) into the small garden, + where Edward was idling away the interval between the noon and evening + meals,—repasts to which already the young king inclined with that + intemperate zest and ardour which he carried into all his pleasures, and + which finally destroyed the handsomest person and embruted one of the most + vigorous intellects of the age. + </p> + <p> + The garden, if bare of flowers, supplied their place by the various and + brilliant-coloured garbs of the living beauties assembled on its straight + walks and smooth sward. Under one of those graceful cloisters, which were + the taste of the day, and had been recently built and gayly decorated, the + earl was stopped in his path by a group of ladies playing at closheys + (ninepins) of ivory; [Narrative of Louis of Bruges, Lord Grauthuse. Edited + by Sir F. Madden, “Archaelogia,” 1836.] and one of these fair dames, who + excelled the rest in her skill, had just bowled down the central or + crowned pin,—the king of the closheys. This lady, no less a person + than Elizabeth, the Queen of England, was then in her thirty-sixth year,—ten + years older than her lord; but the peculiar fairness and delicacy of her + complexion still preserved to her beauty the aspect and bloom of youth. + From a lofty headgear, embroidered with fleur-de-lis, round which wreathed + a light diadem of pearls, her hair, of the pale yellow considered then the + perfection of beauty, flowed so straight and so shining down her + shoulders, almost to the knees, that it seemed like a mantle of gold. The + baudekin stripes (blue and gold) of her tunic attested her royalty. The + blue courtpie of satin was bordered with ermine, and the sleeves, sitting + close to an arm of exquisite contour, shone with seed pearls. Her features + were straight and regular, yet would have been insipid, but for an + expression rather of cunning than intellect; and the high arch of her + eyebrows, with a slight curve downward of a mouth otherwise beautiful, did + not improve the expression, by an addition of something supercilious and + contemptuous, rather than haughty or majestic. + </p> + <p> + “My lord of Warwick,” said Elizabeth, pointing to the fallen closhey, + “what would my enemies say if they heard I had toppled down the king?” + </p> + <p> + “They would content themselves with asking which of your Grace’s brothers + you would place in his stead,” answered the hardy earl, unable to restrain + the sarcasm. + </p> + <p> + The queen blushed, and glanced round her ladies with an eye which never + looked direct or straight upon its object, but wandered sidelong with a + furtive and stealthy expression, that did much to obtain for her the + popular character of falseness and self-seeking. Her displeasure was yet + more increased by observing the ill-concealed smile which the taunt had + called forth. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, my lord,” she said, after a short pause, “we value the peace of our + roiaulme too much for so high an ambition. Were we to make a brother even + the prince of the closheys, we should disappoint the hopes of a Nevile.” + </p> + <p> + The earl disdained pursuing the war of words, and answering coldly, “The + Neviles are more famous for making ingrates than asking favours. I leave + your Highness to the closheys”—turned away, and strode towards the + king, who, at the opposite end of the garden, was reclining on a bench + beside a lady, in whose ear, to judge by her downcast and blushing cheek, + he was breathing no unwelcome whispers. + </p> + <p> + “Mort-Dieu!” muttered the earl, who was singularly exempt, himself, from + the amorous follies of the day, and eyed them with so much contempt that + it often obscured his natural downright penetration into character, and + never more than when it led him afterwards to underrate the talents of + Edward IV.,—“Mort-Dieu! if, an hour before the battle of Towton, + some wizard had shown me in his glass this glimpse of the gardens of the + Tower, that giglet for a queen, and that squire of dames for a king, I had + not slain my black destrier (poor Malech!), that I might conquer or die + for Edward Earl of March.” + </p> + <p> + “But see!” said the lady, looking up from the enamoured and conquering + eyes of the king, “art thou not ashamed, my lord?—the grim earl + comes to chide thee for thy faithlessness to thy queen, whom he loves so + well.” + </p> + <p> + “Pasque-Dieu! as my cousin Louis of France says or swears,” answered the + king, with an evident petulance in his altered voice, “I would that + Warwick could be only worn with one’s armour! I would as lief try to kiss + through my vizor as hear him talk of glory and Towton, and King John and + poor Edward II., because I am not always in mail. Go! leave us, sweet + bonnibel! we must brave the bear alone!” The lady inclined her head, drew + her hood round her face, and striking into the contrary path from that in + which Warwick was slowly striding, gained the group round the queen, whose + apparent freedom from jealousy, the consequence of cold affections and + prudent calculation, made one principal cause of the empire she held over + the powerful mind, but the indolent temper, of the gay and facile Edward. + </p> + <p> + The king rose as Warwick now approached him; and the appearance of these + two eminent persons was in singular contrast. Warwick, though richly and + even gorgeously attired,—nay, with all the care which in that age + was considered the imperative duty a man of station and birth owed to + himself,—held in lofty disdain whatever vagary of custom tended to + cripple the movements or womanize the man. No loose flowing robes, no + shoon half a yard long, no flaunting tawdriness of fringe and aiglet, + characterized the appearance of the baron, who, even in peace, gave his + address a half-martial fashion. + </p> + <p> + But Edward, who, in common with all the princes of the House of York, + carried dress to a passion, had not only reintroduced many of the most + effeminate modes in vogue under William the Red King, but added to them + whatever could tend to impart an almost oriental character to the old + Norman garb. His gown (a womanly garment which had greatly superseded, + with men of the highest rank, not only the mantle but the surcoat) flowed + to his heels, trimmed with ermine, and broidered with large flowers of + crimson wrought upon cloth-of-gold. Over this he wore a tippet of ermine, + and a collar or necklace of uncut jewels set in filigree gold; the nether + limbs were, it is true, clad in the more manly fashion of tight-fitting + hosen, but the folds of the gown, as the day was somewhat fresh, were + drawn around so as to conceal the only part of the dress which really + betokened the male sex. To add to this unwarlike attire, Edward’s locks of + a rich golden colour, and perfuming the whole air with odours, flowed not + in curls, but straight to his shoulders, and the cheek of the fairest lady + in his court might have seemed less fair beside the dazzling clearness of + a complexion at once radiant with health and delicate with youth. Yet, in + spite of all this effeminacy, the appearance of Edward IV. was not + effeminate. From this it was preserved, not only by a stature little less + commanding than that of Warwick himself, and of great strength and breadth + of shoulder, but also by features, beautiful indeed, but pre-eminently + masculine,—large and bold in their outline, and evincing by their + expression all the gallantry and daring characteristic of the hottest + soldier, next to Warwick, and without any exception the ablest captain, of + the age. + </p> + <p> + “And welcome,—a merry welcome, dear Warwick, and cousin mine,” said + Edward, as Warwick slightly bent his proud knee to his king; “your + brother, Lord Montagu, has but left us. Would that our court had the same, + joyaunce for you as for him.” + </p> + <p> + “Dear and honoured my liege,” answered Warwick, his brow smoothing at + once,—for his affectionate though hasty and irritable nature was + rarely proof against the kind voice and winning smile of his young + sovereign,—“could I ever serve you at the court as I can with the + people, you would not complain that John of Montagu was a better courtier + than Richard of Warwick. But each to his calling. I depart to-morrow for + Calais, and thence to King Louis. And, surely, never envoy or delegate had + better chance to be welcome than one empowered to treat of an alliance + that will bestow on a prince deserving, I trust, his fortunes, the sister + of the bravest sovereign in Christian Europe.” + </p> + <p> + “Now, out on thy flattery, my cousin; though I must needs own I provoked + it by my complaint of thy courtiership. But thou hast learned only half + thy business, good Warwick; and it is well Margaret did not hear thee. Is + not the prince of France more to be envied for winning a fair lady than + having a fortunate soldier for his brother-in-law?” + </p> + <p> + “My liege,” replied Warwick, smiling, “thou knowest I am a poor judge of a + lady’s fair cheek, though indifferently well skilled as to the valour of a + warrior’s stout arm. Algates, the Lady Margaret is indeed worthy in her + excellent beauties to become the mother of brave men.” + </p> + <p> + “And that is all we can wring from thy stern lip, man of iron? Well, that + must content us. But to more serious matters.” And the king, leaning his + hand on the earl’s arm, and walking with him slowly to and fro the + terrace, continued: “Knowest thou not, Warwick, that this French alliance, + to which thou hast induced us, displeases sorely our good traders of + London?” + </p> + <p> + “Mort-Dieu!” returned Warwick, bluntly, “and what business have the + flat-caps with the marriage of a king’s sister? Is it for them to breathe + garlic on the alliances of Bourbons and Plantagenets? Faugh! You have + spoiled them, good my lord king,—you have spoiled them by your + condescensions. Henry IV. staled not his majesty to consultations with the + mayor of his city. Henry V. gave the knighthood of the hath to the heroes + of Agincourt, not to the vendors of cloth and spices.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, my poor knights of the Bath!” said Edward, good-humouredly, “wilt + thou never let that sore scar quietly over? Ownest thou not that the men + had their merits?” + </p> + <p> + “What the merits were, I weet not,” answered the earl,—“unless, + peradventure, their wives were comely and young.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou wrongest me, Warwick,” said the king, carelessly; “Dame Cook was + awry, Dame Philips a grandmother, Dame Jocelyn had lost her front teeth, + and Dame Waer saw seven ways at once! But thou forgettest, man, the + occasion of those honours,—the eve before Elizabeth was crowned,—and + it was policy to make the city of London have a share in her honours. As + to the rest,” pursued the king, earnestly and with dignity, “I and my + House have owed much to London. When the peers of England, save thee and + thy friends, stood aloof from my cause, London was ever loyal and true. + Thou seest not, my poor Warwick, that these burgesses are growing up into + power by the decline of the orders above them. And if the sword is the + monarch’s appeal for his right, he must look to contented and honoured + industry for his buckler in peace. This is policy,—policy, Warwick; + and Louis XI. will tell thee the same truths, harsh though they grate in a + warrior’s ear.” + </p> + <p> + The earl bowed his haughty head, and answered shortly, but with a touching + grace, “Be it ever thine, noble king, to rule as it likes thee, and mine + to defend with my blood even what I approve not with my brain! But if thou + doubtest the wisdom of this alliance, it is not too late yet. Let me + dismiss my following, and cross not the seas. Unless thy heart is with the + marriage, the ties I would form are threads and cobwebs.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” returned Edward, irresolutely: “in these great state matters thy + wit is elder than mine; but men do say the Count of Charolois is a mighty + lord; and the alliance with Burgundy will be more profitable to staple and + mart.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, in God’s name, so conclude it!” said the earl, hastily, but with so + dark a fire in his eyes that Edward, who was observing him, changed + countenance; “only ask me not, my liege, to advance such a marriage. The + Count of Charolois knows me as his foe—shame were mine did I shun to + say where I love, where I hate. That proud dullard once slighted me when + we met at his father’s court, and the wish next to my heart is to pay back + my affront with my battle-axe. Give thy sister to the heir of Burgundy, + and forgive me if I depart to my castle of Middleham.” + </p> + <p> + Edward, stung by the sharpness of this reply, was about to answer as + became his majesty of king, when Warwick more deliberately resumed: “Yet + think well; Henry of Windsor is thy prisoner, but his cause lives in + Margaret and his son. There is but one power in Europe that can threaten + thee with aid to the Lancastrians; that power is France. Make Louis thy + friend and ally, and thou givest peace to thy life and thy lineage; make + Louis thy foe, and count on plots and stratagems and treason, uneasy days + and sleepless nights. Already thou hast lost one occasion to secure that + wiliest and most restless of princes, in rejecting the hand of the + Princess Bona. Happily, this loss now can be retrieved. But alliance with + Burgundy is war with France,—war more deadly because Louis is a man + who declares it not; a war carried on by intrigue and bribe, by spies and + minions, till some disaffection ripens the hour when young Edward of + Lancaster shall land on thy coasts, with the Oriflamme and the Red Rose, + with French soldiers and English malcontents. Wouldst thou look to + Burgundy for help?—Burgundy will have enough to guard its own + frontiers from the gripe of Louis the Sleepless. Edward, my king, my pupil + in arms, Edward, my loved, my honoured liege, forgive Richard Nevile his + bluntness, and let not his faults stand in bar of his counsels.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right, as you are ever, safeguard of England, and pillar of my + state,” said the king, frankly, and pressing the arm he still held. “Go to + France and settle all as thou wilt.” + </p> + <p> + Warwick bent low and kissed the hand of his sovereign. “And,” said he, + with a slight, but a sad smile, “when I am gone, my liege will not repent, + will not misthink me, will not listen to my foes, nor suffer merchant and + mayor to sigh him back to the mechanics of Flanders?” + </p> + <p> + “Warwick, thou deemest ill of thy king’s kingliness.” + </p> + <p> + “Not of thy kingliness; but that same gracious quality of yielding to + counsel which bows this proud nature to submission often makes me fear for + thy firmness, when thy will is, won through thy heart. And now, good my + liege, forgive me one sentence more. Heaven forefend that I should stand + in the way of thy princely favours. A king’s countenance is a sun that + should shine on all. But bethink thee well, the barons of England are a + stubborn and haughty race; chafe not thy most puissant peers by too cold a + neglect of their past services, and too lavish a largess to new men.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou aimest at Elizabeth’s kin,” interrupted Edward, withdrawing his hand + from his minister’s arm, “and I tell thee once for all times, that I would + rather sink again to mine earldom of March, with a subject’s right to + honour where he loves, than wear crown and wield sceptre without a king’s + unquestioned prerogative to ennoble the line and blood of one he has + deemed worthy of his throne. As for the barons, with whose wrath thou + threatenest me, I banish them not. If they go in gloom from my court, why, + let them chafe themselves sleek again.” + </p> + <p> + “King Edward,” said Warwick, moodily, “tried services merit not this + contempt. It is not as the kith of the queen that I regret to see lands + and honours lavished upon men rooted so newly to the soil that the first + blast of the war-trump will scatter their greenness to the winds; but what + sorrows me is to mark those who have fought against thee preferred to the + stout loyalty that braved block and field for thy cause. Look round thy + court; where are the men of bloody York and victorious Towton?—unrequited, + sullen in their strongholds, begirt with their yeomen and retainers. Thou + standest—thou, the heir of York—almost alone (save where the + Neviles—whom one day thy court will seek also to disgrace and + discard—vex their old comrades in arms by their defection)—thou + standest almost alone among the favourites and minions of Lancaster. Is + there no danger in proving to men that to have served thee is discredit, + to have warred against thee is guerdon and grace?” + </p> + <p> + “Enough of this, cousin,” replied the king, with an effort which preserved + his firmness. “On this head we cannot agree. Take what else thou wilt of + royalty,—make treaties and contract marriages, establish peace or + proclaim war; but trench not on my sweetest prerogative to give and to + forgive. And now, wilt thou tarry and sup with us? The ladies grow + impatient of a commune that detains from their eyes the stateliest knight + since the Round Table was chopped into fire-wood.” + </p> + <p> + “No, my liege,” said Warwick, whom flattery of this sort rather angered + than soothed, “I have much yet to prepare. I leave your Highness to fairer + homage and more witching counsels than mine.” So saying, he kissed the + king’s hand, and was retiring, when he remembered his kinsman, whose + humble interests in the midst of more exciting topics he had hitherto + forgotten, and added, “May I crave, since you are so merciful to the + Lancastrians, one grace for my namesake,—a Nevile whose father + repented the side he espoused, a son of Sir Guy of Arsdale?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah,” said the king, smiling maliciously, “it pleaseth us much to find + that it is easier to the warm heart of our cousin Warwick to preach + sententiaries of sternness to his king than to enforce the same by his own + practice!” + </p> + <p> + “You misthink me, sire. I ask not that Marmaduke Nevile should supplant + his superiors and elders; I ask not that he should be made baron and peer; + I ask only that, as a young gentleman who hath taken no part himself in + the wars, and whose father repented his error, your Grace should + strengthen your following by an ancient name and a faithful servant. But I + should have remembered me that his name of Nevile would have procured him + a taunt in the place of advancement.” + </p> + <p> + “Saw man ever so froward a temper?” cried Edward, not without reason. + “Why, Warwick, thou art as shrewish to a jest as a woman to advice. Thy + kinsman’s fortunes shall be my care. Thou sayest thou hast enemies,—I + weet not who they be. But to show what I think of them, I make thy + namesake and client a gentleman of my chamber. When Warwick is false to + Edward, let him think that Warwick’s kinsman wears a dagger within reach + of the king’s heart day and night.” + </p> + <p> + This speech was made with so noble and touching a kindness of voice and + manner, that the earl, thoroughly subdued, looked at his sovereign with + moistened eyes, and only trusting himself to say,—“Edward, thou art + king, knight, gentleman, and soldier; and I verily trow that I love thee + best when my petulant zeal makes me anger thee most,”—turned away + with evident emotion, and passing the queen and her ladies with a lowlier + homage than that with which he had before greeted them, left the garden. + Edward’s eye followed him musingly. The frank expression of his face + vanished, and with the deep breath of a man who is throwing a weight from + his heart, he muttered,— + </p> + <p> + “He loves me,—yes; but will suffer no one else to love me! This must + end some day. I am weary of the bondage.” And sauntering towards the + ladies, he listened in silence, but not apparently in displeasure, to his + queen’s sharp sayings on the imperious mood and irritable temper of the + iron-handed builder of his throne. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. THE ANTECHAMBER. + </h2> + <p> + As Warwick passed the door that led from the garden, he brushed by a young + man, the baudekin stripes of whose vest announced his relationship to the + king, and who, though far less majestic than Edward, possessed sufficient + of family likeness to pass for a very handsome and comely person; but his + countenance wanted the open and fearless expression which gave that of the + king so masculine and heroic a character. The features were smaller, and + less clearly cut, and to a physiognomical observer there was much that was + weak and irresolute in the light blue eyes and the smiling lips which + never closed firmly over the teeth. He did not wear the long gown then so + much in vogue, but his light figure was displayed to advantage by a vest, + fitting it exactly, descending half-way down the thigh, and trimmed at the + border and the collar with ermine. The sleeves of the doublet were slit, + so as to show the white lawn beneath, and adorned with aiglets and knots + of gold. + </p> + <p> + Over the left arm hung a rich jacket of furs and velvet, something like + that adopted by the modern hussar. His hat, or cap, was high and + tiara-like, with a single white plume, and the ribbon of the Garter bound + his knee. Though the dress of this personage was thus far less effeminate + than Edward’s, the effect of his appearance was infinitely more so,—partly, + perhaps, from a less muscular frame, and partly from his extreme youth; + for George Duke of Clarence was then, though initiated not only in the + gayeties, but all the intrigues of the court, only in his eighteenth year. + Laying his hand, every finger of which sparkled with jewels, on the earl’s + shoulder—“Hold!” said the young prince, in a whisper, “a word in thy + ear, noble Warwick!” + </p> + <p> + The earl, who, next to Edward, loved Clarence the most of his princely + House, and who always found the latter as docile as the other (when humour + or affection seized him) was intractable, relaxed into a familiar smile at + the duke’s greeting, and suffered the young prince to draw him aside from + the groups of courtiers with whom the chamber was filled, to the + leaning-places (as they were called) of a large mullion window. In the + mean while, as they thus conferred, the courtiers interchanged looks, and + many an eye of fear and hate was directed towards the stately form of the + earl. For these courtiers were composed principally of the kindred or + friends of the queen, and though they dared not openly evince the malice + with which they retorted Warwick’s lofty scorn and undisguised resentment + at their new fortunes, they ceased not to hope for his speedy humiliation + and disgrace, reeking little what storm might rend the empire, so that it + uprooted the giant oak, which still in some measure shaded their sunlight + and checked their growth. True, however, that amongst these were mingled, + though rarely, men of a hardier stamp and nobler birth,—some few of + the veteran friends of the king’s great father; and these, keeping sternly + and loftily aloof from the herd, regarded Warwick with the same almost + reverential and yet affectionate admiration which he inspired amongst the + yeomen, peasants, and mechanics,—for in that growing but quiet + struggle of the burgesses, as it will often happen in more civilized + times, the great Aristocracy and the Populace were much united in + affection, though with very different objects; and the Middle and Trading + Class, with whom the earl’s desire for French alliances and disdain of + commerce had much weakened his popularity, alone shared not the enthusiasm + of their countrymen for the lion-hearted minister. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, it must here be owned that the rise of Elizabeth’s kindred + introduced a far more intellectual, accomplished, and literary race into + court favour than had for many generations flourished in so uncongenial a + soil: and in this ante-chamber feud, the pride of education and mind + retaliated with juster sarcasm the pride of birth and sinews. + </p> + <p> + Amongst those opposed to the earl, and fit in all qualities to be the head + of the new movement,—if the expressive modern word be allowed us,—stood + at that moment in the very centre of the chamber Anthony Woodville, in + right of the rich heiress he had married the Lord Scales. As, when some + hostile and formidable foe enters the meads where the flock grazes, the + gazing herd gather slowly round their leader, so grouped the queen’s + faction slowly, and by degrees, round this accomplished nobleman, at the + prolonged sojourn of Warwick. + </p> + <p> + “Gramercy!” said the Lord Scales, in a somewhat affected intonation of + voice, “the conjunction of the bear and the young lion is a parlous omen, + for the which I could much desire we had a wise astrologer’s reading.” + </p> + <p> + “It is said,” observed one of the courtiers, “that the Duke of Clarence + much affects either the lands or the person of the Lady Isabel.” + </p> + <p> + “A passably fair damozel,” returned Anthony, “though a thought or so too + marked and high in her lineaments, and wholly unlettered, no doubt; which + were a pity, for George of Clarence has some pretty taste in the arts and + poesies. But as Occleve hath it— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Gold, silver, jewel, cloth, beddyng, array,’ +</pre> + <p> + would make gentle George amorous of a worse-featured face than high-nosed + Isabel; ‘strange to spell or rede,’ as I would wager my best destrier to a + tailor’s hobby, the damozel surely is.” + </p> + <p> + “Notest thou yon gaudy popinjay?” whispered the Lord of St. John to one of + his Towton comrades, as, leaning against the wall, they overheard the + sarcasms of Anthony, and the laugh of the courtiers, who glassed their + faces and moods to his. “Is the time so out of joint that Master Anthony + Woodville can vent his scurrile japes on the heiress of Salisbury and + Warwick in the king’s chamber?” + </p> + <p> + “And prate of spelling and reading as if they were the cardinal virtues?” + returned his sullen companion. “By my halidame, I have two fair daughters + at home who will lack husbands, I trow, for they can only spin and be + chaste,—two maidenly gifts out of bloom with the White Rose.” + </p> + <p> + In the mean while, unwitting, or contemptuous, of the attention they + excited, Warwick and Clarence continued yet more earnestly to confer. + </p> + <p> + “No, George, no,” said the earl, who, as the descendant of John of Gaunt, + and of kin to the king’s blood, maintained, in private, a father’s + familiarity with the princes of York, though on state occasions, and when + in the hearing of others, he sedulously marked his deference for their + rank—“no, George, calm and steady thy hot mettle, for thy brother’s + and England’s sake. I grieve as much as thou to hear that the queen does + not spare even thee in her froward and unwomanly peevishness. But there is + a glamour in this, believe me, that must melt away soon or late, and our + kingly Edward recover his senses.” + </p> + <p> + “Glamour!” said Clarence; “thinkest thou, indeed, that her mother, + Jacquetta, has bewitched the king? One word of thy belief in such spells, + spread abroad amongst the people, would soon raise the same storm that + blew Eleanor Cobham from Duke Humphrey’s bed, along London streets in her + penance-shift.” + </p> + <p> + “Troth,” said the earl, indifferently, “I leave such grave questions as + these to prelate and priest; the glamour I spoke of is that of a fair face + over a wanton heart; and Edward is not so steady a lover that this should + never wear out.” + </p> + <p> + “It amates me much, noble cousin, that thou leavest the court in this + juncture. The queen’s heart is with Burgundy, the city’s hate is with + France; and when once thou art gone, I fear that the king will be teased + into mating my sister with the Count of Charolois.” + </p> + <p> + “Ho!” exclaimed Warwick, with an oath so loud that it rung through the + chamber, and startled every ear that heard it. Then, perceiving his + indiscretion, he lowered his tone into a deep and hollow whisper, and + griped the prince’s arm almost fiercely as he spoke. + </p> + <p> + “Could Edward so dishonour my embassy, so palter and juggle with my faith, + so flout me in the eyes of Christendom, I would—I would—” he + paused, and relaxed his hold of the duke, and added, with an altered voice—“I + would leave his wife and his lemans, and yon things of silk, whom he makes + peers (that is easy) but cannot make men, to guard his throne from the + grandson of Henry V. But thy fears, thy zeal, thy love for me, dearest + prince and cousin, make thee misthink Edward’s kingly honour and knightly + faith. I go with the sure knowledge that by alliance with France I shut + the House of Lancaster from all hope of this roiaulme.” + </p> + <p> + “Hadst thou not better, at least, see my sister Margaret? She has a high + spirit, and she thinks thou mightest, at least, woo her assent, and tell + her of the good gifts of her lord to be!” + </p> + <p> + “Are the daughters of York spoiled to this by the manners and guise of a + court, in which beshrew me if I well know which the woman and whom the + man? Is it not enough to give peace to broad England, root to her + brother’s stem? Is it not enough to wed the son of a king, the descendant + of Charlemagne and Saint Louis? Must I go bonnet in hand and simper forth + the sleek personals of the choice of her kith and House; swear the + bridegroom’s side-locks are as long as King Edward’s, and that he bows + with the grace of Master Anthony Woodville? Tell her this thyself, gentle + Clarence, if thou wilt: all Warwick could say would but anger her ear, if + she be the maid thou bespeakest her.” + </p> + <p> + The Duke of Clarence hesitated a moment, and then, colouring slightly, + said, “If, then, the daughter’s hand be the gift of her kith alone, shall + I have thy favour when the Lady Isabel—” + </p> + <p> + “George,” interrupted Warwick, with a fond and paternal smile, “when we + have made England safe, there is nothing the son of Richard of York can + ask of Warwick in vain. Alas!” he added mournfully, “thy father and mine + were united in the same murtherous death, and I think they will smile down + on us from their seats in heaven when a happier generation cements that + bloody union with a marriage bond!” + </p> + <p> + Without waiting for further parlance, the earl turned suddenly away, threw + his cap on his towering head, and strode right through the centre of the + whispering courtiers, who shrunk, louting low, from his haughty path, to + break into a hubbub of angry exclamations or sarcastic jests at his + unmannerly bearing, as his black plume disappeared in the arch of the + vaulted door. + </p> + <p> + While such the scene in the interior chambers of the palace, Marmaduke, + with the frank simpleness which belonged to his youth and training, had + already won much favour and popularity, and he was laughing loud with a + knot of young men by the shovel-board when Warwick re-entered. The earl, + though so disliked by the courtiers more immediately about the person of + the king, was still the favourite of the less elevated knights and gentry + who formed the subordinate household and retainers; and with these, + indeed, his manner, so proud and arrogant to his foes and rivals, relapsed + at once into the ease of the manly and idolized chief. He was pleased to + see the way made by his young namesake, and lifting his cap, as he nodded + to the group and leaned his arm upon Marmaduke’s shoulder, he said, + “Thanks, and hearty thanks, to you, knights and gentles, for your + courteous reception of an old friend’s young son. I have our king’s most + gracious permission to see him enrolled one of the court you grace. Ah, + Master Falconer, and how does thy worthy uncle?—braver knight never + trod. What young gentleman is yonder?—a new face and a manly one; by + your favour, present him. The son of a Savile! Sir, on my return, be not + the only Savile who shuns our table of Warwick Court. Master Dacres, + commend me to the lady, your mother; she and I have danced many a measure + together in the old time,—we all live again in our children. Good + den to you, sirs. Marmaduke, follow me to the office,—you lodge in + the palace. You are gentleman to the most gracious and, if Warwick lives, + to the most puissant of Europe’s sovereigns. I shall see Montagu at home; + he shall instruct thee in thy duties, and requite thee for all + discourtesies on the archery-ground.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0017" id="link2H_4_0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BOOK III. IN WHICH THE HISTORY PASSES FROM THE KING’S COURT TO THE + STUDENT’S CELL, AND RELATES THE PERILS THAT BEFELL A PHILOSOPHER FOR + MEDDLING WITH THE AFFAIRS OF THE WORLD. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. THE SOLITARY SAGE AND THE SOLITARY MAID. + </h2> + <p> + While such the entrance of Marmaduke Nevile into a court, that if far less + intellectual and refined than those of later days, was yet more calculated + to dazzle the fancy, to sharpen the wit, and to charm the senses,—for + round the throne of Edward IV. chivalry was magnificent, intrigue + restless, and pleasure ever on the wing,—Sibyll had ample leisure in + her solitary home to muse over the incidents that had preceded the + departure of the young guest. Though she had rejected Marmaduke’s + proffered love, his tone, so suddenly altered, his abrupt, broken words + and confusion, his farewell, so soon succeeding his passionate + declaration, could not fail to wound that pride of woman which never + sleeps till modesty is gone. But this made the least cause of the profound + humiliation which bowed down her spirit. The meaning taunt conveyed in the + rhyme of the tymbesteres pierced her to the quick; the calm, indifferent + smile of the stranger, as he regarded her, the beauty of the dame he + attended, woke mingled and contrary feelings, but those of jealousy were + perhaps the keenest: and in the midst of all she started to ask herself if + indeed she had suffered her vain thoughts to dwell too tenderly upon one + from whom the vast inequalities of human life must divide her evermore. + What to her was his indifference? Nothing,—yet had she given worlds + to banish that careless smile from her remembrance. + </p> + <p> + Shrinking at last from the tyranny of thoughts till of late unknown, her + eye rested upon the gipsire which Alwyn had sent her by the old servant. + The sight restored to her the holy recollection of her father, the sweet + joy of having ministered to his wants. She put up the little treasure, + intending to devote it all to Warner; and after bathing her heavy eyes, + that no sorrow of hers might afflict the student, she passed with a + listless step into her father’s chamber. + </p> + <p> + There is, to the quick and mercurial spirits of the young, something of + marvellous and preternatural in that life within life, which the strong + passion of science and genius forms and feeds,—that passion so much + stronger than love, and so much more self-dependent; which asks no + sympathy, leans on no kindred heart; which lives alone in its works and + fancies, like a god amidst his creations. + </p> + <p> + The philosopher, too, had experienced a great affliction since they met + last. In the pride of his heart he had designed to show Marmaduke the + mystic operations of his model, which had seemed that morning to open into + life; and when the young man was gone, and he made the experiment alone, + alas! he found that new progress but involved him in new difficulties. He + had gained the first steps in the gigantic creation of modern days, and he + was met by the obstacle that baffled so long the great modern sage. There + was the cylinder, there the boiler; yet, work as he would, the steam + failed to keep the cylinder at work. And now, patiently as the spider + re-weaves the broken web, his untiring ardour was bent upon constructing a + new cylinder of other materials. “Strange,” he said to himself, “that the + heat of the mover aids not the movement;” and so, blundering near the + truth, he laboured on. + </p> + <p> + Sibyll, meanwhile, seated herself abstractedly on a heap of fagots piled + in the corner, and seemed busy in framing characters on the dusty floor + with the point of her tiny slipper. So fresh and fair and young she + seemed, in that murky atmosphere, that strange scene, and beside that worn + man, that it might have seemed to a poet as if the youngest of the Graces + were come to visit Mulciber at his forge. + </p> + <p> + The man pursued his work, the girl renewed her dreams, the dark evening + hour gradually stealing over both. The silence was unbroken, for the forge + and the model were now at rest, save by the grating of Adam’s file upon + the metal, or by some ejaculation of complacency now and then vented by + the enthusiast. So, apart from the many-noised, gaudy, babbling world + without, even in the midst of that bloody, turbulent, and semi-barbarous + time, went on (the one neglected and unknown, the other loathed and hated) + the two movers of the ALL that continues the airy life of the Beautiful + from age to age,—the Woman’s dreaming Fancy and the Man’s active + Genius. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. MASTER ADAM WARNER GROWS A MISER, AND BEHAVES SHAMEFULLY. + </h2> + <p> + For two or three days nothing disturbed the outward monotony of the + recluse’s household. Apparently all had settled back as before the advent + of the young cavalier. But Sibyll’s voice was not heard singing, as of + old, when she passed the stairs to her father’s room. She sat with him in + his work no less frequently and regularly than before; but her childish + spirits no longer broke forth in idle talk or petulant movements, vexing + the good man from his absorption and his toils. The little cares and + anxieties, which had formerly made up so much of Sibyll’s day by + forethought of provision for the morrow, were suspended; for the money + transmitted to her by Alwyn in return for the emblazoned manuscripts was + sufficient to supply their modest wants for months to come. Adam, more and + more engrossed in his labours, did not appear to perceive the daintier + plenty of his board, nor the purchase of some small comforts unknown for + years. He only said one morning, “It is strange, girl, that as that + gathers in life (and he pointed to the model), it seems already to + provide, to my fantasy, the luxuries it will one day give to us all in + truth. Methought my very bed last night seemed wondrous easy, and the + coverings were warmer, for I woke not with the cold.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah,” thought the sweet daughter, smiling through moist eyes, “while my + cares can smooth thy barren path through life, why should I cark and + pine?” + </p> + <p> + Their solitude was now occasionally broken in the evenings by the visits + of Nicholas Alwyn. The young goldsmith was himself not ignorant of the + simpler mathematics; he had some talent for invention, and took pleasure + in the construction of horologes, though, properly speaking, not a part of + his trade. His excuse for his visits was the wish to profit by Warner’s + mechanical knowledge; but the student was so rapt in his own pursuits, + that he gave but little instruction to his visitor. Nevertheless Alwyn was + satisfied, for he saw Sibyll. He saw her in the most attractive phase of + her character,—the loving, patient, devoted daughter; and the view + of her household virtues affected more and more his honest English heart. + But, ever awkward and embarrassed, he gave no vent to his feelings. To + Sibyll he spoke little, and with formal constraint; and the girl, + unconscious of her conquest, was little less indifferent to his visits + than her abstracted father. + </p> + <p> + But all at once Adam woke to a sense of the change that had taken place; + all at once he caught scent of gold, for his works were brought to a pause + for want of some finer and more costly materials than the coins in his own + possession (the remnant of Marmaduke’s gift) enabled him to purchase. He + had stolen out at dusk, unknown to Sibyll, and lavished the whole upon the + model; but in vain! The model in itself was, indeed, completed; his + invention had mastered the difficulty that it had encountered. But Adam + had complicated the contrivance by adding to it experimental proofs of the + agency it was intended to exercise. It was necessary in that age, if he + were to convince others, to show more than the principle of his engine,—he + must show also something of its effects; turn a mill without wind or + water, or set in motion some mimic vehicle without other force than that + the contrivance itself supplied. And here, at every step, new obstacles + arose. It was the misfortune to science in those days, not only that all + books and mathematical instruments were enormously dear, but that the + students, still struggling into light, through the glorious delusions of + alchemy and mysticism, imagined that, even in simple practical operations, + there were peculiar virtues in virgin gold and certain precious stones. A + link in the process upon which Adam was engaged failed him; his ingenuity + was baffled, his work stood still; and in poring again and again over the + learned manuscripts—alas! now lost—in which certain German + doctors had sought to explain the pregnant hints of Roger Bacon, he found + it inculcated that the axle of a certain wheel must be composed of a + diamond. Now, in truth, it so happened that Adam’s contrivance, which + (even without the appliances which were added in illustration of the + theory) was infinitely more complicated than modern research has found + necessary, did not even require the wheel in question, much less the + absent diamond; it happened, also, that his understanding, which, though + so obtuse in common life, was in these matters astonishingly clear, could + not trace any mathematical operations by which the diamond axle would in + the least correct the difficulty that had suddenly started up; and yet the + accursed diamond began to haunt him,—the German authority was so + positive on the point, and that authority had in many respects been + accurate. Nor was this all,—the diamond was to be no vulgar diamond; + it was to be endowed, by talismanic skill, with certain properties and + virtues; it was to be for a certain number of hours exposed to the rays of + the full moon; it was to be washed in a primitive and wondrous elixir, the + making of which consumed no little of the finest gold. This diamond was to + be to the machine what the soul is to the body,—a glorious, + all-pervading, mysterious principle of activity and life. Such were the + dreams that obscured the cradle of infant science! And Adam, with all his + reasoning powers, big lore in the hard truths of mathematics, was but one + of the giant children of the dawn. The magnificent phrases and solemn + promises of the mystic Germans got firm hold of his fancy. Night and day, + waking or sleeping, the diamond, basking in the silence of the full moon, + sparkled before his eyes. Meanwhile all was at a stand. In the very last + steps of his discovery he was arrested. Then suddenly looking round for + vulgar moneys to purchase the precious gem, and the materials for the + soluble elixir, he saw that MONEY had been at work around him,—that + he had been sleeping softly and faring sumptuously. He was seized with a + divine rage. How had Sibyll dared to secrete from him this hoard; how + presumed to waste upon the base body what might have so profited the + eternal mind? In his relentless ardour, in his sublime devotion and + loyalty to his abstract idea, there was a devouring cruelty, of which this + meek and gentle scholar was wholly unconscious. The grim iron model, like + a Moloch, ate up all things,—health, life, love; and its jaws now + opened for his child. He rose from his bed,—it was daybreak,—he + threw on his dressing-robe, he strode into his daughter’s room; the gray + twilight came through the comfortless, curtainless casement, deep sunk + into the wall. Adam did not pause to notice that the poor child, though + she had provoked his anger by refitting his dismal chamber, had spent + nothing in giving a less rugged frown to her own. + </p> + <p> + The scanty worm-worn furniture, the wretched pallet, the poor attire + folded decently beside,—nothing save that inexpressible purity and + cleanliness which, in the lowliest hovel, a pure and maiden mind gathers + round it; nothing to distinguish the room of her whose childhood had + passed in courts from the but of the meanest daughter of drudgery and + toil! No,—he who had lavished the fortunes of his father and big + child into the grave of his idea—no—he saw nothing of this + self-forgetful penury—the diamond danced before him! He approached + the bed; and oh! the contrast of that dreary room and peasant pallet to + the delicate, pure, enchanting loveliness of the sleeping inmate. The + scanty covering left partially exposed the snow-white neck and rounded + shoulder; the face was pillowed upon the arm, in an infantine grace; the + face was slightly flushed, and the fresh red lips parted into a smile,—for + in her sleep the virgin dreamed,—a happy dream! It was a sight to + have touched a father’s heart, to have stopped his footstep, and hushed + his breath into prayer. And call not Adam hard—unnatural—that + he was not then, as men far more harsh than he—for the father at + that moment was not in his breast, the human man was gone—he + himself, like his model, was a machine of iron!—his life was his one + idea! + </p> + <p> + “Wake, child, wake!” he said, in a loud but hollow voice. “Where is the + gold thou hast hidden from me? Wake! confess!” + </p> + <p> + Roused from her gracious dreams thus savagely, Sibyll started, and saw the + eager, darkened face of her father. Its expression was peculiar and + undefinable, for it was not threatening, angry, stern; there was a vacancy + in the eyes, a strain in the features, and yet a wild, intense animation + lighting and pervading all,—it was as the face of one walking in his + sleep, and, at the first confusion of waking, Sibyll thought indeed that + such was her father’s state. But the impatience with which he shook the + arm he grasped, and repeated, as he opened convulsively his other hand, + “The gold, Sibyll, the gold! Why didst thou hide it from me?” speedily + convinced her that her father’s mind was under the influence of the + prevailing malady that made all its weakness and all its strength. + </p> + <p> + “My poor father!” she said pityingly, “wilt thou not leave thyself the + means whereby to keep strength and health for thine high hopes? Ah, + Father, thy Sibyll only hoarded her poor gains for thee!” + </p> + <p> + “The gold!” said Adam, mechanically, but in a softer voice,—“all—all + thou hast! How didst thou get it,—how?” + </p> + <p> + “By the labours of these hands. Ah, do not frown on me!” + </p> + <p> + “Thou—the child of knightly fathers—thou labour!” said Adam, + an instinct of his former state of gentle-born and high-hearted youth + flashing from his eyes. “It was wrong in thee!” + </p> + <p> + “Dost thou not labour too?” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, but for the world. Well, the gold!” + </p> + <p> + Sibyll rose, and modestly throwing over her form the old mantle which lay + on the pallet, passed to a corner of the room, and opening a chest, took + from it the gipsire, and held it out to her father. + </p> + <p> + “If it please thee, dear and honoured sir, so be it; and Heaven prosper it + in thy hands!” + </p> + <p> + Before Adam’s clutch could close on the gipsire, a rude hand was laid on + his shoulder, the gipsire was snatched from Sibyll, and the gaunt, + half-clad form of old Madge interposed between the two. + </p> + <p> + “Eh, sir!” she said, in her shrill, cracked tone, “I thought when I heard + your door open, and your step hurrying down, you were after no good deeds. + Fie, master, fie! I have clung to you when all reviled, and when + starvation within and foul words without made all my hire; for I ever + thought you a good and mild man, though little better than stark wode. + But, augh! to rob your child thus, to leave her to starve and pine! We old + folks are used to it. Look round, look round! I remember this chamber, + when ye first came to your father’s hall. Saints of heaven! There stood + the brave bed all rustling with damask of silk; on those stone walls once + hung fine arras of the Flemings,—a marriage gift to my lady from + Queen Margaret, and a mighty show to see, and good for the soul’s + comforts, with Bible stories wrought on it. Eh, sir! don’t you call to + mind your namesake, Master Adam, in his brave scarlet hosen, and Madam + Eve, in her bonny blue kirtle and laced courtpie? and now—now look + round, I say, and see what you have brought your child to!” + </p> + <p> + “Hush! hush! Madge, bush!” cried Sibyll, while Adam gazed in evident + perturbation and awakening shame at the intruder, turning his eyes round + the room as she spoke, and heaving from time to time short, deep sighs. + </p> + <p> + “But I will not hush,” pursued the old woman; “I will say my say, for I + love ye both, and I loved my poor mistress who is dead and gone. Ah, sir, + groan! it does you good. And now when this sweet damsel is growing up, now + when you should think of saving a marriage dower for her (for no marriage + where no pot boils), do you rend from her the little that she has drudged + to gain!—She! Oh, out on your heart! And for what,—for what, + sir? For the neighbours to set fire to your father’s house, and the little + ones to—” + </p> + <p> + “Forbear, woman!” cried Adam, in a voice of thunder; “forbear! Heavens!” + And he waved his hand as he spoke, with so unexpected a majesty that Madge + was awed into sudden silence, and, darting a look of compassion at Sibyll, + she hobbled from the room. Adam stood motionless an instant; but when he + felt his child’s soft arms round his neck, when he heard her voice + struggling against tears, praying him not to heed the foolish words of the + old servant,—to take—to take all, that it would be easy to + gain more,—the ice of his philosophy melted at once; the man broke + forth, and, clasping Sibyll to his heart, and kissing her cheek, her lips, + her hands, he faltered out, “No! no! forgive me! Forgive thy cruel father! + Much thought has maddened me, I think,—it has indeed! Poor child, + poor Sibyll,” and he stroked her cheek gently, and with a movement of + pathetic pity—“poor child, thou art pale, and so slight and + delicate! And this chamber—and thy loneliness—and—ah! my + life hath been a curse to thee, yet I meant to bequeath it a boon to all! + </p> + <p> + “Father, dear father, speak not thus. You break my heart. Here, here, take + the gold—or rather, for thou must not venture out to insult again, + let me purchase with it what thou needest. Tell me, trust me—” + </p> + <p> + “No!” exclaimed Adam, with that hollow energy by which a man resolves to + impose restraint on himself; “I will not, for all that science ever + achieved,—I will not lay this shame on my soul! Spend this gold on + thyself, trim this room, buy thee raiment,—all that thou needest,—I + order, I command it! And hark thee, if thou gettest more, hide it from me, + hide it well; men’s desires are foul tempters! I never knew, in following + wisdom, that I had a vice. I wake and find myself a miser and a robber!” + </p> + <p> + And with these words he fled from the girl’s chamber, gained his own, and + locked the door. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. A STRANGE VISITOR.—ALL AGES OF THE WORLD BREED + WORLD-BETTERS. + </h2> + <p> + Sibyll, whose soft heart bled for her father, and who now reproached + herself for having concealed from him her little hoard, began hastily to + dress that she might seek him out, and soothe the painful feelings which + the honest rudeness of Madge had aroused. But before her task was + concluded, there pealed a loud knock at the outer door. She heard the old + housekeeper’s quivering voice responding to a loud clear tone; and + presently Madge herself ascended the stairs to Warner’s room, followed by + a man whom Sibyll instantly recognized—for he was not one easily to + be forgotten—as their protector from the assault of the mob. She + drew back hastily as he passed her door, and in some wonder and alarm + awaited the descent of Madge. That venerable personage having with some + difficulty induced her master to open his door and admit the stranger, + came straight into her young lady’s chamber. “Cheer up, cheer up, + sweetheart,” said the old woman; “I think better days will shine soon; for + the honest man I have admitted says he is but come to tell Master Warner + something that will redound much to his profit. Oh, he is a wonderful + fellow, this same Robin! You saw how he turned the cullions from burning + the old house!” + </p> + <p> + “What! you know this man, Madge! What is he, and who?” + </p> + <p> + Madge looked puzzled. “That is more than I can say, sweet mistress. But + though he has been but some weeks in the neighbourhood, they all hold him + in high count and esteem. For why—it is said he is a rich man and a + kind one. He does a world of good to the poor.” + </p> + <p> + While Sibyll listened to such explanations as Madge could give her, the + stranger, who had carefully closed the door of the student’s chamber, + after regarding Adam for a moment with silent but keen scrutiny, thus + began,— + </p> + <p> + “When last we met, Adam Warner, it was with satchells on our backs. Look + well at me!” + </p> + <p> + “Troth,” answered Adam, languidly, for he was still under the deep + dejection that had followed the scene with Sibyll, “I cannot call you to + mind, nor seems it veritable that our schooldays passed together, seeing + that my hair is gray and men call me old; but thou art in all the + lustihood of this human life.” + </p> + <p> + “Nathless,” returned the stranger, “there are but two years or so between + thine age and mine. When thou wert poring over the crabbed text, and + pattering Latin by the ell, dost thou not remember a lack-grace + good-for-naught, Robert Hilyard, who was always setting the school in an + uproar, and was finally outlawed from that boy-world, as he hath been + since from the man’s world, for inciting the weak to resist the strong?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah,” exclaimed Adam, with a gleam of something like joy on his face, “art + thou indeed that riotous, brawling, fighting, frank-hearted, bold fellow, + Robert Hilyard? Ha! ha!—those were merry days! I have known none + like them—” The old schoolfellows shook hands heartily. + </p> + <p> + “The world has not fared well with thee in person or pouch, I fear me, + poor Adam,” said Hilyard; “thou canst scarcely have passed thy fiftieth + year, and yet thy learned studies have given thee the weight of sixty; + while I, though ever in toil and bustle, often wanting a meal, and even + fearing the halter, am strong and hearty as when I shot my first fallow + buck in the king’s forest, and kissed the forester’s pretty daughter. Yet, + methinks, Adam, if what I hear of thy tasks be true, thou and I have each + been working for one end; thou to make the world other than it is, and I + to—” + </p> + <p> + “What! hast thou, too, taken nourishment from the bitter milk of + Philosophy,—thou, fighting Rob?” + </p> + <p> + “I know not whether it be called philosophy, but marry, Edward of York + would call it rebellion; they are much the same, for both war against + rules established!” returned Hilyard, with more depth of thought than his + careless manner seemed to promise. He paused, and laying his broad brown + hand on Warner’s shoulder, resumed, “Thou art poor, Adam!” + </p> + <p> + “Very poor,—very, very!” + </p> + <p> + “Does thy philosophy disdain gold?” + </p> + <p> + “What can philosophy achieve without it? She is a hungry dragon, and her + very food is gold!” + </p> + <p> + “Wilt thou brave some danger—thou went ever a fearless boy when thy + blood was up, though so meek and gentle—wilt thou brave some danger + for large reward?” + </p> + <p> + “My life braves the scorn of men, the pinchings of famine, and, it may be, + the stake and the fagot. Soldiers brave not the dangers that are braved by + a wise man in an unwise age!” + </p> + <p> + “Gramercy! thou hast a hero’s calm aspect while thou speakest, and thy + words move me! Listen! Thou wert wont, when Henry of Windsor was King of + England, to visit and confer with him on learned matters. He is now a + captive in the Tower; but his jailers permit him still to receive the + visits of pious monks and harmless scholars. I ask thee to pay him such a + visit, and for this office I am empowered, by richer men than myself, to + award thee the guerdon of twenty broad pieces of gold.” + </p> + <p> + “Twenty!—A mine! a Tmolus!” exclaimed Adam, in uncontrollable glee. + “Twenty! O true friend, then my work will be born at last!” + </p> + <p> + “But hear me further, Adam, for I will not deceive thee; the visit hath + its peril! Thou must first see if the mind of King Henry, for king he is, + though the usurper wear his holy crown, be clear and healthful. Thou + knowest he is subject to dark moods,—suspension of man’s reason; and + if he be, as his friends hope, sane and right-judging, thou wilt give him + certain papers, which, after his hand has signed them, thou wilt bring + back to me. If in this thou succeedest, know that thou mayst restore the + royalty of Lancaster to the purple and the throne; that thou wilt have + princes and earls for favourers and protectors to thy learned life; that + thy fortunes and fame are made! Fail, be discovered,—and Edward of + York never spares!—thy guerdon will be the nearest tree and the + strongest rope!” + </p> + <p> + “Robert,” said Adam, who had listened to this address with unusual + attention, “thou dealest with me plainly, and as man should deal with man. + I know little of stratagem and polity, wars and kings; and save that King + Henry, though passing ignorant in the mathematics, and more given to + alchemists than to solid seekers after truth, was once or twice gracious + to me, I could have no choice, in these four walls, between an Edward and + a Henry on the throne. But I have a king whose throne is in mine own + breast, and, alack, it taxeth me heavily, and with sore burdens.” + </p> + <p> + “I comprehend,” said the visitor, glancing round the room,—“I + comprehend: thou wantest money for thy books and instruments, and thy + melancholic passion is thy sovereign. Thou wilt incur the risk?” + </p> + <p> + “I will,” said Adam. “I would rather seek in the lion’s den for what I + lack than do what I well-nigh did this day.” + </p> + <p> + “What crime was that, poor scholar?” said Robin, smiling. + </p> + <p> + “My child worked for her bread and my luxuries—I would have robbed + her, old schoolfellow. Ha, ha! what is cord and gibbet to one so tempted?” + </p> + <p> + A tear stood in the bright gray eyes of the bluff visitor. “Ah, Adam,” he + said sadly, “only by the candle held in the skeleton hand of Poverty can + man read his own dark heart. But thou, Workman of Knowledge, hast the same + interest as the poor who dig and delve. Though strange circumstance hath + made me the servant and emissary of Margaret, think not that I am but the + varlet of the great.” Hilyard paused a moment, and resumed,— + </p> + <p> + “Thou knowest, peradventure, that my race dates from an elder date than + these Norman nobles, who boast their robber-fathers. From the renowned + Saxon Thane, who, free of hand and of cheer, won the name of Hildegardis, + [Hildegardis, namely, old German, a person of noble or generous + disposition. Wotton’s “Baronetage,” art. Hilyard, or Hildyard, of + Pattrington.] our family took its rise. But under these Norman barons we + sank with the nation to which we belonged. Still were we called gentlemen, + and still were dubbed knights. But as I grew up to man’s estate, I felt + myself more Saxon than gentleman, and, as one of a subject and vassal + race, I was a son of the Saxon people. My father, like thee, was a man of + thought and bookcraft. I dare own to thee that he was a Lollard; and with + the religion of those bold foes to priest-vice, goes a spirit that asks + why the people should be evermore the spoil and prey of lords and kings. + Early in my youth, my father, fearing rack and fagot in England, sought + refuge in the Hans town of Lubeck. There I learned grave truths,—how + liberty can be won and guarded. Later in life I saw the republics of + Italy, and I asked why they were so glorious in all the arts and craft of + civil life, while the braver men of France and England seemed as savages + by the side of the Florentine burgess, nay, of the Lombard vine-dresser. I + saw that, even when those republics fell a victim to some tyrant or + podesta, their men still preserved rights and uttered thoughts which left + them more free and more great than the Commons of England after all their + boasted wars. I came back to my native land and settled in the North, as + my franklin ancestry before me. The broad lands of my forefathers had + devolved on the elder line, and gave a knight’s fee to Sir Robert Hilyard, + who fell afterwards at Towton for the Lancastrians. But I had won gold in + the far countree, and I took farm and homestead near Lord Warwick’s tower + of Middleham. The feud between Lancaster and York broke forth; Earl + Warwick summoned his retainers, myself amongst them, since I lived upon + his land; I sought the great earl, and I told him boldly—him whom + the Commons deemed a friend, and a foe to all malfaisance and abuse—I + told him that the war he asked me to join seemed to me but a war of + ambitious lords, and that I saw not how the Commons were to be bettered, + let who would be king. The earl listened and deigned to reason; and when + he saw I was not convinced, he left me to my will; for he is a noble + chief, and I admired even his angry pride, when he said, ‘Let no man fight + for Warwick whose heart beats not in his cause.’ I lived afterwards to + discharge my debt to the proud earl, and show him how even the lion may be + meshed, and how even the mouse may gnaw the net. But to my own tragedy. So + I quitted those parts, for I feared my own resolution near so great a man; + I made a new home not far from the city of York. So, Adam, when all the + land around bristled with pike and gisarme, and while my own cousin and + namesake, the head of my House, was winning laurels and wasting blood—I, + thy quarrelsome, fighting friend—lived at home in peace with my wife + and child (for I was now married, and wife and child were dear to me), and + tilled my lands. But in peace I was active and astir, for my words + inflamed the bosoms of labourers and peasants, and many of them, benighted + as they were, thought with me. One day—I was absent from home, + selling my grain in the marts of York—one day there entered the + village a young captain, a boy-chief, Edward Earl of March, beating for + recruits. Dost thou heed me, Adam? Well, man—well, the peasants + stood aloof from tromp and banner, and they answered, to all the talk of + hire and fame, ‘Robin Hilyard tells us we have nothing to gain but blows,—leave + us to hew and to delve.’ Oh, Adam, this boy, this chief, the Earl of + March, now crowned King Edward, made but one reply, ‘This Robin Hilyard + must be a wise man,—show me his house.’ They pointed out the ricks, + the barns, the homestead, and in five minutes all—all were in + flames. ‘Tell the hilding, when he returns, that thus Edward of March, + fair to friends and terrible to foes, rewards the coward who disaffects + the men of Yorkshire to their chief.’ And by the blazing rafters, and the + pale faces of the silent crowd, he rode on his way to battle and the + throne!” + </p> + <p> + Hilyard paused, and the anguish of his countenance was terrible to behold. + </p> + <p> + “I returned to find a heap of ashes; I returned to find my wife a maniac; + I returned to find my child—my boy—great God!—he had run + to hide himself, in terror at the torches and the grim men; they had + failed to discover him, till, too late, his shrieks, amidst the crashing + walls, burst on his mother’s ear,—and the scorched, mangled, + lifeless corpse lay on that mother’s bosom!” + </p> + <p> + Adam rose; his figure was transformed. Not the stooping student, but the + knight-descended man, seemed to tower in the murky chamber; his hand felt + at his side, as for a sword; he stifled a curse, and Hilyard, in that + suppressed low voice which evinces a strong mind in deep emotion, + continued his tale. + </p> + <p> + “Blessed be the Divine Intercessor, the mother of the dead died too! + Behold me, a lonely, ruined, wifeless, childless wretch! I made all the + world my foe! The old love of liberty (alone left me) became a crime; I + plunged into the gloom of the forest, a robber-chief, sparing—no, + never-never—never one York captain, one spurred knight, one belted + lord! But the poor, my Saxon countrymen, they had suffered, and were safe! + </p> + <p> + “One dark twilight—thou hast heard the tale, every village minstrel + sets it to his viol—a majestic woman, a hunted fugitive, crossed my + path; she led a boy in her hand, a year or so younger than my murdered + child. ‘Friend!’ said the woman, fearlessly, ‘save the son of your king; I + am Margaret, Queen of England!’ I saved them both. From that hour the + robber-chief, the Lollard’s son, became a queen’s friend. Here opened, at + least, vengeance against the fell destroyer. Now see you why I seek you, + why tempt you into danger? Pause, if you will, for my passion heats my + blood,—and all the kings since Saul, it may be, are not worth one + scholar’s life! And yet,” continued Hilyard, regaining his ordinary calm + tone, “and yet, it seemeth to me, as I said at first, that all who labour + have in this a common cause and interest with the poor. This woman-king, + though bloody man, with his wine-cups and his harlots, this usurping York—his + very existence flaunts the life of the sons of toil. In civil war and in + broil, in strife that needs the arms of the people, the people shall get + their own.” + </p> + <p> + “I will go,” said Adam, and he advanced to the door. Hilyard caught his + arm. “Why, friend, thou hast not even the documents, and how wouldst thou + get access to the prison? Listen to me; or,” added the conspirator, + observing poor Adam’s abstracted air, “or let me rather speak a word to + thy fair daughter; women have ready wit, and are the pioneers to the + advance of men! Adam, Adam! thou art dreaming!”—He shook the + philosopher’s arm roughly. + </p> + <p> + “I heed you,” said Warner, meekly. + </p> + <p> + “The first thing required,” renewed Hilyard, “is a permit to see King + Henry. This is obtained either from the Lord Worcester, governor of the + Tower, a cruel man, who may deny it, or the Lord Hastings, Edward’s + chamberlain, a humane and gentle one, who will readily grant it. Let not + thy daughter know why thou wouldst visit Henry; let her suppose it is + solely to make report of his health to Margaret; let her not know there is + scheming or danger,—so, at least, her ignorance will secure her + safety. But let her go to the lord chamberlain, and obtain the order for a + learned clerk to visit the learned prisoner—to—ha! well + thought of—this strange machine is, doubtless, the invention of + which thy neighbours speak; this shall make thy excuse; thou wouldst + divert the prisoner with thy mechanical—comprehendest thou, Adam?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, King Henry will see the model, and when he is on the throne—” + </p> + <p> + “He will protect the scholar!” interrupted Hilyard. “Good! good! Wait + here; I will confer with thy daughter.” He gently pushed aside Adam, + opened the door, and on descending the stairs, found Sibyll by the large + casement where she had stood with Marmaduke, and heard the rude stave of + the tymbesteres. + </p> + <p> + The anxiety the visit of Hilyard had occasioned her was at once allayed, + when he informed her that he had been her father’s schoolmate, and desired + to become his friend. And when he drew a moving picture of the exiled + condition of Margaret and the young prince, and their natural desire to + learn tidings of the health of the deposed king, her gentle heart, + forgetting the haughty insolence with which her royal mistress had often + wounded and chilled her childhood, felt all the generous and compassionate + sympathy the conspirator desired to awaken. “The occasion,” added Hilyard, + “for learning the poor captive’s state now offers! He hath heard of your + father’s labours; he desires to learn their nature from his own lips. He + is allowed to receive, by an order from King Edward’s chamberlain, the + visits of those scholars in whose converse he was ever wont to delight. + Wilt thou so far aid the charitable work as to seek the Lord Hastings, and + crave the necessary license? Thou seest that thy father has wayward and + abstract moods; he might forget that Henry of Windsor is no longer king, + and might give him that title in speaking to Lord Hastings,—a slip + of the tongue which the law styles treason.” + </p> + <p> + “Certes,” said Sibyll, quickly, “if my father would seek the poor captive, + I will be his messenger to my Lord Hastings. But oh, sir, as thou hast + known my father’s boyhood, and as thou hopest for mercy in the last day, + tempt to no danger one so guileless!” + </p> + <p> + Hilyard winced as he interrupted her hastily, + </p> + <p> + “There is no danger if thou wilt obtain the license. I will say more,—a + reward awaits him, that will not only banish his poverty but save his + life.” + </p> + <p> + “His life!” + </p> + <p> + “Ay! seest thou not, fair mistress, that Adam Warner is dying, not of the + body’s hunger, but of the soul’s? He craveth gold, that his toils may reap + their guerdon. If that gold be denied, his toils will fret him to the + grave!” + </p> + <p> + “Alas! alas! it is true.” + </p> + <p> + “That gold he shall honourably win! Nor is this all. Thou wilt see the + Lord Hastings: he is less learned, perhaps, than Worcester, less dainty in + accomplishments and gifts than Anthony Woodville, but his mind is profound + and vast; all men praise him save the queen’s kin. He loves scholars; he + is mild to distress; he laughs at the superstitions of the vulgar. Thou + wilt see the Lord Hastings, and thou mayst interest him in thy father’s + genius and his fate!” + </p> + <p> + “There is frankness in thy voice, and I will trust thee,” answered Sibyll. + “When shall I seek this lord?” + </p> + <p> + “This day, if thou wilt. He lodges at the Tower, and gives access, it is + said, to all who need his offices, or seek succour from his power.” + </p> + <p> + “This day, then, be it!” answered Sibyll, calmly. + </p> + <p> + Hilyard gazed at her countenance, rendered so noble in its youthful + resignation, in its soft firmness of expression, and muttering, “Heaven + prosper thee, maiden; we shall meet tomorrow,” descended the stairs, and + quitted the house. + </p> + <p> + His heart smote him when he was in the street. “If evil should come to + this meek scholar, to that poor child’s father, it would be a sore sin to + my soul. But no; I will not think it. The saints will not suffer this + bloody Edward to triumph long; and in this vast chessboard of vengeance + and great ends, we must move men to and fro, and harden our natures to the + hazard of the game.” + </p> + <p> + Sibyll sought her father; his mind had flown back to the model. He was + already living in the life that the promised gold would give to the dumb + thought. True that all the ingenious additions to the engine—additions + that were to convince the reason and startle the fancy—were not yet + complete (for want, of course, of the diamond bathed in moonbeams); but + still there was enough in the inventions already achieved to excite + curiosity and obtain encouragement. So, with care and diligence and + sanguine hope the philosopher prepared the grim model for exhibition to a + man who had worn a crown, and might wear again. But with that innocent and + sad cunning which is so common with enthusiasts of one idea, the sublime + dwellers of the narrow border between madness and inspiration, Adam, + amidst his excitement, contrived to conceal from his daughter all glimpse + of the danger he ran, of the correspondence of which he was to be the + medium,—or rather, may we think that he had forgotten both! Not the + stout Warwick himself, in the roar of battle, thought so little of peril + to life and limb as that gentle student, in the reveries of his lonely + closet; and therefore, all unsuspicious, and seeing but diversion to + Adam’s recent gloom of despair, an opening to all his bright prospects, + Sibyll attired herself in her holiday garments, drew her wimple closely + round her face, and summoning Madge to attend her, bent her way to the + Tower. Near York House, within view of the Sanctuary and the Palace of + Westminster, they took a boat, and arrived at the stairs of the Tower. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. LORD HASTINGS. + </h2> + <p> + William Lord Hastings was one of the most remarkable men of the age. + Philip de Comines bears testimony to his high repute for wisdom and + virtue. Born the son of a knight of ancient lineage but scanty lands, he + had risen, while yet in the prime of life, to a rank and an influence + second, perhaps, only to the House of Nevile. Like Lord Montagu, he united + in happy combination the talents of a soldier and a courtier. But as a + statesman, a schemer, a thinker, Montagu, with all his craft, was inferior + to Hastings. In this, the latter had but two equals,—namely, George, + the youngest of the Nevile brothers, Archbishop of York; and a boy, whose + intellect was not yet fully developed, but in whom was already apparent to + the observant the dawn of a restless, fearless, calculating, and subtle + genius. That boy, whom the philosophers of Utrecht had taught to reason, + whom the lessons of Warwick had trained to arms, was Richard, Duke of + Gloucester, famous even now for his skill in the tilt-yard and his + ingenuity in the rhetoric of the schools. + </p> + <p> + The manners of Lord Hastings had contributed to his fortunes. Despite the + newness of his honours, even the haughtiest of the ancient nobles bore him + no grudge, for his demeanour was at once modest and manly. He was + peculiarly simple and unostentatious in his habits, and possessed that + nameless charm which makes men popular with the lowly and welcome to the + great. [On Edward’s accession so highly were the services of Hastings + appreciated by the party, that not only the king, but many of the + nobility, contributed to render his wealth equal to his new station, by + grants of lands and moneys. Several years afterwards, when he went with + Edward into France, no less than two lords, nine knights, fifty-eight + squires, and twenty gentlemen joined his train.—Dugdale: Baronage, + p. 583. Sharon Turner: History of England, vol. iii. p. 380.] But in that + day a certain mixture of vice was necessary to success; and Hastings + wounded no self-love by the assumption of unfashionable purism. He was + regarded with small favour by the queen, who knew him as the companion of + Edward in his pleasures, and at a later period accused him of enticing her + faithless lord into unworthy affections. And certain it is, that he was + foremost amongst the courtiers in those adventures which we call the + excesses of gayety and folly, though too often leading to Solomon’s wisdom + and his sadness. But profligacy with Hastings had the excuse of ardent + passions: he had loved deeply, and unhappily, in his earlier youth, and he + gave in to the dissipation of the time with the restless eagerness common + to strong and active natures when the heart is not at ease; and under all + the light fascination of his converse; or the dissipation of his life, + lurked the melancholic temperament of a man worthy of nobler things. Nor + was the courtly vice of the libertine the only drawback to the virtuous + character assigned to Hastings by Comines. His experience of men had + taught him something of the disdain of the cynic, and he scrupled not at + serving his pleasures or his ambition by means which his loftier nature + could not excuse to his clear sense. [See Comines, book vi., for a curious + anecdote of what Mr. Sharon Turner happily calls “the moral coquetry” of + Hastings,—an anecdote which reveals much of his character.] Still, + however, the world, which had deteriorated, could not harden him. Few + persons so able acted so frequently from impulse; the impulses were for + the most part affectionate and generous, but then came the regrets of + caution and experience; and Hastings summoned his intellect to correct the + movement of his heart,—in other words, reflection sought to undo + what impulse had suggested. Though so successful a gallant, he had not + acquired the ruthless egotism of the sensualist; and his conduct to women + often evinced the weakness of giddy youth rather than the cold + deliberation of profligate manhood. Thus in his veriest vices there was a + spurious amiability, a seductive charm; while in the graver affairs of + life the intellectual susceptibility of his nature served but to quicken + his penetration and stimulate his energies, and Hastings might have said, + with one of his Italian contemporaries, “That in subjection to the + influences of women he had learned the government of men.” In a word, his + powers to attract, and his capacities to command, may be guessed by this,—that + Lord Hastings was the only man Richard III. seems to have loved, when Duke + of Gloucester, [Sir Thomas More, “Life of Edward V.,” speaks of “the great + love” Richard bore to Hastings.] and the only man he seems to have feared, + when resolved to be King of England. + </p> + <p> + Hastings was alone in the apartments assigned to him in the Tower, when + his page, with a peculiar smile, announced to him the visit of a young + donzell, who would not impart her business to his attendants. + </p> + <p> + The accomplished chamberlain looked up somewhat impatiently from the + beautiful manuscripts, enriched with the silver verse of Petrarch, which + lay open on his table, and after muttering to himself, “It is only Edward + to whom the face of a woman never is unwelcome,” bade the page admit the + visitor. The damsel entered, and the door closed upon her. + </p> + <p> + “Be not alarmed, maiden,” said Hastings, touched by the downcast bend of + the hooded countenance, and the unmistakable and timid modesty of his + visitor’s bearing. “What hast thou to say to me?” + </p> + <p> + At the sound of his voice, Sibyll Warner started, and uttered a faint + exclamation. The stranger of the pastime-ground was before her. + Instinctively she drew the wimple yet more closely round her face, and + laid her hand upon the bolt of the door as if in the impulse of retreat. + </p> + <p> + The nobleman’s curiosity was roused. He looked again and earnestly on the + form that seemed to shrink from his gaze; then rising slowly, he advanced, + and laid his band on her arm. “Donzell, I recognize thee,” he said, in a + voice that sounded cold and stern. “What service wouldst thou ask me to + render thee? Speak! Nay! I pray thee, speak.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, good my lord,” said Sibyll, conquering her confusion; and, + lifting her wimple, her dark blue eyes met those bent on her, with + fearless truth and innocence, “I knew not, and you will believe me,—I + knew not till this moment that I had such cause for gratitude to the Lord + Hastings. I sought you but on the behalf of my father, Master Adam Warner, + who would fain have the permission accorded to other scholars, to see the + Lord Henry of Windsor, who was gracious to him in other days, and to while + the duress of that princely captive with the show of a quaint instrument + he has invented.” + </p> + <p> + “Doubtless,” answered Hastings, who deserved his character (rare in that + day) for humanity and mildness—“doubt less it will pleasure me, nor + offend his grace the king, to show all courtesy and indulgence to the + unhappy gentleman and lord, whom the weal of England condemns us to hold + incarcerate. I have heard of thy father, maiden, an honest and simple man, + in whom we need not fear a conspirator; and of thee, young mistress, I + have heard also, since we parted.” + </p> + <p> + “Of me, noble sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Of thee,” said Hastings, with a smile; and, placing a seat for her, he + took from the table an illuminated manuscript. “I have to thank thy friend + Master Alwyn for procuring me this treasure!” + </p> + <p> + “What, my lord!” said Sibyll, and her eyes glistened, “were you—you + the—the—” + </p> + <p> + “The fortunate person whom Alwyn has enriched at so slight a cost? Yes. Do + not grudge me my good fortune in this. Thou hast nobler treasures, + methinks, to bestow on another!” + </p> + <p> + “My good lord!” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, I must not distress thee. And the young gentleman has a fair face; + may it bespeak a true heart!” + </p> + <p> + These words gave Sibyll an emotion of strange delight. They seemed spoken + sadly, they seemed to betoken a jealous sorrow; they awoke the strange, + wayward woman-feeling, which is pleased at the pain that betrays the + woman’s influence: the girl’s rosy lips smiled maliciously. Hastings + watched her, and her face was so radiant with that rare gleam of secret + happiness,—so fresh, so young, so pure, and withal so arch and + captivating, that hackneyed and jaded as he was in the vulgar pursuit of + pleasure, the sight moved better and tenderer feelings than those of the + sensualist. “Yes,” he muttered to himself, “there are some toys it were a + sin to sport with and cast away amidst the broken rubbish of gone + passions!” + </p> + <p> + He turned to the table, and wrote the order of admission to Henry’s + prison, and as he gave it to Sibyll, he said, “Thy young gallant, I see, + is at the court now. It is a perilous ordeal, and especially to one for + whom the name of Nevile opens the road to advancement and honour. Men + learn betimes in courts to forsake Love for Plutus, and many a wealthy + lord would give his heiress to the poorest gentleman who claims kindred to + the Earl of Salisbury and Warwick.” + </p> + <p> + “May my father’s guest so prosper,” answered Sibyll, “for he seems of + loyal heart and gentle nature!” + </p> + <p> + “Thou art unselfish, sweet mistress,” said Hastings; and, surprised by her + careless tone, he paused a moment: “or art thou, in truth, indifferent? + Saw I not thy hand in his, when even those loathly tymbesteres chanted + warning to thee for loving, not above thy merits, but, alas, it may be, + above thy fortunes?” + </p> + <p> + Sibyll’s delight increased. Oh, then, he had not applied that hateful + warning to himself! He guessed not her secret. She blushed, and the blush + was so chaste and maidenly, while the smile that went with it was so + ineffably animated and joyous, that Hastings exclaimed, with unaffected + admiration, “Surely, fair donzell, Petrarch dreamed of thee, when he spoke + of the woman-blush and the angel-smile of Laura. Woe to the man who would + injure thee! Farewell! I would not see thee too often, unless I saw thee + ever.” + </p> + <p> + He lifted her hand to his lips with a chivalrous respect as he spoke; + opened the door, and called his page to attend her to the gates. + </p> + <p> + Sibyll was more flattered by the abrupt dismissal than if he had knelt to + detain her. How different seemed the world as her light step wended + homeward! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. MASTER ADAM WARNER AND KING HENRY THE SIXTH. + </h2> + <p> + The next morning Hilyard revisited Warner with the letters for Henry. The + conspirator made Adam reveal to him the interior mechanism of the Eureka, + to which Adam, who had toiled all night, had appended one of the most + ingenious contrivances he had as yet been enabled (sans the diamond) to + accomplish, for the better display of the agencies which the engine was + designed to achieve. This contrivance was full of strange cells and + recesses, in one of which the documents were placed. And there they lay, + so well concealed as to puzzle the minutest search, if not aided by the + inventor, or one to whom he had communicated the secrets of the + contrivance. + </p> + <p> + After repeated warnings and exhortations to discretion, Hilyard then, + whose busy, active mind had made all the necessary arrangements, summoned + a stout-looking fellow, whom he had left below, and with his aid conveyed + the heavy machine across the garden, to a back lane, where a mule stood + ready to receive the burden. + </p> + <p> + “Suffer this trusty fellow to guide thee, dear Adam; he will take thee + through ways where thy brutal neighbours are not likely to meet and molest + thee. Call all thy wits to the surface. Speed and prosper!” + </p> + <p> + “Fear not,” said Adam, disdainfully. “In the neighbourhood of kings, + science is ever safe. Bless thee, child,” and he laid his hand upon + Sibyll’s head, for she had accompanied them thus far in silence, “now go + in.” + </p> + <p> + “I go with thee, Father,” said Sibyll, firmly. “Master Hilyard, it is best + so,” she whispered; “what if my father fall into one of his reveries?” + </p> + <p> + “You are right: go with him, at least, to the Tower gate. Hard by is the + house of a noble dame and a worthy, known to our friend Hugh, where thou + mayest wait Master Warner’s return. It will not suit thy modesty and sex + to loiter amongst the pages and soldiery in the yard. Adam, thy daughter + must wend with thee.” + </p> + <p> + Adam had not attended to this colloquy, and mechanically bowing his head, + he set off, and was greatly surprised, on gaining the river-side (where a + boat was found large enough to accommodate not only the human passengers, + but the mule and its burden), to see Sibyll by his side. + </p> + <p> + The imprisonment of the unfortunate Henry, though guarded with sufficient + rigour against all chances of escape, was not, as the reader has + perceived, at this period embittered by unnecessary harshness. His + attendants treated him with respect, his table was supplied more + abundantly and daintily than his habitual abstinence required, and the + monks and learned men whom he had favoured, were, we need not repeat, + permitted to enliven his solitude with their grave converse. + </p> + <p> + On the other hand, all attempts at correspondence between Margaret or the + exiled Lancastrians and himself had been jealously watched, and when + detected, the emissaries had been punished with relentless severity. A man + named Hawkins had been racked for attempting to borrow money for the queen + from the great London merchant, Sir Thomas Cook. A shoemaker had been + tortured to death with red-hot pincers for abetting her correspondence + with her allies. Various persons had been racked for similar offences; but + the energy of Margaret and the zeal of her adherents were still + unexhausted and unconquered. + </p> + <p> + Either unconscious or contemptuous of the perils to which he was + subjected, the student, with his silent companions, performed the voyage, + and landed in sight of the Fortress-Palatine. And now Hugh stopped before + a house of good fashion, knocked at the door, which was opened by an old + servitor, disappeared for a few moments, and returning, informed Sibyll, + in a meaning whisper, that the gentlewoman within was a good Lancastrian, + and prayed the donzell to rest in her company till Master Warner’s return. + </p> + <p> + Sibyll, accordingly, after pressing her father’s hand without fear—for + she had deemed the sole danger Adam risked was from the rabble by the way—followed + Hugh into a fair chamber, strewed with rushes, where an aged dame, of + noble air and aspect, was employed at her broidery frame. This + gentlewoman, the widow of a nobleman who had fallen in the service of + Henry, received her graciously, and Hugh then retired to complete his + commission. The student, the mule, the model, and the porter pursued their + way to the entrance of that part of the gloomy palace inhabited by Henry. + Here they were stopped, and Adam, after rummaging long in vain for the + chamberlain’s passport, at last happily discovered it, pinned to his + sleeve, by Sibyll’s forethought. On this a gentleman was summoned to + inspect the order, and in a few moments Adam was conducted to the presence + of the illustrious prisoner. + </p> + <p> + “And what,” said a subaltern officer, lolling by the archway of the (now + styled) “Bloody Tower,” hard by the turret devoted to the prisoner, [The + Wakefield Tower] and speaking to Adam’s guide, who still mounted guard by + the model,—“what may be the precious burden of which thou art the + convoy?” + </p> + <p> + “Marry, sir,” said Hugh, who spoke in the strong Yorkshire dialect, which + we are obliged to render into intelligible English—“marry, I weet + not,—it is some curious puppet-box, or quiet contrivance, that + Master Warner, whom they say is a very deft and ingenious personage, is + permitted to bring hither for the Lord Henry’s diversion.” + </p> + <p> + “A puppet-box!” said the officer, with much animated curiosity. “‘Fore the + Mass! that must be a pleasant sight. Lift the lid, fellow!” + </p> + <p> + “Please your honour, I do not dare,” returned Hugh,—“I but obey + orders.” + </p> + <p> + “Obey mine, then. Out of the way,” and the officer lifted the lid of the + pannier with the point of his dagger, and peered within. He drew back, + much disappointed. “Holy Mother!” said he, “this seemeth more like an + instrument of torture than a juggler’s merry device. It looks parlous + ugly!” + </p> + <p> + “Hush!” said one of the lazy bystanders, with whom the various gateways + and courts of the Palace-Fortress were crowded, “hush—thy cap and + thy knee, sir!” + </p> + <p> + The officer started; and, looking round, perceived a young man of low + stature, followed by three or four knights and nobles, slowly approaching + towards the arch, and every cap in the vicinity was off, and every knee + bowed. + </p> + <p> + The eye of this young man was already bent, with a searching and keen + gaze, upon the motionless mule, standing patiently by the Wakefield Tower; + and turning from the mule to the porter, the latter shrunk, and grew pale, + at that dark, steady, penetrating eye, which seemed to pierce at once into + the secrets and hearts of men. + </p> + <p> + “Who may this young lord be?” he whispered to the officer. + </p> + <p> + “Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester, man,” was the answer. “Uncover, + varlet!” + </p> + <p> + “Surely,” said the prince, pausing by the gate, “surely this is no + sumpter-mule, bearing provisions to the Lord Henry of Windsor. It would be + but poor respect to that noble person, whom, alas the day! his grace the + king is unwillingly compelled to guard from the malicious designs of + rebels and mischief-seekers, that one not bearing the king’s livery should + attend to any of the needful wants of so worshipful a lord and guest!” + </p> + <p> + “My lord,” said the officer at the gate, “one Master Adam Warner hath + just, by permission, been conducted to the Lord Henry’s presence, and the + beast beareth some strange and grim-looking device for my lord’s + diversion.” + </p> + <p> + The singular softness and urbanity which generally characterized the Duke + of Gloucester’s tone and bearing at that time,—which in a court so + full of factions and intrigues made him the enemy of none and seemingly + the friend of all, and, conjoined with abilities already universally + acknowledged, had given to his very boyhood a pre-eminence of grave repute + and good opinion, which, indeed, he retained till the terrible + circumstances connected with his accession to the throne, under the bloody + name of Richard the Third, roused all men’s hearts and reasons into the + persuasion that what before had seemed virtue was but dissimulation,—this + singular sweetness, we say, of manner and voice, had in it, nevertheless, + something that imposed and thrilled and awed. And in truth, in our common + and more vulgar intercourse with life, we must have observed, that where + external gentleness of bearing is accompanied by a repute for iron will, + determined resolution, and a serious, profound, and all-inquiring + intellect, it carries with it a majesty wholly distinct from that charm + which is exercised by one whose mildness of nature corresponds with the + outward humility; and, if it does not convey the notion of falseness, + bears the appearance of that perfect self-possession, that calm repose of + power, which intimidates those it influences far more than the imperious + port and the loud voice. And they who best knew the duke, knew also that, + despite this general smoothness of mien, his temperament was naturally + irritable, quick, and subject to stormy gusts of passion, the which + defects his admirers praised him for labouring hard and sedulously to keep + in due control. Still, to a keen observer, the constitutional tendencies + of that nervous temperament were often visible, even in his blandest + moments, even when his voice was most musical, his smile most gracious. If + something stung or excited him, an uneasy gnawing of the nether lip, a + fretful playing with his dagger, drawing it up and down from its sheath, + [Pol. Virg. 565] a slight twitching of the muscles of the face, and a + quiver of the eyelid, betokened the efforts he made at self-command; and + now, as his dark eyes rested upon Hugh’s pale countenance, and then + glanced upon the impassive mule, dozing quietly under the weight of poor + Adam’s model, his hand mechanically sought his dagger-hilt, and his face + took a sinister and sombre expression. + </p> + <p> + “Thy name, friend?” + </p> + <p> + “Hugh Withers, please you, my lord duke.” + </p> + <p> + “Um! North country, by thine accent. Dost thou serve this Master Warner?” + </p> + <p> + “No, my lord, I was only hired with my mule to carry—” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, true! to carry what thy pannier contains; open it. Holy Paul! a + strange jonglerie indeed! This Master Adam Warner,—methinks, I have + heard his name—a learned man—um—let me see his safe + conduct. Right,—it is Lord Hastings’s signature.” But still the + prince held the passport, and still suspiciously eyed the Eureka and its + appliances, which, in their complicated and native ugliness of doors, + wheels, pipes, and chimney, were exposed to his view. At this moment, one + of the attendants of Henry descended the stairs of the Wakefield Tower, + with a request that the model might be carried up to divert the prisoner. + </p> + <p> + Richard paused a moment, as the officer hesitatingly watched his + countenance before giving the desired permission. But the prince, turning + to him, and smoothing his brow, said mildly, “Certes! all that can divert + the Lord Henry must be innocent pastime. And I am well pleased that he + hath this cheerful mood for recreation. It gainsayeth those who would + accuse us of rigour in his durance. Yes, this warrant is complete and + formal;” and the prince returned the passport to the officer, and walked + slowly on through that gloomy arch ever more associated with Richard of + Gloucester’s memory, and beneath the very room in which our belief yet + holds that the infant sons of Edward IV. breathed their last; still, as + Gloucester moved, he turned and turned, and kept his eye furtively fixed + upon the porter. + </p> + <p> + “Lovell,” he said to one of the gentlemen who attended him, and who was + among the few admitted to his more peculiar intimacy, “that man is of the + North.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, my lord?” + </p> + <p> + “The North was always well affected to the Lancastrians. Master Warner + hath been accused of witchcraft. Marry, I should like to see his device—um; + Master Catesby, come hither,—approach, sir. Go back, and the instant + Adam Warner and his contrivance are dismissed, bring them both to me in + the king’s chamber. Thou understandest? We too would see his device,—and + let neither man nor mechanical, when once they reappear, out of thine + eye’s reach. For divers and subtle are the contrivances of treasonable + men!” + </p> + <p> + Catesby bowed, and Richard, without speaking further, took his way to the + royal apartments, which lay beyond the White Tower, towards the river, and + are long since demolished. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the porter, with the aid of one of the attendants, had carried + the model into the chamber of the august captive. Henry, attired in a + loose robe, was pacing the room with a slow step, and his head sunk on his + bosom,—while Adam with much animation was enlarging on the wonders + of the contrivance he was about to show him. The chamber was commodious, + and furnished with sufficient attention to the state and dignity of the + prisoner; for Edward, though savage and relentless when his blood was up, + never descended into the cool and continuous cruelty of detail. + </p> + <p> + The chamber may yet be seen,—its shape a spacious octagon; but the + walls now rude and bare were then painted and blazoned with scenes from + the Old Testament. The door opened beneath the pointed arch in the central + side (not where it now does), giving entrance from a small anteroom, in + which the visitor now beholds the receptacle for old rolls and papers. At + the right, on entering, where now, if our memory mistake not, is placed a + press, stood the bed, quaintly carved, and with hangings of damascene. At + the farther end the deep recess which faced the ancient door was fitted up + as a kind of oratory. And there were to be seen, besides the crucifix and + the Mass-book, a profusion of small vessels of gold and crystal, + containing the relics, supposed or real, of saint and martyr, treasures + which the deposed king had collected in his palmier days at a sum that, in + the minds of his followers, had been better bestowed on arms and + war-steeds. A young man named Allerton—one of the three gentlemen + personally attached to Henry, to whom Edward had permitted general access, + and who, in fact, lodged in other apartments of the Wakefield Tower, and + might be said to share his captivity—was seated before a table, and + following the steps of his musing master, with earnest and watchful eyes. + </p> + <p> + One of the small spaniels employed in springing game—for Henry, + despite his mildness, had been fond of all the sports of the field—lay + curled round on the floor, but started up, with a shrill bark, at the + entrance of the bearer of the model, while a starling in a cage by the + window, seemingly delighted at the disturbance, flapped his wings, and + screamed out, “Bad men! Bad world! Poor Henry!” + </p> + <p> + The captive paused at that cry, and a sad and patient smile of + inexpressible melancholy and sweetness hovered over his lips. Henry still + retained much of the personal comeliness he possessed at the time when + Margaret of Anjou, the theme of minstrel and minne singer, left her native + court of poets for the fatal throne of England. But beauty, usually so + popular and precious a gift to kings, was not in him of that order which + commanded the eye and moved the admiration of a turbulent people and a + haughty chivalry. The features, if regular, were small; their expression + meek and timid; the form, though tall, was not firm-knit and muscular; the + lower limbs were too thin, the body had too much flesh, the delicate hands + betrayed the sickly paleness of feeble health; there was a dreamy + vagueness in the clear soft blue eyes, and a listless absence of all + energy in the habitual bend, the slow, heavy, sauntering tread,—all + about that benevolent aspect, that soft voice, that resigned mien, and + gentle manner, spoke the exquisite, unresisting goodness, which provoked + the lewd to taunt, the hardy to despise, the insolent to rebel; for the + foes of a king in stormy times are often less his vices than his virtues. + </p> + <p> + “And now, good my lord,” said Adam, hastening, with eager hands, to assist + the bearer in depositing the model on the table—“now will I explain + to you the contrivance which it hath cost me long years of patient toil to + shape from thought into this iron form.” + </p> + <p> + “But first,” said Allerton, “were it not well that these good people + withdrew? A contriver likes not others to learn his secret ere the time + hath come to reap its profits.” + </p> + <p> + “Surely, surely!” said Adam, and alarmed at the idea thus suggested, he + threw the folds of his gown over the model. + </p> + <p> + The attendant bowed and retired; Hugh followed him, but not till he had + exchanged a significant look with Allerton. As soon as the room was left + clear to Adam, the captive, and Master Allerton, the last rose, and + looking hastily round the chamber, approached the mechanician. “Quick, + sir!” said he, in a whisper, “we are not often left without witnesses.” + </p> + <p> + “Verily,” said Adam, who had now forgotten kings and stratagems, plots and + counterplots, and was all absorbed in his invention, “verily, young man, + hurry not in this fashion,—I am about to begin. Know, my lord,” and + he turned to Henry, who, with an indolent, dreamy gaze, stood + contemplating the Eureka,—“know that more than a hundred years + before the Christian era, one Hero, an Alexandrian, discovered the force + produced by the vapour begot by heat on water. That this power was not + unknown to the ancient sages, witness the contrivance, not otherwise to be + accounted for, of the heathen oracles; but to our great countryman and + predecessor, Roger Bacon, who first suggested that vehicles might be drawn + without steeds or steers, and ships might—” + </p> + <p> + “Marry, sir,” interrupted Allerton, with great impatience, “it is not to + prate to us of such trivial fables of Man, or such wanton sports of the + Foul Fiend, that thou hast risked limb and life. Time is precious. I have + been prevised that thou hast letters for King Henry; produce them, quick!” + </p> + <p> + A deep glow of indignation had overspread the enthusiast’s face at the + commencement of this address; but the close reminded him, in truth, of his + errand. + </p> + <p> + “Hot youth,” said he, with dignity, “a future age may judge differently of + what thou deemest trivial fables, and may rate high this poor invention + when the brawls of York and Lancaster are forgotten.” + </p> + <p> + “Hear him,” said Henry, with a soft smile, and laying his hand on the + shoulder of the young man, who was about to utter a passionate and + scornful retort,—“hear him, sir. Have I not often and ever said this + same thing to thee? We children of a day imagine our contests are the sole + things that move the world. Alack! our fathers thought the same; and they + and their turmoils sleep forgotten! Nay, Master Warner,”—for here + Adam, poor man, awed by Henry’s mildness into shame at his discourteous + vaunting, began to apologize,—“nay, sir, nay—thou art right to + contemn our bloody and futile struggles for a crown of thorns; for—” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Kingdoms are but cares, + State is devoid of stay + Riches are ready snares, + And hasten to decay.’ +</pre> + <p> + [Lines ascribed to Henry VI., with commendation “as a prettie verse,” by + Sir John Harrington, in the “Nugae Antiquate.” They are also given, with + little alteration, to the unhappy king by Baldwin, in his tragedy of “King + Henry VI.”] + </p> + <p> + “And yet, sir, believe me, thou hast no cause for vain glory in thine own + craft and labours; for to wit and to lere there are the same vanity and + vexation of spirit as to war and empire. Only, O would-be wise man, only + when we muse on Heaven do our souls ascend from the fowler’s snare!” + </p> + <p> + “My saint-like liege,” said Allerton, bowing low, and with tears in his + eyes, “thinkest thou not that thy very disdain of thy rights makes thee + more worthy of them? If not for thine, for thy son’s sake, remember that + the usurper sits on the throne of the conqueror of Agincourt!—Sir + Clerk, the letters.” + </p> + <p> + Adam, already anxious to retrieve the error of his first forgetfulness, + here, after a moment’s struggle for the necessary remembrance, drew the + papers from the labyrinthine receptacle which concealed them; and Henry + uttered an exclamation of joy as, after cutting the silk, his eye glanced + over the writing— + </p> + <p> + “My Margaret! my wife!” Presently he grew pale, and his hands trembled. + “Saints defend her! Saints defend her! She is here, disguised, in London!” + </p> + <p> + “Margaret! our hero-queen! the manlike woman!” exclaimed Allerton, + clasping his hands. “Then be sure that—” He stopped, and abruptly + taking Adam’s arm, drew him aside, while Henry continued to read—“Master + Warner, we may trust thee,—thou art one of us; thou art sent here, I + know; by Robin of Redesdale,—we may trust thee?” + </p> + <p> + “Young sir,” replied the philosopher, gravely, “the fears and hopes of + power are not amidst the uneasier passions of the student’s mind. I + pledged myself but to bear these papers hither, and to return with what + may be sent back.” + </p> + <p> + “But thou didst this for love of the cause, the truth, and the right?” + </p> + <p> + “I did it partly from Hilyard’s tale of wrong, but partly, also, for the + gold,” answered Adam, simply; and his noble air, his high brow, the serene + calm of his features, so contrasted with the meanness implied in the + latter words of his confession, that Allerton stared at him amazed, and + without reply. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Henry had concluded the letter, and with a heavy sigh glanced + over the papers that accompanied it. “Alack! alack! more turbulence, more + danger and disquiet, more of my people’s blood!” He motioned to the young + man, and drawing him to the window, while Adam returned to his model, put + the papers in his hand. “Allerton,” he said, “thou lovest me, but thou art + one of the few in this distraught land who love also God. Thou art not one + of the warriors, the men of steel. Counsel me. See: Margaret demands my + signature to these papers; the one, empowering and craving the levy of men + and arms in the northern counties; the other, promising free pardon to all + who will desert Edward; the third—it seemeth to me more strange and + less kinglike than the others—undertaking to abolish all the imposts + and all the laws that press upon the commons, and (is this a holy and + pious stipulation?) to inquire into the exactions and persecutions of the + priesthood of our Holy Church!” + </p> + <p> + “Sire!” said the young man, after he had hastily perused the papers, “my + lady liege showeth good argument for your assent to two, at least, of + these undertakings. See the names of fifty gentlemen ready to take arms in + your cause if authorized by your royal warrant. The men of the North are + malcontent with the usurper, but they will not yet stir, unless at your + own command. Such documents will, of course, be used with discretion, and + not to imperil your Grace’s safety.” + </p> + <p> + “My safety!” said Henry, with a flash of his father’s hero soul in his + eyes—“of that I think not! If I have small courage to attack, I have + some fortitude to bear. But three months after these be signed, how many + brave hearts will be still! how many stout hands be dust! O Margaret! + Margaret! why temptest thou? Wert thou so happy when a queen?” The + prisoner broke from Allerton’s arm, and walked, in great disorder and + irresolution, to and fro the chamber; and strange it was to see the + contrast between himself and Warner,—both in so much alike, both so + purely creatures out of the common world, so gentle, abstract, so utterly + living in the life apart: and now the student so calm, the prince so + disturbed! The contrast struck Henry himself! He paused abruptly, and, + folding his arms, contemplated the philosopher, as, with an affectionate + complacency, Adam played and toyed, as it were, with his beloved model; + now opening and shutting again its doors, now brushing away with his + sleeve some particles of dust that had settled on it, now retiring a few + paces to gaze the better on its stern symmetry. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, my Allerton!” cried Henry, “behold! the kingdom a man makes out of + his own mind is the only one that it delighteth man to govern! Behold, he + is lord over its springs and movements; its wheels revolve and stop at his + bidding. Here, here, alone, God never asketh the ruler, ‘Why was the blood + of thousands poured forth like water, that a worm might wear a crown?’” + </p> + <p> + “Sire,” said Allerton, solemnly, “when our Heavenly King appoints his + anointed representative on earth, He gives to that human delegate no power + to resign the ambassade and trust. What suicide is to a man, abdication is + to a king! How canst thou dispose of thy son’s rights? And what becomes of + those rights if thou wilt prefer for him the exile, for thyself the + prison, when one effort may restore a throne!” + </p> + <p> + Henry seemed struck by a tone of argument that suited both his own mind + and the reasoning of the age. He gazed a moment on the face of the young + man, muttered to himself, and suddenly moving to the table, signed the + papers, and restored them to Adam, who mechanically replaced them in their + iron hiding-place. + </p> + <p> + “Now begone, Sir!” whispered Allerton, afraid that Henry’s mind might + again change. + </p> + <p> + “Will not my lord examine the engine?” asked Warner, half-beseechingly. + </p> + <p> + “Not to-day! See, he has already retired to his oratory, he is in prayer!” + and, going to the door, Allerton summoned the attendants in waiting to + carry down the model. + </p> + <p> + “Well, well, patience, patience! thou shalt have thine audience at last,” + muttered Adam, as he retired from the room, his eyes fixed upon the + neglected infant of his brain. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. HOW, ON LEAVING KING LOG, FOOLISH WISDOM RUNS A-MUCK ON KING + STORK. + </h2> + <p> + At the outer door of the Tower by which he had entered, the philosopher + was accosted by Catesby,—a man who, in imitation of his young + patron, exhibited the soft and oily manner which concealed intense + ambition and innate ferocity. + </p> + <p> + “Worshipful my master,” said he, bowing low, but with a half sneer on his + lips, “the king and his Highness the Duke of Gloucester have heard much of + your strange skill, and command me to lead you to their presence. Follow, + sir, and you, my men, convey this quaint contrivance to the king’s + apartments.” + </p> + <p> + With this, not waiting for any reply, Catesby strode on. Hugh’s face fell; + he turned very pale, and, imagining himself unobserved, turned round to + slink away. But Catesby, who seemed to have eyes at the back of his head, + called out, in a mild tone,— + </p> + <p> + “Good fellow, help to bear the mechanical—you, too, may be needed.” + </p> + <p> + “Cog’s wounds!” muttered Hugh, “an’ I had but known what it was to set my + foot in a king’s palace! Such walking may do for the silken shoon, but the + hobnail always gets into a hobble.” With that, affecting a cheerful mien, + he helped to replace the model on the mule. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, Adam, elated, poor man! at the flattery of the royal mandate, + persuaded that his fame had reached Edward’s ears, and chafed at the + little heed paid by the pious Henry to his great work, stalked on, his + head in the air. “Verily,” mused the student, “King Edward may have been a + cruel youth, and over hasty; it is horrible to think of Robert Hilyard’s + calamities! But men do say he hath an acute and masterly comprehension. + Doubtless, he will perceive at a glance how much I can advantage his + kingdom.” With this, we grieve to say, selfish reflection—which, if + the thought of his model could have slept a while, Adam would have blushed + to recall, as an affront to Hilyard’s wrongs—the philosopher + followed Catesby across the spacious yard, along a narrow passage, and up + a winding turret-stair, to a room in the third story, which opened at one + door into the king’s closet, at the other into the spacious gallery, which + was already a feature in the plan of the more princely houses. In another + minute Adam and his model were in the presence of the king. The part of + the room in which Edward sat was distinguished from the rest by a small + eastern carpet on the floor (a luxury more in use in the palaces of that + day than it appears to have been a century later); [see the Narrative of + the Lord Grauthuse, before referred to] a table was set before him, on + which the model was placed. At his right hand sat Jacquetta, Duchess of + Bedford, the queen’s mother; at his left, Prince Richard. The duchess, + though not without the remains of beauty, had a stern, haughty, scornful + expression in her sharp aquiline features, compressed lips, and imperious + eye. The paleness of her complexion, and the careworn, anxious lines of + her countenance, were ascribed by the vulgar to studies of no holy cast. + Her reputation for sorcery and witchcraft was daily increasing, and served + well the purpose of the discontented barons, whom the rise of her children + mortified and enraged. + </p> + <p> + “Approach, Master—What say you his name is, Richard?” + </p> + <p> + “Adam Warner,” replied the sweet voice of the Duke of Gloucester; “of + excellent skill in the mathematics.” + </p> + <p> + “Approach, sir, and show us the nature of this notable invention.” + </p> + <p> + “I desire nothing better, my lord king,” said Adam, boldly; “but first let + me crave a small modicum of fuel. Fire, which is the life of the world, as + the wise of old held it, is also the soul of this, my mechanical.” + </p> + <p> + “Peradventure,” whispered the duchess, “the wizard desireth to consume + us.” + </p> + <p> + “More likely,” replied Richard, in the same undertone, “to consume + whatever of treasonable nature may lurk concealed in his engine.” + </p> + <p> + “True,” said Edward, and then, speaking aloud, “Master Warner,” he added, + “put thy puppet to its purpose without fire,—we will it.” + </p> + <p> + “It is impossible, my lord,” said Adam, with a lofty smile. “Science and + nature are more powerful than a king’s word.” + </p> + <p> + “Do not say that in public, my friend,” said Edward, dryly, “or we must + hang thee! I would not my subjects were told anything so treasonable. + Howbeit, to give thee no excuse in failure, thou shalt have what thou + needest.” + </p> + <p> + “But surely not in our presence,” exclaimed the duchess. “This may be a + device of the Lancastrians for our perdition.” + </p> + <p> + “As you please, belle mere,” said Edward, and he motioned to a gentleman, + who stood a few paces behind his chair, and who, from the entrance of the + mechanician, had seemed to observe him with intense interest. “Master + Nevile, attend this wise man; supply his wants, and hark, in thy ear, + watch well that he abstract nothing from the womb of his engine; observe + what he doeth; be all eyes.” Marmaduke bowed low to conceal his change of + countenance, and, stepping forward, made a sign to Adam to follow him. + </p> + <p> + “Go also, Catesby,” said Richard to his follower, who had taken his post + near him, “and clear the chamber.” + </p> + <p> + As soon as the three members of the royal family were left alone, the + king, stretching himself, with a slight yawn, observed, “This man looks + not like a conspirator, brother Richard, though his sententiary as to + nature and science lacked loyalty and respect.” + </p> + <p> + “Sire and brother,” answered Richard, “great leaders often dupe their own + tools; at least, meseemeth that they would reason well so to do. Remember, + I have told thee that there is strong cause to suppose Margaret to be in + London. In the suburbs of the city has also appeared, within the last few + weeks, that strange and dangerous person, whose very objects are a + mystery, save that he is our foe,—Robin of Redesdale. The men of the + North have exhibited a spirit of insurrection; a man of that country + attends this reputed wizard, and he himself was favoured in past times by + Henry of Windsor. These are ominous signs when the conjunctions be + considered!” + </p> + <p> + “It is well said; but a fair day for breathing our palfrey is half-spent!” + returned the indolent prince. “By’r Lady! I like the fashion of thy + super-tunic well, Richard; but thou hast it too much puffed over the + shoulders.” + </p> + <p> + Richard’s dark eye shot fire, and he gnawed his lip as he answered, “God + hath not given to me the fair shape of my kinsmen.” + </p> + <p> + “Thy pardon, dear boy,” said Edward, kindly; “yet little needest thou our + broad backs and strong sinews, for thou hast a tongue to charm women and a + wit to command men.” + </p> + <p> + Richard bowed his face, little less beautiful than his brother’s, though + wholly different from it in feature, for Edward had the long oval + countenance, the fair hair, the rich colouring, and the large outline of + his mother, the Rose of Raby. Richard, on the contrary, had the short + face, the dark brown locks, and the pale olive complexion of his father, + whom he alone of the royal brothers strikingly resembled. [Pol. Virg. + 544.] + </p> + <p> + The cheeks, too, were somewhat sunken, and already, though scarcely past + childhood, about his lips were seen the lines of thoughtful manhood. But + then those small features, delicately aquiline, were so regular; that dark + eye was so deep, so fathomless in its bright, musing intelligence; that + quivering lip was at once so beautifully formed and so expressive of + intellectual subtlety and haughty will; and that pale forehead was so + massive, high, and majestic,—that when, at a later period, the + Scottish prelate [Archibald Quhitlaw.—“Faciem tuam summo imperio + principatu dignam inspicit, quam moralis et heroica, virtus illustrat,” + etc.—We need scarcely observe that even a Scotchman would not have + risked a public compliment to Richard’s face, if so inappropriate as to + seem a sarcasm, especially as the orator immediately proceeds to notice + the shortness of Richard’s stature,—a comment not likely to have + been peculiarly acceptable in the Rous Roll, the portrait of Richard + represents him as undersized, but compactly and strongly built, and + without any sign of deformity, unless the inelegant defect of a short neck + can be so called.] commended Richard’s “princely countenance,” the + compliment was not one to be disputed, much less contemned. But now as he + rose, obedient to a whisper from the duchess, and followed her to the + window, while Edward appeared engaged in admiring the shape of his own + long, upturned shoes, those defects in his shape which the popular hatred + and the rise of the House of Tudor exaggerated into the absolute deformity + that the unexamining ignorance of modern days and Shakspeare’s fiery + tragedy have fixed into established caricature, were sufficiently + apparent. Deformed or hunchbacked we need scarcely say he was not, for no + man so disfigured could have possessed that great personal strength which + he invariably exhibited in battle, despite the comparative slightness of + his frame. He was considerably below the ordinary height, which the great + stature of his brother rendered yet more disadvantageous by contrast; but + his lower limbs were strong-jointed and muscular. Though the back was not + curved, yet one shoulder was slightly higher than the other, which was the + more observable from the evident pains that he took to disguise it, and + the gorgeous splendour, savouring of personal coxcombry—from which + no Plantagenet was ever free,—that he exhibited in his dress. And + as, in a warlike age, the physical conformation of men is always + critically regarded, so this defect and that of his low stature were not + so much redeemed as they would be in our day by the beauty and + intelligence of his face. Added to this, his neck was short, and a habit + of bending his head on his bosom (arising either from thought, or the + affectation of humility, which was a part of his character) made it seem + shorter still. But this peculiarity, while taking from the grace, added to + the strength of his frame, which, spare, sinewy, and compact, showed to an + observer that power of endurance, that combination of solid stubbornness + and active energy, which, at the battle of Barnet, made him no less + formidable to encounter than the ruthless sword of the mighty Edward. + </p> + <p> + “So, prince,” said the duchess, “this new gentleman of the king’s is, it + seems, a Nevile. When will Edward’s high spirit cast off that hateful + yoke?” + </p> + <p> + Richard sighed and shook his head. The duchess, encouraged by these signs + of sympathy, continued,— + </p> + <p> + “Your brother Clarence, Prince Richard, despises us, to cringe to the + proud earl. But you—” + </p> + <p> + “I am not suitor to the Lady Isabel; Clarence is overlavish, and Isabel + has a fair face and a queenly dowry.” + </p> + <p> + “May I perish,” said the duchess, “ere Warwick’s daughter wears the + baudekin of royalty, and sits in as high a state as the queen’s mother! + Prince, I would fain confer with thee; we have a project to abase and + banish this hateful lord. If you but join us, success is sure; the Count + of Charolois—” + </p> + <p> + “Dear lady,” interrupted Richard, with an air of profound humility, “tell + me nothing of plot or project; my years are too few for such high and + subtle policy; and the Lord Warwick hath been a leal friend to our House + of York.” + </p> + <p> + The duchess bit her lip—“Yet I have heard you tell Edward that a + subject can be too powerful?” + </p> + <p> + “Never, lady! you have never heard me.” + </p> + <p> + “Then Edward has told Elizabeth that you so spoke.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah,” said Richard, turning away with a smile, “I see that the king’s + conscience hath a discreet keeper. Pardon me, Edward, now that he hath + sufficiently surveyed his shoon, must marvel at this prolonged colloquy. + And see, the door opens.” + </p> + <p> + With this, the duke slowly moved to the table, and resumed his seat. + </p> + <p> + Marmaduke, full of fear for his ancient host, had in vain sought an + opportunity to address a few words of exhortation to him to forbear all + necromancy, and to abstain from all perilous distinctions between the + power of Edward IV. and that of his damnable Nature and Science; but + Catesby watched him with so feline a vigilance, that he was unable to slip + in more than—“Ah, Master Warner, for our blessed Lord’s sake, + recollect that rack and cord are more than mere words here!” To the which + pleasant remark, Adam, then busy in filling his miniature boiler, only + replied by a wistful stare, not in the least recognizing the Nevile in his + fine attire, and the new-fashioned mode of dressing his long hair. + </p> + <p> + But Catesby watched in vain for the abstraction of any treasonable + contents in the engine, which the Duke of Gloucester had so shrewdly + suspected. The truth must be told. Adam had entirely forgotten that in the + intricacies of his mechanical lurked the papers that might overthrow a + throne! Magnificent Incarnation was he (in that oblivion) of Science + itself, which cares not a jot for men and nations, in their ephemeral + existences; which only remembers THINGS,—things that endure for + ages; and in its stupendous calculations loses sight of the unit of a + generation! No, he had thoroughly forgotten Henry, Edward, his own limbs + and life,—not only York and Lancaster, but Adam Warner and the rack. + Grand in his forgetfulness, he stood before the tiger and the tiger-cat,—Edward + and—Richard,—A Pure Thought, a Man’s Soul; Science fearless in + the presence of Cruelty, Tyranny, Craft, and Power. + </p> + <p> + In truth, now that Adam was thoroughly in his own sphere, was in the + domain of which he was king, and those beings in velvet and ermine were + but as ignorant savages admitted to the frontier of his realm, his form + seemed to dilate into a majesty the beholders had not before recognized; + and even the lazy Edward muttered involuntarily, “By my halidame, the man + has a noble presence!” + </p> + <p> + “I am prepared now, sire,” said Adam, loftily, “to show to my king and to + this court, that, unnoticed and obscure, in study and retreat, often live + those men whom kings may be proud to call their subjects. Will it please + you, my lords, this way!” and he motioned so commandingly to the room in + which he had left the Eureka, that his audience rose by a common impulse, + and in another minute stood grouped round the model in the adjoining + chamber. This really wonderful invention—so wonderful, indeed, that + it will surpass the faith of those who do not pause to consider what vast + forestallments of modern science have been made and lost in the darkness + of ages not fitted to receive them—was, doubtless, in many important + details not yet adapted for the practical uses to which Adam designed its + application. But as a mere model, as a marvellous essay, for the + suggestion of gigantic results, it was, perhaps, to the full as effective + as the ingenuity of a mechanic of our own day could construct. It is true + that it was crowded with unnecessary cylinders, slides, cocks, and wheals—hideous + and clumsy to the eye—but through this intricacy the great simple + design accomplished its main object. It contrived to show what force and + skill man can obtain from the alliance of nature; the more clearly, + inasmuch as the mechanism affixed to it, still more ingenious than itself, + was well calculated to illustrate practically one of the many uses to + which the principle was destined to be applied. + </p> + <p> + Adam had not yet fathomed the secret by which to supply the miniature + cylinder with sufficient steam for any prolonged effect,—the great + truth of latent heat was unknown to him; but he had contrived to regulate + the supply of water so as to make the engine discharge its duties + sufficiently for the satisfaction of curiosity and the explanation of its + objects. And now this strange thing of iron was in full life. From its + serpent chimney issued the thick rapid smoke, and the groan of its travail + was heard within. + </p> + <p> + “And what propose you to yourself and to the kingdom in all this, Master + Adam?” asked Edward, curiously bending his tall person over the tortured + iron. + </p> + <p> + “I propose to make Nature the labourer of man,” answered Warner. “When I + was a child of some eight years old, I observed that water swelleth into + vapour when fire is applied to it. Twelve years afterwards, at the age of + twenty, I observed that while undergoing this change it exerts a mighty + mechanical force. At twenty-five, constantly musing, I said, ‘Why should + not that force become subject to man’s art?’ I then began the first rude + model, of which this is the descendant. I noticed that the vapour so + produced is elastic,—that is, that as it expands, it presses against + what opposes it; it has a force applicable everywhere force is needed by + man’s labour. Behold a second agency of gigantic resources! And then, + still studying this, I perceived that the vapour thus produced can be + reconverted into water, shrinking necessarily, while so retransformed, + from the space it filled as vapour, and leaving that space a vacuum. But + Nature abhors a vacuum; produce a vacuum, and the bodies that surround + rush into it. Thus, the vapour again, while changing back into water, + becomes also a force,—our agent. And all the while these truths were + shaping themselves to my mind, I was devising and improving also the + material form by which I might render them useful to man; so at last, out + of these truths, arose this invention!” + </p> + <p> + “Pardie,” said Edward, with the haste natural to royalty, “what in common + there can be between thy jargon of smoke and water and this huge ugliness + of iron passeth all understanding. But spare us thy speeches, and on to + thy puppet-show.” + </p> + <p> + Adam stared a moment at the king in the surprise that one full of his + subject feels when he sees it impossible to make another understand it, + sighed, shook his head, and prepared to begin. + </p> + <p> + “Observe,” he said, “that there is no juggling, no deceit. I will place in + this deposit this small lump of brass—would the size of this toy + would admit of larger experiment! I will then pray ye to note, as I open + door after door, how the metal passes through various changes, all + operated by this one agency of vapour. Heed and attend. And if the + crowning work please thee, think, great king, what such an agency upon the + large scale would be to thee; think how it would multiply all arts and + lessen all labour; think that thou hast, in this, achieved for a whole + people the true philosopher’s stone. Now note!” + </p> + <p> + He placed the rough ore in its receptacle, and suddenly it seemed seized + by a vice within, and vanished. He proceeded then, while dexterously + attending to the complex movements, to open door after door, to show the + astonished spectators the rapid transitions the metal underwent, and + suddenly, in the midst of his pride, he stopped short, for, like a + lightning-flash, came across his mind the remembrance of the fatal papers. + Within the next door he was to open, they lay concealed. His change of + countenance did not escape Richard, and he noted the door which Adam + forbore to open, as the student hurriedly, and with some presence of mind, + passed to the next, in which the metal was shortly to appear. + </p> + <p> + “Open this door,” said the prince, pointing to the handle. “No! forbear! + There is danger! forbear!” exclaimed the mechanician. + </p> + <p> + “Danger to thine own neck, varlet and impostor!” exclaimed the duke; and + he was about himself to open the door, when suddenly a loud roar, a + terrific explosion was heard. Alas! Adam Warner had not yet discovered for + his engine what we now call the safety-valve. The steam contained in the + miniature boiler had acquired an undue pressure; Adam’s attention had been + too much engrossed to notice the signs of the growing increase, and the + rest may be easily conceived. Nothing could equal the stupor and the + horror of the spectators at this explosion, save only the boy-duke, who + remained immovable, and still frowning. All rushed to the door, huddling + one on the other, scarcely knowing what next was to befall them, but + certain that the wizard was bent upon their destruction. Edward was the + first to recover himself; and seeing that no lives were lost, his first + impulse was that of ungovernable rage. + </p> + <p> + “Foul traitor!” he exclaimed, “was it for this that thou hast pretended to + beguile us with thy damnable sorceries? Seize him! Away to the Tower Hill! + and let the priest patter an ave while the doomsman knots the rope.” + </p> + <p> + Not a hand stirred; even Catesby would as lief have touched the king’s + lion before meals, as that poor mechanician, standing aghast, and + unheeding all, beside his mutilated engine. + </p> + <p> + “Master Nevile,” said the king, sternly, “dost thou hear us? + </p> + <p> + “Verily,” muttered the Nevile, approaching very slowly, “I knew what would + happen; but to lay hands on my host, an’ he were fifty times a wizard—No! + My liege,” he said in a firm tone, but falling on his knee, and his + gallant countenance pale with generous terror, “my liege, forgive me. This + man succoured me when struck down and wounded by a Lancastrian ruffian; + this man gave me shelter, food, and healing. Command me not, O gracious my + lord, to aid in taking the life of one to whom I owe my own.” + </p> + <p> + “His life!” exclaimed the Duchess of Bedford,—“the life of this most + illustrious person! Sire, you do not dream it!” + </p> + <p> + “Heh! by the saints, what now?” cried the king, whose choler, though + fierce and ruthless, was as short-lived as the passions of the indolent + usually are, and whom the earnest interposition of his mother-in-law much + surprised and diverted. “If, fair belle-mere, thou thinkest it so + illustrious a deed to frighten us out of our mortal senses, and narrowly + to ‘scape sending us across the river like a bevy of balls from a bombard, + there is no disputing of tastes. Rise up, Master Nevile, we esteem thee + not less for thy boldness; ever be the host and the benefactor revered by + English gentlemen and Christian youth. Master Warner may go free.” + </p> + <p> + Here Warner uttered so deep and hollow a groan, that it startled all + present. + </p> + <p> + “Twenty-five years of labour, and not to have seen this!” he ejaculated. + “Twenty and five years, and all wasted! How repair this disaster? O fatal + day!” + </p> + <p> + “What says he? What means he?” said Jacquetta. + </p> + <p> + “Come home!—home!” said Marmaduke, approaching the philosopher, in + great alarm lest he should once more jeopardize his life. But Adam, + shaking him off, began eagerly, and with tremulous hands, to examine the + machine, and not perceiving any mode by which to guard in future against a + danger that he saw at once would, if not removed, render his invention + useless, tottered to a chair and covered his face with his hands. + </p> + <p> + “He seemeth mightily grieved that our bones are still whole!” muttered + Edward. “And why, belle-mere mine, wouldst thou protect this pleasant + tregetour?” + </p> + <p> + “What!” said the duchess, “see you not that a man capable of such devices + must be of doughty service against our foes?” + </p> + <p> + “Not I. How?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, if merely to signify his displeasure at our young Richard’s + over-curious meddling, he can cause this strange engine to shake the + walls,—nay, to destroy itself,—think what he might do were his + power and malice at our disposing. I know something of these + nigromancers.” + </p> + <p> + “And would you knew less! for already the commons murmur at your favour to + them. But be it as you will. And now—ho, there! let our steeds be + caparisoned.” + </p> + <p> + “You forget, sire,” said Richard, who had hitherto silently watched the + various parties, “the object for which we summoned this worthy man. Please + you now, sir, to open that door.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no!” exclaimed the king, hastily, “I will have no more provoking the + foul fiend; conspirator or not, I have had enough of Master Warner. Pah! + My poor placard is turned lampblack. Sweet mother-in-law, take him under + thy protection; and Richard, come with me.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, the king linked his arm in that of the reluctant Gloucester, + and quitted the room. The duchess then ordered the rest also to depart, + and was left alone with the crest-fallen philosopher. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. MY LADY DUCHESS’S OPINION OF THE UTILITY OF MASTER WARNER’S + INVENTION, AND HER ESTEEM FOR ITS—EXPLOSION. + </h2> + <p> + Adam, utterly unheeding, or rather deaf to, the discussion that had taken + place, and his narrow escape from cord and gibbet, lifted his head + peevishly from his bosom, as the duchess rested her hand almost + caressingly on his shoulder, and thus addressed him,— + </p> + <p> + “Most puissant Sir, think not that I am one of those who, in their + ignorance and folly, slight the mysteries of which thou art clearly so + great a master. When I heard thee speak of subjecting Nature to Man, I at + once comprehended thee, and blushed for the dulness of my kindred.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, lady, thou hast studied, then, the mathematics. Alack! this is a + grievous blow; but it is no inherent fault in the device. I am clearly of + mind that it can be remedied. But oh! what time, what thought, what + sleepless nights, what gold will be needed!” + </p> + <p> + “Give me thy sleepless nights and thy grand thoughts, and thou shalt not + want gold.” + </p> + <p> + “Lady,” cried Adam, starting to his feet, “do I hear aright? Art thou, in + truth, the patron I have so long dreamed of? Hast thou the brain and the + heart to aid the pursuits of science?” + </p> + <p> + “Ay! and the power to protect the students! Sage, I am the Duchess of + Bedford, whom men accuse of witchcraft,—as thee of wizardy. From the + wife of a private gentleman, I have become the mother of a queen. I stand + amidst a court full of foes; I desire gold to corrupt, and wisdom to guard + against, and means to destroy them. And I seek all these in men like + thee!” + </p> + <p> + Adam turned on her his bewildered eyes, and made no answer. + </p> + <p> + “They tell me,” said the duchess, “that Henry of Windsor employed learned + men to transmute the baser metals into gold. Wert thou one of them?” + </p> + <p> + “No.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou knowest that art?” + </p> + <p> + “I studied it in my youth, but the ingredients of the crucible were too + costly.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou shalt not lack them with me. Thou knowest the lore of the stars, and + canst foretell the designs of enemies,—the hour whether to act or to + forbear?” + </p> + <p> + “Astrology I have studied, but that also was in youth; for there dwelleth + in the pure mathematics that have led me to this invention—” + </p> + <p> + “Truce with that invention, whatever it be; think of it no more,—it + has served its end in the explosion, which proved thy power of mischief. + High objects are now before thee. Wilt thou be of my household, one of my + alchemists and astrologers? Thou shalt have leisure, honour, and all the + moneys thou canst need.” + </p> + <p> + “Moneys!” said Adam, eagerly, and casting his eyes upon the mangled model. + “Well, I agree; what you will,—alchemist, astrologist, wizard,—what + you will. This shall all be repaired,—all; I begin to see now, all! + I begin to see; yes, if a pipe by which the too-excessive vapour could—ay, + ay!—right, right,” and he rubbed his hands. + </p> + <p> + Jacquetta was struck with his enthusiasm. “But surely, Master Warner, this + has some virtue you have not vouchsafed to explain; confide in me, can it + change iron to gold?” + </p> + <p> + “No; but—” + </p> + <p> + “Can it predict the future?” + </p> + <p> + “No; but—” + </p> + <p> + “Can it prolong life?” + </p> + <p> + “No; but—” + </p> + <p> + “Then, in God’s name let us waste no more time about it!” said the + duchess, impatiently,—“your art is mine now. Ho, there!—I will + send my page to conduct thee to thy apartments, and thou shalt lodge next + to Friar Bungey, a man of wondrous lere, Master Warner, and a worthy + confrere in thy researches. Hast thou any one of kith and kin at home to + whom thou wilt announce thy advancement?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, lady! Heaven forgive me, I have a daughter,—an only child,—my + Sibyll; I cannot leave her alone, and—” + </p> + <p> + “Well, nothing should distract thy cares from thine art,—she shall + be sent for. I will rank her amongst my maidens. Fare-thee-well, Master + Warner! At night I will send for thee, and appoint the tasks I would have + thee accomplish.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, the duchess quitted the room, and left Adam alone, bending over + his model in deep revery. + </p> + <p> + From this absorption it was the poor man’s fate to be again aroused. + </p> + <p> + The peculiar character of the boy-prince of Gloucester was that of one + who, having once seized upon an object, never willingly relinquished it. + First, he crept and slid and coiled round it as the snake. But if craft + failed, his passion, roused by resistance, sprang at his prey with a + lion’s leap: and whoever examines the career of this extraordinary + personage, will perceive, that whatever might be his habitual hypocrisy, + he seemed to lose sight of it wholly when once resolved upon force. Then + the naked ferocity with which the destructive propensity swept away the + objects in his path becomes fearfully and startlingly apparent, and offers + a strange contrast to the wily duplicity with which, in calmer moments, he + seems to have sought to coax the victim into his folds. Firmly convinced + that Adam’s engine had been made the medium of dangerous and treasonable + correspondence with the royal prisoner, and of that suspicious, restless, + feverish temperament which never slept when a fear was wakened, a doubt + conceived, he had broke from his brother, whose more open valour and less + unquiet intellect were ever willing to leave the crown defended but by the + gibbet for the detected traitor, the sword for the declared foe; and + obtaining Edward’s permission “to inquire further into these strange + matters,” he sent at once for the porter who had conveyed the model to the + Tower; but that suspicious accomplice was gone. The sound of the explosion + of the engine had no less startled the guard below than the spectators + above. Releasing their hold of their prisoner, they had some taken fairly + to their heels, others rushed into the palace to learn what mischief had + ensued; and Hugh, with the quick discretion of his north country, had not + lost so favourable an opportunity for escape. There stood the dozing mule + at the door below, but the guide was vanished. More confirmed in his + suspicions by this disappearance of Adam’s companion, Richard, giving some + preparatory orders to Catesby, turned at once to the room which still held + the philosopher and his device. He closed the door on entering, and his + brow was dark and sinister as he approached the musing inmate. But here we + must return to Sibyll. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. THE OLD WOMAN TALKS OF SORROWS, THE YOUNG WOMAN DREAMS OF + LOVE; THE COURTIER FLIES FROM PRESENT POWER TO REMEMBRANCES OF PAST HOPES, + AND THE WORLD-BETTERED OPENS UTOPIA, WITH A VIEW OF + </h2> + <p> + THE GIBBET FOR THE SILLY SAGE HE HAS SEDUCED INTO HIS SCHEMES,—SO, + EVER AND EVERMORE, RUNS THE WORLD AWAY! + </p> + <p> + The old lady looked up from her embroidery-frame, as Sibyll sat musing on + a stool before her; she scanned the maiden with a wistful and somewhat + melancholy eye. + </p> + <p> + “Fair girl,” she said, breaking a silence that had lasted for some + moments, “it seems to me that I have seen thy face before. Wert thou never + in Queen Margaret’s court?” + </p> + <p> + “In childhood, yes, lady.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you not remember me, the dame of Longueville?” Sibyll started in + surprise, and gazed long before she recognized the features of her + hostess; for the dame of Longueville had been still, when Sibyll was a + child at the court, renowned for matronly beauty, and the change was + greater than the lapse of years could account for. The lady smiled sadly: + “Yes, you marvel to see me thus bent and faded. Maiden, I lost my husband + at the battle of St. Alban’s, and my three sons in the field of Towton. My + lands and my wealth have been confiscated to enrich new men; and to one of + them—one of the enemies of the only king whom Alice de Longueville + will acknowledge—I owe the food for my board and the roof for my + head. Do you marvel now that I am so changed?” + </p> + <p> + Sibyll rose and kissed the lady’s hand, and the tear that sparkled on its + surface was her only answer. + </p> + <p> + “I learn,” said the dame of Longueville, “that your father has an order + from the Lord Hastings to see King Henry. I trust that he will rest here + as he returns, to tell me how the monarch-saint bears his afflictions. But + I know: his example should console us all.” She paused a moment, and + resumed, “Sees your father much of the Lord Hastings?” + </p> + <p> + “He never saw him that I weet of,” answered Sibyll, blushing; “the order + was given, but as of usual form to a learned scholar.” + </p> + <p> + “But given to whom?” persisted the lady. “To—to me,” replied Sibyll, + falteringly. The dame of Longueville smiled. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Hastings could scarcely say no to a prayer from such rosy lips. But + let me not imply aught to disparage his humane and gracious heart. To Lord + Hastings, next to God and his saints, I owe all that is left to me on + earth. Strange that he is not yet here! This is the usual day and hour on + which he comes, from pomp and pleasurement, to visit the lonely widow.” + And, pleased to find an attentive listener to her grateful loquacity, the + dame then proceeded, with warm eulogies upon her protector, to inform + Sibyll that her husband had, in the first outbreak of the Civil War, + chanced to capture Hastings, and, moved by his valour and youth, and some + old connections with his father, Sir Leonard, had favoured his escape from + the certain death that awaited him from the wrath of the relentless + Margaret. After the field of Towton, Hastings had accepted one of the + manors confiscated from the attainted House of Longueville, solely that he + might restore it to the widow of the fallen lord; and with a chivalrous + consideration, not contented with beneficence, he omitted no occasion to + show to the noblewoman whatever homage and respect might soothe the pride, + which, in the poverty of those who have been great, becomes disease. The + loyalty of the Lady Longueville was carried to a sentiment most rare in + that day, and rather resembling the devotion inspired by the later + Stuarts. She made her home within the precincts of the Tower, that, + morning and eve, when Henry opened his lattice to greet the rising and the + setting sun, she might catch a dim and distant glance of the captive king, + or animate, by that sad sight, the hopes and courage of the Lancastrian + emissaries, to whom, fearless of danger, she scrupled not to give counsel, + and, at need, asylum. + </p> + <p> + While Sibyll, with enchanted sense, was listening to the praise of + Hastings, a low knock at the door was succeeded by the entrance of that + nobleman himself. Not to Elizabeth, in the alcoves of Shene, or on the + dais of the palace hall, did the graceful courtier bend with more + respectful reverence than to the powerless widow, whose very bread was his + alms; for the true high-breeding of chivalry exists not without delicacy + of feeling, formed originally by warmth of heart; and though the warmth + may lose its glow, the delicacy endures, as the steel that acquires + through heat its polish retains its lustre, even when the shine but + betrays the hardness. + </p> + <p> + “And how fares my noble lady of Longueville? But need I ask? for her cheek + still wears the rose of Lancaster. A companion? Ha! Mistress Warner, I + learn now how much pleasure exists in surprise!” + </p> + <p> + “My young visitor,” said the dame, “is but an old friend; she was one of + the child-maidens reared at the court of Queen Margaret.” + </p> + <p> + “In sooth!” exclaimed Hastings; and then, in an altered tone, he added, + “but I should have guessed so much grace had not come all from Nature. And + your father has gone to see the Lord Henry, and you rest, here, his + return? Ah, noble lady, may you harbour always such innocent + Lancastrians!” The fascinations of this eminent person’s voice and manner + were such that they soon restored Sibyll, to the ease she had lost at his + sudden entrance. He conversed gayly with the old dame upon such matters of + court anecdote as in all the changes of state were still welcome to one so + long accustomed to court air; but from time to time he addressed himself + to Sibyll, and provoked replies which startled herself—for she was + not yet well aware of her own gifts—by their spirit and + intelligence. + </p> + <p> + “You do not tell us,” said the Lady Longueville, sarcastically, “of the + happy spousailles of Elizabeth’s brother with the Duchess of Norfolk,—a + bachelor of twenty, a bride of some eighty-two. [The old chronicler justly + calls this a “diabolical marriage.” It greatly roused the wrath of the + nobles and indeed of all honourable men, as a proof of the shameless + avarice of the queen’s family.] Verily, these alliances are new things in + the history of English royalty. But when Edward, who, even if not a + rightful king, is at least a born Plantagenet, condescended to marry + Mistress Elizabeth, a born Woodville, scarce of good gentleman’s blood, + naught else seems strange enough to provoke marvel.” + </p> + <p> + “As to the last matter,” returned Hastings, gravely, “though her grace the + queen be no warm friend to me, I must needs become her champion and the + king’s. The lady who refused the dishonouring suit of the fairest prince + and the boldest knight in the Christian world thereby made herself worthy + of the suit that honoured her; it was not Elizabeth Woodville alone that + won the purple. On the day she mounted a throne, the chastity of woman + herself was crowned.” + </p> + <p> + “What!” said the Lady Longueville, angrily, “mean you to say that there is + no disgrace in the mal-alliance of kite and falcon, of Plantagenet and + Woodville, of high-born and mud-descended?” + </p> + <p> + “You forget, lady, that the widow of Henry the Fifth, Catherine of Valois, + a king’s daughter, married the Welsh soldier, Owen Tudor; that all England + teems with brave men born from similar spousailles, where love has + levelled all distinctions, and made a purer hearth, and raised a bolder + offspring, than the lukewarm likings of hearts that beat but for lands and + gold. Wherefore, lady, appeal not to me, a squire of dames, a believer in + the old Parliament of Love; whoever is fair and chaste, gentle and loving, + is, in the eyes of William de Hastings, the mate and equal of a king!” + </p> + <p> + Sibyll turned involuntarily as the courtier spoke thus, with animation in + his voice, and fire in his eyes; she turned, and her breath came quick; + she turned, and her look met his, and those words and that look sank deep + into her heart; they called forth brilliant and ambitious dreams; they + rooted the growing love, but they aided to make it holy; they gave to the + delicious fancy what before it had not paused, on its wing, to sigh for; + they gave it that without which all fancy sooner or later dies; they gave + it that which, once received in a noble heart, is the excuse for untiring + faith; they gave it,—HOPE! + </p> + <p> + “And thou wouldst say,” replied the lady of Longueville, with a meaning + smile, still more emphatically—“thou wouldst say that a youth, brave + and well nurtured, ambitious and loving, ought, in the eyes of rank and + pride, to be the mate and equal of—” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, noble dame,” interrupted Hastings, quickly, “I must not prolong + encounter with so sharp a wit. Let me leave that answer to this fair + maiden, for by rights it is a challenge to her sex, not to mine.” + </p> + <p> + “How say you, then, Mistress Warner?” said the dame. “Suppose a young + heiress, of the loftiest birth, of the broadest lands, of the comeliest + form—suppose her wooed by a gentleman poor and stationless, but with + a mighty soul, born to achieve greatness, would she lower herself by + hearkening to his suit?” + </p> + <p> + “A maiden, methinks,” answered Sibyll, with reluctant but charming + hesitation, “cannot love truly if she love unworthily; and if she love + worthily, it is not rank nor wealth she loves.” + </p> + <p> + “But her parents, sweet mistress, may deem differently; and should not her + love refuse submission to their tyranny?” asked Hastings. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, good my lord, nay,” returned Sibyll, shaking her head with + thoughtful demureness. “Surely the wooer, if he love worthily, will not + press her to the curse of a child’s disobedience and a parent’s wrath!” + </p> + <p> + “Shrewdly answered,” said the dame of Longueville. “Then she would + renounce the poor gentleman if the parent ordain her to marry a rich lord. + Ah, you hesitate, for a woman’s ambition is pleased with the excuse of a + child’s obedience.” + </p> + <p> + Hastings said this so bitterly that Sibyll could not but perceive that + some personal feeling gave significance to his words. Yet how could they + be applied to him,—to one now in rank and repute equal to the + highest below the throne? + </p> + <p> + “If the demoiselle should so choose,” said the dame of Longueville, “it + seemeth to me that the rejected suitor might find it facile to disdain and + to forget.” + </p> + <p> + Hastings made no reply; but that remarkable and deep shade of melancholy + which sometimes in his gayest hours startled those who beheld it, and + which had, perhaps, induced many of the prophecies that circulated as to + the untimely and violent death that should close his bright career, + gathered like a cloud over his brow. At this moment the door opened + gently, and Robert Hilyard stood at the aperture. He was clad in the dress + of a friar, but the raised cowl showed his features to the lady of + Longueville, to whom alone he was visible; and those bold features were + literally haggard with agitation and alarm. He lifted his finger to his + lips, and motioning the lady to follow him, closed the door. + </p> + <p> + The dame of Longueville rose, and praying her visitors to excuse her + absence for a few moments, she left Hastings and Sibyll to themselves. + </p> + <p> + “Lady,” said Hilyard, in a hollow whisper, as soon as the dame appeared in + the low hall, communicating on the one hand with the room just left, on + the other with the street, “I fear all will be detected. Hush! Adam and + the iron coffer that contains the precious papers have been conducted to + Edward’s presence. A terrible explosion, possibly connected with the + contrivance, caused such confusion among the guards that Hugh escaped to + scare me with his news. Stationed near the gate in this disguise, I + ventured to enter the courtyard, and saw—saw—the TORMENTOR! + the torturer, the hideous, masked minister of agony, led towards the + chambers in which our hapless messenger is examined by the ruthless + tyrants. Gloucester, the lynx-eyed mannikin, is there!” + </p> + <p> + “O Margaret, my queen,” exclaimed the lady of Longueville, “the papers + will reveal her whereabout.” + </p> + <p> + “No, she is safe!” returned Hilyard; “but thy poor scholar, I tremble for + him, and for the heads of all whom the papers name.” + </p> + <p> + “What can be done! Ha! Lord Hastings is here,—he is ever humane and + pitiful. Dare we confide in him?” + </p> + <p> + A bright gleam shot over Hilyard’s face. “Yes, yes; let me confer with him + alone. I wait him here,—quick!” The lady hastened back. Hastings was + conversing in a low voice with Sibyll. The dame of Longueville whispered + in the courtier’s ear, drew him into the hall, and left him alone with the + false friar, who had drawn the cowl over his face. + </p> + <p> + “Lord Hastings,” said Hilyard, speaking rapidly, “you are in danger, if + not of loss of life, of loss of favour. You gave a passport to one Warner + to see the ex-king Henry. Warner’s simplicity (for he is innocent) hath + been duped,—he is made the bearer of secret intelligence from the + unhappy gentlemen who still cling to the Lancaster cause. He is suspected, + he is examined; he may be questioned by the torture. If the treason be + discovered, it was thy hand that signed the passport; the queen, thou + knowest, hates thee, the Woodvilles thirst for thy downfall. What handle + may this give them! Fly! my lord,—fly to the Tower; thou mayst yet + be in time; thy wit can screen all that may otherwise be bare. Save this + poor scholar, conceal this correspondence. Hark ye, lord! frown not so + haughtily,—that correspondence names thee as one who hast taken the + gold of Count Charolois, and whom, therefore, King Louis may outbuy. Look + to thyself!” + </p> + <p> + A slight blush passed over the pale brow of the great statesman, but he + answered with a steady voice, “Friar or layman, I care not which, the gold + of the heir of Burgundy was a gift, not a bribe. But I need no threats to + save, if not too late, from rack and gibbet the life of a guiltless man. I + am gone. Hold! bid the maiden, the scholar’s daughter, follow me to the + Tower.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. HOW THE DESTRUCTIVE ORGAN OF PRINCE RICHARD PROMISES GOODLY + DEVELOPMENT. + </h2> + <p> + The Duke of Gloucester approached Adam as he stood gazing on his model. + “Old man,” said the prince, touching him with the point of his sheathed + dagger, “look up and answer. What converse hast thou held with Henry of + Windsor, and who commissioned thee to visit him in his confinement? Speak, + and the truth! for by holy Paul, I am one who can detect a lie, and + without that door stands—the Tormentor!” + </p> + <p> + Upon a pleasing and joyous dream broke these harsh words; for Adam then + was full of the contrivance by which to repair the defect of the engine, + and with this suggestion was blent confusedly the thought that he was now + protected by royalty, that he should have means and leisure to accomplish + his great design, that he should have friends whose power could obtain its + adoption by the king. He raised his eyes, and that young dark face frowned + upon him,—the child menacing the sage, brute force in a pigmy shape, + having authority of life and death over the giant strength of genius. But + these words, which recalled Warner from his existence as philosopher, woke + that of the gentle but brave and honourable man which he was, when reduced + to earth. + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” he said gravely, “if I have consented to hold converse with the + unhappy, it was not as the tell-tale and the spier. I had formal warrant + for my visit, and I was solicited to render it by an early friend and + comrade, who sought to be my benefactor in aiding with gold my poor + studies for the king’s people.” + </p> + <p> + “Tut!” said Richard, impatiently, and playing with his dagger hilt; “thy + words, stealthy and evasive, prove thy guilt! Sure am I that this iron + traitor with its intricate hollows and recesses holds what, unless + confessed, will give thee to the hangman! Confess all, and thou art + spared.” + </p> + <p> + “If,” said Adam, mildly, “your Highness—for though I know not your + quality, I opine that no one less than royal could so menace—if your + Highness imagines that I have been intrusted by a fallen man, wrong me not + by supposing that I could fear death more than dishonour; for certes!” + continued Adam, with innocent pedantry, “to put the case scholastically, + and in the logic familiar, doubtless, to your Highness, either I have + something to confess or I have not; if I have—” + </p> + <p> + “Hound!” interrupted the prince, stamping his foot, “thinkest thou to + banter me,—see!” As his foot shook the floor, the door opened, and a + man with his arms bare, covered from head to foot in a black gown of + serge, with his features concealed by a hideous mask, stood ominously at + the aperture. + </p> + <p> + The prince motioned to the torturer (or tormentor, as he was technically + styled) to approach, which he did noiselessly, till he stood, tall, grim, + and lowering, beside Adam, like some silent and devouring monster by its + prey. + </p> + <p> + “Dost thou repent thy contumacy? A moment, and I render my questioning to + another!” + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” said Adam, drawing himself up, and with so sudden a change of mien, + that his loftiness almost awed even the dauntless Richard,—“sir, my + fathers feared not death when they did battle for the throne of England; + and why?—because in their loyal valour they placed not the interests + of a mortal man, but the cause of imperishable honour! And though their + son be a poor scholar, and wears not the spurs of gold; though his frame + be weak and his hairs gray, he loveth honour also well eno’ to look + without dread on death!” + </p> + <p> + Fierce and ruthless, when irritated and opposed, as the prince was, he was + still in his first youth,—ambition had here no motive to harden him + into stone. He was naturally so brave himself that bravery could not fail + to win from him something of respect and sympathy, and he was taken wholly + by surprise in hearing the language of a knight and hero from one whom he + had regarded but as the artful impostor or the despicable intriguer. + </p> + <p> + He changed countenance as Warner spoke, and remained a moment silent. Then + as a thought occurred to him, at which his features relaxed into a + half-smile, he beckoned to the tormentor, said a word in his ear, and the + horrible intruder nodded and withdrew. + </p> + <p> + “Master Warner,” then said the prince, in his customary sweet and gliding + tones, “it were a pity that so gallant a gentleman should be exposed to + peril for adhesion to a cause that can never prosper, and that would be + fatal, could it prosper, to our common country. For look you, this + Margaret, who is now, we believe, in London” (here he examined Adam’s + countenance, which evinced surprise), “this Margaret, who is seeking to + rekindle the brand and brennen of civil war, has already sold for base + gold to the enemy of the realm, to Louis XI., that very Calais which your + fathers, doubtless, lavished their blood to annex to our possessions. + Shame on the lewd harlot! What woman so bloody and so dissolute? What man + so feeble and craven as her lord?” + </p> + <p> + “Alas! sir,” said Adam, “I am unfitted for these high considerations of + state. I live but for my art, and in it. And now, behold how my kingdom is + shaken and rent!” he pointed with so touching a smile, and so simple a + sadness, to the broken engine, that Richard was moved. + </p> + <p> + “Thou lovest this, thy toy? I can comprehend that love for some dumb thing + that we have toiled for. Ay!” continued the prince, thoughtfully,—“ay! + I have noted myself in life that there are objects, senseless as that + mould of iron, which if we labour at them wind round our hearts as if they + were flesh and blood. So some men love learning, others glory, others + power. Well, man, thou lovest that mechanical? How many years hast thou + been about it?” + </p> + <p> + “From the first to the last, twenty-five years, and it is still + incomplete.” + </p> + <p> + “Um!” said the prince, smiling, “Master Warner, thou hast read of the + judgment of Solomon,—how the wise king discovered the truth by + ordering the child’s death?” + </p> + <p> + “It was indeed,” said Adam, unsuspectingly, “a most shrewd suggestion of + native wit and clerkly wisdom.” + </p> + <p> + “Glad am I thou approvest it, Master Warner,” said Richard. And as he + spoke the tormentor reappeared with a smith, armed with the implements of + his trade. + </p> + <p> + “Good smith, break into pieces this stubborn iron; bare all its + receptacles; leave not one fragment standing on the other! ‘Delenda est + tua Carthago,’ Master Warner. There is Latin in answer to thy logic.” + </p> + <p> + It is impossible to convey any notion of the terror, the rage, the + despair, which seized upon the unhappy sage when these words smote his + ear, and he saw the smith’s brawny arms swing on high the ponderous + hammer. He flung himself between the murderous stroke and his beloved + model. He embraced the grim iron tightly. “Kill me!” he exclaimed + sublimely, “kill me!—not my THOUGHT!” + </p> + <p> + “Solomon was verily and indeed a wise king,” said the duke, with a low + inward laugh. “And now, man, I have thee! To save thy infant, thine art’s + hideous infant, confess the whole!” + </p> + <p> + It was then that a fierce struggle evidently took place in Adam’s bosom. + It was, perhaps—O reader! thou whom pleasure, love, ambition, + hatred, avarice, in thine and our ordinary existence, tempt—it was, + perhaps, to him the one arch-temptation of a life. In the changing + countenance, the heaving breast, the trembling lip, the eyes that closed + and opened to close again, as if to shut out the unworthy weakness,—yea, + in the whole physical man,—was seen the crisis of the moral + struggle. And what, in truth, to him an Edward or a Henry, a Lancaster or + a York? Nothing. But still that instinct, that principle, that conscience, + ever strongest in those whose eyes are accustomed to the search of truth, + prevailed. So he rose suddenly and quietly, drew himself apart, left his + work to the Destroyer, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “Prince, thou art a boy! Let a boy’s voice annihilate that which should + have served all time. Strike!” + </p> + <p> + Richard motioned; the hammer descended, the engine and its appurtenances + reeled and crashed, the doors flew open, the wheels rattled, the sparks + flew. And Adam Warner fell to the ground, as if the blow had broken his + own heart. Little heeding the insensible victim of his hard and cunning + policy, Richard advanced to the inspection of the interior recesses of the + machinery. But that which promised Adam’s destruction saved him. The heavy + stroke had battered in the receptacle of the documents, had buried them in + the layers of iron. The faithful Eureka, even amidst its injuries and + wrecks, preserved the secret of its master. + </p> + <p> + The prince, with impatient hands, explored all the apertures yet revealed, + and after wasting many minutes in a fruitless search, was about to bid the + smith complete the work of destruction, when the door suddenly opened and + Lord Hastings entered. His quick eye took in the whole scene; he arrested + the lifted arm of the smith, and passing deliberately to Gloucester, said, + with a profound reverence, but a half-reproachful smile, “My lord! my + lord! your Highness is indeed severe upon my poor scholar.” + </p> + <p> + “Canst thou answer for thy scholar’s loyalty?” said the duke, gloomily. + </p> + <p> + Hastings drew the prince aside, and said, in a low tone, “His loyalty! + poor man, I know not; but his guilelessness, surely, yes. Look you, sweet + prince, I know the interest thou hast in keeping well with the Earl of + Warwick, whom I, in sooth, have slight cause to love. Thou hast trusted me + with thy young hopes of the Lady Anne; this new Nevile placed about the + king, and whose fortunes Warwick hath made his care, hath, I have reason + to think, some love passages with the scholar’s daughter,—the + daughter came to me for the passport. Shall this Marmaduke Nevile have it + to say to his fair kinswoman, with the unforgiving malice of a lover’s + memory, that the princely Gloucester stooped to be the torturer of yon + poor old man? If there be treason in the scholar or in yon battered + craft-work, leave the search to me!” + </p> + <p> + The duke raised his dark, penetrating eyes to those of Hastings, which did + not quail; for here world-genius encountered world-genius, and art, art. + </p> + <p> + “Thine argument hath more subtlety and circumlocution than suit with + simple truth,” said the prince, smiling. “But it is enough to Richard that + Hastings wills protection even to a spy!” + </p> + <p> + Hastings kissed the duke’s hand in silence, and going to the door, he + disappeared a moment and returned with Sibyll. As she entered, pale and + trembling, Adam rose, and the girl with a wild cry flew to his bosom. + </p> + <p> + “It is a winsome face, Hastings,” said the duke, dryly. “I pity Master + Nevile the lover, and envy my Lord Chamberlain the protector.” + </p> + <p> + Hastings laughed, for he was well pleased that Richard’s suspicion took + that turn. + </p> + <p> + “And now,” he said, “I suppose Master Nevile and the Duchess of Bedford’s + page may enter. Your guard stopped them hitherto. They come for this + gentleman from her highness the queen’s mother.” + </p> + <p> + “Enter, Master Nevile, and you, Sir Page. What is your errand?” + </p> + <p> + “My lady, the duchess,” said the page, “has sent me to conduct Master + Warner to the apartments prepared for him as her special multiplier and + alchemist.” + </p> + <p> + “What!” said the prince, who, unlike the irritable Clarence, made it his + policy to show all decorous homage to the queen’s kin, “hath that + illustrious lady taken this gentleman into her service? Why announced you + not, Master Warner, what at once had saved you from further questioning? + Lord Hastings, I thank you now for your intercession.” + </p> + <p> + Hastings, in answer, pointed archly at Marmaduke, who was aiding Sibyll to + support her father. “Do you suspect me still, prince?” he whispered. + </p> + <p> + The duke shrugged his shoulders, and Adam, breaking from Marmaduke and + Sibyll, passed with tottering steps to the shattered labour of his + solitary life. He looked at the ruin with mournful despondence, with + quivering lips. “Have you done with me?” then he said, bowing his head + lowlily, for his pride was gone; “may we—that is, I and this, my + poor device—withdraw from your palace? I see we are not fit for + kings!” + </p> + <p> + “Say not so,” said the young duke, gently: “we have now convinced + ourselves of our error, and I crave thy pardon, Master Warner, for my + harsh dealings. As for this, thy toy, the king’s workmen shall set it + right for thee. Smith, call the fellows yonder, to help bear this to—” + He paused, and glanced at Hastings. + </p> + <p> + “To my apartments,” said the chamberlain. “Your Highness may be sure that + I will there inspect it. Fear not, Master Warner; no further harm shall + chance to thy contrivance.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, sir, forgive me,” said the duke. With gracious affability the young + prince held out his hand, the fingers of which sparkled with costly gems, + to the old man. The old man bowed as if his beard would have swept the + earth, but he did not touch the hand. He seemed still in a state between + dream and reason, life and death: he moved not, spoke not, till the men + came to bear the model; and he then followed it, his arms folded in his + gown, till, on entering the court, it was borne in a contrary direction + from his own, to the chamberlain’s apartment; then wistfully pursuing it + with his eyes, he uttered such a sigh as might have come from a resigned + father losing the last glimpse of a beloved son. + </p> + <p> + Richard hesitated a moment, loth to relinquish his research, and doubtful + whether to follow the Eureka for renewed investigation; but partly + unwilling to compromise his dignity in the eyes of Hastings, should his + suspicions prove unfounded, and partly indisposed to risk the displeasure + of the vindictive Duchess of Bedford by further molestation of one now + under her protection, he reluctantly trusted all further inquiry to the + well-known loyalty of Hastings. “If Margaret be in London,” he muttered to + himself as he turned slowly away, “now is the time to seize and chain the + lioness! Ho, Catesby,—hither (a valuable man that Catesby—a + lawyer’s nurturing with a bloodhound’s nature!)—Catesby, while King + Edward rides for pleasure, let thou and I track the scent of his foes. If + the she-wolf of Anjou hath ventured hither, she hides in some convent or + monastery, be sure. See to our palfreys, Catesby! Strange,” added the + prince, muttering to himself, “that I am more restless to guard the crown + than he who wears it! Nay, a crown is a goodly heirloom in a man’s family, + and a fair sight to see near—and near—and near—” + </p> + <p> + The prince abruptly paused, opened and shut his right hand convulsively, + and drew a long sigh. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0027" id="link2H_4_0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BOOK IV. INTRIGUES OF THE COURT OF EDWARD IV. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. MARGARET OF ANJOU. + </h2> + <p> + The day after the events recorded in the last section of this narrative, + and about the hour of noon, Robert Hilyard (still in the reverend disguise + in which he had accosted Hastings) bent his way through the labyrinth of + alleys that wound in dingy confusion from the Chepe towards the river. + </p> + <p> + The purlieus of the Thames, in that day of ineffective police, sheltered + many who either lived upon plunder, or sought abodes that proffered, at + alarm, the facility of flight. Here, sauntering in twos or threes, or + lazily reclined by the threshold of plaster huts, might be seen that + refuse population which is the unholy offspring of civil war,—disbanded + soldiers of either Rose, too inured to violence and strife for peaceful + employment, and ready for any enterprise by which keen steel wins bright + gold. At length our friend stopped before the gate of a small house, on + the very marge of the river, which belonged to one of the many religious + orders then existing; but from its site and aspect denoted the poverty + seldom their characteristic. Here he knocked; the door was opened by a + lay-brother; a sign and a smile were interchanged, and the visitor was + ushered into a room belonging to the superior, but given up for the last + few days to a foreign priest, to whom the whole community appeared to + consider the reverence of a saint was due. And yet this priest, who, + seated alone, by a casement which commanded a partial view of the distant + Tower of London, received the conspirator, was clad in the humblest serge. + His face was smooth and delicate; and the animation of the aspect, the + vehement impatience of the gesture, evinced little of the holy calm that + should belong to those who have relinquished the affairs of earth for + meditation on the things of heaven. To this personage the sturdy Hilyard + bowed his manly knees; and casting himself at the priest’s feet, his eyes, + his countenance, changed from their customary hardihood and recklessness + into an expression at once of reverence and of pity. + </p> + <p> + “Well, man—well, friend—good friend, tried and leal friend, + speak! speak!” exclaimed the priest, in an accent that plainly revealed a + foreign birth. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, gracious lady! all hope is over; I come but to bid you fly. Adam + Warner was brought before the usurper; he escaped, indeed, the torture, + and was faithful to the trust. But the papers—the secret of the + rising—are in the hands of Hastings.” + </p> + <p> + “How long, O Lord,” said Margaret of Anjou, for she it was, under that + reverend disguise, “how long wilt Thou delay the hour of triumph and + revenge?” + </p> + <p> + The princess as she spoke had suffered her hood to fall back, and her + pale, commanding countenance, so well fitted to express fiery and terrible + emotion, wore that aspect in which many a sentenced man had read his doom,—an + aspect the more fearful, inasmuch as the passion that pervaded it did not + distort the features, but left them locked, rigid, and marble-like in + beauty, as the head of the Medusa. + </p> + <p> + “The day will dawn at last,” said Hilyard; “but the judgments of Heaven + are slow. We are favoured, at the least, that our secret is confined to a + man more merciful than his tribe.” He then related to Margaret his + interview with Hastings at the house of the Lady Lougueville, and + continued: “This morning, not an hour since, I sought him (for last + evening he did not leave Edward, a council met at the Tower), and learned + that he had detected the documents in the recesses of Warner’s engine. + Knowing from your Highness and your spies that he had been open to the + gifts of Charolois, I spoke to him plainly of the guerdon that should + await his silence. ‘Friar,’ he answered, ‘if in this court and this world + I have found it were a fool’s virtue to be more pure than others, and if I + know that I should but provoke the wrath of those who profit by Burgundian + gold, were I alone to disdain its glitter, I have still eno’ of my younger + conscience left me not to make barter of human flesh. Did I give these + papers to King Edward, the heads of fifty gallant men, whose error is but + loyalty to their ancient sovereign, would glut the doomsman; but,’ he + continued, ‘I am yet true to my king and his cause; I shall know how to + advise Edward to the frustrating all your schemes. The districts where you + hoped a rising will be guarded, the men ye count upon will be watched: the + Duke of Gloucester, whose vigilance never sleeps, has learned that the + Lady Margaret is in England, disguised as a priest. To-morrow all the + religious houses will be searched; if thou knowest where she lies + concealed, bid her lose not an hour to fly.’” + </p> + <p> + “I Will NOT fly!” exclaimed Margaret; “let Edward, if he dare, proclaim to + my people that their queen is in her city of London. Let him send his + hirelings to seize her. Not in this dress shall she be found. In robes of + state, the sceptre in her hand, shall they drag the consort of their king + to the prison-house of her palace.” + </p> + <p> + “On my knees, great queen, I implore you to be calm; with the loss of your + liberty ends indeed all hope of victory, all chance even of struggle. + Think not Edward’s fears would leave to Margaret the life that his disdain + has spared to your royal spouse. Between your prison and your grave, but + one secret and bloody step! Be ruled; no time to lose! My trusty Hugh even + now waits with his boat below. Relays of horses are ready, night and day, + to bear you to the coast; while seeking your restoration, I have never + neglected the facilities for flight. Pause not, O gracious lady; let not + your son say, ‘My mother’s passion has lost me the hope of my grandsire’s + crown.’” + </p> + <p> + “My boy; my princely boy, my Edward!” exclaimed Margaret, bursting into + tears, all the warrior-queen merged in the remembrance of the fond mother. + “Ah, faithful friend! he is so gallant and so beautiful! Oh, he shall + reward thee well hereafter!” + </p> + <p> + “May he live to crush these barons, and raise this people!” said the + demagogue of Redesdale. “But now, save thyself!” + </p> + <p> + “But what! is it not possible yet to strike the blow? Rather let us spur + to the north; rather let us hasten the hour of action, and raise the Red + Rose through the length and breadth of England!” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, lady, if without warrant from your lord; if without foreign + subsidies; if without having yet ripened the time; if without gold, + without arms, and without one great baron on our side, we forestall a + rising, all that we have gained is lost; and instead of war, you can + scarcely provoke a riot. But for this accursed alliance of Edward’s + daughter with the brother of icy-hearted Louis, our triumph had been + secure. The French king’s gold would have manned a camp, bribed the + discontented lords, and his support have sustained the hopes of the more + leal Lancastrians. But it is in vain to deny, that if Lord Warwick win + Louis—” + </p> + <p> + “He will not! he shall not!—Louis, mine own kinsman!” exclaimed + Margaret, in a voice in which the anguish pierced through the louder tone + of resentment and disdain. + </p> + <p> + “Let us hope that he will not,” replied Hilyard, soothingly; “some chance + may yet break off these nuptials, and once more give us France as our firm + ally. But now we must be patient. Already Edward is fast wearing away the + gloss of his crown; already the great lords desert his court; already, in + the rural provinces, peasant and franklin complain of the exactions of his + minions; already the mighty House of Nevile frowns sullen on the throne it + built. Another year, and who knows but the Earl of Warwick,—the + beloved and the fearless, whose statesman-art alone hath severed from you + the arms and aid of France, at whose lifted finger all England would + bristle with armed men—may ride by the side of Margaret through the + gates of London?” + </p> + <p> + “Evil-omened consoler, never!” exclaimed the princess, starting to her + feet, with eyes that literally shot fire. “Thinkest thou that the spirit + of a queen lies in me so low and crushed, that I, the descendant of + Charlemagne, could forgive the wrongs endured from Warwick and his father? + But thou, though wise and loyal, art of the Commons; thou knowest not how + they feel through whose veins rolls the blood of kings!” + </p> + <p> + A dark and cold shade fell over the bold face of Robin of Redesdale at + these words. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, lady,” he said, with bitterness, “if no misfortune can curb thy + pride, in vain would we rebuild thy throne. It is these Commons, Margaret + of Anjou—these English Commons—this Saxon People, that can + alone secure to thee the holding of the realm which the right arm wins. + And, beshrew me, much as I love thy cause, much as thou hast with thy + sorrows and thy princely beauty glamoured and spelled my heart and my + hand,—ay, so that I, the son of a Lollard, forget the wrongs the + Lollards sustained from the House of Lancaster; so that I, who have seen + the glorious fruitage of a Republic, yet labour for thee, to overshadow + the land with the throne of ONE—yet—yet, lady—yet, if I + thought thou wert to be the same Margaret as of old, looking back to thy + dead kings, and contemptuous of thy living people, I would not bid one + mother’s son lift lance or bill on thy behalf.” + </p> + <p> + So resolutely did Robin of Redesdale utter these words, that the queen’s + haughty eye fell abashed as he spoke; and her craft, or her intellect, + which was keen and prompt where her passions did not deafen and blind her + judgment, instantly returned to her. Few women equalled this once idol of + knight and minstrel, in the subduing fascination that she could exert in + her happier moments. Her affability was as gracious as her wrath was + savage; and with a dignified and winning frankness, she extended her hand + to her ally, as she answered, in a sweet, humble, womanly, and almost + penitent voice,— + </p> + <p> + “O bravest and lealest of friends, forgive thy wretched queen. Her + troubles distract her brain,—chide her not if they sour her speech. + Saints above! will ye not pardon Margaret if at times her nature be turned + from the mother’s milk into streams of gall and bloody purpose, when ye + see, from your homes serene, in what a world of strife and falsehood her + very womanhood hath grown unsexed?” She paused a moment, and her uplifted + eyes shed tears fast and large. Then, with a sigh, she turned to Hilyard, + and resumed more calmly, “Yes, thou art right,—adversity hath taught + me much. And though adversity will too often but feed and not starve our + pride, yet thou—thou hast made me know that there is more of true + nobility in the blunt Children of the People than in many a breast over + which flows the kingly robe. Forgive me, and the daughter of Charlemagne + shall yet be a mother to the Commons, who claim thee as their brother!” + </p> + <p> + Thoroughly melted, Robin of Redesdale bowed over the hand held to his + lips, and his rough voice trembled as he answered, though that answer took + but the shape of prayer. + </p> + <p> + “And now,” said the princess, smiling, “to make peace lasting between us, + I conquer myself, I yield to thy counsels. Once more the fugitive, I + abandon the city that contains Henry’s unheeded prison. See, I am ready. + Who will know Margaret in this attire? Lead on!” + </p> + <p> + Rejoiced to seize advantage of this altered and submissive mood, Robin + instantly took the way through a narrow passage, to a small door + communicating with the river. There Hugh was waiting in a small boat, + moored to the damp and discoloured stairs. + </p> + <p> + Robin, by a gesture, checked the man’s impulse to throw himself at the + feet of the pretended priest, and bade him put forth his best speed. The + princess seated herself by the helm, and the little boat cut rapidly + through the noble stream. Galleys, gay and gilded, with armorial + streamers, and filled with nobles and gallants, passed them, noisy with + mirth or music, on their way. These the fallen sovereign heeded not; but, + with all her faults, the woman’s heart beating in her bosom—she who + in prosperity had so often wrought ruin, and shame, and woe to her gentle + lord; she who had been reckless of her trust as queen; and incurred grave—but, + let us charitably hope, unjust—suspicion of her faith as wife, still + fixed her eyes on the gloomy tower that contained her captive husband, and + felt that she could have forgotten a while even the loss of power if but + permitted to fall on that plighted heart, and weep over the past with the + woe-worn bridegroom of her youth. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. IN WHICH ARE LAID OPEN TO THE READER THE CHARACTER OF EDWARD + THE FOURTH AND THAT OF HIS COURT, WITH THE MACHINATIONS OF THE WOODVILLES + AGAINST THE EARL OF WARWICK. + </h2> + <p> + Scarcely need it be said to those who have looked with some philosophy + upon human life, that the young existence of Master Marmaduke Nevile, once + fairly merged in the great common sea, will rarely reappear before us + individualized and distinct. The type of the provincial cadet of the day + hastening courtwards to seek his fortune, he becomes lost amidst the + gigantic characters and fervid passions that alone stand forth in history. + And as, in reading biography, we first take interest in the individual who + narrates, but if his career shall pass into that broader and more stirring + life, in which he mingles with men who have left a more dazzling memory + than his own, we find the interest change from the narrator to those by + whom he is surrounded and eclipsed,—so, in this record of a time, we + scarce follow our young adventurer into the court of the brilliant Edward + ere the scene itself allures and separates us from our guide; his mission + is, as it were, well-nigh done. We leave, then, for a while this bold, + frank nature-fresh from the health of the rural life—gradually to + improve, or deprave itself, in the companionship it finds. The example of + the Lords Hastings, Scales, and Worcester, and the accomplishments of the + two younger Princes of York, especially the Duke of Gloucester, had + diffused among the younger and gayer part of the court that growing taste + for letters which had somewhat slept during the dynasty of the House of + Lancaster; and Marmaduke’s mind became aware that learning was no longer + the peculiar distinction of the Church, and that Warwick was behind his + age when he boasted “that the sword was more familiar to him than the + pen.” He had the sagacity to perceive that the alliance with the great + earl did not conduce to his popularity at court; and even in the king’s + presence, the courtiers permitted themselves many taunts and jests at the + fiery Warwick, which they would have bitten out their tongues ere they + would have vented before the earl himself. But though the Nevile + sufficiently controlled his native candour not to incur unprofitable + quarrel by ill-mannered and unseasonable defence of the hero-baron when + sneered at or assailed, he had enough of the soldier and the man in him + not to be tainted by the envy of the time and place,—not to lose his + gratitude to his patron, nor his respect for the bulwark of the country. + Rather, it may be said, that Warwick gained in his estimation whenever + compared with the gay and silken personages who avenged themselves by + words for his superiority in deeds. Not only as a soldier, but as a + statesman, the great and peculiar merits of the earl were visible in all + those measures which emanated solely from himself. Though so indifferently + educated, his busy, practical career, his affable mixing with all classes, + and his hearty, national sympathies made him so well acquainted with the + interests of his country and the habits of his countrymen, that he was far + more fitted to rule than the scientific Worcester or the learned Scales. + The Young Duke of Gloucester presented a marked contrast to the general + levity of the court, in speaking of this powerful nobleman. He never named + him but with respect, and was pointedly courteous to even the humblest + member of the earl’s family. In this he appeared to advantage by the side + of Clarence, whose weakness of disposition made him take the tone of the + society in which he was thrown, and who, while really loving Warwick, + often smiled at the jests against him,—not, indeed, if uttered by + the queen or her family, of whom he ill concealed his jealousy and hatred. + </p> + <p> + The whole court was animated and pregnant with a spirit of intrigue, which + the artful cunning of the queen, the astute policy of Jacquetta, and the + animosity of the different factions had fomented to a degree quite unknown + under former reigns. It was a place in which the wit of young men grew old + rapidly; amidst stratagem, and plot, and ambitious design, and stealthy + overreaching, the boyhood of Richard III. passed to its relentless + manhood: such is the inevitable fruit of that era in civilization when a + martial aristocracy first begins to merge into a voluptuous court. + </p> + <p> + Through this moving and shifting web of ambition and intrigue the royal + Edward moved with a careless grace: simple himself, because his object was + won, and pleasure had supplanted ambition. His indolent, joyous temper + served to deaden his powerful intellect; or, rather, his intellect was now + lost in the sensual stream through which it flowed. Ever in pursuit of + some new face, his schemes and counterschemes were limited to cheat a + husband or deceive a wife; and dexterous and successful no doubt they + were. But a vice always more destructive than the love of women began also + to reign over him,—namely, the intemperance of the table. The + fastidious and graceful epicurism of the early Normans, inclined to + dainties but abhorring excess, and regarding with astonished disdain the + heavy meals and deep draughts of the Saxon, had long ceased to + characterize the offspring of that noblest of all noble races. Warwick, + whose stately manliness was disgusted with whatever savoured of effeminacy + or debauch, used to declare that he would rather fight fifty battles for + Edward IV. than once sup with him! Feasts were prolonged for hours, and + the banquets of this king of the Middle Ages almost resembled those of the + later Roman emperors. The Lord Montagu did not share the abstemiousness of + his brother of Warwick. He was, next to Hastings, the king’s chosen and + most favourite companion. He ate almost as much as the king, and drank + very little less. Of few courtiers could the same be said! Over the lavish + profligacy and excess of the court, however, a veil dazzling to the young + and high-spirited was thrown. Edward was thoroughly the cavalier, deeply + imbued with the romance of chivalry, and, while making the absolute woman + his plaything, always treated the ideal woman as a goddess. A refined + gallantry, a deferential courtesy to dame and demoiselle, united the + language of an Amadis with the licentiousness of a Gaolor; and a far more + alluring contrast than the court of Charles II. presented to the grim + Commonwealth seduced the vulgar in that of this most brave and most + beautiful prince, when compared with the mournful and lugubrious circles + in which Henry VI. had reigned and prayed. Edward himself, too, it was so + impossible to judge with severe justice, that his extraordinary popularity + in London, where he was daily seen, was never diminished by his faults; he + was so bold in the field, yet so mild in the chamber; when his passions + slept, he was so thoroughly good-natured and social, so kind to all about + his person, so hearty and gladsome in his talk and in his vices, so + magnificent and so generous withal; and, despite his indolence, his + capacities for business were marvellous,—and these last commanded + the reverence of the good Londoners; he often administered justice + himself, like the caliphs of the East, and with great acuteness and + address. Like most extravagant men, he had a wholesome touch of avarice. + That contempt for commerce which characterizes a modern aristocracy was + little felt by the nobles of that day, with the exception of such blunt + patricians as Lord Warwick or Raoul de Fulke. The great House of De la + Pole (Duke of Suffolk), the heir of which married Edward’s sister + Elizabeth, had been founded by a merchant of Hull. Earls and archbishops + scrupled not to derive revenues from what we should now esteem the literal + resources of trade. [The Abbot of St. Alban’s (temp. Henry III.) was a + vendor of Yarmouth bloaters. The Cistercian Monks were wool-merchants; and + Macpherson tells us of a couple of Iceland bishops who got a license from + Henry VI. for smuggling. (Matthew Paris. Macpherson’s “Annals of + Commerce,” 10.) As the Whig historians generally have thought fit to + consider the Lancastrian cause the more “liberal” of the two, because + Henry IV. was the popular choice, and, in fact, an elected, not an + hereditary king, so it cannot be too emphatically repeated, that the + accession of Edward IV. was the success of two new and two highly—popular + principles,—the one that of church reform, the other that of + commercial calculation. All that immense section, almost a majority of the + people, who had been persecuted by the Lancastrian kings as Lollards, + revenged on Henry the aggrieved rights of religious toleration. On the + other hand, though Henry IV., who was immeasurably superior to his warlike + son in intellect and statesmanship, had favoured the growing commercial + spirit, it had received nothing but injury under Henry V., and little + better than contempt under Henry VI. The accession of the Yorkists was, + then, on two grounds a great popular movement; and it was followed by a + third advantage to the popular cause,—namely, in the determined + desire both of Edward and Richard III. to destroy the dangerous influence + of the old feudal aristocracy. To this end Edward laboured in the creation + of a court noblesse; and Richard, with the more dogged resolution that + belonged to him, went at once to the root of the feudal power, in + forbidding the nobles to give badges and liveries (this also was + forbidden, it is true, by the edict of Edward IV. as well as by his + predecessors from the reign of Richard II.; but no king seems to have had + the courage to enforce the prohibition before Richard III.),—in + other words, to appropriate armies under the name of retainers. Henry + VII., in short, did not originate the policy for which he has monopolized + the credit; he did but steadily follow out the theory of raising the + middle class and humbling the baronial, which the House of York first put + into practice.] shown itself on this point more liberal in its policy, + more free from feudal prejudices, than that of the Plantagenets. Even + Edward II. was tenacious of the commerce with Genoa, and an intercourse + with the merchant princes of that republic probably served to associate + the pursuits of commerce with the notion of rank and power. Edward III. is + still called the Father of English Commerce; but Edward IV. carried the + theories of his ancestors into far more extensive practice, for his own + personal profit. This king, so indolent in the palace, was literally the + most active merchant in the mart. He traded largely in ships of his own, + freighted with his own goods; and though, according to sound modern + economics, this was anything but an aid to commerce, seeing that no + private merchant could compete with a royal trader who went out and came + in duty-free, yet certainly the mere companionship and association in risk + and gain, and the common conversation that it made between the affable + monarch and the homeliest trader, served to increase his popularity, and + to couple it with respect for practical sense. Edward IV. was in all this + pre-eminently THE MAN OF HIS AGE,—not an inch behind it or before! + And, in addition to this happy position, he was one of those darlings of + Nature, so affluent and blest in gifts of person, mind, and outward show, + that it is only at the distance of posterity we ask why men of his own age + admired the false, the licentious, and the cruel, where those + contemporaries, over-dazzled, saw but the heroic and the joyous, the + young, the beautiful,—the affable to friend, and the terrible to + foe! + </p> + <p> + It was necessary to say thus much on the commercial tendencies of Edward, + because, at this epoch, they operated greatly, besides other motives + shortly to be made clear, in favour of the plot laid by the enemies of the + Earl of Warwick, to dishonour that powerful minister and drive him from + the councils of the king. + </p> + <p> + One morning Hastings received a summons to attend Edward, and on entering + the royal chamber, he found already assembled Lord Rivers, the queen’s + father, Anthony Woodville, and the Earl of Worcester. + </p> + <p> + The king seemed thoughtful; he beckoned Hastings to approach, and placed + in his hand a letter, dated from Rouen. “Read and judge, Hastings,” said + Edward. + </p> + <p> + The letter was from a gentleman in Warwick’s train. It gave a glowing + account of the honours accorded to the earl by Louis XI., greater than + those ever before manifested to a subject, and proceeded thus:— + </p> + <p> + “But it is just I should apprise you that there be strange rumours as to + the marvellous love that King Louis shows my lord the earl. He lodgeth in + the next house to him, and hath even had an opening made in the + partition-wall between his own chamber and the earl’s. Men do say that the + king visits him nightly, and there be those who think that so much + stealthy intercourse between an English ambassador and the kinsman of + Margaret of Anjou bodeth small profit to our grace the king.” + </p> + <p> + “I observe,” said Hastings, glancing to the superscription, “that this + letter is addressed to my Lord Rivers. Can he avouch the fidelity of his + correspondent?” + </p> + <p> + “Surely, yes,” answered Rivers; “it is a gentleman of my own blood.” + </p> + <p> + “Were he not so accredited,” returned Hastings, “I should question the + truth of a man who can thus consent to play the spy upon his lord and + superior.” + </p> + <p> + “The public weal justifies all things,” said the Earl of Worcester (who, + though by marriage nearly connected to Warwick, eyed his power with the + jealous scorn which the man of book-lore often feels for one whose talent + lies in action),—“so held our masters in all state-craft, the Greek + and Roman.” + </p> + <p> + “Certes,” said Sir Anthony Woodville, “it grieveth the pride of an English + knight that we should be beholden for courtesies to the born foe of + England, which I take the Frenchman naturally to be.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah,” said Edward, smiling sternly, “I would rather be myself, with banner + and trump, before the walls of Paris, than sending my cousin the earl to + beg the French king’s brother to accept my sister as a bride. And what is + to become of my good merchant-ships if Burgundy take umbrage and close its + ports?” + </p> + <p> + “Beau sire,” said Hastings, “thou knowest how little cause I have to love + the Earl of Warwick. We all here, save your gracious self, bear the memory + of some affront rendered to us by his pride and heat of mood! but in this + council I must cease to be William de Hastings, and be all and wholly the + king’s servant. I say first, then, with reference to these noble peers, + that Warwick’s faith to the House of York is too well proven to become + suspected because of the courtesies of King Louis,—an artful craft, + as it clearly seems to me, of the wily Frenchman, to weaken your throne, + by provoking your distrust of its great supporter. Fall we not into such a + snare! Moreover, we may be sure that Warwick cannot be false, if he + achieve the object of his embassy,—namely, detach Louis from the + side of Margaret and Lancaster by close alliance with Edward and York. + Secondly, sire, with regard to that alliance, which it seems you would + repent,—I hold now, as I have held ever, that it is a master-stroke + in policy, and the earl in this proves his sharp brain worthy his strong + arm; for as his highness the Duke of Gloucester hath now clearly + discovered that Margaret of Anjou has been of late in London, and that + treasonable designs were meditated, though now frustrated, so we may ask + why the friends of Lancaster really stood aloof; why all conspiracy was, + and is, in vain?—Because, sire, of this very alliance with France; + because the gold and subsidies of Louis are not forthcoming; because the + Lancastrians see that if once Lord Warwick win France from the Red Rose, + nothing short of such a miracle as their gaining Warwick instead can give + a hope to their treason. Your Highness fears the anger of Burgundy, and + the suspension of your trade with the Flemings; but—forgive me—this + is not reasonable. Burgundy dare not offend England, matched, as its arms + are, with France; the Flemings gain more by you than you gain by the + Flemings, and those interested burghers will not suffer any prince’s + quarrel to damage their commerce. Charolois may bluster and threat, but + the storm will pass, and Burgundy will be contented, if England remain + neutral in the feud with France. All these reasons, sire, urge me to + support my private foe, the Lord Warwick, and to pray you to give no ear + to the discrediting his Honour and his embassy.” + </p> + <p> + The profound sagacity of these remarks, the repute of the speaker, and the + well-known grudge between him and Warwick, for reasons hereafter to be + explained, produced a strong effect upon the intellect of Edward, always + vigorous, save when clouded with passion. But Rivers, whose malice to the + earl was indomitable, coldly recommenced,— + </p> + <p> + “With submission to the Lord Hastings, sire, whom we know that love + sometimes blinds, and whose allegiance to the earl’s fair sister, the Lady + of Bonville, perchance somewhat moves him to forget the day when Lord + Warwick—” + </p> + <p> + “Cease, my lord,” said Hastings, white with suppressed anger; “these + references beseem not the councils of grave men.” + </p> + <p> + “Tut, Hastings,” said Edward, laughing merrily, “women mix themselves up + in all things: board or council, bed or battle,—wherever there is + mischief astir, there, be sure, peeps a woman’s sly face from her wimple. + Go on, Rivers.” + </p> + <p> + “Your pardon, my Lord Hastings,” said Rivers, “I knew not my thrust went + so home; there is another letter I have not yet laid before the king.” He + drew forth a scroll from his bosom, and read as follows:— + </p> + <p> + “Yesterday the earl feasted the king, and as, in discharge of mine office, + I carved for my lord, I heard King Louis say, ‘Pasque Dieu, my Lord + Warwick, our couriers bring us word that Count Charolois declares he shall + yet wed the Lady Margaret, and that he laughs at your ambassage. What if + our brother, King Edward, fall back from the treaty?’ ‘He durst not!’ said + the earl.” + </p> + <p> + “Durst not!” exclaimed Edward, starting to his feet, and striking the + table with his clenched hand, “durst not! Hastings, hear you that?” + </p> + <p> + Hastings bowed his head in assent. “Is that all, Lord Rivers?” + </p> + <p> + “All! and methinks enough.” + </p> + <p> + “Enough, by my halidame!” said Edward, laughing bitterly; “he shall see + what a king dares, when a subject threatens. Admit the worshipful the + deputies from our city of London,—lord chamberlain, it is thine + office,—they await in the anteroom.” + </p> + <p> + Hastings gravely obeyed, and in crimson gowns, with purple hoods and gold + chains, marshalled into the king’s presence a goodly deputation from the + various corporate companies of London. + </p> + <p> + These personages advanced within a few paces of the dais, and there halted + and knelt, while their spokesman read, on his knees, a long petition, + praying the king to take into his gracious consideration the state of the + trade with the Flemings; and though not absolutely venturing to name or to + deprecate the meditated alliance with France, beseeching his grace to + satisfy them as to certain rumours, already very prejudicial to their + commerce, of the possibility of a breach with the Duke of Burgundy. The + merchant-king listened with great attention and affability to this + petition; and replied shortly, that he thanked the deputation for their + zeal for the public weal,—that a king would have enough to do if he + contravened every gossip’s tale; but that it was his firm purpose to + protect, in all ways, the London traders, and to maintain the most + amicable understanding with the Duke of Burgundy. + </p> + <p> + The supplicators then withdrew from the royal presence. + </p> + <p> + “Note you how gracious the king was to me?” whispered Master Heyford to + one of his brethren; “he looked at me while he answered.” + </p> + <p> + “Coxcomb!” muttered the confidant, “as if I did not catch his eye when he + said, ‘Ye are the pillars of the public weal!’ But because Master Heyford + has a handsome wife he thinks he tosseth all London on his own horns!” + </p> + <p> + As the citizens were quitting the palace, Lord Rivers joined them. “You + will thank me for suggesting this deputation, worthy sirs,” said he, + smiling significantly; “you have timed it well!”—and passing by + them, without further comment, he took the way to the queen’s chamber. + </p> + <p> + Elizabeth was playing with her infant daughter, tossing the child in the + air, and laughing at its riotous laughter. The stern old Duchess of + Bedford, leaning over the back of the state-chair, looked on with all a + grandmother’s pride, and half chanted a nursery rhyme. It was a sight fair + to see! Elizabeth never seemed more lovely: her artificial, dissimulating + smile changed into hearty, maternal glee, her smooth cheek flushed with + exercise, a stray ringlet escaping from the stiff coif!—And, alas, + the moment the two ladies caught sight of Rivers, all the charm was + dissolved; the child was hastily put on the floor; the queen, half ashamed + of being natural, even before her father, smoothed back the rebel lock, + and the duchess, breaking off in the midst of her grandam song, exclaimed,— + </p> + <p> + “Well, well! how thrives our policy?” + </p> + <p> + “The king,” answered Rivers, “is in the very mood we could desire. At the + words, ‘He durst not!’ the Plantagenet sprung up in his breast; and now, + lest he ask to see the rest of the letter, thus I destroy it;” and + flinging the scroll in the blazing hearth, he watched it consume. + </p> + <p> + “Why this, sir?” said the queen. + </p> + <p> + “Because, my Elizabeth, the bold words glided off into a decent gloss,—‘He + durst not,’ said Warwick, ‘because what a noble heart dares least is to + belie the plighted word, and what the kind heart shuns most is to wrong + the confiding friend.” + </p> + <p> + “It was fortunate,” said the duchess, “that Edward took heat at the first + words, nor stopped, it seems, for the rest!” + </p> + <p> + “I was prepared, Jacquetta; had he asked to see the rest, I should have + dropped the scroll into the brazier, as containing what I would not + presume to read. Courage! Edward has seen the merchants; he has flouted + Hastings,—who would gainsay us. For the rest, Elizabeth, be it yours + to speak of affronts paid by the earl to your highness; be it yours, + Jacquetta, to rouse Edward’s pride by dwelling on Warwick’s overweening + power; be it mine to enlist his interest on behalf of his merchandise; be + it Margaret’s to move his heart by soft tears for the bold Charolois; and + ere a month be told, Warwick shall find his embassy a thriftless + laughing-stock, and no shade pass between the House of Woodville and the + sun of England.” + </p> + <p> + “I am scarce queen while Warwick is minister,” said Elizabeth, + vindictively. “How he taunted me in the garden, when we met last!” + </p> + <p> + “But hark you, daughter and lady liege, hark you! Edward is not prepared + for the decisive stroke. I have arranged with Anthony, whose chivalrous + follies fit him not for full comprehension of our objects, how upon fair + excuse the heir of Burgundy’s brother—the Count de la Roche—shall + visit London; and the count once here, all is ours! Hush! take up the + little one,—Edward comes!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. WHEREIN MASTER NICHOLAS ALWYN VISITS THE COURT, AND THERE + LEARNS MATTER OF WHICH THE ACUTE READER WILL JUDGE FOR HIMSELF. + </h2> + <p> + It was a morning towards the end of May (some little time after Edward’s + gracious reception of the London deputies), when Nicholas Alwyn, + accompanied by two servitors armed to the teeth,—for they carried + with them goods of much value, and even in the broad daylight and amidst + the most frequented parts of the city, men still confided little in the + security of the law,—arrived at the Tower, and was conducted to the + presence of the queen. + </p> + <p> + Elizabeth and her mother were engaged in animated but whispered + conversation when the goldsmith entered; and there was an unusual gayety + in the queen’s countenance as she turned to Alwyn and bade him show her + his newest gauds. + </p> + <p> + While with a curiosity and eagerness that seemed almost childlike + Elizabeth turned over rings, chains, and brooches, scarcely listening to + Alwyn’s comments on the lustre of the gems or the quaintness of the + fashion, the duchess disappeared for a moment, and returned with the + Princess Margaret. + </p> + <p> + This young princess had much of the majestic beauty of her royal brother; + but, instead of the frank, careless expression so fascinating in Edward, + there was, in her full and curved lip and bright large eye, something at + once of haughtiness and passion, which spoke a decision and vivacity of + character beyond her years. + </p> + <p> + “Choose for thyself, sweetheart and daughter mine,” said the duchess, + affectionately placing her hand on Margaret’s luxuriant hair, “and let the + noble visitor we await confess that our rose of England outblooms the + world.” + </p> + <p> + The princess coloured with complaisant vanity at these words, and, drawing + near the queen, looked silently at a collar of pearls, which Elizabeth + held. + </p> + <p> + “If I may adventure so to say,” observed Alwyn, “pearls will mightily + beseem her highness’s youthful bloom; and lo! here be some adornments for + the bodice or partelet, to sort with the collar; not,” added the + goldsmith, bowing low, and looking down,—“not perchance displeasing + to her highness, in that they are wrought in the guise of the fleur de lis—” + </p> + <p> + An impatient gesture in the queen, and a sudden cloud over the fair brow + of Margaret, instantly betokened to the shrewd trader that he had + committed some most unwelcome error in this last allusion to the alliance + with King Louis of France, which, according to rumour, the Earl of Warwick + had well-nigh brought to a successful negotiation; and to convince him yet + more of his mistake, the duchess said haughtily, “Good fellow, be + contented to display thy goods, and spare us thy comments. As for thy + hideous fleur de lis, an’ thy master had no better device, he would not + long rest the king’s jeweller.” + </p> + <p> + “I have no heart for the pearls,” said Margaret, abruptly; “they are at + best pale and sicklied. What hast thou of bolder ornament and more + dazzling lustrousness?” + </p> + <p> + “These emeralds, it is said, were once among the jewels of the great House + of Burgundy,” observed Nicholas, slowly, and fixing his keen, sagacious + look on the royal purchasers. + </p> + <p> + “Of Burgundy!” exclaimed the queen. + </p> + <p> + “It is true,” said the Duchess of Bedford, looking at the ornament with + care, and slightly colouring,—for in fact the jewels had been a + present from Philip the Good to the Duke of Bedford, and the exigencies of + the civil wars had led, some time since, first to their mortgage, or + rather pawn, and then to their sale. + </p> + <p> + The princess passed her arm affectionately round Jacquetta’s neck, and + said, “If you leave me my choice, I will have none but these emeralds.” + </p> + <p> + The two elder ladies exchanged looks and smiles. “Hast thou travelled, + young man?” asked the duchess. + </p> + <p> + “Not in foreign parts, gracious lady, but I have lived much with those who + have been great wanderers.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, and what say they of the ancient friends of mine House, the princes + of Burgundy?” + </p> + <p> + “Lady, all men agree that a nobler prince and a juster than Duke Philip + never reigned over brave men; and those who have seen the wisdom of his + rule, grieve sorely to think so excellent and mighty a lord should have + trouble brought to his old age by the turbulence of his son, the Count of + Charolois.” + </p> + <p> + Again Margaret’s fair brow lowered, and the duchess hastened to answer, + “The disputes between princes, young man, can never be rightly understood + by such as thou and thy friends. The Count of Charolois is a noble + gentleman; and fire in youth will break out. Richard the Lion Hearted of + England was not less puissant a king for the troubles he occasioned to his + sire when prince.” + </p> + <p> + Alwyn bit his lip, to restrain a reply that might not have been well + received; and the queen, putting aside the emeralds and a few other + trinkets, said, smilingly, to the duchess, “Shall the king pay for these, + or have thy learned men yet discovered the great secret?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, wicked child,” said the duchess, “thou lovest to banter me; and + truth to say, more gold has been melted in the crucible than as yet + promises ever to come out of it; but my new alchemist, Master Warner, + seems to have gone nearer to the result than any I have yet known. + Meanwhile, the king’s treasurer must, perforce, supply the gear to the + king’s sister.” + </p> + <p> + The queen wrote an order on the officer thus referred to, who was no other + than her own father, Lord Rivers; and Alwyn, putting up his goods, was + about to withdraw, when the duchess said carelessly, “Good youth, the + dealings of our merchants are more with Flanders than with France, is it + not so?” + </p> + <p> + “Surely,” said Alwyn; “the Flemings are good traders and honest folk.” + </p> + <p> + “It is well known, I trust, in the city of London, that this new alliance + with France is the work of their favourite, the Lord Warwick,” said the + duchess, scornfully; “but whatever the earl does is right with ye of the + hood and cap, even though he were to leave yon river without one + merchant-mast.” + </p> + <p> + “Whatever be our thoughts, puissant lady,” said Alwyn, cautiously, “we + give them not vent to the meddling with state affairs.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay,” persisted Jacquetta, “thine answer is loyal and discreet. But an’ + the Lord Warwick had sought alliance with the Count of Charolois, would + there have been brighter bonfires than ye will see in Smithfield, when ye + hear that business with the Flemings is surrendered for fine words from + King Louis the Cunning?” + </p> + <p> + “We trust too much to our king’s love for the citizens of London to fear + that surrender, please your Highness,” answered Alwyn; “our king himself + is the first of our merchants, and he hath given a gracious answer to the + deputation from our city.” + </p> + <p> + “You speak wisely, sir,” said the queen; “and your king will yet defend + you from the plots of your enemies. You may retire.” + </p> + <p> + Alwyn, glad to be released from questionings but little to his taste, + hastened to depart. At the gate of the royal lodge, he gave his caskets to + the servitors who attended him, and passing slowly along the courtyard, + thus soliloquized: + </p> + <p> + “Our neighbours the Scotch say, ‘It is good fishing in muddy waters;’ but + he who fishes into the secrets of courts must bait with his head. What + mischief doth that crafty queen, the proud duchess, devise? Um! They are + thinking still to match the young princess with the hot Count of + Charolois. Better for trade, it is true, to be hand in hand with the + Flemings; but there are two sides to a loaf. If they play such a trick on + the stout earl, he is not a man to sit down and do nothing. More food for + the ravens, I fear,—more brown bills and bright lances in the green + fields of poor England!—and King Louis is an awful carle to sow flax + in his neighbour’s house, when the torches are burning. Um! Where is fair + Marmaduke. He looks brave in his gay super-tunic. Well, sir and + foster-brother, how fare you at court?” + </p> + <p> + “My dear Nicholas, a merry welcome and hearty to your sharp, thoughtful + face. Ah, man! we shall have a gay time for you venders of gewgaws. There + are to be revels and jousts, revels in the Tower and jousts in Smithfield. + We gentles are already hard at practice in the tilt-yard.” + </p> + <p> + “Sham battles are better than real ones, Master Nevile! But what is in the + wind?” + </p> + <p> + “A sail, Nicholas! a sail bound to England! Know that the Count of + Charolois has permitted Sir Anthony Count de la Roche, his bastard + brother, to come over to London, to cross lances with our own Sir Anthony + Lord Scales. It is an old challenge, and right royally will the encounter + be held.” + </p> + <p> + “Um!” muttered Alwyn, “this bastard, then, is the carrier pigeon.—And,” + said he, aloud, “is it only to exchange hard blows that Sir Anthony of + Burgundy comes over to confer with Sir Anthony of England? Is there no + court rumour of other matters between them?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay. What else? Plague on you craftsmen! You cannot even comprehend the + pleasure and pastime two knights take in the storm of the lists!” + </p> + <p> + “I humbly avow it, Master Nevile. But it seemeth, indeed, strange to me + that the Count of Charolois should take this very moment to send envoys of + courtesy when so sharp a slight has been put on his pride, and so + dangerous a blow struck at his interests, as the alliance between the + French prince and the Lady Margaret. Bold Charles has some cunning, I + trow, which your kinsman of Warwick is not here to detect.” + </p> + <p> + “Tush, man! Trade, I see, teaches ye all so to cheat and overreach, that + ye suppose a knight’s burgonet is as full of tricks and traps as a + citizen’s flat-cap. Would, though, that my kinsman of Warwick were here,” + added Marmaduke, in a low whisper, “for the women and the courtiers are + doing their best to belie him.” + </p> + <p> + “Keep thyself clear of them all, Marmaduke,” said Alwyn; “for, by the + Lord, I see that the evil days are coming once more, fast and dark, and + men like thee will again have to choose between friend and friend, kinsman + and king. For my part, I say nothing; for I love not fighting, unless + compelled to it. But if ever I do fight, it will not be by thy side, under + Warwick’s broad flag.” + </p> + <p> + “Eh, man?” interrupted Nevile. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, nay,” continued Nicholas, shaking his head, “I admire the great + earl, and were I lord or gentle, the great earl should be my chief. But + each to his order; and the trader’s tree grows not out of a baron’s + walking-staff. King Edward may be a stern ruler, but he is a friend to the + goldsmiths, and has just confirmed our charter. ‘Let every man praise the + bridge he goes over,’ as the saw saith. Truce to this talk, Master Nevile. + I hear that your young hostess—ehem!—Mistress Sibyll, is + greatly marvelled at among the court gallants, is it so?” + </p> + <p> + Marmaduke’s frank face grew gloomy. “Alas! dear foster-brother,” he said, + dropping the somewhat affected tone in which he had before spoken, “I must + confess to my shame, that I cannot yet get the damsel out of my thoughts, + which is what I consider it a point of manhood and spirit to achieve.” + </p> + <p> + “How so?” + </p> + <p> + “Because, when a maiden chooseth steadily to say nay to your wooing, to + follow her heels, and whine and beg, is a dog’s duty, not a man’s.” + </p> + <p> + “What!” exclaimed Alwyn, in a voice of great eagerness, “mean you to say + that you have wooed Sibyll Warner as your wife?” + </p> + <p> + “Verily, yes!” + </p> + <p> + “And failed?” + </p> + <p> + “And failed.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor Marmaduke!” + </p> + <p> + “There is no ‘poor’ in the matter, Nick Alwyn,” returned Marmaduke, + sturdily; “if a girl likes me, well; if not, there are too many others in + the wide world for a young fellow to break his heart about one. Yet,” he + added, after a short pause, and with a sigh,—“yet, if thou hast not + seen her since she came to the court, thou wilt find her wondrously + changed.” + </p> + <p> + “More’s the pity!” said Alwyn, reciprocating his friend’s sigh. + </p> + <p> + “I mean that she seems all the comelier for the court air. And beshrew me, + I think the Lord Hastings, with his dulcet flatteries, hath made it a sort + of frenzy for all the gallants to flock round her.” + </p> + <p> + “I should like to see Master Warner again,” said Alwyn; “where lodges he?” + </p> + <p> + “Yonder, by the little postern, on the third flight of the turret that + flanks the corridor, [This description refers to that part of the Tower + called the King’s or Queen’s Lodge, and long since destroyed.] next to + Friar Bungey, the magician; but it is broad daylight, and therefore not so + dangerous,—not but thou mayest as well patter an ave in going up + stairs.” + </p> + <p> + “Farewell, Master Nevile,” said Alwyn, smiling; “I will seek the + mechanician, and if I find there Mistress Sibyll, what shall I say from + thee?” + </p> + <p> + “That young bachelors in the reign of Edward IV. will never want fair + feres,” answered the Nevile, debonairly smoothing his lawn partelet. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. EXHIBITING THE BENEFITS WHICH ROYAL PATRONAGE CONFERS ON + GENIUS,—ALSO THE EARLY LOVES OF THE LORD HASTINGS; WITH OTHER + MATTERS EDIFYING AND DELECTABLE. + </h2> + <p> + The furnace was still at work, the flame glowed, the bellows heaved; but + these were no longer ministering to the service of a mighty and practical + invention. The mathematician, the philosopher, had descended to the + alchemist. The nature of the TIME had conquered the nature of a GENIUS + meant to subdue time. Those studies that had gone so far to forestall the + master-triumph of far later ages were exchanged for occupations that + played with the toys of infant wisdom. O true Tartarus of Genius, when its + energies are misapplied, when the labour but rolls the stone up the + mountain, but pours water upon water through the sieve! + </p> + <p> + There is a sanguineness in men of great intellect which often leads them + into follies avoided by the dull. When Adam Warner saw the ruin of his + contrivance; when he felt that time and toil and money were necessary to + its restoration; and when the gold he lacked was placed before him as a + reward for alchemical labours, he at first turned to alchemy as he would + have turned to the plough,—as he had turned to conspiracy,—simply + as a means to his darling end. But by rapid degrees the fascination which + all the elder sages experienced in the grand secret exercised its witchery + over his mind. If Roger Bacon, though catching the notion of the + steam-engine, devoted himself to the philosopher’s stone; if even in so + much more enlightened an age Newton had wasted some precious hours in the + transmutation of metals, it was natural that the solitary sage of the + reign of Edward IV. should grow, for a while at least, wedded to a pursuit + which promised results so august. And the worst of alchemy is, that it + always allures on its victims: one gets so near and so near the object,—it + seems that so small an addition will complete the sum! So there he was—this + great practical genius—hard at work on turning copper into gold! + </p> + <p> + “Well, Master Warner,” said the young goldsmith, entering the student’s + chamber, “methinks you scarcely remember your friend and visitor, Nicholas + Alwyn?” + </p> + <p> + “Remember, oh, certes! doubtless one of the gentlemen present when they + proposed to put me to the brake [the old word for rack]. Please to stand a + little on this side—what is your will?” + </p> + <p> + “I am not a gentleman, and I should have been loth to stand idly by when + the torture was talked of for a free-born Englishman, let alone a scholar. + And where is your fair daughter, Master Warner? I suppose you see but + little of her now she is the great dame’s waiting-damsel?” + </p> + <p> + “And why so, Master Alwyn?” asked a charming voice; and Alwyn for the + first time perceived the young form of Sibyll, by the embrasure of a + window, from which might be seen in the court below a gay group of lords + and courtiers, with the plain, dark dress of Hastings, contrasting their + gaudy surcoats, glittering with cloth-of-gold. Alwyn’s tongue clove to his + mouth; all he had to say was forgotten in a certain bashful and + indescribable emotion. + </p> + <p> + The alchemist had returned to his furnace, and the young man and the girl + were as much alone as if Adam Warner had been in heaven. + </p> + <p> + “And why should the daughter forsake the sire more in a court, where love + is rare, than in the humbler home, where they may need each other less?” + </p> + <p> + “I thank thee for the rebuke, mistress,” said Alwyn, delighted with her + speech; “for I should have been sorry to see thy heart spoiled by the + vanities that kill most natures.” Scarcely had he uttered these words, + than they seemed to him overbold and presuming; for his eye now took in + the great change of which Marmaduke had spoken. Sibyll’s dress beseemed + the new rank which she held: the corset, fringed with gold, and made of + the finest thread, showed the exquisite contour of the throat and neck, + whose ivory it concealed. The kirtle of rich blue became the fair + complexion and dark chestnut hair; and over all she wore that most + graceful robe, called the sasquenice, of which the old French poet sang,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Car nulie robe n’est si belle + A dame ne a demoiselle.” + </pre> + <p> + This garment, worn over the rest of the dress, had perhaps a classical + origin, and with slight variations may be seen on the Etruscan vases; it + was long and loose, of the whitest and finest linen, with hanging sleeves, + and open at the sides. But it was not the mere dress that had embellished + the young maiden’s form and aspect,—it was rather an indefinable + alteration in the expression and the bearing. She looked as if born to the + airs of courts; still modest indeed, and simple, but with a consciousness + of dignity, and almost of power; and in fact the woman had been taught the + power that womanhood possesses. She had been admired, followed, flattered; + she had learned the authority of beauty. Her accomplishments, uncommon in + that age among her sex, had aided her charm of person; her natural pride, + which, though hitherto latent, was high and ardent, fed her heart with + sweet hopes; a bright career seemed to extend before her; and, at peace as + to her father’s safety, relieved from the drudging cares of poverty, her + fancy was free to follow the phantasms of sanguine youth through the airy + land of dreams. And therefore it was that the maid was changed! + </p> + <p> + At the sight of the delicate beauty, the self-possessed expression, the + courtly dress, the noble air of Sibyll, Nicholas Alwyn recoiled and turned + pale; he no longer marvelled at her rejection of Marmaduke, and he started + at the remembrance of the bold thoughts which he had dared himself to + indulge. + </p> + <p> + The girl smiled at the young man’s confusion. + </p> + <p> + “It is not prosperity that spoils the heart,” she said touchingly, “unless + it be mean indeed. Thou rememberest, Master Alwyn, that when God tried His + saint, it was by adversity and affliction.” + </p> + <p> + “May thy trial in these last be over,” answered Alwyn; “but the humble + must console their state by thinking that the great have their trials too; + and, as our homely adage hath it, ‘That is not always good in the maw + which is sweet in the mouth.’ Thou seest much of my gentle foster-brother, + Mistress Sibyll?” + </p> + <p> + “But in the court dances, Master Alwyn; for most of the hours in which my + lady duchess needs me not are spent here. Oh, my father hopes great + things! and now at last fame dawns upon him.” + </p> + <p> + “I rejoice to hear it, mistress; and so, having paid ye both my homage, I + take my leave, praying that I may visit you from time to time, if it be + only to consult this worshipful master touching certain improvements in + the horologe, in which his mathematics can doubtless instruct me. + Farewell. I have some jewels to show to the Lady of Bonville.” + </p> + <p> + “The Lady of Bonville!” repeated Sibyll, changing colour; “she is a dame + of notable loveliness.” + </p> + <p> + “So men say,—and mated to a foolish lord; but scandal, which spares + few, breathes not on her,—rare praise for a court dame. Few Houses + can have the boast of Lord Warwick’s,—‘that all the men are without + fear, and all the women without stain.’” + </p> + <p> + “It is said,” observed Sibyll, looking down, “that my Lord Hastings once + much affectioned the Lady Bonville. Hast thou heard such gossip?” + </p> + <p> + “Surely, yes; in the city we hear all the tales of the court; for many a + courtier, following King Edward’s exemplar, dines with the citizen to-day, + that he may borrow gold from the citizen to-morrow. Surely, yes; and + hence, they say, the small love the wise Hastings bears to the stout + earl.” + </p> + <p> + “How runs the tale? Be seated, Master Alwyn.” + </p> + <p> + “Marry, thus: when William Hastings was but a squire, and much favoured by + Richard, Duke of York, he lifted his eyes to the Lady Katherine Nevile, + sister to the Earl of Warwick, and in beauty and in dower, as in birth, a + mate for a king’s son.” + </p> + <p> + “And, doubtless, the Lady Katherine returned his love?” + </p> + <p> + “So it is said, maiden; and the Earl of Salisbury her father and Lord + Warwick her brother discovered the secret, and swore that no new man (the + stout earl’s favourite word of contempt), though he were made a duke, + should give to an upstart posterity the quarterings of Montagu and Nevile. + Marry, Mistress Sibyll, there is a north country and pithy proverb, ‘Happy + is the man whose father went to the devil.’ Had some old Hastings been a + robber and extortioner, and left to brave William the heirship of his + wickedness in lordships and lands, Lord Warwick had not called him ‘a new + man.’ Master Hastings was dragged, like a serf’s son, before the earl on + his dais; and be sure he was rated soundly, for his bold blood was up, and + he defied the earl, as a gentleman born, to single battle. Then the earl’s + followers would have fallen on him; and in those days, under King Henry, + he who bearded a baron in his hall must have a troop at his back, or was + like to have a rope round his neck; but the earl (for the lion is not as + fierce as they paint him) came down from his dais, and said, ‘Man, I like + thy spirit, and I myself will dub thee knight that I may pick up thy glove + and give thee battle.’” + </p> + <p> + “And they fought? Brave Hastings!” + </p> + <p> + “No. For whether the Duke of York forbade it, or whether the Lady + Katherine would not hear of such strife between fere and frere, I know + not; but Duke Richard sent Hastings to Ireland, and, a month after, the + Lady Katherine married Lord Bonville’s son and heir,—so, at least, + tell the gossips and sing the ballad-mongers. Men add that Lord Hastings + still loves the dame, though, certes, he knows how to console himself.” + </p> + <p> + “Loves her! Nay, nay,—I trove not,” answered Sibyll, in a low voice, + and with a curl of her dewy lip. + </p> + <p> + At this moment the door opened gently and Lord Hastings himself entered. + He came in with the familiarity of one accustomed to the place. + </p> + <p> + “And how fares the grand secret, Master Warner? Sweet mistress! thou + seemest lovelier to me in this dark chamber than outshining all in the + galliard. Ha! Master Alwyn, I owe thee many thanks for making me know + first the rare arts of this fair emblazoner. Move me yon stool, good + Alwyn.” + </p> + <p> + As the goldsmith obeyed, he glanced from Hastings to the blushing face and + heaving bosom of Sibyll, and a deep and exquisite pang shot through his + heart. It was not jealousy alone; it was anxiety, compassion, terror. The + powerful Hastings, the ambitious lord, the accomplished libertine—what + a fate for poor Sibyll, if for such a man the cheek blushed and the bosom + heaved! + </p> + <p> + “Well, Master Warner,” resumed Hastings, “thou art still silent as to thy + progress.” + </p> + <p> + The philosopher uttered an impatient groan. “Ah, I comprehend. The + goldmaker must not speak of his craft before the goldsmith. Good Alwyn, + thou mayest retire. All arts have their mysteries.” + </p> + <p> + Alwyn, with a sombre brow, moved to the door. + </p> + <p> + “In sooth,” he said, “I have overtarried, good my lord. The Lady Bonville + will chide me; for she is of no patient temper.” + </p> + <p> + “Bridle thy tongue, artisan, and begone!” said Hastings, with unusual + haughtiness and petulance. + </p> + <p> + “I stung him there,” muttered Alwyn, as he withdrew. “Oh, fool that I was + to—nay, I thought it never, I did but dream it. What wonder we + traders hate these silken lords! They reap, we sow; they trifle, we toil; + they steal with soft words into the hearts which—Oh, Marmaduke, thou + art right-right!—Stout men sit not down to weep beneath the willow. + But she—the poor maiden—she looked so haughty and so happy. + This is early May; will she wear that look when the autumn leaves are + strewn?” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0026" id="link2HCH0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. THE WOODVILLE INTRIGUE PROSPERS.—MONTAGU CONFERS WITH + HASTINGS, VISITS THE ARCHBISHOP OF YORK, AND IS MET ON THE ROAD BY A + STRANGE PERSONAGE. + </h2> + <p> + And now the one topic at the court of King Edward IV. was the expected + arrival of Anthony of Burgundy, Count de la Roche, bastard brother of + Charolois, afterwards, as Duke of Burgundy, so famous as Charles the Bold. + Few, indeed, out of the immediate circle of the Duchess of Bedford’s + confidants regarded the visit of this illustrious foreigner as connected + with any object beyond the avowed one of chivalrous encounter with Anthony + Woodville, the fulfilment of a challenge given by the latter two years + before, at the time of the queen’s coronation. The origin of this + challenge, Anthony Woodville Lord Scales has himself explained in a letter + to the bastard, still extant, and of which an extract may be seen in the + popular and delightful biographies of Miss Strickland. [Queens of England, + vol. iii. p. 380] It seems that, on the Wednesday before Easter Day, 1465, + as Sir Anthony was speaking to his royal sister, “on his knees,” all the + ladies of the court gathered round him, and bound to his left knee a band + of gold adorned with stones fashioned into the letters S. S. (souvenance + or remembrance), and to this band was suspended an enamelled + “Forget-me-not.” “And one of the ladies said that ‘he ought to take a step + fitting for the times.’” This step was denoted by a letter on vellum, + bound with a gold thread, placed in his cap; and having obtained the + king’s permission to bring the adventure of the flower of souvenance to a + conclusion, the gallant Anthony forwarded the articles and the enamelled + flower to the Bastard of Burgundy, beseeching him to touch the latter with + his knightly hand, in token of his accepting the challenge. The Count de + la Roche did so, but was not sent by his brother amongst the knights whom + Charolois despatched to England, and the combat had been suspended to the + present time. + </p> + <p> + But now the intriguing Rivers and his duchess gladly availed themselves of + so fair a pretext for introducing to Edward the able brother of Warwick’s + enemy and the French prince’s rival, Charles of Burgundy; and Anthony + Woodville, too gentle and knightly a person to have abetted their cunning + projects in any mode less chivalrous, willingly consented to revive a + challenge in honour of the ladies of England. + </p> + <p> + The only one amongst the courtiers who seemed dissatisfied with the + meditated visit of the doughty Burgundian champion was the Lord Montagu. + This penetrating and experienced personage was not to be duped by an + affectation of that chivalry which, however natural at the court of Edward + III., was no longer in unison with the more intriguing and ambitious times + over which presided the luxurious husband of Elizabeth Woodville. He had + noticed of late, with suspicion, that Edward had held several councils + with the anti-Nevile faction, from which he himself was excluded. The + king, who heretofore had delighted in his companionship, had shown him + marks of coldness and estrangement; and there was an exulting malice in + the looks of the Duchess of Bedford, which augured some approaching + triumph over the great family which the Woodvilles so openly laboured to + supplant. One day, as Marmaduke was loitering in the courtyard of the + Tower, laughing and jesting with his friends, Lord Montagu, issuing from + the king’s closet, passed him with a hurried step and a thoughtful brow. + This haughty brother of the Earl of Warwick had so far attended to the + recommendation of the latter, that he had with some courtesy excused + himself to Marmaduke for his language in the archery-ground, and had + subsequently, when seeing him in attendance on the king, honoured him with + a stately nod, or a brief “Good morrow, young kinsman.” But as his eye now + rested on Marmaduke, while the group vailed their bonnets to the powerful + courtier, he called him forth, with a familiar smile he had never before + assumed, and drawing him apart, and leaning on his shoulder, much to the + envy of the standers by, he said caressingly,— + </p> + <p> + “Dear kinsman Guy—” + </p> + <p> + “Marmaduke, please you, my lord.” + </p> + <p> + “Dear kinsman Marmaduke, my brother esteems you for your father’s sake. + And, sooth to say, the Neviles are not so numerous in court as they were. + Business and state matters have made me see too seldom those whom I would + most affect. Wilt thou ride with me to the More Park? I would present thee + to my brother the archbishop.” + </p> + <p> + “If the king would graciously hold me excused.” + </p> + <p> + “The king, sir! when I—I forgot,” said Montagu, checking himself—“oh, + as to that, the king stirs not out to-day! He hath with him a score of + tailors and armourers in high council on the coming festivities. I will + warrant thy release; and here comes Hastings, who shall confirm it.” + </p> + <p> + “Fair my lord!”—as at that moment Hastings emerged from the little + postern that gave egress from the apartments occupied by the alchemist of + the Duchess of Bedford—“wilt thou be pleased, in thy capacity of + chamberlain, to sanction my cousin in a day’s absence? I would confer with + him on family matters.” + </p> + <p> + “Certes, a small favour to so deserving a youth. I will see to his + deputy.” + </p> + <p> + “A word with you, Hastings,” said Montagu, thoughtfully, and he drew aside + his fellow courtier: “what thinkest thou of this Burgundy bastard’s + visit?” + </p> + <p> + “That it has given a peacock’s strut to the popinjay Anthony Woodville.” + </p> + <p> + “Would that were all!” returned Montagu. “But the very moment that Warwick + is negotiating with Louis of France, this interchange of courtesies with + Louis’s deadly foe, the Count of Charolois, is out of season.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, take it not so gravely,—a mere pastime.” + </p> + <p> + “Hastings, thou knowest better. But thou art no friend of my great + brother.” + </p> + <p> + “Small cause have I to be so,” answered Hastings, with a quivering lip. + “To him and your father I owe as deep a curse as ever fell on the heart of + man. I have lived to be above even Lord Warwick’s insult. Yet young, I + stand amongst the warriors and peers of England with a crest as haught and + a scutcheon as stainless as the best. I have drunk deep of the world’s + pleasures. I command, as I list, the world’s gaudy pomps, and I tell thee, + that all my success in life countervails not the agony of the hour when + all the bloom and loveliness of the earth faded into winter, and the only + woman I ever loved was sacrificed to her brother’s pride.” + </p> + <p> + The large drops stood on the pale brow of the fortunate noble as he thus + spoke, and his hollow voice affected even the worldly Montagu. + </p> + <p> + “Tush, Hastings!” said Montagu, kindly; “these are but a young man’s idle + memories. Are we not all fated, in our early years, to love in vain?—even + I married not the maiden I thought the fairest, and held the dearest. For + the rest, bethink thee,—thou wert then but a simple squire.” + </p> + <p> + “But of as ancient and pure a blood as ever rolled its fiery essence + through a Norman’s veins.” + </p> + <p> + “It may be so; but old Houses, when impoverished, are cheaply held. And + thou must confess thou wert then no mate for Katherine. Now, indeed, it + were different; now a Nevile might be proud to call Hastings brother.” + </p> + <p> + “I know it,” said Hastings, proudly,—“I know it, lord; and why? + Because I have gold, and land, and the king’s love, and can say, as the + Centurion, to my fellow-man, ‘Do this, and he doeth it;’ and yet I tell + thee, Lord Montagu, that I am less worthy now the love of beauty, the + right hand of fellowship from a noble spirit, than I was then, when—the + simple squire—my heart full of truth and loyalty, with lips that had + never lied, with a soul never polluted by unworthy pleasures or mean + intrigues, I felt that Katherine Nevile should never blush to own her fere + and plighted lord in William de Hastings. Let this pass, let it pass! You + call me no friend to Warwick. True! but I am a friend to the king he has + served, and the land of my birth to which he has given peace; and + therefore, not till Warwick desert Edward, not till he wake the land again + to broil and strife, will I mingle in the plots of those who seek his + downfall. If in my office and stated rank I am compelled to countenance + the pageant of this mock tournament, and seem to honour the coming of the + Count de la Roche, I will at least stand aloof and free from all attempt + to apply a gaudy pageant to a dangerous policy; and on this pledge, + Montagu, I give you my knightly hand.” + </p> + <p> + “It suffices,” answered Montagu, pressing the hand extended to him. “But + the other day I heard the king’s dissour tell him a tale of some tyrant, + who silently showed a curious questioner how to govern a land, by cutting + down, with his staff, the heads of the tallest poppies; and the Duchess of + Bedford turned to me, and asked, ‘What says a Nevile to the application?’ + ‘Faith, lady,’ said I, ‘the Nevile poppies have oak stems.’ Believe me, + Hastings, these Woodvilles may grieve and wrong and affront Lord Warwick, + but woe to all the pigmy goaders when the lion turns at bay!” + </p> + <p> + With this solemn menace, Montagu quitted Hastings, and passed on, leaning + upon Marmaduke, and with a gloomy brow. + </p> + <p> + At the gate of the palace waited the Lord Montagu’s palfrey and his + retinue of twenty squires and thirty grooms. “Mount, Master Marmaduke, and + take thy choice among these steeds, for we shall ride alone. There is no + Nevile amongst these gentlemen.” Marmaduke obeyed. The earl dismissed his + retinue, and in little more than ten minutes,—so different, then, + was the extent of the metropolis,—the noble and the squire were + amidst the open fields. + </p> + <p> + They had gone several miles at a brisk trot before the earl opened his + lips, and then, slackening his pace, he said abruptly, “How dost thou like + the king? Speak out, youth; there are no eavesdroppers here.” + </p> + <p> + “He is a most gracious master and a most winning gentleman.” + </p> + <p> + “He is both,” said Montagu, with a touch of emotion that surprised + Marmaduke; “and no man can come near without loving him. And yet, + Marmaduke (is that thy name?)—yet whether it be weakness or + falseness, no man can be sure of his king’s favour from day to day. We + Neviles must hold fast to each other. Not a stick should be lost if the + fagot is to remain unbroken. What say you?” and the earl’s keen eye turned + sharply on the young man. + </p> + <p> + “I say, my lord, that the Earl of Warwick was to me patron, lord, and + father, when I entered yon city a friendless orphan; and that, though I + covet honours, and love pleasure, and would be loth to lift finger or + speak word against King Edward, yet were that princely lord—the head + of mine House—an outcast and a beggar, by his side I would wander, + for his bread I would beg.” + </p> + <p> + “Young man,” exclaimed Montagu, “from this hour I admit thee to my heart! + Give me thy hand. Beggar and outcast?—No! If the storm come, the + meaner birds take to shelter, the eagle remains solitary in heaven!” So + saying, he relapsed into silence, and put spurs to his steed. Towards the + decline of day they drew near to the favourite palace of the Archbishop of + York. There the features of the country presented a more cultivated aspect + than it had hitherto worn. For at that period the lands of the churchmen + were infinitely in advance of those of the laity in the elementary arts of + husbandry, partly because the ecclesiastic proprietors had greater capital + at their command, partly because their superior learning had taught them + to avail themselves, in some measure, of the instructions of the Latin + writers. Still the prevailing characteristic of the scenery was pasture + land,—immense tracts of common supported flocks of sheep; the + fragrance of new-mown hay breathed sweet from many a sunny field. In the + rear stretched woods of Druid growth; and in the narrow lanes, that led to + unfrequent farms and homesteads, built almost entirely either of wood or + (more primitive still) of mud and clay, profuse weeds, brambles, and + wild-flowers almost concealed the narrow pathway, never intended for cart + or wagon, and arrested the slow path of the ragged horse bearing the + scanty produce of acres to yard or mill. But though to the eye of an + economist or philanthropist broad England now, with its variegated + agriculture, its wide roads, its white-walled villas, and numerous towns, + may present a more smiling countenance, to the early lover of Nature, + fresh from the child-like age of poetry and romance, the rich and lovely + verdure which gave to our mother-country the name of “Green England;” its + wild woods and covert alleys, proffering adventure to fancy; its tranquil + heaths, studded with peaceful flocks, and vocal, from time to time, with + the rude scrannel of the shepherd,—had a charm which we can + understand alone by the luxurious reading of our elder writers. For the + country itself ministered to that mingled fancy and contemplation which + the stirring and ambitious life of towns and civilization has in much + banished from our later literature. + </p> + <p> + Even the thoughtful Montagu relaxed his brow as he gazed around, and he + said to Marmaduke, in a gentle and subdued voice,— + </p> + <p> + “Methinks, young cousin, that in such scenes, those silly rhymes taught us + in our childhood of the green woods and the summer cuckoos, of bold Robin + and Maid Marian, ring back in our ears. Alas that this fair land should be + so often dyed in the blood of her own children! Here, how the thought + shrinks from broils and war,—civil war, war between brother and + brother, son and father! In the city and the court, we forget others + overmuch, from the too keen memory of ourselves.” + </p> + <p> + Scarcely had Montagu said these words, before there suddenly emerged from + a bosky lane to the right a man mounted upon a powerful roan horse. His + dress was that of a substantial franklin; a green surtout of broadcloth, + over a tight vest of the same colour, left, to the admiration of a + soldierly eye, an expanse of chest that might have vied with the mighty + strength of Warwick himself. A cap, somewhat like a turban, fell in two + ends over the left cheek, till they touched the shoulder, and the upper + part of the visage was concealed by a half-vizard, not unfrequently worn + out of doors with such head-gear, as a shade from the sun. Behind this + person rode, on a horse equally powerful, a man of shorter stature, but + scarcely less muscular a frame, clad in a leathern jerkin, curiously + fastened with thongs, and wearing a steel bonnet, projecting far over the + face. + </p> + <p> + The foremost of these strangers, coming thus unawares upon the courtiers, + reined in his steed, and said in a clear, full voice, “Good evening to + you, my masters. It is not often that these roads witness riders in silk + and pile.” + </p> + <p> + “Friend,” quoth the Montagu, “may the peace we enjoy under the White Rose + increase the number of all travellers through our land, whether in pile or + russet!” + </p> + <p> + “Peace, sir!” returned the horseman, roughly,—“peace is no blessing + to poor men, unless it bring something more than life,—the means to + live in security and ease. Peace hath done nothing for the poor of + England. Why, look you towards yon gray tower,—the owner is, + forsooth, gentleman and knight; but yesterday he and his men broke open a + yeoman’s house, carried off his wife and daughters to his tower, and + refuseth to surrender them till ransomed by half the year’s produce on the + yeoman’s farm.” + </p> + <p> + “A caitiff and illegal act,” said Montagu. + </p> + <p> + “Illegal! But the law will notice it not,—why should it? Unjust, if + it punish the knight and dare not touch the king’s brother!” + </p> + <p> + “How, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “I say the king’s brother! Scarcely a month since, twenty-four persons + under George Duke of Clarence entered by force a lady’s house, and seized + her jewels and her money, upon some charge, God wot, of contriving + mischief to the boy-duke. [See for this and other instances of the + prevalent contempt of law in the reign of Edward IV., and, indeed, during + the fifteenth century, the extracts from the Parliamentary Rolls, quoted + by Sharon Turner, “History of England,” vol. iii. p. 399.] Are not the + Commons ground by imposts for the queen’s kindred? Are not the king’s + officers and purveyors licensed spoilers and rapiners? Are not the old + chivalry banished for new upstarts? And in all this, is peace better than + war?” + </p> + <p> + “Knowest thou not that these words are death, man?” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, in the city! but in the fields and waste thought is free. Frown not, + my lord. Ah, I know you, and the time may come when the baron will act + what the franklin speaks. What! think you I see not the signs of the + storm? Are Warwick and Montagu more safe with Edward than they were with + Henry? Look to thyself! Charolois will outwit King Louis, and ere the year + be out, the young Margaret of England will be lady of your brave brother’s + sternest foe!” + </p> + <p> + “And who art thou, knave?” cried Montagu, aghast, and laying his gloved + hand on the bold prophet’s bridle. + </p> + <p> + “One who has sworn the fall of the House of York, and may live to fight, + side by side, in that cause with Warwick; for Warwick, whatever be his + faults, has an English heart, and loves the Commons.” + </p> + <p> + Montagu, uttering an exclamation of astonishment, relaxed hold of the + franklin’s bridle; and the latter waved his hand, and spurring his steed + across the wild chain of commons, disappeared with his follower. + </p> + <p> + “A sturdy traitor!” muttered the earl, following him with his eye. “One of + the exiled Lancastrian lords, perchance. Strange how they pierce into our + secrets! Heardst thou that fellow, Marmaduke?” + </p> + <p> + “Only in a few sentences, and those brought my hand to my dagger. But as + thou madest no sign, I thought his grace the king could not be much + injured by empty words.” + </p> + <p> + “True! and misfortune has ever a shrewish tongue.” + </p> + <p> + “An’ it please you, my lord,” quoth Marmaduke, “I have seen the man + before, and it seemeth to me that he holds much power over the rascal + rabble.” And here Marmaduke narrated the attack upon Warner’s house, and + how it was frustrated by the intercession of Robin of Redesdale. + </p> + <p> + “Art thou sure it is the same man, for his face was masked?” + </p> + <p> + “My lord, in the North, as thou knowest, we recognize men by their forms, + not faces,—as in truth we ought, seeing that it is the sinews and + bulk, not the lips and nose, that make a man a useful friend or dangerous + foe.” + </p> + <p> + Montagu smiled at this soldierly simplicity. “And heard you the name the + raptrils shouted?” + </p> + <p> + “Robin, my lord. They cried out ‘Robin,’ as if it had been a ‘Montagu I or + a ‘Warwick.’” + </p> + <p> + “Robin! ah, then I guess the man,—a most perilous and stanch + Lancastrian. He has more weight with the poor than had Cade the rebel, and + they say Margaret trusts him as much as she does an Exeter or Somerset. I + marvel that he should show himself so near the gates of London. It must be + looked to. But come, cousin. Our steeds are breathed,—let us on!” + </p> + <p> + On arriving at the More, its stately architecture, embellished by the + prelate with a facade of double arches, painted and blazoned somewhat in + the fashion of certain old Italian houses, much dazzled Marmaduke. And the + splendour of the archbishop’s retinue—less martial indeed than + Warwick’s—was yet more imposing to the common eye. Every office that + pomp could devise for a king’s court was to be found in the household of + this magnificent prelate,—master of the horse and the hounds, + chamberlain, treasurer, pursuivant, herald, seneschal, captain of the + body-guard, etc.,—and all emulously sought for and proudly held by + gentlemen of the first blood and birth. His mansion was at once a court + for middle life, a school for youth, an asylum for age; and thither, as to + a Medici, fled the letters and the arts. + </p> + <p> + Through corridor and hall, lined with pages and squires, passed Montagu + and Marmaduke, till they gained a quaint garden, the wonder and envy of + the time, planned by an Italian of Mantua, and perhaps the stateliest one + of the kind existent in England. Straight walks, terraces, and fountains, + clipped trees, green alleys, and smooth bowling-greens abounded; but the + flowers were few and common: and if here and there a statue might be + found, it possessed none of the art so admirable in our earliest + ecclesiastical architecture, but its clumsy proportions were made more + uncouth by a profusion of barbaric painting and gilding. The fountains, + however, were especially curious, diversified, and elaborate: some shot up + as pyramids, others coiled in undulating streams, each jet chasing the + other as serpents; some, again, branched off in the form of trees, while + mimic birds, perched upon leaden boughs, poured water from their bills. + Marmaduke, much astonished and bewildered, muttered a paternoster in great + haste; and even the clerical rank of the prelate did not preserve him from + the suspicion of magical practices in the youth’s mind. + </p> + <p> + Remote from all his train, in a little arbour overgrown with the + honeysuckle and white rose, a small table before him bearing fruits, + confectionery, and spiced wines (for the prelate was a celebrated epicure, + though still in the glow of youth), they found George Nevile, reading + lazily a Latin manuscript. + </p> + <p> + “Well, my dear lord and brother,” said Montagu, laying his arm on the + prelate’s shoulder, “first let me present to thy favour a gallant youth, + Marmaduke Nevile, worthy his name and thy love.” + </p> + <p> + “He is welcome, Montagu, to our poor house,” said the archbishop, rising, + and complacently glancing at his palace, splendidly gleaming through the + trellis-work. “‘Puer ingenui vultus.’ Thou art acquainted, doubtless, + young sir, with the Humaner Letters?” + </p> + <p> + “Well-a-day, my lord, my nurturing was somewhat neglected in the + province,” said Marmaduke, disconcerted, and deeply blushing, “and only of + late have I deemed the languages fit study for those not reared for our + Mother Church.” + </p> + <p> + “Fie, sir, fie! Correct that error, I pray thee. Latin teaches the + courtier how to thrive, the soldier how to manoeuvre, the husbandman how + to sow; and if we churchmen are more cunning, as the profane call us (and + the prelate smiled) than ye of the laity, the Latin must answer for the + sins of our learning.” + </p> + <p> + With this, the archbishop passed his arm affectionately through his + brother’s, and said, “Beshrew me, Montagu, thou lookest worn and weary. + Surely thou lackest food, and supper shall be hastened. Even I, who have + but slender appetite, grow hungered in these cool gloaming hours.” + </p> + <p> + “Dismiss my comrade, George,—I would speak to thee,” whispered + Montagu. + </p> + <p> + “Thou knowest not Latin?” said the archbishop, turning with a + compassionate eye to Nevile, whose own eye was amorously fixed on the + delicate confectioneries,—“never too late to learn. Hold, here is a + grammar of the verbs, that, with mine own hand, I have drawn up for youth. + Study thine amo and thy moneo, while I confer on Church matters with giddy + Montagu. I shall expect, ere we sup, that thou wilt have mastered the + first tenses.” + </p> + <p> + “But—” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, nay, nay; but me no buts. Thou art too tough, I fear me, for + flagellation, a wondrous improver of tender youth,”—and the prelate + forced his grammar into the reluctant hands of Marmaduke, and sauntered + down one of the solitary alleys with his brother. + </p> + <p> + Long and earnest was their conference, and at one time keen were their + dispute’s. + </p> + <p> + The archbishop had very little of the energy of Montagu or the impetuosity + of Warwick, but he had far more of what we now call mind, as distinct from + talent, than either; that is, he had not their capacities for action, but + he had a judgment and sagacity that made him considered a wise and sound + adviser: this he owed principally to the churchman’s love of ease, and to + his freedom from the wear and tear of the passions which gnawed the great + minister and the aspiring courtier; his natural intellect was also + fostered by much learning. George Nevile had been reared, by an Italian + ecclesiastic, in all the subtle diplomacy of the Church; and his ambition, + despising lay objects (though he consented to hold the office of + chancellor), was concentrated in that kingdom over kings which had + animated the august dominators of religious Rome. Though, as we have said, + still in that age when the affections are usually vivid, [He was + consecrated Bishop of Exeter at the age of twenty; at twenty-six he became + Archbishop of York, and was under thirty at the time referred to in the + text.] George Nevile loved no human creature,—not even his brothers; + not even King Edward, who, with all his vices, possessed so eminently the + secret that wins men’s hearts. His early and entire absorption in the + great religious community, which stood apart from the laymen in order to + control them, alienated him from his kind; and his superior instruction + only served to feed him with a calm and icy contempt for all that + prejudice, as he termed it, held dear and precious. He despised the + knight’s wayward honour, the burgher’s crafty honesty. For him no such + thing as principle existed; and conscience itself lay dead in the folds of + a fancied exemption from all responsibility to the dull herd, that were + but as wool and meat to the churchman shepherd. But withal, if somewhat + pedantic, he had in his manner a suavity and elegance and polish which + suited well his high station, and gave persuasion to his counsels. In all + externals he was as little like a priest as the high-born prelates of that + day usually were. In dress he rivalled the fopperies of the Plantagenet + brothers; in the chase he was more ardent than Warwick had been in his + earlier youth; and a dry sarcastic humour, sometimes elevated into wit, + gave liveliness to his sagacious converse. + </p> + <p> + Montagu desired that the archbishop and himself should demand solemn + audience of Edward, and gravely remonstrate with the king on the + impropriety of receiving the brother of a rival suitor, while Warwick was + negotiating the marriage of Margaret with a prince of France. + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” said the archbishop, with a bland smile, that fretted Montagu to + the quick, “surely even a baron, a knight, a franklin, a poor priest like + myself, would rise against the man who dictated to his hospitality. Is a + king less irritable than baron, knight, franklin, and priest,—or + rather, being, as it were, per legem, lord of all, hath he not + irritability eno’ for all four? Ay, tut and tush as thou wilt, John, but + thy sense must do justice to my counsel at the last. I know Edward well; + he hath something of mine own idlesse and ease of temper, but with more of + the dozing lion than priests, who have only, look you, the mildness of the + dove. Prick up his higher spirit, not by sharp remonstrance, but by + seeming trust. Observe to him, with thy gay, careless laugh—which, + methinks, thou hast somewhat lost of late—that with any other prince + Warwick might suspect some snare, some humiliating overthrow of his + embassage, but that all men know how steadfast in faith and honour is + Edward IV.” + </p> + <p> + “Truly,” said Montagu, with a forced smile, “you understand mankind; but + yet, bethink you—suppose this fail, and Warwick return to England to + hear that he hath been cajoled and fooled; that the Margaret he had + crossed the seas to affiance to the brother of Louis is betrothed to + Charolois—bethink you, I say, what manner of heart beats under our + brother’s mail.” + </p> + <p> + “Impiger, iracundus!” said the archbishop; “a very Achilles, to whom our + English Agamemnon, if he cross him, is a baby. All this is sad truth; our + parents spoilt him in his childhood, and glory in his youth, and wealth, + power, success, in his manhood. Ay! if Warwick be chafed, it will be as + the stir of the sea-serpent, which, according to the Icelanders, moves a + world. Still, the best way to prevent the danger is to enlist the honour + of the king in his behalf,—to show that our eyes are open, but that + we disdain to doubt, and are frank to confide. Meanwhile send messages and + warnings privately to Warwick.” + </p> + <p> + These reasonings finally prevailed with Montagu, and the brothers returned + with one mind to the house. Here, as after their ablutions they sat down + to the evening meal, the archbishop remembered poor Marmaduke, and + despatched to him one of his thirty household chaplains. Marmaduke was + found fast asleep over the second tense of the verb amo. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0027" id="link2HCH0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. THE ARRIVAL OF THE COUNT DE LA ROCHE, AND THE VARIOUS + EXCITEMENT PRODUCED ON MANY PERSONAGES BY THAT EVENT. + </h2> + <p> + The prudence of the archbishop’s counsel was so far made manifest, that on + the next day Montagu found all remonstrance would have been too late. The + Count de la Roche had already landed, and was on his way to London. The + citizens, led by Rivers partially to suspect the object of the visit, were + delighted not only by the prospect of a brilliant pageant, but by the + promise such a visit conveyed of a continued peace with their commercial + ally; and the preparations made by the wealthy merchants increased the + bitterness and discontent of Montagu. At length, at the head of a gallant + and princely retinue, the Count de la Roche entered London. Though + Hastings made no secret of his distaste to the Count de la Roche’s visit, + it became his office as lord chamberlain to meet the count at Blackwall, + and escort him and his train, in gilded barges, to the palace. + </p> + <p> + In the great hall of the Tower, in which the story of Antiochus was + painted by the great artists employed under Henry III., and on the + elevation of the dais, behind which, across Gothic columns, stretched + draperies of cloth-of-gold, was placed Edward’s chair of state. Around him + were grouped the Dukes of Clarence and Gloucester, the Lords Worcester, + Montagu, Rivers, D’Eyncourt, St. John, Raoul de Fulke, and others. But at + the threshold of the chamber stood Anthony Woodville, the knightly + challenger, his knee bound by the ladye-badge of the S. S., and his fine + person clad in white-flowered velvet of Genoa, adorned with pearls. + Stepping forward, as the count appeared, the gallant Englishman bent his + knee half-way to the ground, and raising the count’s hand to his lips, + said in French, “Deign, noble sir, to accept the gratitude of one who were + not worthy of encounter from so peerless a hand, save by the favour of the + ladies of England, and your own courtesy, which ennobles him whom it + stoops to.” So saying, he led the count towards the king. + </p> + <p> + De la Roche, an experienced and profound courtier, and justly deserving + Hall’s praise as a man of “great witte, courage, valiantness, and + liberalitie,” did not affect to conceal the admiration which the + remarkable presence of Edward never failed to excite; lifting his hand to + his eyes, as if to shade them from a sudden blaze of light, he would have + fallen on both knees, but Edward with quick condescension raised him, and, + rising himself, said gayly,— + </p> + <p> + “Nay, Count de la Roche, brave and puissant chevalier, who hath crossed + the seas in honour of knighthood and the ladies, we would, indeed, that + our roiaulme boasted a lord like thee, from whom we might ask such homage. + But since thou art not our subject, it consoles us at least that thou art + our guest. By our halidame, Lord Scales, thou must look well to thy lance + and thy steed’s girths, for never, I trow, hast thou met a champion of + goodlier strength and knightlier mettle.” + </p> + <p> + “My lord king,” answered the count, “I fear me, indeed, that a knight like + the Sieur Anthony, who fights under the eyes of such a king, will prove + invincible. Did kings enter the lists with kings, where, through broad + Christendom, find a compeer for your Highness?” + </p> + <p> + “Your brother, Sir Count, if fame lies not,” returned Edward, slightly + laughing, and lightly touching the Bastard’s shoulder, “were a fearful + lance to encounter, even though Charlemagne himself were to revive with + his twelve paladins at his back. Tell us, Sir Count,” added the king, + drawing himself up,—“tell us, for we soldiers are curious in such + matters, hath not the Count of Charolois the advantage of all here in + sinews and stature?” + </p> + <p> + “Sire,” returned De la Roche, “my princely brother is indeed mighty with + the brand and battle-axe, but your Grace is taller by half the head,—and, + peradventure, of even a more stalwart build; but that mere strength in + your Highness is not that gift of God which strikes the beholder most.” + </p> + <p> + Edward smiled good-humouredly at a compliment the truth of which was too + obvious to move much vanity, and said with a royal and knightly grace, + “Our House of York hath been taught, Sir Count, to estimate men’s beauty + by men’s deeds, and therefore the Count of Charolois hath long been known + to us—who, alas, have seen him not!—as the fairest gentleman + of Europe. My Lord Scales, we must here publicly crave your pardon. Our + brother-in-law, Sir Count, would fain have claimed his right to hold you + his guest, and have graced himself by exclusive service to your person. We + have taken from him his lawful office, for we kings are jealous, and would + not have our subjects more honoured than ourselves.” Edward turned round + to his courtiers as he spoke, and saw that his last words had called a + haughty and angry look to the watchful countenance of Montagu. “Lord + Hastings,” he continued, “to your keeping, as our representative, we + intrust this gentleman. He must need refreshment ere we present him to our + queen.” + </p> + <p> + The count bowed to the ground, and reverently withdrew from the royal + presence, accompanied by Hastings. Edward then, singling Anthony Woodville + and Lord Rivers from the group, broke up the audience, and, followed by + those two noblemen, quitted the hall. + </p> + <p> + Montagu, whose countenance had recovered the dignified and high-born calm + habitual to it, turned to the Duke of Clarence, and observed + indifferently, “The Count de la Roche hath a goodly mien, and a fair + tongue.” + </p> + <p> + “Pest on these Burgundians!” answered Clarence, in an undertone, and + drawing Montagu aside. “I would wager my best greyhound to a scullion’s + cur that our English knights will lower their burgonets.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, sir, an idle holiday show. What matters whose lance breaks, or whose + destrier stumbles?” + </p> + <p> + “Will you not, yourself, cousin Montagu—you who are so peerless in + the joust—take part in the fray?” + </p> + <p> + “I, your Highness,—I, the brother of the Earl of Warwick, whom this + pageant hath been devised by the Woodvilles to mortify and disparage in + his solemn embassy to Burgundy’s mightiest foe!—I!” + </p> + <p> + “Sooth to say,” said the young prince, much embarrassed, “it grieves me + sorely to hear thee speak as if Warwick would be angered at this pastime. + For, look you, Montagu, I, thinking only of my hate to Burgundy and my + zeal for our English honour, have consented, as high constable, and + despite my grudge to the Woodvilles, to bear the bassinet of our own + champion, and—” + </p> + <p> + “Saints in heaven!” exclaimed Montagu, with a burst of his fierce + brother’s temper, which he immediately checked, and changed into a tone + that concealed, beneath outward respect, the keenest irony, “I crave your + pardon humbly for my vehemence, Prince of Clarence. I suddenly remember me + that humility is the proper virtue of knighthood. Your Grace does indeed + set a notable example of that virtue to the peers of England; and my poor + brother’s infirmity of pride will stand rebuked for aye, when he hears + that George Plantagenet bore the bassinet of Anthony Woodville.” + </p> + <p> + “But it is for the honour of the ladies,” said Clarence, falteringly; “in + honour of the fairest maid of all—the flower of English beauty—the + Lady Isabel—that I—” + </p> + <p> + “Your Highness will pardon me,” interrupted Montagu; “but I do trust to + your esteem for our poor and insulted House of Nevile so far as to be + assured that the name of my niece Isabel will not be submitted to the + ribald comments of a base-born Burgundian.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I will break no lance in the lists!” + </p> + <p> + “As it likes you, prince,” replied Montagu, shortly; and, with a low bow, + he quitted the chamber, and was striding to the outer gate of the Tower, + when a sweet, clear voice behind him called him by his name. He turned + abruptly, to meet the dark eye and all-subduing smile of the boy-Duke of + Gloucester. + </p> + <p> + “A word with you, Montagu, noblest and most prized, with your princely + brothers, of the champions of our House,—I read your generous + indignation with our poor Clarence. Ay, sir! ay!—it was a weakness + in him that moved even me. But you have not now to learn that his nature, + how excellent soever, is somewhat unsteady. His judgment alone lacks + weight and substance,—ever persuaded against his better reason by + those who approach his infirmer side; but if it be true that our cousin + Warwick intends for him the hand of the peerless Isabel, wiser heads will + guide his course.” + </p> + <p> + “My brother,” said Montagu, greatly softened, “is much beholden to your + Highness for a steady countenance and friendship, for which I also, + believe me—and the families of Beauchamp, Montagu, and Nevile—are + duly grateful. But to speak plainly (which your Grace’s youthful candour, + so all-acknowledged, will permit), the kinsmen of the queen do now so + aspire to rule this land, to marry or forbid to marry, not only our own + children, but your illustrious father’s, that I foresee in this visit of + the bastard Anthony the most signal disgrace to Warwick that ever king + passed upon ambassador or gentleman. And this moves me more!—yea, I + vow to Saint George, my patron, it moves me more—by the thought of + danger to your royal House than by the grief of slight to mine; for + Warwick—but you know him.” + </p> + <p> + “Montagu, you must soothe and calm your brother if chafed. I impose that + task on your love for us. Alack, would that Edward listened more to me and + less to the queen’s kith! These Woodvilles!—and yet they may live to + move not wrath but pity. If aught snapped the thread of Edward’s life + (Holy Paul forbid!), what would chance to Elizabeth, her brothers, her + children?” + </p> + <p> + “Her children would mount the throne that our right hands built,” said + Montagu, sullenly. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, think you so?—you rejoice me! I had feared that the barons + might, that the commons would, that the Church must, pronounce the unhappy + truth, that—but you look amazed, my lord! Alas, my boyish years are + too garrulous!” + </p> + <p> + “I catch not your Highness’s meaning.” + </p> + <p> + “Pooh, pooh! By Saint Paul, your seeming dulness proves your loyalty; but + with me, the king’s brother, frankness were safe. Thou knowest well that + the king was betrothed before to the Lady Eleanor Talbot; that such + betrothal, not set aside by the Pope, renders his marriage with Elizabeth + against law; that his children may (would to Heaven it were not so!) be + set aside as bastards, when Edward’s life no longer shields them from the + sharp eyes of men.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah,” said Montagu, thoughtfully; “and in that case, George of Clarence + would wear the crown, and his children reign in England.” + </p> + <p> + “Our Lord forefend,” said Richard, “that I should say that Warwick thought + of this when he deemed George worthy of the hand of Isabel. Nay, it could + not be so; for, however clear the claim, strong and powerful would be + those who would resist it, and Clarence is not, as you will see, the man + who can wrestle boldly,—even for a throne. Moreover, he is too + addicted to wine and pleasure to bid fair to outlive the king.” + </p> + <p> + Montagu fixed his penetrating eyes on Richard, but dropped them, abashed, + before that steady, deep, unrevealing gaze, which seemed to pierce into + other hearts, and show nothing of the heart within. + </p> + <p> + “Happy Clarence!” resumed the prince, with a heavy sigh, and after a brief + pause,—“a Nevile’s husband and a Warwick’s son—what can the + saints do more for men? You must excuse his errors—all our errors—to + your brother. You may not know, peradventure, sweet Montagu, how deep an + interest I have in maintaining all amity between Lord Warwick and the + king. For methinks there is one face fairer than fair Isabel’s, and one + man more to be envied than even Clarence. Fairest face to me in the wide + world is the Lady Anne’s! happiest man between the cradle and the grave is + he whom the Lady Anne shall call her lord! and if I—oh, look you, + Montagu, let there be no breach between Warwick and the king! Fare you + well, dear lord and cousin,—I go to Baynard’s Castle till these + feasts are over.” + </p> + <p> + “Does not your Grace,” said Montagu, recovering from the surprise into + which one part of Gloucester’s address had thrown him—“does not your + Grace—so skilled in lance and horsemanship—preside at the + lists?” + </p> + <p> + “Montagu, I love your brother well enough to displease my king. The great + earl shall not say, at least, that Richard Plantagenet in his absence + forgot the reverence due to loyalty and merit. Tell him that; and if I + seem (unlike Clarence) to forbear to confront the queen and her kindred, + it is because you should make no enemies,—not the less for that + should princes forget no friends.” + </p> + <p> + Richard said this with a tone of deep feeling, and, folding his arms + within his furred surcoat, walked slowly on to a small postern admitting + to the river; but there, pausing by a buttress which concealed him till + Montagu had left the yard, instead of descending to his barge, he turned + back into the royal garden. Here several of the court of both sexes were + assembled, conferring on the event of the day. Richard halted at a + distance, and contemplated their gay dresses and animated countenances + with something between melancholy and scorn upon his young brow. One of + the most remarkable social characteristics of the middle ages is the + prematurity at which the great arrived at manhood, shared in its passions, + and indulged its ambitions. Among the numerous instances in our own and + other countries that might be selected from history, few are more striking + than that of this Duke of Gloucester, great in camp and in council at an + age when nowadays a youth is scarcely trusted to the discipline of a + college. The whole of his portentous career was closed, indeed, before the + public life of modern ambition usually commences. Little could those + accustomed to see on our stage “the elderly ruffian” [Sharon Turner] our + actors represent, imagine that at the opening of Shakspeare’s play of + “Richard the Third” the hero was but in his nineteenth year; but at the + still more juvenile age in which he appears in this our record, Richard of + Gloucester was older in intellect, and almost in experience, than many a + wise man at the date of thirty-three,—the fatal age when his sun set + forever on the field of Bosworth! + </p> + <p> + The young prince, then, eyed the gaudy, fluttering, babbling assemblage + before him with mingled melancholy and scorn. Not that he felt, with the + acuteness which belongs to modern sentiment, his bodily defects amidst + that circle of the stately and the fair, for they were not of a nature to + weaken his arm in war or lessen his persuasive influences in peace. But it + was rather that sadness which so often comes over an active and ambitious + intellect in early youth, when it pauses to ask, in sorrow and disdain, + what its plots and counterplots, its restlessness and strife, are really + worth. The scene before him was of pleasure,—but in pleasure neither + the youth nor the manhood of Richard III. was ever pleased; though not + absolutely of the rigid austerity of Amadis or our Saxon Edward, he was + comparatively free from the licentiousness of his times. His passions were + too large for frivolous excitements. Already the Italian, or, as it is + falsely called, the Machiavelian policy, was pervading the intellect of + Europe, and the effects of its ruthless, grand, and deliberate statecraft + are visible from the accession of Edward IV. till the close of Elizabeth’s + reign. With this policy, which reconciled itself to crime as a necessity + of wisdom, was often blended a refinement of character which disdained + vulgar vices. Not skilled alone in those knightly accomplishments which + induced Caxton, with propriety, to dedicate to Richard “The Book of the + Order of Chivalry,” the Duke of Gloucester’s more peaceful amusements were + borrowed from severer Graces than those which presided over the tastes of + his royal brothers. He loved, even to passion, the Arts, Music,—especially + of the more Doric and warlike kind,—Painting and Architecture; he + was a reader of books, as of men,—the books that become princes,—and + hence that superior knowledge of the principles of law and of commerce + which his brief reign evinced. More like an Italian in all things than the + careless Norman or the simple Saxon, Machiavel might have made of his + character a companion, though a contrast to that of Castruccio Castrucani. + </p> + <p> + The crowd murmured and rustled at the distance, and still with folded arms + Richard gazed aloof, when a lady, entering the garden from the palace, + passed by him so hastily that she brushed his surcoat, and, turning round + in surprise, made a low reverence, as she exclaimed, “Prince Richard! and + alone amidst so many!” + </p> + <p> + “Lady,” said the duke, “it was a sudden hope that brought me into this + garden,—and that was the hope to see your fair face shining above + the rest.” + </p> + <p> + “Your Highness jests,” returned the lady, though her superb countenance + and haughty carriage evinced no opinion of herself so humble as her words + would imply. + </p> + <p> + “My Lady of Bonville,” said the young duke, laying his hand on her arm, + “mirth is not in my thoughts at this hour.” + </p> + <p> + “I believe your Highness; for the Lord Richard Plantagenet is not one of + the Woodvilles. The mirth is theirs to-day.” + </p> + <p> + “Let who will have mirth,—it is the breath of a moment. Mirth cannot + tarnish glory,—the mirror in which the gods are glassed.” + </p> + <p> + “I understand you, my lord,” said the proud lady; and her face, before + stern and high, brightened into so lovely a change, so soft and winning a + smile, that Gloucester no longer marvelled that that smile had rained so + large an influence on the fate and heart of his favourite Hastings. The + beauty of this noble woman was indeed remarkable in its degree, and + peculiar in its character. She bore a stronger likeness in feature to the + archbishop than to either of her other brothers; for the prelate had the + straight and smooth outline of the Greeks,—not like Montagu and + Warwick, the lordlier and manlier aquiline of the Norman race,—and + his complexion was feminine in its pale clearness. But though in this + resembling the subtlest of the brethren, the fair sister shared with + Warwick an expression, if haughty, singularly frank and candid in its + imperious majesty; she had the same splendid and steady brilliancy of eye, + the same quick quiver of the lip, speaking of nervous susceptibility and + haste of mood. The hateful fashion of that day which pervaded all ranks, + from the highest to the lowest, was the prodigal use of paints and + cosmetics, and all imaginable artificial adjuncts of a spurious beauty. + This extended often even to the men, and the sturdiest warrior deemed it + no shame to recur to such arts of the toilet as the vainest wanton in our + day would never venture to acknowledge. But the Lady Bonville, proudly + confident of her beauty, and possessing a purity of mind that revolted + from the littleness of courting admiration, contrasted forcibly in this + the ladies of the court. Her cheek was of a marble whiteness, though + occasionally a rising flush through the clear, rich, transparent skin + showed that in earlier youth the virgin bloom had not been absent from the + surface. There was in her features, when they reposed, somewhat of the + trace of suffering,—of a struggle, past it may be, but still + remembered. But when she spoke, those features lighted up and undulated in + such various and kindling life as to dazzle, to bewitch, or to awe the + beholder, according as the impulse moulded the expression. Her dress + suited her lofty and spotless character. Henry VI. might have contemplated + with holy pleasure its matronly decorum; the jewelled gorget ascended to + the rounded and dimpled chin; the arms were bare only at the wrists, where + the blue veins were seen through a skin of snow; the dark glossy locks, + which her tirewoman boasted, when released, swept the ground, were + gathered into a modest and simple braid, surmounted by the beseeming + coronet that proclaimed her rank. The Lady Bonville might have stood by + the side of Cornelia, the model of a young and high-born matron, in whose + virtue the honour of man might securely dwell. + </p> + <p> + “I understand you, my lord,” she said, with her bright, thankful smile; + “and as Lord Warwick’s sister, I am grateful.” + </p> + <p> + “Your love for the great earl proves you are noble enough to forgive,” + said Richard, meaningly. “Nay, chide me not with that lofty look; you know + that there are no secrets between Hastings and Gloucester.” + </p> + <p> + “My lord duke, the head of a noble House hath the right to dispose of the + hands of the daughters; I know nothing in Lord Warwick to forgive.” + </p> + <p> + But she turned her head as she spoke, and a tear for a moment trembled in + that haughty eye. + </p> + <p> + “Lady,” said Richard, moved to admiration, “to you let me confide my + secret. I would be your nephew. Boy though I be in years, my heart beats + as loudly as a man’s; and that heart beats for Anne.” + </p> + <p> + “The love of Richard Plantagenet honours even Warwick’s daughter!” + </p> + <p> + “Think you so? Then stand my friend; and, being thus my friend, intercede + with Warwick, if he angers at the silly holiday of this Woodville + pageant.” + </p> + <p> + “Alas, sir! you know that Warwick listens to no interceders between + himself and his passions. But what then? Grant him wronged, aggrieved, + trifled with,—what then? Can he injure the House of York?” + </p> + <p> + Richard looked in some surprise at the fair speaker. + </p> + <p> + “Can he injure the House of York?—Marry, yes,” he replied bluntly. + </p> + <p> + “But for what end? Whom else should he put upon the throne?” + </p> + <p> + “What if he forgive the Lancastrians? What if—” + </p> + <p> + “Utter not the thought, prince, breathe it not,” exclaimed the Lady + Bonville, almost fiercely. “I love and honour my brave brother, despite—despite—” + She paused a moment, blushed, and proceeded rapidly, without concluding + the sentence. “I love him as a woman of his House must love the hero who + forms its proudest boast. But if, for any personal grudge, any low + ambition, any rash humour, the son of my father Salisbury could forget + that Margaret of Anjou placed the gory head of that old man upon the gates + of York, could by word or deed abet the cause of usurping and bloody + Lancaster,—I would—I would—Out upon my sex! I could do + nought but weep the glory of Nevile and Monthermer gone forever.” + </p> + <p> + Before Richard could reply, the sound of musical instruments, and a + procession of heralds and pages proceeding from the palace, announced the + approach of Edward. He caught the hand of the dame of Bonville, lifted it + to his lips, and saying, “May fortune one day permit me to face as the + earl’s son the earl’s foes,” made his graceful reverence, glided from the + garden, gained his barge, and was rowed to the huge pile of Baynard’s + Castle, lately reconstructed, but in a gloomy and barbaric taste, and in + which, at that time, he principally resided with his mother, the once + peerless Rose of Raby. + </p> + <p> + The Lady of Bonville paused a moment, and in that pause her countenance + recovered its composure. She then passed on, with a stately step, towards + a group of the ladies of the court, and her eye noted with proud pleasure + that the highest names of the English knighthood and nobility, comprising + the numerous connections of her family, formed a sullen circle apart from + the rest, betokening, by their grave countenances and moody whispers, how + sensitively they felt the slight to Lord Warwick’s embassy in the visit of + the Count de la Roche, and how little they were disposed to cringe to the + rising sun of the Woodvilles. There, collected into a puissance whose + discontent hard sufficed to shake a firmer throne (the young Raoul de + Fulke, the idolater of Warwick, the impersonation in himself of the old + Norman seignorie, in their centre), with folded arms and lowering brows, + stood the earl’s kinsmen, the Lords Fitzhugh and Fauconberg: with them, + Thomas Lord Stanley, a prudent noble, who rarely sided with a malcontent, + and the Lord St. John, and the heir of the ancient Bergavennies, and many + another chief, under whose banner marched an army. Richard of Gloucester + had shown his wit in refusing to mingle in intrigues which provoked the + ire of that martial phalanx. As the Lady of Bonville swept by these + gentlemen, their murmur of respectful homage, their profound salutation, + and unbonneted heads, contrasted forcibly with the slight and grave, if + not scornful, obeisance they had just rendered to one of the queen’s + sisters, who had passed a moment before in the same direction. The lady + still moved on, and came suddenly across the path of Hastings, as, in his + robes of state, he issued from the palace. Their eyes met, and both + changed colour. + </p> + <p> + “So, my lord chamberlain,” said the dame, sarcastically, “the Count de la + Roche is, I hear, consigned to your especial charge.” + </p> + <p> + “A charge the chamberlain cannot refuse, and which William Hastings does + not covet.” + </p> + <p> + “A king had never asked Montagu and Warwick to consider amongst their + duties any charge they had deemed dishonouring.” + </p> + <p> + “Dishonouring, Lady Bonville!” exclaimed Hastings, with a bent brow and a + flushed cheek,—“neither Montagu nor Warwick had, with safety, + applied to me the word that has just passed your lips.” + </p> + <p> + “I crave your pardon,” answered Katherine, bitterly. “Mine articles of + faith in men’s honour are obsolete or heretical. I had deemed it + dishonouring in a noble nature to countenance insult to a noble enemy in + his absence. I had deemed it dishonouring in a brave soldier, a well-born + gentleman (now from his valiantness, merit, and wisdom become a puissant + and dreaded lord), to sink into that lackeydom and varletaille which + falsehood and cringing have stablished in these walls, and baptized under + the name of ‘courtiers.’ Better had Katherine de Bonville esteemed Lord + Hastings had he rather fallen under a king’s displeasure than debased his + better self to a Woodville’s dastard schemings.” + </p> + <p> + “Lady, you are cruel and unjust, like all your haughty race; and idle were + reply to one who, of all persons, should have judged me better. For the + rest, if this mummery humbles Lord Warwick, gramercy! there is nothing in + my memory that should make my share in it a gall to my conscience; nor do + I owe the Neviles so large a gratitude, that rather than fret the pile of + their pride, I should throw down the scaffolding on which my fearless step + hath clomb to as fair a height, and one perhaps that may overlook as long + a posterity, as the best baron that ever quartered the Raven Eagle and the + Dun Bull. But,” resumed Hastings, with a withering sarcasm, “doubtless the + Lady de Bonville more admires the happy lord who holds himself, by right + of pedigree, superior to all things that make the statesman wise, the + scholar learned, and the soldier famous. Way there—back, gentles,”—and + Hastings turned to the crowd behind,—“way there, for my lord of + Harrington and Bonville!” + </p> + <p> + The bystanders smiled at each other as they obeyed; and a heavy, + shambling, graceless man, dressed in the most exaggerated fopperies of the + day, but with a face which even sickliness, that refines most faces, could + not divest of the most vacant dulness, and a mien and gait to which no + attire could give dignity, passed through the group, bowing awkwardly to + the right and left, and saying, in a thick, husky voice, “You are too + good, sirs,—too good: I must not presume so overmuch on my + seignorie. The king would keep me,—he would indeed, sirs; um—um—why, + Katherine—dame—thy stiff gorget makes me ashamed of thee. Thou + wouldst not think, Lord Hastings, that Katherine had a white skin,—a + parlous white skin. La, you now, fie on these mufflers!” The courtiers + sneered; Hastings, with a look of malignant and pitiless triumph, eyed the + Lady of Bonville. For a moment the colour went and came across her + transparent cheek; but the confusion passed, and returning the insulting + gaze of her ancient lover with an eye of unspeakable majesty, she placed + her arm upon her lord’s, and saying calmly, “An English matron cares but + to be fair in her husband’s eyes,” drew him away; and the words and the + manner of the lady were so dignified and simple, that the courtiers hushed + their laughter, and for the moment the lord of such a woman was not only + envied but respected. + </p> + <p> + While this scene had passed, the procession preceding Edward had filed + into the garden in long and stately order. From another entrance + Elizabeth, the Princess Margaret, and the Duchess of Bedford, with their + trains, had already issued, and were now ranged upon a flight of marble + steps, backed by a columned alcove, hung with velvet striped into the + royal baudekin, while the stairs themselves were covered with leathern + carpets, powdered with the white rose and the fleur de lis; either side + lined by the bearers of the many banners of Edward, displaying the white + lion of March, the black bull of Clare, the cross of Jerusalem, the dragon + of Arragon, and the rising sun, which he had assumed as his peculiar + war-badge since the battle of Mortimer’s Cross. Again, and louder, came + the flourish of music; and a murmur through the crowd, succeeded by deep + silence, announced the entrance of the king. He appeared, leading by the + hand the Count de la Roche, and followed by the Lords Scales, Rivers, + Dorset, and the Duke of Clarence. All eyes were bent upon the count, and + though seen to disadvantage by the side of the comeliest and stateliest + and most gorgeously-attired prince in Christendom, his high forehead, + bright sagacious eye, and powerful frame did not disappoint the + expectations founded upon the fame of one equally subtle in council and + redoubted in war. + </p> + <p> + The royal host and the princely guest made their way where Elizabeth, + blazing in jewels and cloth-of-gold, shone royally, begirt by the ladies + of her brilliant court. At her right hand stood her mother, at her left, + the Princess Margaret. + </p> + <p> + “I present to you, my Elizabeth,” said Edward, “a princely gentleman, to + whom we nevertheless wish all ill-fortune,—for we cannot desire that + he may subdue our knights, and we would fain hope that he may be conquered + by our ladies.” + </p> + <p> + “The last hope is already fulfilled,” said the count, gallantly, as on his + knee he kissed the fair hand extended to him. Then rising, and gazing full + and even boldly upon the young Princess Margaret, he added, “I have seen + too often the picture of the Lady Margaret not to be aware that I stand in + that illustrious presence.” + </p> + <p> + “Her picture! Sir Count,” said the queen; “we knew not that it had been + ever limned.” + </p> + <p> + “Pardon me, it was done by stealth.” + </p> + <p> + “And where have you seen it?” + </p> + <p> + “Worn at the heart of my brother the Count of Charolois!” answered De la + Roche, in a whispered tone. + </p> + <p> + Margaret blushed with evident pride and delight; and the wily envoy, + leaving the impression his words had made to take their due effect, + addressed himself, with all the gay vivacity he possessed, to the fair + queen and her haughty mother. + </p> + <p> + After a brief time spent in this complimentary converse, the count then + adjourned to inspect the menagerie, of which the king was very proud. + Edward, offering his hand to his queen, led the way, and the Duchess of + Bedford, directing the count to Margaret by a shrewd and silent glance of + her eye, so far smothered her dislike to Clarence as to ask his highness + to attend herself. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, lady,” whispered the count, as the procession moved along, “what + thrones would not Charolois resign for the hand that his unworthy envoy is + allowed to touch!” + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” said Margaret, demurely looking down, “the Count of Charolois is a + lord who, if report be true, makes war his only mistress.” + </p> + <p> + “Because the only loving mistress his great heart could serve is denied to + his love! Ah, poor lord and brother, what new reasons for eternal war to + Burgundy, when France, not only his foe, becomes his rival!” + </p> + <p> + Margaret sighed, and the count continued till by degrees he warmed the + royal maiden from her reserve; and his eye grew brighter, and a triumphant + smile played about his lips, when, after the visit to the menagerie, the + procession re-entered the palace, and the Lord Hastings conducted the + count to the bath prepared for him, previous to the crowning banquet of + the night. And far more luxurious and more splendid than might be deemed + by those who read but the general histories of that sanguinary time, or + the inventories of furniture in the houses even of the great barons, was + the accommodation which Edward afforded to his guest. His apartments and + chambers were hung with white silk and linen, the floors covered with + richly-woven carpets; the counterpane of his bed was cloth-of-gold, + trimmed with ermine; the cupboard shone with vessels of silver and gold; + and over two baths were pitched tents of white cloth of Rennes fringed + with silver. [See Madden’s Narrative of the Lord Grauthuse; Archaelogia, + 1830.] + </p> + <p> + Agreeably to the manners of the time, Lord Hastings assisted to disrobe + the count; and, the more to bear him company, afterwards undressed himself + and bathed in the one bath, while the count refreshed his limbs in the + other. + </p> + <p> + “Pri’thee,” said De la Roche, drawing aside the curtain of his tent, and + putting forth his head—“pri’thee, my Lord Hastings, deign to + instruct my ignorance of a court which I would fain know well, and let me + weet whether the splendour of your king, far exceeding what I was taught + to look for, is derived from his revenue as sovereign of England, or chief + of the House of York?” + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” returned Hastings, gravely, putting out his own head, “it is + Edward’s happy fortune to be the wealthiest proprietor in England, except + the Earl of Warwick, and thus he is enabled to indulge a state which yet + oppresses not his people.” + </p> + <p> + “Except the Earl of Warwick!” repeated the count, musingly, as the fumes + of the odours with which the bath was filled rose in a cloud over his long + hair,—“ill would fare that subject, in most lands, who was as + wealthy as his king! You have heard that Warwick has met King Louis at + Rouen, and that they are inseparable?” + </p> + <p> + “It becomes an ambassador to win grace of him he is sent to please.” + </p> + <p> + “But none win the grace of Louis whom Louis does not dupe.” + </p> + <p> + “You know not Lord Warwick, Sir Count. His mind is so strong and so frank, + that it is as hard to deceive him as it is for him to be deceived.” + </p> + <p> + “Time will show,” said the count, pettishly, and he withdrew his head into + the tent. + </p> + <p> + And now there appeared the attendants, with hippocras, syrups, and + comfits, by way of giving appetite for the supper, so that no further + opportunity for private conversation was left to the two lords. While the + count was dressing, the Lord Scales entered with a superb gown, clasped + with jewels, and lined with minever, with which Edward had commissioned + him to present the Bastard. In this robe the Lord Scales insisted upon + enduing his antagonist with his own hands, and the three knights then + repaired to the banquet. At the king’s table no male personage out of the + royal family sat, except Lord Rivers—as Elizabeth’s father—and + the Count de la Roche, placed between Margaret and the Duchess of Bedford. + </p> + <p> + At another table, the great peers of the realm feasted under the + presidence of Anthony Woodville, while, entirely filling one side of the + hall, the ladies of the court held their “mess” (so-called) apart, and + “great and mighty was the eating thereof!” + </p> + <p> + The banquet ended, the dance began. The admirable “featliness” of the + Count de la Roche, in the pavon, with the Lady Margaret, was rivalled only + by the more majestic grace of Edward and the dainty steps of Anthony + Woodville. But the lightest and happiest heart which beat in that revel + was one in which no scheme and no ambition but those of love nursed the + hope and dreamed the triumph. + </p> + <p> + Stung by the coldness even more than by the disdain of the Lady Bonville, + and enraged to find that no taunt of his own, however galling, could + ruffle a dignity which was an insult both to memory and to self-love, + Hastings had exerted more than usual, both at the banquet and in the + revel, those general powers of pleasing, which, even in an age when + personal qualifications ranked so high, had yet made him no less renowned + for successes in gallantry than the beautiful and youthful king. All about + this man witnessed to the triumph of mind over the obstacles that beset + it,—his rise without envy, his safety amidst foes, the happy ease + with which he moved through the snares and pits of everlasting stratagem + and universal wile! Him alone the arts of the Woodvilles could not + supplant in Edward’s confidence and love; to him alone dark Gloucester + bent his haughty soul; him alone, Warwick, who had rejected his alliance, + and knew the private grudge the rejection bequeathed,—him alone, + among the “new men,” Warwick always treated with generous respect, as a + wise patriot and a fearless soldier; and in the more frivolous scenes of + courtly life, the same mind raised one no longer in the bloom of youth, + with no striking advantages of person, and studiously disdainful of all + the fopperies of the time, to an equality with the youngest, the fairest, + the gaudiest courtier, in that rivalship which has pleasure for its object + and love for its reward. Many a heart beat quicker as the graceful + courtier, with that careless wit which veiled his profound mournfulness of + character, or with that delicate flattery which his very contempt for + human nature had taught him, moved from dame to donzell; till at length, + in the sight and hearing of the Lady Bonville, as she sat, seemingly + heedless of his revenge, amidst a group of matrons elder than herself, a + murmur of admiration made him turn quickly, and his eye, following the + gaze of the bystanders, rested upon the sweet, animated face of Sibyll, + flushed into rich bloom at the notice it excited. Then as he approached + the maiden, his quick glance darting to the woman he had first loved told + him that he had at last discovered the secret how to wound. An involuntary + compression of Katherine’s proud lips, a hasty rise and fall of the + stately neck, a restless, indescribable flutter, as it were, of the whole + frame, told the experienced woman-reader of the signs of jealousy and + fear. And he passed at once to the young maiden’s side. Alas! what wonder + that Sibyll that night surrendered her heart to the happiest dreams; and + finding herself on the floors of a court, intoxicated by its perfumed air, + hearing on all sides the murmured eulogies which approved and justified + the seeming preference of the powerful noble, what wonder that she thought + the humble maiden, with her dower of radiant youth and exquisite beauty, + and the fresh and countless treasures of virgin love, might be no unworthy + mate of the “new lord”? + </p> + <p> + It was morning [The hours of our ancestors, on great occasions, were not + always more seasonable than our own. Froissart speaks of court balls, in + the reign of Richard II., kept up till day.] before the revel ended; and + when dismissed by the Duchess of Bedford, Sibyll was left to herself, not + even amidst her happy visions did the daughter forget her office. She + stole into her father’s chamber. He, too, was astir and up,—at work + at the untiring furnace, the damps on his brow, but all Hope’s vigour at + his heart. So while Pleasure feasts, and Youth revels, and Love deludes + itself, and Ambition chases its shadows (chased itself by Death),—so + works the world-changing and world-despised SCIENCE, the life within life, + for all living,—and to all dead! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0028" id="link2HCH0028"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. THE RENOWNED COMBAT BETWEEN SIR ANTHONY WOODVILLE AND THE + BASTARD OF BURGUNDY. + </h2> + <p> + And now the day came for the memorable joust between the queen’s brother + and the Count de la Roche. By a chapter solemnly convoked at St. Paul’s, + the preliminaries were settled; upon the very timber used in decking the + lists King Edward expended half the yearly revenue derived from all the + forests of his duchy of York. In the wide space of Smithfield, destined at + a later day to blaze with the fires of intolerant bigotry, crowded + London’s holiday population: and yet, though all the form and parade of + chivalry were there; though in the open balconies never presided a braver + king or a comelier queen; though never a more accomplished chevalier than + Sir Anthony Lord of Scales, nor a more redoubted knight than the brother + of Charles the Bold, met lance to lance,—it was obvious to the elder + and more observant spectators, that the true spirit of the lists was + already fast wearing out from the influences of the age; that the + gentleman was succeeding to the knight, that a more silken and scheming + race had become the heirs of the iron men, who, under Edward III., had + realized the fabled Paladins of Charlemagne and Arthur. But the actors + were less changed than the spectators,—the Well-born than the + People. Instead of that hearty sympathy in the contest, that awful respect + for the champions, that eager anxiety for the honour of the national + lance, which, a century or more ago, would have moved the throng as one + breast, the comments of the bystanders evinced rather the cynicism of + ridicule, the feeling that the contest was unreal, and that chivalry was + out of place in the practical temper of the times. On the great chessboard + the pawns were now so marshalled, that the knight’s moves were no longer + able to scour the board and hold in check both castle and king. + </p> + <p> + “Gramercy,” said Master Stokton, who sat in high state as sheriff, + [Fabyan] “this is a sad waste of moneys; and where, after all, is the + glory in two tall fellows, walled a yard thick in armor, poking at each + other with poles of painted wood?” + </p> + <p> + “Give me a good bull-bait!” said a sturdy butcher, in the crowd below; + “that’s more English, I take it, than these fooleries.” + </p> + <p> + Amongst the ring, the bold ‘prentices of London, up and away betimes, had + pushed their path into a foremost place, much to the discontent of the + gentry, and with their flat caps, long hair, thick bludgeons, loud + exclamations, and turbulent demeanour, greatly scandalized the formal + heralds. That, too, was a sign of the times. Nor less did it show the + growth of commerce, that, on seats very little below the regal balconies, + and far more conspicuous than the places of earls and barons, sat in state + the mayor (that mayor a grocer!) [Sir John Yonge.—Fabyan] and + aldermen of the city. + </p> + <p> + A murmur, rising gradually into a general shout, evinced the admiration + into which the spectators were surprised, when Anthony Woodville Lord + Scales—his head bare—appeared at the entrance of the lists,—so + bold and so fair was his countenance, so radiant his armour, and so richly + caparisoned his gray steed, in the gorgeous housings that almost swept the + ground; and around him grouped such an attendance of knights and peers as + seldom graced the train of any subject, with the Duke of Clarence at his + right hand, bearing his bassinet. + </p> + <p> + But Anthony’s pages, supporting his banner, shared at least the popular + admiration with their gallant lord: they were, according to the old + custom, which probably fell into disuse under the Tudors, disguised in + imitation of the heraldic beasts that typified his armourial cognizance; + [Hence the origin of Supporters] and horrible and laidly looked they in + the guise of griffins, with artful scales of thin steel painted green, red + forked tongues, and griping the banner in one huge claw, while, much to + the marvel of the bystanders, they contrived to walk very statelily on the + other. “Oh, the brave monsters!” exclaimed the butcher. “Cogs bones, this + beats all the rest!” + </p> + <p> + But when the trumpets of the heralds had ceased, when the words “Laissez + aller!” were pronounced, when the lances were set and the charge began, + this momentary admiration was converted into a cry of derision, by the + sudden restiveness of the Burgundian’s horse. This animal, of the pure + race of Flanders, of a bulk approaching to clumsiness, of a rich bay, + where, indeed, amidst the barding and the housings, its colour could be + discerned, had borne the valiant Bastard through many a sanguine field, + and in the last had received a wound which had greatly impaired its sight. + And now, whether scared by the shouting, or terrified by its obscure + vision, and the recollection of its wound when last bestrode by its lord, + it halted midway, reared on end, and, fairly turning round, despite spur + and bit, carried back the Bastard, swearing strange oaths, that grumbled + hoarsely through his vizor, to the very place whence he had started. + </p> + <p> + The uncourteous mob yelled and shouted and laughed, and wholly + disregarding the lifted wands and drowning the solemn rebukes of the + heralds, they heaped upon the furious Burgundian all the expressions of + ridicule in which the wit of Cockaigne is so immemorially rich. But the + courteous Anthony of England, seeing the strange and involuntary flight of + his redoubted foe, incontinently reined in, lowered his lance, and made + his horse, without turning round, back to the end of the lists in a series + of graceful gambadas and caracoles. Again the signal was given, and this + time the gallant bay did not fail his rider; ashamed, doubtless, of its + late misdemeanour, arching its head till it almost touched the breast, + laying its ears level on the neck, and with a snort of anger and disdain, + the steed of Flanders rushed to the encounter. The Bastard’s lance + shivered fairly against the small shield of the Englishman; but the + Woodville’s weapon, more deftly aimed, struck full on the count’s + bassinet, and at the same time the pike projecting from the gray charger’s + chaffron pierced the nostrils of the unhappy bay, which rage and shame had + blinded more than ever. The noble animal, stung by the unexpected pain, + and bitted sharply by the rider, whose seat was sorely shaken by the + stroke on his helmet, reared again, stood an instant perfectly erect, and + then fell backwards, rolling over and over the illustrious burden it had + borne. Then the debonair Sir Anthony of England, casting down his lance, + drew his sword, and dexterously caused his destrier to curvet in a close + circle round the fallen Bastard, courteously shaking at him the brandished + weapon, but without attempt to strike. + </p> + <p> + “Ho, marshal!” cried King Edward, “assist to his legs the brave count.” + </p> + <p> + The marshal hastened to obey. “Ventrebleu!” quoth the Bastard, when + extricated from the weight of his steed, “I cannot hold by the clouds, but + though my horse failed me, surely I will not fail my companions;” and as + he spoke, he placed himself in so gallant and superb a posture, that he + silenced the inhospitable yell which had rejoiced in the foreigner’s + discomfiture. Then, observing that the gentle Anthony had dismounted, and + was leaning gracefully against his destrier, the Burgundian called forth,— + </p> + <p> + “Sir Knight, thou hast conquered the steed, not the rider. We are now foot + to foot. The pole-axe, or the sword,—which? Speak!” + </p> + <p> + “I pray thee, noble sieur,” quoth the Woodville, mildly, “to let the + strife close for this day, and when rest bath—” + </p> + <p> + “Talk of rest to striplings,—I demand my rights!” + </p> + <p> + “Heaven forefend,” said Anthony Woodville, lifting his hand on high, “that + I, favoured so highly by the fair dames of England, should demand repose + on their behalf. But bear witness,” he said (with the generosity of the + last true chevalier of his age, and lifting his vizor, so as to be heard + by the king, and even through the foremost ranks of the crowd)—“bear + witness, that in this encounter, my cause hath befriended me, not mine + arm. The Count de la Roche speaketh truly; and his steed alone be blamed + for his mischance.” + </p> + <p> + “It is but a blind beast!” muttered the Burgundian. + </p> + <p> + “And,” added Anthony, bowing towards the tiers rich with the beauty of the + court—“and the count himself assureth me that the blaze of yonder + eyes blinded his goodly steed.” Having delivered himself of this gallant + conceit, so much in accordance with the taste of the day, the Englishman, + approaching the king’s balcony, craved permission to finish the encounter + with the axe or brand. + </p> + <p> + “The former, rather please you, my liege; for the warriors of Burgundy + have ever been deemed unconquered in that martial weapon.” + </p> + <p> + Edward, whose brave blood was up and warm at the clash of steel, bowed his + gracious assent, and two pole-axes were brought into the ring. + </p> + <p> + The crowd now evinced a more earnest and respectful attention than they + had hitherto shown, for the pole-axe, in such stalwart hands, was no + child’s toy. “Hum,” quoth Master Stokton, “there may be some merriment + now,—not like those silly poles! Your axe lops off a limb mighty + cleanly.” The knights themselves seemed aware of the greater gravity of + the present encounter. Each looked well to the bracing of his vizor; and + poising their weapons with method and care, they stood apart some moments, + eying each other steadfastly,—as adroit fencers with the small sword + do in our schools at this day. + </p> + <p> + At length the Burgundian, darting forward, launched a mighty stroke at the + Lord Scales, which, though rapidly parried, broke down the guard, and + descended with such weight on the shoulder that but for the thrice-proven + steel of Milan, the benevolent expectation of Master Stokton had been + happily fulfilled. Even as it was, the Lord Scales uttered a slight cry,—which + might be either of anger or of pain,—and lifting his axe with both + hands, levelled a blow on the Burgundian’s helmet that well nigh brought + him to his knee. And now for the space of some ten minutes, the crowd with + charmed suspense beheld the almost breathless rapidity with which stroke + on stroke was given and parried; the axe shifted to and fro, wielded now + with both hands, now the left, now the right, and the combat reeling, as + it were, to and fro,—so that one moment it raged at one extreme of + the lists, the next at the other; and so well inured, from their very + infancy, to the weight of mail were these redoubted champions, that the + very wrestlers on the village green, nay, the naked gladiators of old, + might have envied their lithe agility and supple quickness. + </p> + <p> + At last, by a most dexterous stroke, Anthony Woodville forced the point of + his axe into the vizor of the Burgundian, and there so firmly did it + stick, that he was enabled to pull his antagonist to and fro at his will, + while the Bastard, rendered as blind as his horse by the stoppage of the + eye-hole, dealt his own blows about at random, and was placed completely + at the mercy of the Englishman. And gracious as the gentle Sir Anthony + was, he was still so smarting under many a bruise felt through his dinted + mail, that small mercy, perchance, would the Bastard have found, for the + gripe of the Woodville’s left hand was on his foe’s throat, and the right + seemed about to force the point deliberately forward into the brain, when + Edward, roused from his delight at that pleasing spectacle by a loud + shriek from his sister Margaret, echoed by the Duchess of Bedford, who was + by no means anxious that her son’s axe should be laid at the root of all + her schemes, rose, and crying, “Hold!” with that loud voice which had so + often thrilled a mightier field, cast down his warderer. + </p> + <p> + Instantly the lists opened; the marshals advanced, severed the champions, + and unbraced the count’s helmet. But the Bastard’s martial spirit, + exceedingly dissatisfied at the unfriendly interruption, rewarded the + attention of the marshals by an oath worthy his relationship to Charles + the Bold; and hurrying straight to the king, his face flushed with wrath + and his eyes sparkling with fire,— + </p> + <p> + “Noble sire and king,” he cried, “do me not this wrong! I am not + overthrown nor scathed nor subdued,—I yield not. By every knightly + law till one champion yields he can call upon the other to lay on and do + his worst.” + </p> + <p> + Edward paused, much perplexed and surprised at finding his intercession so + displeasing. He glanced first at the Lord Rivers, who sat a little below + him, and whose cheek grew pale at the prospect of his son’s renewed + encounter with one so determined, then at the immovable aspect of the + gentle and apathetic Elizabeth, then at the agitated countenance of the + duchess, then at the imploring eyes of Margaret, who, with an effort, + preserved herself from swooning; and finally beckoning to him the Duke of + Clarence, as high constable, and the Duke of Norfolk, as earl marshal, he + said, “Tarry a moment, Sir Count, till we take counsel in this grave + affair.” The count bowed sullenly; the spectators maintained an anxious + silence; the curtain before the king’s gallery was closed while the + council conferred. At the end of some three minutes, however, the drapery + was drawn aside by the Duke of Norfolk; and Edward, fixing his bright blue + eye upon the fiery Burgundian, said gravely, “Count de la Roche, your + demand is just. According to the laws of the list, you may fairly claim + that the encounter go on.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, knightly prince, well said! My thanks. We lose time.—Squires, + my bassinet!” + </p> + <p> + “Yea,” renewed Edward, “bring hither the count’s bassinet. By the laws, + the combat may go on at thine asking,—I retract my warderer. But, + Count de la Roche, by those laws you appeal to, the said combat must go on + precisely at the point at which it was broken off. Wherefore brace on thy + bassinet, Count de la Roche; and thou, Anthony Lord Scales, fix the pike + of thine axe, which I now perceive was inserted exactly where the right + eye giveth easy access to the brain, precisely in the same place. So renew + the contest, and the Lord have mercy on thy soul, Count de la Roche!” + </p> + <p> + At this startling sentence, wholly unexpected, and yet wholly according to + those laws of which Edward was so learned a judge, the Bastard’s visage + fell. With open mouth and astounded eyes, he stood gazing at the king, + who, majestically reseating himself, motioned to the heralds. + </p> + <p> + “Is that the law, sire?” at length faltered forth the Bastard. + </p> + <p> + “Can you dispute it? Can any knight or gentleman gainsay it?” + </p> + <p> + “Then,” quoth the Bastard, gruffly, and throwing his axe to the ground, + “by all the saints in the calendar, I have had enough! I came hither to + dare all that beseems a chevalier, but to stand still while Sir Anthony + Woodville deliberately pokes out my right eye were a feat to show that + very few brains would follow. And so, my Lord Scales, I give thee my right + hand, and wish thee joy of thy triumph, and the golden collar.” [The prize + was a collar of gold, enamelled with the flower of the souvenance.] + </p> + <p> + “No triumph,” replied the Woodville, modestly, “for thou art only, as + brave knights should be, subdued by the charms of the ladies, which no + breast, however valiant, can with impunity dispute.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, the Lord Scales led the count to a seat of honour near the Lord + Rivers; and the actor was contented, perforce, to become a spectator of + the ensuing contests. These were carried on till late at noon between the + Burgundians and the English, the last maintaining the superiority of their + principal champion; and among those in the melee, to which squires were + admitted, not the least distinguished and conspicuous was our youthful + friend, Master Marmaduke Nevile. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0029" id="link2HCH0029"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. HOW THE BASTARD OF BURGUNDY PROSPERED MORE IN HIS POLICY + THAN WITH THE POLE-AXE.-AND HOW KING EDWARD HOLDS HIS SUMMER CHASE IN THE + FAIR GROVES OF SHENE. + </h2> + <p> + It was some days after the celebrated encounter between the Bastard and + Lord Scales, and the court had removed to the Palace of Shene. The Count + de la Roche’s favour with the Duchess of Bedford and the young princess + had not rested upon his reputation for skill with the pole-axe, and it had + now increased to a height that might well recompense the diplomatist for + his discomfiture in the lists. + </p> + <p> + In the mean while, the arts of Warwick’s enemies had been attended with + signal success. The final preparations for the alliance now virtually + concluded with Louis’s brother still detained the earl at Rouen, and fresh + accounts of the French king’s intimacy with the ambassador were carefully + forwarded to Rivers, and transmitted to Edward. Now, we have Edward’s own + authority for stating that his first grudge against Warwick originated in + this displeasing intimacy, but the English king was too clear-sighted to + interpret such courtesies into the gloss given them by Rivers. He did not + for a moment conceive that Lord Warwick was led into any absolute + connection with Louis which could link him to the Lancastrians, for this + was against common-sense; but Edward, with all his good humour, was + implacable and vindictive, and he could not endure the thought that + Warwick should gain the friendship of the man he deemed his foe. Putting + aside his causes of hatred to Louis in the encouragement which that king + had formerly given to the Lancastrian exiles, Edward’s pride as sovereign + felt acutely the slighting disdain with which the French king had hitherto + treated his royalty and his birth. The customary nickname with which he + was maligned in Paris was “the Son of the Archer,” a taunt upon the fair + fame of his mother, whom scandal accused of no rigid fidelity to the Duke + of York. Besides this, Edward felt somewhat of the jealousy natural to a + king, himself so spirited and able, of the reputation for profound policy + and statecraft which Louis XI. was rapidly widening and increasing + throughout the courts of Europe. And, what with the resentment and what + with the jealousy, there had sprung up in his warlike heart a secret + desire to advance the claims of England to the throne of France, and + retrieve the conquests won by the Fifth Henry to be lost under the Sixth. + Possessing these feelings and these views, Edward necessarily saw in the + alliance with Burgundy all that could gratify both his hate and his + ambition. The Count of Charolois had sworn to Louis the most deadly + enmity, and would have every motive, whether of vengeance or of interest, + to associate himself heart in hand with the arms of England in any + invasion of France; and to these warlike objects Edward added, as we have + so often had cause to remark, the more peaceful aims and interests of + commerce. And, therefore, although he could not so far emancipate himself + from that influence, which both awe and gratitude invested in the Earl of + Warwick, as to resist his great minister’s embassy to Louis; and though, + despite all these reasons in favour of connection with Burgundy, he could + not but reluctantly allow that Warwick urged those of a still larger and + wiser policy, when showing that the infant dynasty of York could only be + made secure by effectually depriving Margaret of the sole ally that could + venture to assist her cause,—yet no sooner had Warwick fairly + departed than he inly chafed at the concession he had made, and his mind + was open to all the impressions which the earl’s enemies sought to stamp + upon it. As the wisdom of every man, however able, can but run through + those channels which are formed by the soil of the character, so Edward + with all his talents never possessed the prudence which fear of + consequences inspires. He was so eminently fearless, so scornful of + danger, that he absolutely forgot the arguments on which the affectionate + zeal of Warwick had based the alliance with Louis,—arguments as to + the unceasing peril, whether to his person or his throne, so long as the + unprincipled and plotting genius of the French king had an interest + against both; and thus he became only alive to the representations of his + passions, his pride, and his mercantile interests. The Duchess of Bedford, + the queen, and all the family of Woodville, who had but one object at + heart,—the downfall of Warwick and his House,—knew enough of + the earl’s haughty nature to be aware that he would throw up the reins of + government the moment he knew that Edward had discredited and dishonoured + his embassy; and, despite the suspicions they sought to instil into their + king’s mind, they calculated upon the earl’s love and near relationship to + Edward, upon his utter and seemingly irreconcilable breach with the House + of Lancaster, to render his wrath impotent, and to leave him only the + fallen minister, not the mighty rebel. + </p> + <p> + Edward had been thus easily induced to permit the visit of the Count de la + Roche, although he had by no means then resolved upon the course he should + pursue. At all events, even if the alliance with Louis was to take place, + the friendship of Burgundy was worth much to maintain. But De la Roche + soon made aware by the Duchess of Bedford of the ground on which he stood, + and instructed by his brother to spare no pains and to scruple no promise + that might serve to alienate Edward from Louis and win the hand and dower + of Margaret, found it a more facile matter than his most sanguine hopes + had deemed to work upon the passions and the motives which inclined the + king to the pretensions of the heir of Burgundy. And what more than all + else favoured the envoy’s mission was the very circumstance that should + most have defeated it,—namely, the recollection of the Earl of + Warwick; for in the absence of that powerful baron and master-minister, + the king had seemed to breathe more freely. In his absence, he forgot his + power. The machine of government, to his own surprise, seemed to go on as + well; the Commons were as submissive, the mobs as noisy in their shouts, + as if the earl were by. There was no longer any one to share with Edward + the joys of popularity, the sweets of power. + </p> + <p> + Though Edward was not Diogenes, he loved the popular sunshine, and no + Alexander now stood between him and its beams. Deceived by the + representations of his courtiers, hearing nothing but abuse of Warwick and + sneers at his greatness, he began to think the hour had come when he might + reign alone, and he entered, though tacitly, and not acknowledging it even + to himself, into the very object of the womankind about him,—namely, + the dismissal of his minister. + </p> + <p> + The natural carelessness and luxurious indolence of Edward’s temper did + not however permit him to see all the ingratitude of the course he was + about to adopt. The egotism a king too often acquires, and no king so + easily as one like Edward IV., not born to a throne, made him consider + that he alone was entitled to the prerogatives of pride. As sovereign and + as brother, might he not give the hand of Margaret as he listed? If + Warwick was offended, pest on his disloyalty and presumption! And so + saying to himself, he dismissed the very thought of the absent earl, and + glided unconsciously down the current of the hour. And yet, + notwithstanding all these prepossessions and dispositions, Edward might no + doubt have deferred at least the meditated breach with his great minister + until the return of the latter, and then have acted with the delicacy and + precaution that became a king bound by ties of gratitude and blood to the + statesman he desired to discard, but for a habit,—which, while + history mentions, it seems to forget, in the consequences it ever + engenders,—the habit of intemperance. Unquestionably to that habit + many of the imprudences and levities of a king possessed of so much + ability are to be ascribed; and over his cups with the wary and watchful + De la Roche Edward had contrived to entangle himself far more than in his + cooler moments he would have been disposed to do. + </p> + <p> + Having thus admitted our readers into those recesses of that cor + inscrutabile,—the heart of kings,—we summon them to a scene + peculiar to the pastimes of the magnificent Edward. Amidst the shades of + the vast park, or chase, which then appertained to the Palace of Shene, + the noonday sun shone upon such a spot as Armida might have dressed for + the subdued Rinaldo. A space had been cleared of trees and underwood, and + made level as a bowling-green. Around this space the huge oak and the + broad beech were hung with trellis-work, wreathed with jasmine, + honeysuckle, and the white rose, trained in arches. Ever and anon through + these arches extended long alleys, or vistas, gradually lost in the cool + depth of foliage; amidst these alleys and around this space numberless + arbours, quaint with all the flowers then known in England, were + constructed. In the centre of the sward was a small artificial lake, long + since dried up, and adorned then with a profusion of fountains, that + seemed to scatter coolness around the glowing air. Pitched in various and + appropriate sites were tents of silk and the white cloth of Rennes, each + tent so placed as to command one of the alleys; and at the opening of each + stood cavalier or dame, with the bow or crossbow, as it pleased the fancy + or suited best the skill, looking for the quarry, which horn and hound + drove fast and frequent across the alleys. Such was the luxurious + “summer-chase” of the Sardanapalus of the North. Nor could any spectacle + more thoroughly represent that poetical yet effeminate taste, which, + borrowed from the Italians, made a short interval between the chivalric + and the modern age. The exceeding beauty of the day, the richness of the + foliage in the first suns of bright July, the bay of the dogs, the sound + of the mellow horn, the fragrance of the air, heavy with noontide flowers, + the gay tents, the rich dresses and fair faces and merry laughter of dame + and donzell,—combined to take captive every sense, and to reconcile + ambition itself, that eternal traveller through the future, to the + enjoyment of the voluptuous hour. But there were illustrious exceptions to + the contentment of the general company. + </p> + <p> + A courier had arrived that morning to apprise Edward of the unexpected + debarkation of the Earl of Warwick, with the Archbishop of Narbonne and + the Bastard of Bourbon,—the ambassadors commissioned by Louis to + settle the preliminaries of the marriage between Margaret and his brother. + This unwelcome intelligence reached Edward at the very moment he was + sallying from his palace gates to his pleasant pastime. He took aside Lord + Hastings, and communicated the news to his able favourite. “Put spurs to + thy horse, Hastings, and hie thee fast to Baynard’s Castle. Bring back + Gloucester. In these difficult matters that boy’s head is better than a + council.” + </p> + <p> + “Your Highness,” said Hastings, tightening his girdle with one hand, while + with the other he shortened his stirrups, “shall be obeyed. I foresaw, + sire, that this coming would occasion much that my Lords Rivers and + Worcester have overlooked. I rejoice that you summon the Prince Richard, + who hath wisely forborne all countenance to the Burgundian envoy. But is + this all, sire? Is it not well to assemble also your trustiest lords and + most learned prelates, if not to overawe Lord Warwick’s anger, at least to + confer on the fitting excuses to be made to King Louis’s ambassadors?” + </p> + <p> + “And so lose the fairest day this summer hath bestowed upon us? Tush!—the + more need for pleasaunce to-day since business must come to-morrow. Away + with you, dear Will!” + </p> + <p> + Hastings looked grave; but he saw all further remonstrance would be in + vain, and hoping much from the intercession of Gloucester, put spurs to + his steed and vanished. Edward mused a moment; and Elizabeth, who knew + every expression and change of his countenance, rode from the circle of + her ladies, and approached him timidly. Casting down her eyes, which she + always affected in speaking to her lord, the queen said softly,— + </p> + <p> + “Something hath disturbed my liege and my life’s life.” + </p> + <p> + “Marry, yes, sweet Bessee. Last night, to pleasure thee and thy kin (and + sooth to say, small gratitude ye owe me, for it also pleased myself), I + promised Margaret’s hand, through De la Roche, to the heir of Burgundy.” + </p> + <p> + “O princely heart!” exclaimed Elizabeth, her whole face lighted up with + triumph, “ever seeking to make happy those it cherishes. But is it that + which disturbs thee, that which thou repentest?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sweetheart,—no. Yet had it not been for the strength of the + clary, I should have kept the Bastard longer in suspense. But what is done + is done. Let not thy roses wither when thou hearest Warwick is in England,—nay, + nay, child, look not so appalled; thine Edward is no infant, whom ogre and + goblin scare; and”—glancing his eye proudly round as he spoke, and + saw the goodly cavalcade of his peers and knights, with his body-guard, + tall and chosen veterans, filling up the palace-yard, with the show of + casque and pike—“and if the struggle is to come between Edward of + England and his subject, never an hour more ripe than this; my throne + assured, the new nobility I have raised around it, London true, marrow and + heart true, the provinces at peace, the ships and the steel of Burgundy + mine allies! Let the white Bear growl as he list, the Lion of March is + lord of the forest. And now, my Bessee,” added the king, changing his + haughty tone into a gay, careless laugh, “now let the lion enjoy his + chase.” + </p> + <p> + He kissed the gloved hand of his queen, gallantly bending over his + saddle-bow, and the next moment he was by the side of a younger if not a + fairer lady, to whom he was devoting the momentary worship of his + inconstant heart. Elizabeth’s eyes shot an angry gleam as she beheld her + faithless lord thus engaged; but so accustomed to conceal and control the + natural jealousy that it never betrayed itself to the court or to her + husband, she soon composed her countenance to its ordinary smooth and + artificial smile, and rejoining her mother she revealed what had passed. + The proud and masculine spirit of the duchess felt only joy at the + intelligence. In the anticipated humiliation of Warwick, she forgot all + cause for fear. Not so her husband and son, the Lords Rivers and Scales, + to whom the news soon travelled. + </p> + <p> + “Anthony,” whispered the father, “in this game we have staked our heads.” + </p> + <p> + “But our right hands can guard them well, sir,” answered Anthony; “and so + God and the ladies for our rights!” + </p> + <p> + Yet this bold reply did not satisfy the more thoughtful judgment of the + lord treasurer, and even the brave Anthony’s arrows that day wandered wide + of their quarry. + </p> + <p> + Amidst this gay scene, then, there were anxious and thoughtful bosoms. + Lord Rivers was silent and abstracted; his son’s laugh was hollow and + constrained; the queen, from her pavilion, cast, ever and anon, down the + green alleys more restless and prying looks than the hare or the deer + could call forth; her mother’s brow was knit and flushed. And keenly were + those illustrious persons watched by one deeply interested in the coming + events. Affecting to discharge the pleasant duty assigned him by the king, + the Lord Montagu glided from tent to tent, inquiring courteously into the + accommodation of each group, lingering, smiling, complimenting, watching, + heeding, studying, those whom he addressed. For the first time since the + Bastard’s visit he had joined in the diversions in its honour; and yet so + well had Montagu played his part at the court that he did not excite + amongst the queen’s relatives any of the hostile feelings entertained + towards his brother. No man, except Hastings, was so “entirely loved” by + Edward; and Montagu, worldly as he was, and indignant against the king as + he could not fail to be, so far repaid the affection, that his chief fear + at that moment sincerely was not for Warwick but Edward. He alone of those + present was aware of the cause of Warwick’s hasty return, for he had + privately despatched to him the news of the Bastard’s visit, its real + object, and the inevitable success of the intrigues afloat, unless the + earl could return at once, his mission accomplished, and the ambassadors + of France in his train; and even before the courier despatched to the king + had arrived at Shene, a private hand had conveyed to Montagu the + information that Warwick, justly roused and alarmed, had left the state + procession behind at Dover, and was hurrying, fast as relays of steeds and + his own fiery spirit could bear him, to the presence of the ungrateful + king. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the noon had now declined, the sport relaxed, and the sound of + the trumpet from the king’s pavilion proclaimed that the lazy pastime was + to give place to the luxurious banquet. + </p> + <p> + At this moment, Montagu approached a tent remote from the royal pavilions, + and, as his noiseless footstep crushed the grass, he heard the sound of + voices in which there was little in unison with the worldly thoughts that + filled his breast. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, sweet mistress, nay,” said a young man’s voice, earnest with + emotion, “do not misthink me, do not deem me bold and overweening. I have + sought to smother my love, and to rate it, and bring pride to my aid, but + in vain; and, now, whether you will scorn my suit or not, I remember, + Sibyll—O Sibyll! I remember the days when we conversed together; and + as a brother, if nothing else—nothing dearer—I pray you to + pause well, and consider what manner of man this Lord Hastings is said to + be!” + </p> + <p> + “Master Nevile, is this generous? Why afflict me thus; why couple my name + with so great a lord’s?” + </p> + <p> + “Because—beware—the young gallants already so couple it, and + their prophecies are not to thine honour, Sibyll. Nay, do not frown on me. + I know thou art fair and winsome, and deftly gifted, and thy father may, + for aught I know, be able to coin thee a queen’s dower out of his awsome + engines. But Hastings will not wed thee, and his wooing, therefore, but + stains thy fair repute; while I—” + </p> + <p> + “You!” said Montagu, entering suddenly—“you, kinsman, may look to + higher fortunes than the Duchess of Bedford’s waiting-damsel can bring to + thy honest love. How now, mistress, say, wilt thou take this young + gentleman for loving fere and plighted spouse? If so, he shall give thee a + manor for jointure, and thou shalt wear velvet robe and gold chain, as a + knight’s wife.” + </p> + <p> + This unexpected interference, which was perfectly in character with the + great lords, who frequently wooed in very peremptory tones for their + clients and kinsmen, [See, in Miss Strickland’s “Life of Elizabeth + Woodville,” the curious letters which the Duke of York and the Earl of + Warwick addressed to her, then a simple maiden, in favour of their + protege, Sir R. Johnes.] completed the displeasure which the blunt + Marmaduke had already called forth in Sibyll’s gentle but proud nature. + “Speak, maiden,—ay or no?” continued Montagu, surprised and angered + at the haughty silence of one whom he just knew by sight and name, though + he had never before addressed her. + </p> + <p> + “No, my lord,” answered Sibyll, keeping down her indignation at this tone, + though it burned in her cheek, flashed in her eye, and swelled in the + heave of her breast. “No! and your kinsman might have spared this affront + to one whom—but it matters not.” She swept from the tent as she said + this, and passed up the alley into that of the queen’s mother. + </p> + <p> + “Best so; thou art too young for marriage, Marmaduke,” said Montagu, + coldly. “We will find thee a richer bride ere long. There is Mary of + Winstown, the archbishop’s ward, with two castles and seven knight’s + fees.” + </p> + <p> + “But so marvellously ill-featured, my lord,” said poor Marmaduke, sighing. + </p> + <p> + Montagu looked at him in surprise. “Wives, sir,” he said, “are not made to + look at,—unless, indeed, they be the wives of other men. But dismiss + these follies for the nonce. Back to thy post by the king’s pavilion; and + by the way ask Lord Fauconberg and Aymer Nevile, whom thou wilt pass by + yonder arbour, ask them, in my name, to be near the pavilion while the + king banquets. A word in thine ear,—ere yon sun gilds the top of + those green oaks, the Earl of Warwick will be with Edward IV.; and come + what may, some brave hearts should be by to welcome him. Go!” + </p> + <p> + Without tarrying for an answer, Montagu turned into one of the tents, + wherein Raoul de Fulke and the Lord St. John, heedless of hind and hart, + conferred; and Marmaduke, much bewildered, and bitterly wroth with Sibyll, + went his way. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0030" id="link2HCH0030"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. THE GREAT ACTOR RETURNS TO FILL THE STAGE. + </h2> + <p> + And now in various groups these summer foresters were at rest in their + afternoon banquet,—some lying on the smooth sward around the lake, + some in the tents, some again in the arbours; here and there the forms of + dame and cavalier might be seen, stealing apart from the rest, and gliding + down the alleys till lost in the shade, for under that reign gallantry was + universal. Before the king’s pavilion a band of those merry jongleurs, + into whom the ancient and honoured minstrels were fast degenerating, stood + waiting for the signal to commence their sports, and listening to the + laughter that came in frequent peals from the royal tent. Within feasted + Edward, the Count de la Roche, the Lord Rivers; while in a larger and more + splendid pavilion at some little distance, the queen, her mother, and the + great dames of the court held their own slighter and less noisy repast. + </p> + <p> + “And here, then,” said Edward, as he put his lips to a gold goblet, + wrought with gems, and passed it to Anthony the Bastard,—“here, + count, we take the first wassail to the loves of Charolois and Margaret!” + </p> + <p> + The count drained the goblet, and the wine gave him new fire. + </p> + <p> + “And with those loves, king,” said he, “we bind forever Burgundy and + England. Woe to France!” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, woe to France!” exclaimed Edward, his face lighting up with that + martial joy which it ever took at the thoughts of war,—“for we will + wrench her lands from this huckster Louis. By Heaven! I shall not rest in + peace till York hath regained what Lancaster hath lost! and out of the + parings of the realm which I will add to England thy brother of Burgundy + shall have eno’ to change his duke’s diadem for a king’s. How now, Rivers? + Thou gloomest, father mine.” + </p> + <p> + “My liege,” said Rivers, wakening himself, “I did but think that if the + Earl of Warwick—” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, I had forgotten,” interrupted Edward; “and, sooth to say, Count + Anthony, I think if the earl were by, he would not much mend our + boon-fellowship!” + </p> + <p> + “Yet a good subject,” said De la Roche, sneeringly, “usually dresses his + face by that of his king.” + </p> + <p> + “A subject! Ay, but Warwick is much such a subject to England as William + of Normandy or Duke Rollo was to France. Howbeit, let him come,—our + realm is at peace, we want no more his battle-axe; and in our new designs + on France, thy brother, bold count, is an ally that might compensate for a + greater loss than a sullen minister. Let him come!” + </p> + <p> + As the king spoke, there was heard gently upon the smooth turf the sound + of the hoofs of steeds. A moment more, and from the outskirts of the scene + of revel, where the king’s guards were stationed, there arose a long, loud + shout. Nearer and nearer came the hoofs of the steeds; they paused. + Doubtless Richard of Gloucester by that shout! “The soldiers love that + brave boy,” said the king. + </p> + <p> + Marmaduke Nevile, as gentleman in waiting, drew aside the curtain of the + pavilion; and as he uttered a name that paled the cheeks of all who heard, + the Earl of Warwick entered the royal presence. + </p> + <p> + The earl’s dress was disordered and soiled by travel; the black plume on + his cap was broken, and hung darkly over his face; his horseman’s boots, + coming half way up the thigh, were sullied with the dust of the journey; + and yet as he entered, before the majesty of his mien, the grandeur of his + stature, suddenly De Roche, Rivers, even the gorgeous Edward himself, + seemed dwarfed into common men! About the man—his air, his eye, his + form, his attitude—there was THAT which, in the earlier times, made + kings by the acclamation of the crowd,—an unmistakable sovereignty, + as of one whom Nature herself had shaped and stamped for power and for + rule. All three had risen as he entered; and to a deep silence succeeded + an exclamation from Edward, and then again all was still. + </p> + <p> + The earl stood a second or two calmly gazing on the effect he had + produced; and turning his dark eye from one to the other, till it rested + full upon De la Roche, who, after vainly striving not to quail beneath the + gaze, finally smiled with affected disdain, and, resting his hand on his + dagger, sank back into his seat. + </p> + <p> + “My liege,” then said Warwick, doffing his cap, and approaching the king + with slow and grave respect, “I crave pardon for presenting myself to your + Highness thus travel-worn and disordered; but I announce that news which + insures my welcome. The solemn embassy of trust committed to me by your + Grace has prospered with God’s blessing; and the Fils de Bourbon and the + Archbishop of Narbonne are on their way to your metropolis. Alliance + between the two great monarchies of Europe is concluded on terms that + insure the weal of England and augment the lustre of your crown. Your + claims on Normandy and Guienne King Louis consents to submit to the + arbitrement of the Roman Pontiff, [The Pope, moreover, was to be engaged + to decide the question within four years. A more brilliant treaty for + England, Edward’s ambassador could not have effected.] and to pay to your + treasury annual tribute; these advantages, greater than your Highness even + empowered me to demand, thus obtained, the royal brother of your new ally + joyfully awaits the hand of the Lady Margaret.” + </p> + <p> + “Cousin,” said Edward, who had thoroughly recovered himself, motioning the + earl to a seat, “you are ever welcome, no matter what your news; but I + marvel much that so deft a statesman should broach these matters of + council in the unseasonable hour and before the gay comrades of a revel.” + </p> + <p> + “I speak, sire,” said Warwick, calmly, though the veins in his forehead + swelled, and his dark countenance was much flushed—“I speak openly + of that which hath been done nobly; and this truth has ceased to be matter + of council, since the meanest citizen who has ears and eyes ere this must + know for what purpose the ambassadors of King Louis arrive in England with + your Highness’s representative.” + </p> + <p> + Edward, more embarrassed at this tone than he could have foreseen, + remained silent; but De la Roche, impatient to humble his brother’s foe, + and judging it also discreet to arouse the king, said carelessly,— + </p> + <p> + “It were a pity, Sir Earl, that the citizens, whom you thus deem privy to + the thoughts of kings, had not prevised the Archbishop of Narbonne that if + he desire to see a fairer show than even the palaces of Westminster and + the Tower, he will hasten back to behold the banners of Burgundy and + England waving from the spires of Notre Dame.” + </p> + <p> + Ere the Bastard had concluded, Rivers, leaning back, whispered the king, + “For Christ’s sake, sire, select some fitter scene for what must follow! + Silence your guest!” + </p> + <p> + But Edward, on the contrary, pleased to think that De la Roche was + breaking the ice, and hopeful that some burst from Warwick would give him + more excuse than he felt at present for a rupture, said sternly, “Hush, my + lord, and meddle not!” + </p> + <p> + “Unless I mistake,” said Warwick, coldly, “he who now accosts me is the + Count de la Roche,—a foreigner.” + </p> + <p> + “And the brother of the heir of Burgundy,” interrupted De la Roche,—“brother + to the betrothed and princely spouse of Margaret of England.” + </p> + <p> + “Doth this man lie, sire?” said Warwick, who had seated himself a moment, + and who now rose again. + </p> + <p> + The Bastard sprung also to his feet; but Edward, waving him back, and + reassuming the external dignity which rarely forsook him, replied, + “Cousin, thy question lacketh courtesy to our noble guest: since thy + departure, reasons of state, which we will impart to thee at a meeter + season, have changed our purpose, and we will now that our sister Margaret + shall wed with the Count of Charolois.” + </p> + <p> + “And this to me, king!” exclaimed the earl; all his passions at once + released—“this to me! Nay, frown not, Edward,—I am of the race + of those who, greater than kings, have built thrones and toppled them! I + tell thee, thou hast misused mine honour, and belied thine own; thou hast + debased thyself in juggling me, delegated as the representative of thy + royalty!—Lord Rivers, stand back,—there are barriers eno’ + between truth and a king!” + </p> + <p> + “By Saint George and my father’s head!” cried Edward, with a rage no less + fierce than Warwick’s,—“thou abusest, false lord, my mercy and our + kindred blood. Another word, and thou leavest this pavilion for the + Tower!” + </p> + <p> + “King,” replied Warwick, scornfully, and folding his arms on his broad + breast, “there is not a hair on this head which thy whole house, thy + guards, and thine armies could dare to touch. ME to the Tower! Send me,—and + when the third sun reddens the roof of prison-house and palace, look round + broad England, and miss a throne!” + </p> + <p> + “What, ho there!” exclaimed Edward, stamping his foot; and at that instant + the curtain of the pavilion was hastily torn aside, and Richard of + Gloucester entered, followed by Lord Hastings, the Duke of Clarence, and + Anthony Woodville. + </p> + <p> + “Ah,” continued the king, “ye come in time. George of Clarence, Lord High + Constable of England, arrest yon haughty man, who dares to menace his + liege and suzerain!” + </p> + <p> + Gliding between Clarence, who stood dumb and thunder-stricken, and the + Earl of Warwick, Prince Richard said, in a voice which, though even softer + than usual, had in it more command over those who heard than when it + rolled in thunder along the ranks of Barnet or of Bosworth, “Edward, my + brother, remember Towton, and forbear! Warwick, my cousin, forget not thy + king nor his dead father!” + </p> + <p> + At these last words the earl’s face fell, for to that father he had sworn + to succour and defend the sons; his sense, recovering from his pride, + showed him how much his intemperate anger had thrown away his advantages + in the foul wrong he had sustained from Edward. Meanwhile the king + himself, with flashing eyes and a crest as high as Warwick’s, was about + perhaps to overthrow his throne by the attempt to enforce his threat, when + Anthony Woodville, who followed Clarence, whispered to him, “Beware, sire! + a countless crowd that seem to have followed the earl’s steps have already + pierced the chase, and can scarcely be kept from the spot, so great is + their desire to behold him. Beware!”—and Richard’s quick ear + catching these whispered words, the duke suddenly backed them by again + drawing aside the curtain of the tent. Along the sward, the guard of the + king, summoned from their unseen but neighbouring post within the wood, + were drawn up as if to keep back an immense multitude,—men, women, + children, who swayed and rustled and murmured in the rear. But no sooner + was the curtain drawn aside, and the guards themselves caught sight of the + royal princes and the great earl towering amidst them, than supposing in + their ignorance the scene thus given to them was intended for their + gratification, from that old soldiery or Towton rose a loud and long + “Hurrah! Warwick and the king!”—“The king and the stout earl!” The + multitude behind caught the cry; they rushed forward, mingling with the + soldiery, who no longer sought to keep them back. + </p> + <p> + “A Warwick! a Warwick!” they shouted. “God bless the people’s friend!” + </p> + <p> + Edward, startled and aghast, drew sullenly into the rear of the tent. + </p> + <p> + De la Roche grew pale; but with the promptness of a practised statesman, + he hastily advanced, and drew the curtain. “Shall varlets,” he said to + Richard, in French, “gloat over the quarrels of their lords?” + </p> + <p> + “You are right, Sir Count,” murmured Richard, meekly; his purpose was + effected, and leaning on his riding staff, he awaited what was to ensue. + </p> + <p> + A softer shade had fallen over the earl’s face, at the proof of the love + in which his name was held; it almost seemed to his noble though haughty + and impatient nature, as if the affection of the people had reconciled him + to the ingratitude of the king. A tear started to his proud eye; but he + twinkled it away, and approaching Edward (who remained erect, and with all + a sovereign’s wrath, though silent on his lip, lowering on his brow), he + said, in a tone of suppressed emotion,— + </p> + <p> + “Sire, it is not for me to crave pardon of living man, but the grievous + affront put upon my state and mine honour hath led my words to an excess + which my heart repents. I grieve that your Grace’s highness hath chosen + this alliance; hereafter you may find at need what faith is to be placed + in Burgundy.” + </p> + <p> + “Darest thou gainsay it?” exclaimed De la Roche. + </p> + <p> + “Interrupt me not, sir!” continued Warwick, with a disdainful gesture. “My + liege, I lay down mine offices, and I leave it to your Grace to account as + it lists you to the ambassadors of France,—I shall vindicate myself + to their king. And now, ere I depart for my hall of Middleham, I alone + here, unarmed and unattended, save at least by a single squire, I, Richard + Nevile, say, that if any man, peer or knight, can be found to execute your + Grace’s threat, and arrest me, I will obey your royal pleasure, and attend + him to the Tower.” Haughtily he bowed his head as he spoke, and raising it + again, gazed around—“I await your Grace’s pleasure.” + </p> + <p> + “Begone where thou wilt, earl. From this day Edward IV. reigns alone,” + said the king. Warwick turned. + </p> + <p> + “My Lord Scales,” said he, “lift the curtain; nay, sir, it misdemeans you + not. You are still the son of the Woodville, I still the descendant of + John of Gaunt.” + </p> + <p> + “Not for the dead ancestor, but for the living warrior,” said the Lord + Scales, lifting the curtain, and bowing with knightly grace as the earl + passed. And scarcely was Warwick in the open space than the crowd fairly + broke through all restraint, and the clamour of their joy filled with its + hateful thunders the royal tent. + </p> + <p> + “Edward,” said Richard, whisperingly, and laying his finger on his + brother’s arm, “forgive me if I offended; but had you at such a time + resolved on violence—” + </p> + <p> + “I see it all,—you were right. But is this to be endured forever?” + </p> + <p> + “Sire,” returned Richard, with his dark smile, “rest calm; for the age is + your best ally, and the age is outgrowing the steel and hauberk. A little + while, and—” + </p> + <p> + “And what—” + </p> + <p> + “And—ah, sire, I will answer that question when our brother George + (mark him!) either refrains from listening, or is married to Isabel + Nevile, and hath quarrel with her father about the dowry. What, he, there!—let + the jongleurs perform.” + </p> + <p> + “The jongleurs!” exclaimed the king; “why, Richard, thou hast more levity + than myself!” + </p> + <p> + “Pardon me! Let the jongleurs perform, and bid the crowd stay. It is by + laughing at the mountebanks that your Grace can best lead the people to + forget their Warwick!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0031" id="link2HCH0031"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. HOW THE GREAT LORDS COME TO THE KING-MAKER, AND WITH WHAT + PROFFERS. + </h2> + <p> + Mastering the emotions that swelled within him, Lord Warwick returned with + his wonted cheerful courtesy the welcome of the crowd and the enthusiastic + salutation of the king’s guard; but as, at length, he mounted his steed, + and attended but by the squire who had followed him from Dover, penetrated + into the solitudes of the chase, the recollection of the indignity he had + suffered smote his proud heart so sorely that he groaned aloud. His + squire, fearing the fatigue he had undergone might have affected even that + iron health, rode up at the sound of the groan, and Warwick’s face was + hueless as he said, with a forced smile, “It is nothing, Walter. But these + heats are oppressive, and we have forgotten our morning draught, friend. + Hark! I hear the brawl of a rivulet, and a drink of fresh water were more + grateful now than the daintiest hippocras.” So saying, he flung himself + from his steed; following the sound of the rivulet, he gained its banks, + and after quenching his thirst in the hollow of his hand, laid himself + down upon the long grass, waving coolly over the margin, and fell into + profound thought. From this revery he was aroused by a quick footstep, and + as he lifted his gloomy gaze, he beheld Marmaduke Nevile by his side. + </p> + <p> + “Well, young man,” said he, sternly, “with what messages art thou + charged?” + </p> + <p> + “With none, my lord earl. I await now no commands but thine.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou knowest not, poor youth, that I can serve thee no more. Go back to + the court.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Warwick,” said Marmaduke, with simple eloquence, “send me not from + thy side! This day I have been rejected by the maid I loved. I loved her + well, and my heart chafed sorely, and bled within! but now, methinks, it + consoles me to have been so cast off,—to have no faith, no love, but + that which is best of all, to a brave man,—love and faith for a + hero-chief! Where thy fortunes, there be my humble fate,—to rise or + fall with thee!” + </p> + <p> + Warwick looked intently upon his young kinsman’s face, and said, as to + himself, “Why, this is strange! I gave no throne to this man, and he + deserts me not! My friend,” he added aloud, “have they told thee already + that I am disgraced?” + </p> + <p> + “I heard the Lord Scales say to the young Lovell that thou wert dismissed + from all thine offices; and I came hither; for I will serve no more the + king who forgets the arm and heart to which he owes a kingdom.” + </p> + <p> + “Man, I accept thy loyalty!” exclaimed Warwick, starting to his feet; “and + know that thou hast done more to melt and yet to nerve my spirit than—But + complaints in one are idle, and praise were no reward to thee.” + </p> + <p> + “But see, my lord, if the first to join thee, I am not the sole one. See, + brave Raoul de Fulke, the Lords of St. John, Bergavenny, and Fitzhugh, ay, + and fifty others of the best blood of England, are on thy track.” + </p> + <p> + And as he spoke, plumes and tunics were seen gleaming up the forest path, + and in another moment a troop of knights and gentlemen, comprising the + flower of such of the ancient nobility as yet lingered round the court, + came up to Warwick, bareheaded. + </p> + <p> + “Is it possible,” cried Raoul de Fulke, “that we have heard aright, noble + earl? And has Edward IV. suffered the base Woodvilles to triumph over the + bulwark of his realm?” + </p> + <p> + “Knights and gentles!” said Warwick, with a bitter smile, “is it so + uncommon a thing that men in peace should leave the battle-axe and brand + to rust? I am but a useless weapon, to be suspended at rest amongst the + trophies of Towton in my hall of Middleham.” + </p> + <p> + “Return with us,” said the Lord of St. John, “and we will make Edward do + thee justice, or, one and all, we will abandon a court where knaves and + varlets have become mightier than English valour and nobler than Norman + birth.” + </p> + <p> + “My friends,” said the earl, laying his hand on St. John’s shoulder, “not + even in my just wrath will I wrong my king. He is punished eno’ in the + choice he hath made. Poor Edward and poor England! What woes and wars + await ye both, from the gold and the craft and the unsparing hate of Louis + XI! No; if I leave Edward, he hath more need of you. Of mine own free will + I have resigned mine offices.” + </p> + <p> + “Warwick,” interrupted Raoul de Fulke, “this deceives us not; and in + disgrace to you the ancient barons of England behold the first blow at + their own state. We have wrongs we endured in silence while thou wert the + shield and sword of yon merchant-king. We have seen the ancient peers of + England set aside for men of yesterday; we have seen our daughters, + sisters,—nay, our very mothers, if widowed and dowered,—forced + into disreputable and base wedlock with creatures dressed in titles, and + gilded with wealth stolen from ourselves. Merchants and artificers tread + upon our knightly heels, and the avarice of trade eats up our chivalry as + a rust. We nobles, in our greater day, have had the crown at our disposal, + and William the Norman dared not think what Edward Earl of March hath been + permitted with impunity to do. We, Sir Earl—we knights and barons—would + a king simple in his manhood and princely in his truth. Richard Earl of + Warwick, thou art of royal blood, the descendant of old John of Gaunt. In + thee we behold the true, the living likeness of the Third Edward, and the + Hero-Prince of Cressy. Speak but the word, and we make thee king!” + </p> + <p> + The descendant of the Norman, the representative of the mighty faction + that no English monarch had ever braved in vain, looked round as he said + these last words, and a choral murmur was heard through the whole of that + august nobility, “We make thee king!” + </p> + <p> + “Richard, descendant of the Plantagenet, [By the female side, through Joan + Beaufort, or Plantagenet, Warwick was third in descent from John of Gaunt, + as Henry VII., through the male line, was fourth in descent.] speak the + word,” repeated Raoul de Fulke. + </p> + <p> + “I speak it not,” interrupted Warwick; “nor shalt thou continue, brave + Raoul de Fulke. What, my lords and gentlemen,” he added, drawing himself + up, and with his countenance animated with feelings it is scarcely + possible in our times to sympathize with or make clear—“what! think + you that Ambition limits itself to the narrow circlet of a crown Greater, + and more in the spirit of our mighty fathers, is the condition of men like + us, THE BARONS who make and unmake kings. What! who of us would not rather + descend from the chiefs of Runnymede than from the royal craven whom they + controlled and chid? By Heaven, my lords, Richard Nevile has too proud a + soul to be a king! A king—a puppet of state and form; a king—a + holiday show for the crowd, to hiss or hurrah, as the humour seizes; a + king—a beggar to the nation, wrangling with his parliament for gold! + A king!—Richard II. was a king, and Lancaster dethroned him. Ye + would debase me to a Henry of Lancaster. Mort Dieu! I thank ye. The + Commons and the Lords raised him, forsooth,—for what? To hold him as + the creature they had made, to rate him, to chafe him, to pry into his + very household, and quarrel with his wife’s chamberlains and lavourers. + [Laundresses. The parliamentary rolls, in the reign of Henry IV., abound + in curious specimens of the interference of the Commons with the household + of Henry’s wife, Queen Joan.] What! dear Raoul de Fulke, is thy friend + fallen now so low, that he—Earl of Salisbury and of Warwick, chief + of the threefold race of Montagu, Monthermer, and Nevile, lord of a + hundred baronies, leader of sixty thousand followers—is not greater + than Edward of March, to whom we will deign still, with your permission, + to vouchsafe the name and pageant of a king?” + </p> + <p> + This extraordinary address, strange to say, so thoroughly expressed the + peculiar pride of the old barons, that when it ceased a sound of + admiration and applause circled through that haughty audience, and Raoul + de Fulke, kneeling suddenly, kissed the earl’s hand. “Oh, noble earl,” he + said, “ever live as one of us, to maintain our order, and teach kings and + nations what WE are.” + </p> + <p> + “Fear it not, Raoul! fear it not,—we will have our rights yet. + Return, I beseech ye. Let me feel I have such friends about the king. Even + at Middleham my eye shall watch over our common cause; and till seven feet + of earth suffice him, your brother baron, Richard Nevile, is not a man + whom kings and courts can forget, much less dishonour. Sirs, our honour is + in our bosoms,—and there is the only throne armies cannot shake, nor + cozeners undermine.” + </p> + <p> + With these words he gently waved his hand, motioned to his squire, who + stood out of hearing with the steeds, to approach, and mounting, gravely + rode on. Ere he had got many paces, he called to Marmaduke, who was on + foot, and bade him follow him to London that night. “I have strange + tidings to tell the French envoys, and for England’s sake I must soothe + their anger, if I can,—then to Middleham.” + </p> + <p> + The nobles returned slowly to the pavilions. And as they gained the open + space, where the gaudy tents still shone against the setting sun, they + beheld the mob of that day, whom Shakspeare hath painted with such + contempt, gathering, laughing and loud, around the mountebank and the + conjurer, who had already replaced in their thoughts (as Gloucester had + foreseen) the hero-idol of their worship. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0038" id="link2H_4_0038"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BOOK V. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0032" id="link2HCH0032"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. RURAL ENGLAND IN THE MIDDLE AGES—NOBLE VISITORS SEEK THE + CASTLE OF MIDDLEHAM. + </h2> + <p> + Autumn had succeeded to summer, winter to autumn, and the spring of 1468 + was green in England, when a gallant cavalcade was seen slowly winding the + ascent of a long and gradual hill, towards the decline of day. Different, + indeed, from the aspect which that part of the country now presents was + the landscape that lay around them, bathed in the smiles of the westering + sun. In a valley to the left, a full view of which the steep road + commanded (where now roars the din of trade through a thousand factories), + lay a long, secluded village. The houses, if so they might be called, were + constructed entirely of wood, and that of the more perishable kind,—willow, + sallow, elm, and plum-tree. Not one could boast a chimney; but the smoke + from the single fire in each, after duly darkening the atmosphere within, + sent its surplusage lazily and fitfully through a circular aperture in the + roof. In fact, there was long in the provinces a prejudice against + chimneys! The smoke was considered good both for house and owner; the + first it was supposed to season, and the last to guard “from rheums, + catarrhs, and poses.” [So worthy Hollinshed, Book II. c. 22.—“Then + had we none but reredosses, and our heads did never ache. For as the + smoke, in those days, was supposed to be a sufficient hardening for the + timber of the house, so it was reputed a far better medicine to keep the + goodman and his familie from the quacke, or pose, wherewith as then very + few were oft acquainted.”] Neither did one of these habitations boast the + comfort of a glazed window, the substitute being lattice, or chequer-work,—even + in the house of the franklin, which rose statelily above the rest, + encompassed with barns and outsheds. And yet greatly should we err did we + conceive that these deficiencies were an index to the general condition of + the working class. Far better off was the labourer when employed, than + now. Wages were enormously high, meat extremely low; [See Hallam: Middle + Ages, Chap. xx. Part II. So also Hollinsbed, Book XI., c. 12, comments on + the amazement of the Spaniards, in Queen Mary’s time, when they saw “what + large diet was used in these so homelie cottages,” and reports one of the + Spaniards to have said, “These English have their houses of sticks and + dirt, but they fare commonlie so well as the king!”] and our motherland + bountifully maintained her children. + </p> + <p> + On that greensward, before the village (now foul and reeking with the + squalid population whom commerce rears up,—the victims, as the + movers, of the modern world) were assembled youth and age; for it was a + holiday evening, and the stern Puritan had not yet risen to sour the face + of Mirth. Well clad in leathern jerkin, or even broadcloth, the young + peasants vied with each other in quoits and wrestling; while the merry + laughter of the girls, in their gay-coloured kirtles and ribboned hair, + rose oft and cheerily to the ears of the cavalcade. From a gentle eminence + beyond the village, and half veiled by trees, on which the first verdure + of spring was budding (where now, around the gin-shop, gather the fierce + and sickly children of toil and of discontent), rose the venerable walls + of a monastery, and the chime of its heavy bell swung far and sweet over + the pastoral landscape. To the right of the road (where now stands the + sober meeting-house) was one of those small shrines so frequent in Italy, + with an image of the Virgin gaudily painted, and before it each cavalier + in the procession halted an instant to cross himself and mutter an ave. + Beyond, still to the right, extended vast chains of woodland, interspersed + with strips of pasture, upon which numerous flocks were grazing, with + horses, as yet unbroken to bit and selle, that neighed and snorted as they + caught scent of their more civilized brethren pacing up the road. + </p> + <p> + In front of the cavalcade rode two, evidently of superior rank to the + rest,—the one small and slight, with his long hair flowing over his + shoulders; and the other, though still young, many years older, and + indicating his clerical profession by the absence of all love-locks, + compensated by a curled and glossy beard, trimmed with the greatest care. + But the dress of the ecclesiastic was as little according to our modern + notions of what beseems the Church as can well be conceived: his tunic and + surcoat, of a rich amber, contrasted well with the clear darkness of his + complexion; his piked shoes, or beakers, as they were called, turned up + half-way to the knee; the buckles of his dress were of gold, inlaid with + gems; and the housings of his horse, which was of great power, were edged + with gold fringe. By the side of his steed walked a tall greyhound, upon + which he ever and anon glanced with affection. Behind these rode two + gentlemen, whose golden spurs announced knighthood; and then followed a + long train of squires and pages, richly clad and accoutred, bearing + generally the Nevile badge of the Bull; though interspersed amongst the + retinue might be seen the grim Boar’s head, which Richard of Gloucester, + in right of his duchy, had assumed as his cognizance. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, sweet prince,” said the ecclesiastic, “I pray thee to consider that + a greyhound is far more of a gentleman than any other of the canine + species. Mark his stately yet delicate length of limb, his sleek coat, his + keen eye, his haughty neck.” + </p> + <p> + “These are but the externals, my noble friend. Will the greyhound attack + the lion, as our mastiff doth? The true character of the gentleman is to + know no fear, and to rush through all danger at the throat of his foe; + wherefore I uphold the dignity of the mastiff above all his tribe, though + others have a daintier hide and a statelier crest. Enough of such matters, + archbishop,—we are nearing Middleham.” + </p> + <p> + “The saints be praised! for I am hungered,” observed the archbishop, + piously: “but, sooth to say, my cook at the More far excelleth what we can + hope to find at the board of my brother. He hath some faults, our Warwick! + Hasty and careless, he hath not thought eno’ of the blessings he might + enjoy, and many a poor abbot hath daintier fare on his humble table.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, George Nevile! who that heard thee, when thou talkest of hounds and + interments, [entremets (side dishes)] would recognize the Lord Chancellor + of England,—the most learned dignitary, the most subtle statesman?” + </p> + <p> + “And oh, Richard Plantagenet!” retorted the archbishop, dropping the + mincing and affected tone, which he, in common with the coxcombs of that + day, usually assumed, “who that heard thee when thou talkest of humility + and devotion, would recognize the sternest heart and the most daring + ambition God ever gave to prince?” + </p> + <p> + Richard started at these words, and his eye shot fire as it met the keen + calm glance of the prelate. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, your Grace wrongs me,” he said, gnawing his lip,—“or I should + not say wrongs, but flatters; for sternness and ambition are no vices in a + Nevile’s eyes.” + </p> + <p> + “Fairly answered, royal son,” said the archbishop, laughing; “but let us + be frank. Thou hast persuaded me to accompany thee to Lord Warwick as a + mediator; the provinces in the North are disturbed; the intrigues of + Margaret of Anjou are restless; the king reaps what he has sown in the + Court of France, and, as Warwick foretold, the emissaries and gold of + Louis are ever at work against his throne; the great barons are moody and + discontented; and our liege King Edward is at last aware that, if the Earl + of Warwick do not return to his councils, the first blast of a hostile + trumpet may drive him from his throne. Well, I attend thee: my fortunes + are woven with those of York, and my interest and my loyalty go hand in + hand. Be equally frank with me. Hast thou, Lord Richard, no interest to + serve in this mission save that of the public weal?” + </p> + <p> + “Thou forgettest that the Lady Isabel is dearly loved by Clarence, and + that I would fain see removed all barrier to his nuptial bliss. But yonder + rise the towers of Middleham. Beloved walls, which sheltered my childhood! + and, by holy Paul, a noble pile, which would resist an army, or hold one.” + </p> + <p> + While thus conversed the prince and the archbishop, the Earl of Warwick, + musing and alone, slowly paced the lofty terrace that crested the + battlements of his outer fortifications. + </p> + <p> + In vain had that restless and powerful spirit sought content in + retirement. Trained from his childhood to active life, to move mankind to + and fro at his beck, this single and sudden interval of repose in the + prime of his existence, at the height of his fame, served but to swell the + turbulent and dangerous passions to which all vent was forbidden. + </p> + <p> + The statesman of modern days has at least food for intellect in letters + when deprived of action; but with all his talents, and thoroughly + cultivated as his mind was in the camp, the council, and the state, the + great earl cared for nothing in book-lore except some rude ballad that + told of Charlemagne or Rollo. The sports that had pleased the leisure of + his earlier youth were tedious and flat to one snatched from so mighty a + career. His hound lay idle at his feet, his falcon took holiday on the + perch, his jester was banished to the page’s table. Behold the repose of + this great unlettered spirit! But while his mind was thus debarred from + its native sphere, all tended to pamper Lord Warwick’s infirmity of pride. + The ungrateful Edward might forget him; but the king seemed to stand alone + in that oblivion. The mightiest peers, the most renowned knights, gathered + to his hall. Middleham,—not Windsor nor Shene nor Westminster nor + the Tower—seemed the COURT OF ENGLAND. As the Last of the Barons + paced his terrace, far as his eye could reach, his broad domains extended, + studded with villages and towns and castles swarming with his retainers. + The whole country seemed in mourning for his absence. The name of Warwick + was in all men’s mouths, and not a group gathered in market-place or + hostel but what the minstrel who had some ballad in praise of the stout + earl had a rapt and thrilling audience. + </p> + <p> + “And is the river of my life,” muttered Warwick, “shrunk into this + stagnant pool? Happy the man who hath never known what it is to taste of + fame,—to have it is a purgatory, to want it is a hell!” + </p> + <p> + Rapt in this gloomy self-commune, he heard not the light step that sought + his side, till a tender arm was thrown around him, and a face in which + sweet temper and pure thought had preserved to matronly beauty all the + bloom of youth, looked up smilingly to his own. + </p> + <p> + “My lord, my Richard,” said the countess, “why didst thou steal so + churlishly from me? Hath there, alas! come a time when thou deemest me + unworthy to share thy thoughts, or soothe thy troubles?” + </p> + <p> + “Fond one! no,” said Warwick, drawing the form still light, though + rounded, nearer to his bosom. “For nineteen years hast thou been to me a + leal and loving wife. Thou wert a child on our wedding-day, m’amie, and I + but a beardless youth; yet wise enough was I then to see, at the first + glance of thy blue eye, that there was more treasure in thy heart than in + all the lordships thy hand bestowed.” + </p> + <p> + “My Richard!” murmured the countess, and her tears of grateful delight + fell on the hand she kissed. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, let us recall those early and sweet days,” continued Warwick, with a + tenderness of voice and manner that strangers might have marvelled at, + forgetting how tenderness is almost ever a part of such peculiar manliness + of character; “yes, sit we here under this spacious elm, and think that + our youth has come back to us once more. For verily, m’amie, nothing in + life has ever been so fair to me as those days when we stood hand in hand + on its threshold, and talked, boy-bridegroom and child-bride as we were, + of the morrow that lay beyond.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Richard, even in those days thy ambition sometimes vexed my woman’s + vanity, and showed me that I could never be all in all to so large a + heart!” + </p> + <p> + “Ambition! No, thou mistakest,—Montagu is ambitious, I but proud. + Montagu ever seeks to be higher than he is, I but assert the right to be + what I am and have been; and my pride, sweet wife, is a part of my love + for thee. It is thy title, Heiress of Warwick, and not my father’s, that I + bear; thy badge, and not the Nevile’s, which I have made the symbol of my + power. Shame, indeed, on my knighthood, if the fairest dame in England + could not justify my pride! Ah, belle amie, why have we not a son?” + </p> + <p> + “Peradventure, fair lord,” said the countess, with an arch yet + half-melancholy smile, “because that pride, or ambition, name it as thou + wilt, which thou excusest so gallantly, would become too insatiate and + limitless if thou sawest a male heir to thy greatness; and God, perhaps, + warns thee that, spread and increase as thou wilt,—yea, until half + our native country becometh as the manor of one man,—all must pass + from the Beauchamp and the Nevile into new Houses; thy glory indeed an + eternal heirloom, but only to thy land,—thy lordships and thy wealth + melting into the dowry of a daughter.” + </p> + <p> + “At least no king hath daughters so dowried,” answered Warwick; “and + though I disdain for myself the hard vassalage of a throne, yet if the + channel of our blood must pass into other streams, into nothing meaner + than the veins of royalty should it merge.” He paused a moment, and added + with a sigh, “Would that Clarence were more worthy Isabel!” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” said the countess, gently, “he loveth her as she merits. He is + comely, brave, gracious, and learned.” + </p> + <p> + “A pest upon that learning,—it sicklies and womanizes men’s minds!” + exclaimed Warwick, bluntly. “Perhaps it is his learning that I am to thank + for George of Clarence’s fears and doubts and calculations and scruples. + His brother forbids his marriage with any English donzell, for Edward + dares not specialize what alone he dreads. His letters burn with love, and + his actions freeze with doubts. It was not thus I loved thee, sweetheart. + By all the saints in the calendar, had Henry V. or the Lion Richard + started from the tomb to forbid me thy hand, it would but have made me a + hotter lover! Howbeit Clarence shall decide ere the moon wanes, and but + for Isabel’s tears and thy entreaties, my father’s grandchild should not + have waited thus long the coming of so hesitating a wooer. But lo, our + darlings! Anne hath thine eyes, m’amie; and she groweth more into my heart + every day, since daily she more favours thee.” + </p> + <p> + While he thus spoke, the fair sisters came lightly and gayly up the + terrace: the arm of the statelier Isabel was twined round Anne’s slender + waist; and as they came forward in that gentle link, with their lithesome + and bounding step, a happier blending of contrasted beauty was never seen. + The months that had passed since the sisters were presented first to the + reader had little changed the superb and radiant loveliness of Isabel, but + had added surprisingly to the attractions of Anne. Her form was more + rounded, her bloom more ripened; and though something of timidity and + bashfulness still lingered about the grace of her movements and the glance + of her dove-like eye, the more earnest thoughts of the awakening woman + gave sweet intelligence to her countenance, and that divinest of all + attractions—the touching and conscious modesty—to the shy but + tender smile, and the blush that so came and went, so went and came, that + it stirred the heart with a sort of delighted pity for one so evidently + susceptible to every emotion of pleasure and of pain. Life seemed too + rough a thing for so soft a nature, and gazing on her, one sighed to guess + her future. + </p> + <p> + “And what brings ye hither, young truants?” said the earl, as Anne, + leaving her sister, clung lovingly to his side (for it was ever her habit + to cling to some one), while Isabel kissed her mother’s hand, and then + stood before her parents, colouring deeply, and with downcast eyes. “What + brings ye hither, whom I left so lately deep engaged in the loom, upon the + helmet of Goliath, with my burgonet before you as a sample? Wife, you are + to blame,—our rooms of state will be arrasless for the next three + generations, if these rosy fingers are suffered thus to play the idlers.” + </p> + <p> + “My father,” whispered Anne, “guests are on their way hither,—a + noble cavalcade; you note them not from this part of the battlements, but + from our turret it was fair to see how their plumes and banners shone in + the setting sun.” + </p> + <p> + “Guests!” echoed the earl; “well, is that so rare an honour that your + hearts should beat like village girls at a holiday? Ah, Isabel! look at + her blushes. Is it George of Clarence at last? Is it?” + </p> + <p> + “We see the Duke of Gloucester’s cognizance,” whispered Anne, “and our own + Nevile Bull. Perchance our cousin George, also, may—” + </p> + <p> + Here she was interrupted by the sound of the warder’s horn, followed a + moment after by the roar of one of the bombards on the keep. + </p> + <p> + “At least,” said Warwick, his face lighting up, “that signal announces the + coming of king’s blood. We must honour it,—for it is our own. We + will go forth and meet our guests—your hand, countess.” + </p> + <p> + And gravely and silently, and in deep but no longer gloomy thought, + Warwick descended from the terrace, followed by the fair sisters; and who + that could have looked upon that princely pair and those lovely and + radiant children, could have foreseen that in that hour, Fate, in tempting + the earl once more to action, was busy on their doom! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0033" id="link2HCH0033"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. COUNCILS AND MUSINGS. + </h2> + <p> + The lamp shone through the lattice of Warwick’s chamber at the unwonted + hour of midnight, and the earl was still in deep commune with his guests. + The archbishop, whom Edward, alarmed by the state of the country and the + disaffection of his barons, had reluctantly commissioned to mediate with + Warwick, was, as we have before said, one of those men peculiar to the + early Church. There was nothing more in the title of Archbishop of York + than in that of the Bishop of Osnaburg (borne by the royal son of George + III.) [The late Duke of York.] to prevent him who enjoyed it from leading + armies, guiding States, or indulging pleasure. But beneath the coxcombry + of George Nevile, which was what he shared most in common with the + courtiers of the laity, there lurked a true ecclesiastic’s mind. He would + have made in later times an admirable Jesuit, and no doubt in his own time + a very brilliant Pope. His objects in his present mission were clear and + perspicuous; any breach between Warwick and the king must necessarily + weaken his own position, and the power of his House was essential to all + his views. The object of Gloucester in his intercession was less defined, + but not less personal: in smoothing the way to his brother’s marriage with + Isabel, he removed all apparent obstacle to his own with Anne. And it is + probable that Richard, who, whatever his crimes, was far from inaccessible + to affection, might have really loved his early playmate, even while his + ambition calculated the wealth of the baronies that would swell the dower + of the heiress and gild the barren coronet of his duchy. [Majerns, the + Flemish chronicler, quoted by Bucke (“Life of Richard III”), mentions the + early attachment of Richard to Anne. They were much together, as children, + at Middleham.] + </p> + <p> + “God’s truth!” said Warwick, as he lifted his eyes from the scroll in the + king’s writing, “ye know well, princely cousin, and thou, my brother, ye + know well how dearly I have loved King Edward; and the mother’s milk + overflows my heart when I read these gentle and tender words which he + deigns to bestow upon his servant. My blood is hasty and over-hot, but a + kind thought from those I love puts out much fire. Sith he thus beseeches + me to return to his councils, I will not be sullen enough to hold back; + but, oh, Prince Richard! is it indeed a matter past all consideration that + your sister, the Lady Margaret, must wed with the Duke of Burgundy?” + </p> + <p> + “Warwick,” replied the prince, “thou mayest know that I never looked with + favour on that alliance; that when Clarence bore the Bastard’s helmet, I + withheld my countenance from the Bastard’s presence. I incurred Edward’s + anger by refusing to attend his court while the Count de la Roche was his + guest. And therefore you may trust me when I say now that Edward, after + promises, however rash, most solemn and binding, is dishonoured forever if + he break off the contract. New circumstances, too, have arisen, to make + what were dishonour danger also. By the death of his father, Charolois has + succeeded to the Duke of Burgundy’s diadem. Thou knowest his warlike + temper; and though in a contest popular in England we need fear no foe, + yet thou knowest also that no subsidies could be raised for strife with + our most profitable commercial ally. Wherefore we earnestly implore thee + magnanimously to forgive the past, accept Edward’s assurance of + repentance, and be thy thought—as it has been ever—the weal of + our common country.” + </p> + <p> + “I may add, also,” said the archbishop, observing how much Warwick was + touched and softened,—“that in returning to the helm of state, our + gracious king permits me to say, that, save only in the alliance with + Burgundy, which toucheth his plighted word, you have full liberty to name + conditions, and to ask whatever grace or power a monarch can bestow.” + </p> + <p> + “I name none but my prince’s confidence,” said Warwick, generously; “in + that, all else is given, and in return for that, I will make the greatest + sacrifice that my nature knoweth, or can conceive,—I will mortify my + familiar demon, I will subdue my PRIDE. If Edward can convince me that it + is for the good of England that his sister should wed with mine ancient + and bitter foe, I will myself do honour to his choice. But of this + hereafter. Enough now that I forget past wrongs in present favour; and + that for peace or war, I return to the side of that man whom I loved as my + son before I served him as my king.” + </p> + <p> + Neither Richard nor the archbishop was prepared for a conciliation so + facile, for neither quite understood that peculiar magnanimity which often + belongs to a vehement and hasty temper, and which is as eager to forgive + as prompt to take offence,—which, ever in extremes, is not contented + with anything short of fiery aggression or trustful generosity, and where + it once passes over an offence, seeks to oblige the offender. So, when, + after some further conversation on the state of the country, the earl + lighted Gloucester to his chamber, the young prince said to himself, + musingly,— + </p> + <p> + “Does ambition besot and blind men? Or can Warwick think that Edward can + ever view him but as one to be destroyed when the hour is ripe?” + </p> + <p> + Catesby, who was the duke’s chamberlain, was in attendance as the prince + unrobed. + </p> + <p> + “A noble castle this,” said the duke, “and one in the midst of a warlike + population,—our own countrymen of York.” + </p> + <p> + “It would be no mean addition to the dowry of the Lady Isabel,” said + Catesby, with his bland, false smile. + </p> + <p> + “Methinks rather that the lordships of Salisbury (and this is the chief) + pass to the Lady Anne,” said Richard, musingly. “No, Edward were imprudent + to suffer this stronghold to fall to the next heir to his throne. Marked + you the Lady Anne?—her beauty is most excellent.” + </p> + <p> + “Truly, your Highness,” answered Catesby, unsuspiciously, “the Lady Isabel + seems to me the taller and the statelier.” + </p> + <p> + “When man’s merit and woman’s beauty are measured by the ell, Catesby, + Anne will certainly be less fair than Isabel, and Richard a dolt compared + to Clarence. Open the casement; my dressing-robe; good-night to you!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0034" id="link2HCH0034"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. THE SISTERS. + </h2> + <p> + The next morning, at an hour when modern beauty falls into its first + sickly sleep, Isabel and Anne conversed on the same terrace, and near the + same spot, which had witnessed their father’s meditations the day before. + They were seated on a rude bench in an angle of the wall, flanked by a + low, heavy bastion. And from the parapet their gaze might have wandered + over a goodly sight, for on a broad space, covered with sand and sawdust, + within the vast limits of the castle range, the numerous knights and + youths who sought apprenticeship in arms and gallantry under the earl were + engaged in those martial sports which, falling elsewhere in disuse, the + Last of the Barons kinglily maintained. There, boys of fourteen, on their + small horses, ran against each other with blunted lances. There, those of + more advanced adolescence, each following the other in a circle, rode at + the ring; sometimes (at the word of command from an old knight who had + fought at Agincourt, and was the preceptor in these valiant studies) + leaping from their horses at full speed, and again vaulting into the + saddle. A few grim old warriors sat by to censure or applaud. Most skilled + among the younger was the son of Lord Montagu; among the maturer, the name + of Marmaduke Nevile was the most often shouted. If the eye turned to the + left, through the barbican might be seen flocks of beeves entering to + supply the mighty larder; and at a smaller postern, a dark crowd of + mendicant friars, and the more destitute poor, waited for the daily crumbs + from the rich man’s table. What need of a poor-law then? The baron and the + abbot made the parish! But not on these evidences of wealth and state + turned the eyes, so familiar to them, that they woke no vanity, and roused + no pride. + </p> + <p> + With downcast looks and a pouting lip, Isabel listened to the silver voice + of Anne. + </p> + <p> + “Dear sister, be just to Clarence. He cannot openly defy his king and + brother. Believe that he would have accompanied our uncle and cousin had + he not deemed that their meditation would be more welcome, at least to + King Edward, without his presence.” + </p> + <p> + “But not a letter! not a line!” + </p> + <p> + “Yet when I think of it, Isabel, are we sure that he even knew of the + visit of the archbishop and his brother?” + </p> + <p> + “How could he fail to know?” + </p> + <p> + “The Duke of Gloucester last evening told me that the king had sent him + southward.” + </p> + <p> + “Was it about Clarence that the duke whispered to thee so softly by the + oriel window?” + </p> + <p> + “Surely, yes,” said Anne, simply. “Was not Richard as a brother to us when + we played as children on yon greensward?” + </p> + <p> + “Never as a brother to me,—never was Richard of Gloucester one whom + I could think of without fear and even loathing,” answered Isabel, + quickly. + </p> + <p> + It was at this turn in the conversation that the noiseless step of Richard + himself neared the spot, and hearing his own name thus discourteously + treated, he paused, screened from their eyes by the bastion in the angle. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, nay, sister,” said Anne; “what is there in Richard that misbeseems + his princely birth?” + </p> + <p> + “I know not, but there is no youth in his eye and in his heart. Even as a + child he had the hard will and the cold craft of gray hairs. Pray Saint + Mary you give me not Gloucester for a brother!” + </p> + <p> + Anne sighed and smiled. “Ah, no,” she said, after a short pause, “when + thou art Princess of Clarence may I—” + </p> + <p> + “May thou what?” + </p> + <p> + “Pray for thee and thine in the house of God! Ah, thou knowest not, sweet + Isabel, how often at morn and even mine eyes and heart turn to the spires + of yonder convent!” She rose as she said this, her lip quivered, and she + moved on in the opposite direction to that in which Richard stood, still + unseen, and no longer within his hearing. Isabel rose also, and hastening + after her, threw her arms round Anne’s neck, and kissed away the tears + that stood in those meek eyes. + </p> + <p> + “My sister, my Anne! Ah, trust in me, thou hast some secret, I know it + well,—I have long seen it. Is it possible that thou canst have + placed thy heart, thy pure love—Thou blushest! Ah, Anne! Anne! thou + canst not have loved beneath thee?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” said Anne, with a spark of her ancestral fire lighting her meek + eyes through its tears, “not beneath me, but above. What do I say! Isabel, + ask me no more. Enough that it is a folly, a dream, and that I could smile + with pity at myself to think from what light causes love and grief can + spring.” + </p> + <p> + “Above thee!” repeated Isabel, in amaze; “and who in England is above the + daughter of Earl Warwick? Not Richard of Gloucester? If so, pardon my + foolish tongue.” + </p> + <p> + “No, not Richard,—though I feel kindly towards him, and his sweet + voice soothes me when I listen,—not Richard. Ask no more.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Anne, speak, speak!—we are not both so wretched? Thou lovest + not Clarence? It is—it must be!” + </p> + <p> + “Canst thou think me so false and treacherous,—a heart pledged to + thee? Clarence! Oh, no!” + </p> + <p> + “But who then—who then?” said Isabel, still suspiciously. “Nay, if + thou wilt not speak, blame thyself if I must still wrong thee.” + </p> + <p> + Thus appealed to, and wounded to the quick by Isabel’s tone and eye, Anne + at last with a strong effort suppressed her tears, and, taking her + sister’s hand, said in a voice of touching solemnity, “Promise, then, that + the secret shall be ever holy; and, since I know that it will move thine + anger—perhaps thy scorn—strive to forget what I will confess + to thee.” + </p> + <p> + Isabel for answer pressed her lips on the hand she held; and the sisters, + turning under the shadow of a long row of venerable oaks, placed + themselves on a little mound, fragrant with the violets of spring. A + different part of the landscape beyond was now brought in view; calmly + slept in the valley the roofs of the subject town of Middleham, calmly + flowed through the pastures the noiseless waves of Ure. Leaning on + Isabel’s bosom, Anne thus spake, “Call to mind, sweet sister, that short + breathing-time in the horrors of the Civil War, when a brief peace was + made between our father and Queen Margaret. We were left in the palace—mere + children that we were—to play with the young prince, and the + children in Margaret’s train.” + </p> + <p> + “I remember.” + </p> + <p> + “And I was unwell and timid, and kept aloof from the sports with a girl of + my own years, whom I think—see how faithful my memory!—they + called Sibyll; and Prince Edward, Henry’s son, stealing from the rest, + sought me out; and we sat together, or walked together alone, apart from + all, that day and the few days we were his mother’s guests. Oh, if you + could have seen him and heard him then,—so beautiful, so gentle, so + wise beyond his years, and yet so sweetly sad; and when we parted, he bade + me ever love him, and placed his ring on my finger, and wept,—as we + kissed each other, as children will.” + </p> + <p> + “Children! ye were infants!” exclaimed Isabel, whose wonder seemed + increased by this simple tale. + </p> + <p> + “Infant though I was, I felt as if my heart would break when I left him; + and then the wars ensued; and do you not remember how ill I was, and like + to die, when our House triumphed, and the prince and heir of Lancaster was + driven into friendless exile? From that hour my fate was fixed. Smile if + you please at such infant folly, but children often feel more deeply than + later years can weet of.” + </p> + <p> + “My sister, this is indeed a wilful invention of sorrow for thine own + scourge. Why, ere this, believe me, the boy-prince hath forgotten thy very + name.” + </p> + <p> + “Not so, Isabel,” said Anne, colouring, and quickly, “and perchance, did + all rest here, I might have outgrown my weakness. But last year, when we + were at Rouen with my father—” + </p> + <p> + “Well?” + </p> + <p> + “One evening on entering my chamber, I found a packet,—how left I + know not, but the French king and his suite, thou rememberest, made our + house almost their home,—and in this packet was a picture, and on + its back these words, Forget not the exile who remembers thee!” + </p> + <p> + “And that picture was Prince Edward’s?” + </p> + <p> + Anne blushed, and her bosom heaved beneath the slender and high-laced + gorget. After a pause, looking round her, she drew forth a small + miniature, which lay on the heart that beat thus sadly, and placed it in + her sister’s hands. + </p> + <p> + “You see I deceive you not, Isabel. And is not this a fair excuse for—” + </p> + <p> + She stopped short, her modest nature shrinking from comment upon the mere + beauty that might have won the heart. And fair indeed was the face upon + which Isabel gazed admiringly, in spite of the stiff and rude art of the + limner; full of the fire and energy which characterized the countenance of + the mother, but with a tinge of the same profound and inexpressible + melancholy that gave its charm to the pensive features of Henry VI.,—a + face, indeed, to fascinate a young eye, even if not associated with such + remembrances of romance and pity. + </p> + <p> + Without saying a word, Isabel gave back the picture; but she pressed the + hand that took it, and Anne was contented to interpret the silence into + sympathy. + </p> + <p> + “And now you know why I have so often incurred your anger by compassion + for the adherents of Lancaster; and for this, also, Richard of Gloucester + hath been endeared to me,—for fierce and stern as he may be called, + he hath ever been gentle in his mediation for that unhappy House.” + </p> + <p> + “Because it is his policy to be well with all parties. My poor Anne, I + cannot bid you hope; and yet, should I ever wed with Clarence, it may be + possible—that—that—but you in turn will chide me for + ambition.” + </p> + <p> + “How?” + </p> + <p> + “Clarence is heir to the throne of England, for King Edward has no male + children; and the hour may arrive when the son of Henry of Windsor may + return to his native land, not as sovereign, but as Duke of Lancaster, and + thy hand may reconcile him to the loss of a crown.” + </p> + <p> + “Would love reconcile thee to such a loss, proud Isabel?” said Anne, + shaking her head, and smiling mournfully. + </p> + <p> + “No,” answered Isabel, emphatically. + </p> + <p> + “And are men less haught than we?” said Anne. “Ah, I know not if I could + love him so well could he resign his rights, or even could he regain them. + It is his position that gives him a holiness in my eyes. And this love, + that must be hopeless, is half pity and half respect.” + </p> + <p> + At this moment a loud shout arose from the youths in the yard, or + sporting-ground, below, and the sisters, startled, and looking up, saw + that the sound was occasioned by the sight of the young Duke of + Gloucester, who was standing on the parapet near the bench the demoiselles + had quitted, and who acknowledged the greeting by a wave of his plumed + cap, and a lowly bend of his head; at the same time the figures of Warwick + and the archbishop, seemingly in earnest conversation, appeared at the end + of the terrace. The sisters rose hastily, and would have stolen away, but + the archbishop caught a glimpse of their robes, and called aloud to them. + The reverent obedience, at that day, of youth to relations left the + sisters no option but to advance towards their uncle, which they did with + demure reluctance. + </p> + <p> + “Fair brother,” said the archbishop, “I would that Gloucester were to have + my stately niece instead of the gaudy Clarence.” + </p> + <p> + “Wherefore?” + </p> + <p> + “Because he can protect those he loves, and Clarence will ever need a + protector.” + </p> + <p> + “I like George not the less for that,” said Warwick, “for I would not have + my son-in-law my master.” + </p> + <p> + “Master!” echoed the archbishop, laughing; “the Soldan of Babylon himself, + were he your son-in-law, would find Lord Warwick a tolerably stubborn + servant!” + </p> + <p> + “And yet,” said Warwick, also laughing, but with a franker tone, “beshrew + me, but much as I approve young Gloucester, and deem him the hope of the + House of York, I never feel sure, when we are of the same mind, whether I + agree with him, or whether he leadeth me. Ah, George! Isabel should have + wedded the king, and then Edward and I would have had a sweet mediator in + all our quarrels. But not so hath it been decreed.” + </p> + <p> + There was a pause. + </p> + <p> + “Note how Gloucester steals to the side of Anne. Thou mayst have him for a + son-in-law, though no rival to Clarence. Montagu hath hinted that the duke + so aspires.” + </p> + <p> + “He has his father’s face—well,” said the earl, softly. “But yet,” + he added, in an altered and reflective tone, “the boy is to me a riddle. + That he will be bold in battle and wise in council I foresee; but would he + had more of a young man’s honest follies! There is a medium between + Edward’s wantonness and Richard’s sanctimony; and he who in the heyday of + youth’s blood scowls alike upon sparkling wine and smiling woman, may hide + in his heart darker and more sinful fancies. But fie on me! I will not + wrongfully mistrust his father’s son. Thou spokest of Montagu; he seems to + have been mighty cold to his brother’s wrongs,—ever at the court, + ever sleek with Villein and Woodville.” + </p> + <p> + “But the better to watch thy interests,—I so counselled him.” + </p> + <p> + “A priest’s counsel! Hate frankly or love freely is a knight’s and + soldier’s motto. A murrain on all doubledealing!” + </p> + <p> + The archbishop shrugged his shoulders, and applied to his nostrils a small + pouncet-box of dainty essences. + </p> + <p> + “Come hither, my haughty Isabel,” said the prelate, as the demoiselles now + drew near. He placed his niece’s arm within his own, and took her aside to + talk of Clarence; Richard remained with Anne, and the young cousins were + joined by Warwick. The earl noted in silence the soft address of the + eloquent prince, and his evident desire to please Anne. And strange as it + may seem, although he had hitherto regarded Richard with admiration and + affection, and although his pride for both daughters coveted alliances not + less than royal, yet, in contemplating Gloucester for the first time as a + probable suitor to his daughter (and his favourite daughter), the anxiety + of a father sharpened his penetration, and placed the character of Richard + before him in a different point from that in which he had hitherto looked + only on the fearless heart and accomplished wit of his royal godson. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0035" id="link2HCH0035"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. THE DESTRIER. + </h2> + <p> + It was three days afterwards that the earl, as, according to custom, Anne + knelt to him for his morning blessing in the oratory where the Christian + baron at matins and vespers offered up his simple worship, drew her forth + into the air, and said abruptly,— + </p> + <p> + “Wouldst thou be happy if Richard of Gloucester were thy betrothed?” + </p> + <p> + Anne started, and with more vivacity than usually belonged to her, + exclaimed, “Oh, no, my father!” + </p> + <p> + “This is no maiden’s silly coyness, Anne? It is a plain yea or nay that I + ask from thee!” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, then,” answered Anne, encouraged by her father’s tone,—“nay, + if it so please you.” + </p> + <p> + “It doth please me,” said the earl, shortly; and after a pause, he added, + “Yes, I am well pleased. Richard gives promise of an illustrious manhood; + but, Anne, thou growest so like thy mother, that whenever my pride seeks + to see thee great, my heart steps in, and only prays that it may see thee + happy!—so much so, that I would not have given thee to Clarence, + whom it likes me well to view as Isabel’s betrothed, for, to her, + greatness and bliss are one; and she is of firm nature, and can rule in + her own house; but thou—where out of romaunt can I find a lord + loving enough for thee, soft child?” + </p> + <p> + Inexpressibly affected, Anne threw herself on her father’s breast and + wept. He caressed and soothed her fondly; and before her emotion was well + over, Gloucester and Isabel joined them. + </p> + <p> + “My fair cousin,” said the duke, “hath promised to show me thy renowned + steed, Saladin; and since, on quitting thy halls, I go to my + apprenticeship in war on the turbulent Scottish frontier, I would fain ask + thee for a destrier of the same race as that which bears the thunderbolt + of Warwick’s wrath through the storm of battle.” + </p> + <p> + “A steed of the race of Saladin,” answered the earl, leading the way to + the destrier’s stall, apart from all other horses, and rather a chamber of + the castle than a stable, “were indeed a boon worthy a soldier’s gift and + a prince’s asking. But, alas! Saladin, like myself, is sonless,—the + last of a long line.” + </p> + <p> + “His father, methinks, fell for us on the field of Towton. Was it not so? + I have heard Edward say that when the archers gave way, and the victory + more than wavered, thou, dismounting, didst slay thy steed with thine own + hand, and kissing the cross of thy sword, swore on that spot to stem the + rush of the foe, and win Edward’s crown or Warwick’s grave.” [“Every Palm + Sunday, the day on which the battle of Towton was fought, a rough figure, + called the Red Horse, on the side of a hill in Warwickshire, is scoured + out. This is suggested to be done in commemoration of the horse which the + Earl of Warwick slew on that day, determined to vanquish or die.”—Roberts: + York and Lancaster, vol. i. p. 429.] + </p> + <p> + “It was so; and the shout of my merry men, when they saw me amongst their + ranks on foot—all flight forbid—was Malech’s death-dirge. It + is a wondrous race,—that of Malech and his son Saladin,” continued + the earl, smiling. “When my ancestor, Aymer de Nevile, led his troops to + the Holy Land, under Coeur de Lion, it was his fate to capture a lady + beloved by the mighty Saladin. Need I say that Aymer, under a flag of + truce, escorted her ransomless, her veil never raised from her face, to + the tent of the Saracen king? Saladin, too gracious for an infidel, made + him tarry a while, an honoured guest; and Aymer’s chivalry became sorely + tried, for the lady he had delivered loved and tempted him; but the good + knight prayed and fasted, and defied Satan and all his works. The lady (so + runs the legend) grew wroth at the pious crusader’s disdainful coldness; + and when Aymer returned to his comrades, she sent, amidst the gifts of the + soldan, two coal-black steeds, male and mare, over which some foul and + weird spells had been duly muttered. Their beauty, speed, art, and + fierceness were a marvel. And Aymer, unsuspecting, prized the boon, and + selected the male destrier for his war-horse. Great were the feats, in + many a field, which my forefather wrought, bestriding his black charger. + But one fatal day, on which the sudden war-trump made him forget his + morning ave, the beast had power over the Christian, and bore him, against + bit and spur, into the thickest of the foe. He did all a knight can do + against many (pardon his descendant’s vaunting,—so runs the tale), + and the Christians for a while beheld him solitary in the melee, mowing + down moon and turban. Then the crowd closed, and the good knight was lost + to sight. ‘To the rescue!’ cried bold King Richard, and on rushed the + crusaders to Aymer’s help; when lo! and suddenly the ranks severed, and + the black steed emerged! Aymer still on the selle, but motionless, and his + helm battered and plumeless, his brand broken, his arm drooping. On came + man and horse, on,—charging on, not against Infidel but Christian. + On dashed the steed, I say, with fire bursting from eyes and nostrils, and + the pike of his chaffron bent lance-like against the crusaders’ van. The + foul fiend seemed in the destrier’s rage and puissance. He bore right + against Richard’s standard-bearer, and down went the lion and the cross. + He charged the king himself; and Richard, unwilling to harm his own dear + soldier Aymer, halted wondering, till the pike of the destrier pierced his + own charger through the barding, and the king lay rolling in the dust. A + panic seized the cross-men; they fled, the Saracens pursued, and still + with the Saracens came the black steed and the powerless rider. At last, + when the crusaders reached the camp, and the flight ceased, there halted, + also, Aymer. Not a man dared near him. He spoke not, none spoke to him, + till a holy priest and palmer approached and sprinkled the good knight and + the black barb with holy water, and exorcised both; the spell broke, and + Aymer dropped to the earth. They unbraced his helm,—he was cold and + stark. The fierce steed had but borne a dead man.” + </p> + <p> + “Holy Paul!” cried Gloucester, with seeming sanctimony, though a covert + sneer played round the firm beauty of his pale lips, “a notable tale, and + one that proveth much of Sacred Truth, now lightly heeded. But, verily, + lord earl, I should have little loved a steed with such a pedigree.” + </p> + <p> + “Hear the rest,” said Isabel. “King Richard ordered the destrier to be + slain forthwith; but the holy palmer who had exorcised it forbade the + sacrifice. ‘Mighty shall be the service,’ said the reverend man, ‘which + the posterity of this steed shall render to thy royal race, and great + glory shall they give to the sons of Nevile. Let the war-horse, now duly + exorcised from infidel spells, live long to bear a Christian warrior!’” + </p> + <p> + “And so,” quoth the earl, taking up the tale—“so mare and horse were + brought by Aymer’s squires to his English hall; and Aymer’s son, Sir + Reginald, bore the cross, and bestrode the fatal steed, without fear and + without scathe. From that hour the House of Nevile rose amain, in fame and + in puissance; and the legend further saith, that the same palmer + encountered Sir Reginald at Joppa, bade him treasure that race of + war-steeds as his dearest heritage, for with that race his own should + flourish and depart; and the sole one of the Infidel’s spells which could + not be broken was that which united the gift—generation after + generation, for weal or for woe, for honour or for doom—to the fate + of Aymer and his House. ‘And,’ added the palmer, ‘as with woman’s love and + woman’s craft was woven the indissoluble charm, so shall woman, whether in + craft or in love, ever shape the fortunes of thee and thine.’” + </p> + <p> + “As yet,” said the prince, “the prophecy is fulfilled in a golden sense, + for nearly all thy wide baronies, I trow, have come to thee through the + female side. A woman’s hand brought to the Nevile this castle and its + lands; [Middleham Castle was built by Robert Fitz Ranulph, grandson of + Ribald, younger brother of the Earl of Bretagne and Richmond, nephew to + the Conqueror. The founder’s line failed in male heirs, and the heiress + married Robert Nevile, son of Lord Raby. Warwick’s father held the earldom + of Salisbury in right of his wife, the heiress of Thomas de Montacute.] + from a woman came the heritage of Monthermer and Montagu, and Salisbury’s + famous earldom; and the dower of thy peerless countess was the broad + domains of Beauchamp.” + </p> + <p> + “And a woman’s craft, young prince, wrought my king’s displeasure! But + enough of these dissour’s tales; behold the son of poor Malech, whom, + forgetting all such legends, I slew at Towton. Ho, Saladin, greet thy + master!” + </p> + <p> + They stood now in the black steed’s stall.—an ample and high-vaulted + space, for halter never insulted the fierce destrier’s mighty neck, which + the God of Battles had clothed in thunder. A marble cistern contained his + limpid drink, and in a gilded manger the finest wheaten bread was mingled + with the oats of Flanders. On entering, they found young George, Montagu’s + son, with two or three boys, playing familiarly with the noble animal, who + had all the affectionate docility inherited from an Arab origin. But at + the sound of Warwick’s voice, its ears rose, its mane dressed itself, and + with a short neigh it came to his feet, and kneeling down, in slow and + stately grace, licked its master’s hand. So perfect and so matchless a + steed never had knight bestrode! Its hide without one white hair, and + glossy as the sheenest satin; a lady’s tresses were scarcely finer than + the hair of its noble mane; the exceeding smallness of its head, its broad + frontal, the remarkable and almost human intelligence of its eye, seemed + actually to elevate its conformation above that of its species. Though the + race had increased, generation after generation, in size and strength, + Prince Richard still marvelled (when, obedient to a sign from Warwick, the + destrier rose, and leaned its head, with a sort of melancholy and quiet + tenderness, upon the earl’s shoulder) that a horse, less in height and + bulk than the ordinary battle-steed, could bear the vast weight of the + giant earl in his ponderous mail. But his surprise ceased when the earl + pointed out to him the immense strength of the steed’s ample loins, the + sinewy cleanness, the iron muscle, of the stag-like legs, the bull-like + breadth of chest, and the swelling power of the shining neck. + </p> + <p> + “And after all,” added the earl, “both in man and beast, the spirit and + the race, not the stature and the bulk, bring the prize. Mort Dieu, + Richard! it often shames me of mine own thews and broad breast,—I + had been more vain of laurels had I been shorter by the head!” + </p> + <p> + “Nevertheless,” said young George of Montagu, with a page’s pertness, “I + had rather have thine inches than Prince Richard’s, and thy broad breast + than his grace’s short neck.” + </p> + <p> + The Duke of Gloucester turned as if a snake had stung him. He gave but one + glance to the speaker, but that glance lived forever in the boy’s + remembrance, and the young Montagu turned pale and trembled, even before + he heard the earl’s stern rebuke. + </p> + <p> + “Young magpies chatter, boy,—young eagles in silence measure the + space between the eyry and the sun!” + </p> + <p> + The boy hung his head, and would have slunk off, but Richard detained him + with a gentle hand. “My fair young cousin,” said he, “thy words gall no + sore, and if ever thou and I charge side by side into the foeman’s ranks, + thou shalt comprehend what thy uncle designed to say,—how, in the + hour of strait and need, we measure men’s stature not by the body but the + soul!” + </p> + <p> + “A noble answer,” whispered Anne, with something like sisterly admiration. + </p> + <p> + “Too noble,” said the more ambitious Isabel, in the same voice, “for + Clarence’s future wife not to fear Clarence’s dauntless brother.” + </p> + <p> + “And so,” said the prince, quitting the stall with Warwick, while the + girls still lingered behind, “so Saladin hath no son! Wherefore? Can you + mate him with no bride?” + </p> + <p> + “Faith,” answered the earl, “the females of his race sleep in yonder dell, + their burial-place, and the proud beast disdains all meaner loves. Nay, + were it not so, to continue the breed, if adulterated, were but to mar + it.” + </p> + <p> + “You care little for the legend, meseems.” + </p> + <p> + “Pardieu! at times, yes, over much; but in sober moments I think that the + brave man who does his duty lacks no wizard prophecy to fulfil his doom; + and whether in prayer or in death, in fortune or defeat, his soul goes + straight to God!” + </p> + <p> + “Umph,” said Richard, musingly; and there was a pause. “Warwick,” resumed + the prince, “doubtless, even on your return to London, the queen’s enmity + and her mother’s will not cease. Clarence loves Isabel, but Clarence knows + not how to persuade the king and rule the king’s womankind. Thou knowest + how I have stood aloof from all the factions of the court. Unhappily I go + to the Borders, and can but slightly serve thee. But—” (he stopped + short, and sighed heavily). + </p> + <p> + “Speak on, Prince.” + </p> + <p> + “In a word, then, if I were thy son, Anne’s husband, I see—I see—I + see—” (thrice repeated the prince, with a vague dreaminess in his + eye, and stretching forth his hand)—“a future that might defy all + foes, opening to me and thee!” + </p> + <p> + Warwick hesitated in some embarrassment. + </p> + <p> + “My gracious and princely cousin,” he said at length, “this proffer is + indeed sweet incense to a father’s pride. But pardon me, as yet, noble + Richard, thou art so young that the king and the world would blame me did + I suffer my ambition to listen to such temptation. Enough, at present, if + all disputes between our House and the king can be smoothed and laid at + rest without provoking new ones. Nay, pardon me, prince, let this matter + cease—at least, till thy return from the Borders.” + </p> + <p> + “May I take with me hope?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” said Warwick, “thou knowest that I am a plain man; to bid thee hope + were to plight my word. And,” he added seriously, “there be reasons grave + and well to be considered why both the daughters of a subject should not + wed with their king’s brothers. Let this cease now, I pray thee, sweet + lord.” + </p> + <p> + Here the demoiselles joined their father, and the conference was over; but + when Richard, an hour after, stood musing alone on the battlements, he + muttered to himself, “Thou art a fool, stout earl, not to have welcomed + the union between thy power and my wit. Thou goest to a court where + without wit power is nought. Who may foresee the future? Marry, that was a + wise ancient fable, that he who seized and bound Proteus could extract + from the changeful god the prophecy of the days to come. Yea! the man who + can seize Fate can hear its voice predict to him. And by my own heart and + brain, which never yet relinquished what affection yearned for, or thought + aspired to, I read, as in a book, Anne, that thou shalt be mine; and that + where wave on yon battlements the ensigns of Beauchamp, Monthermer, and + Nevile, the Boar of Gloucester shall liege it over their broad baronies + and hardy vassals.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0043" id="link2H_4_0043"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BOOK VI + </h2> + <p> + WHEREIN ARE OPENED SOME GLIMPSES OF THE FATE BELOW THAT ATTENDS THOSE WHO + ARE BETTER THAN OTHERS, AND THOSE WHO DESIRE TO MAKE OTHERS BETTER. LOVE, + DEMAGOGY, AND SCIENCE ALL EQUALLY OFF-SPRING OF THE SAME PROLIFIC + DELUSION,—NAMELY, THAT MEAN SOULS (THE EARTH’S MAJORITY) ARE WORTH + THE HOPE AND THE AGONY OF NOBLE SOULS, THE EVERLASTING SUFFERING AND + ASPIRING FEW. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0036" id="link2HCH0036"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. NEW DISSENSIONS. + </h2> + <p> + We must pass over some months. Warwick and his family had returned to + London, and the meeting between Edward and the earl had been cordial and + affectionate. Warwick was reinstated in the offices which gave him + apparently the supreme rule in England. The Princess Margaret had left + England as the bride of Charles the Bold; and the earl had attended the + procession in honour of her nuptials. The king, agreeably with the martial + objects he had had long at heart, had then declared war on Louis XI., and + parliament was addressed and troops were raised for that impolitic + purpose. [Parliamentary Rolls, 623. The fact in the text has been + neglected by most historians.] To this war, however, Warwick was + inflexibly opposed. He pointed out the madness of withdrawing from England + all her best-affected chivalry, at a time when the adherents of Lancaster, + still powerful, would require no happier occasion to raise the Red Rose + banner. He showed how hollow was the hope of steady aid from the hot but + reckless and unprincipled Duke of Burgundy, and how different now was the + condition of France under a king of consummate sagacity and with an + overflowing treasury to its distracted state in the former conquests of + the English. This opposition to the king’s will gave every opportunity for + Warwick’s enemies to renew their old accusation of secret and treasonable + amity with Louis. Although the proud and hasty earl had not only forgiven + the affront put upon him by Edward, but had sought to make amends for his + own intemperate resentment, by public attendance on the ceremonials that + accompanied the betrothal of the princess, it was impossible for Edward + ever again to love the minister who had defied his power and menaced his + crown. His humour and his suspicions broke forth despite the restraint + that policy dictated to him: and in the disputes upon the invasion of + France, a second and more deadly breach between Edward and his minister + must have yawned, had not events suddenly and unexpectedly proved the + wisdom of Warwick’s distrust of Burgundy. Louis XI. bought off the Duke of + Bretagne, patched up a peace with Charles the Bold, and thus frustrated + all the schemes and broke all the alliances of Edward at the very moment + his military preparations were ripe. [W. Wyr, 518.] + </p> + <p> + Still the angry feelings that the dispute had occasioned between Edward + and the earl were not removed with the cause; and under pretence of + guarding against hostilities from Louis, the king requested Warwick to + depart to his government of Calais, the most important and honourable + post, it is true, which a subject could then hold: but Warwick considered + the request as a pretext for his removal from the court. A yet more + irritating and insulting cause of offence was found in Edward’s + withholding his consent to Clarence’s often-urged demand for permission to + wed with the Lady Isabel. It is true that this refusal was accompanied + with the most courteous protestations of respect for the earl, and placed + only upon the general ground of state policy. + </p> + <p> + “My dear George,” Edward would say, “the heiress of Lord Warwick is + certainly no mal-alliance for a king’s brother; but the safety of the + throne imperatively demands that my brothers should strengthen my rule by + connections with foreign potentates. I, it is true, married a subject, and + see all the troubles that have sprung from my boyish passion! No, no! Go + to Bretagne. The duke hath a fair daughter, and we will make up for any + scantiness in the dower. Weary me no more, George. Fiat voluntas mea!” + </p> + <p> + But the motives assigned were not those which influenced the king’s + refusal. Reasonably enough, he dreaded that the next male heir to his + crown should wed the daughter of the subject who had given that crown, and + might at any time take it away. He knew Clarence to be giddy, + unprincipled, and vain. Edward’s faith in Warwick was shaken by the + continual and artful representations of the queen and her family. He felt + that the alliance between Clarence and the earl would be the union of two + interests almost irresistible if once arrayed against his own. + </p> + <p> + But Warwick, who penetrated into the true reason for Edward’s obstinacy, + was yet more resentful against the reasons than the obstinacy itself. The + one galled him through his affections, the other through his pride; and + the first were as keen as the last was morbid. He was the more chafed, + inasmuch as his anxiety of father became aroused. Isabel was really + attached to Clarence, who, with all his errors, possessed every + superficial attraction that graced his House,—gallant and handsome, + gay and joyous, and with manners that made him no less popular than Edward + himself. + </p> + <p> + And if Isabel’s affections were not deep, disinterested, and tender, like + those of Anne, they were strengthened by a pride which she inherited from + her father, and a vanity which she took from her sex. It was galling in + the extreme to feel that the loves between her and Clarence were the court + gossip, and the king’s refusal the court jest. Her health gave way, and + pride and love both gnawed at her heart. + </p> + <p> + It happened, unfortunately for the king and for Warwick, that Gloucester, + whose premature acuteness and sagacity would have the more served both, + inasmuch as the views he had formed in regard to Anne would have blended + his interest in some degree with that of the Duke of Clarence, and + certainly with the object of conciliation between Edward and his minister,—it + happened, we say, unfortunately, that Gloucester was still absent with the + forces employed on the Scottish frontier, whither he had repaired on + quitting Middleham, and where his extraordinary military talents found + their first brilliant opening; and he was therefore absent from London + during all the disgusts he might have removed and the intrigues he might + have frustrated. + </p> + <p> + But the interests of the House of Warwick, during the earl’s sullen and + indignant sojourn at his government of Calais, were not committed to + unskilful hands; and Montagu and the archbishop were well fitted to cope + with Lord Rivers and the Duchess of Bedford. + </p> + <p> + Between these able brothers, one day, at the More, an important conference + took place. + </p> + <p> + “I have sought you,” said Montagu, with more than usual care upon his brow—“I + have sought you in consequence of an event that may lead to issues of no + small moment, whether for good or evil. Clarence has suddenly left England + for Calais.” + </p> + <p> + “I know it, Montagu; the duke confided to me his resolution to proclaim + himself old enough to marry,—and discreet enough to choose for + himself.” + </p> + <p> + “And you approved?” + </p> + <p> + “Certes; and, sooth to say, I brought him to that modest opinion of his + own capacities. What is more still, I propose to join him at Calais.” + </p> + <p> + “George!” + </p> + <p> + “Look not so scared, O valiant captain, who never lost a battle,—where + the Church meddles, all prospers. Listen!” And the young prelate gathered + himself up from his listless posture, and spoke with earnest unction. + “Thou knowest that I do not much busy myself in lay schemes; when I do, + the object must be great. Now, Montagu, I have of late narrowly and keenly + watched that spidery web which ye call a court, and I see that the spider + will devour the wasp, unless the wasp boldly break the web,—for + woman-craft I call the spider, and soldier-pride I style the wasp. To + speak plainly, these Woodvilles must be bravely breasted and determinately + abashed. I do not mean that we can deal with the king’s wife and her + family as with any other foes; but we must convince them that they cannot + cope with us, and that their interests will best consist in acquiescing in + that condition of things which places the rule of England in the hands of + the Neviles.” + </p> + <p> + “My own thought, if I saw the way!” + </p> + <p> + “I see the way in this alliance; the Houses of York and Warwick must + become so indissolubly united, that an attempt to injure the one must + destroy both. The queen and the Woodvilles plot against us; we must raise + in the king’s family a counterpoise to their machinations. It brings no + scandal on the queen to conspire against Warwick, but it would ruin her in + the eyes of England to conspire against the king’s brother; and Clarence + and Warwick must be as one. This is not all! If our sole aid was in giddy + George, we should but buttress our House with a weathercock. This + connection is but as a part of the grand scheme on which I have set my + heart,—Clarence shall wed Isabel, Gloucester wed Anne, and (let thy + ambitious heart beat high, Montagu) the king’s eldest daughter shall wed + thy son,—the male representative of our triple honours. Ah, thine + eyes sparkle now! Thus the whole royalty of England shall centre in the + Houses of Nevile and York; and the Woodvilles will be caught and hampered + in their own meshes, their resentment impotent; for how can Elizabeth stir + against us, if her daughter be betrothed to the son of Montagu, the nephew + of Warwick? Clarence, beloved by the shallow commons; [Singular as it may + seem to those who know not that popularity is given to the vulgar + qualities of men, and that where a noble nature becomes popular (a rare + occurrence), it is despite the nobleness,—not because of it. + Clarence was a popular idol even to the time of his death.—Croyl., + 562.] Gloucester, adored both by the army and the Church; and Montagu and + Warwick, the two great captains of the age,—is not this a + combination of power that may defy Fate?” + </p> + <p> + “O George!” said Montagu, admiringly, “what pity that the Church should + spoil such a statesman!” + </p> + <p> + “Thou art profane, Montagu; the Church spoils no man,—the Church + leads and guides ye all; and, mark, I look farther still. I would have + intimate league with France; I would strengthen ourselves with Spain and + the German Emperor; I would buy or seduce the votes of the sacred college; + I would have thy poor brother, whom thou so pitiest because he has no son + to marry a king’s daughter, no daughter to wed with a king’s son—I + would have thy unworthy brother, Montagu, the father of the whole + Christian world, and, from the chair of the Vatican, watch over the weal + of kingdoms. And now, seest thou why with to-morrow’s sun I depart for + Calais, and lend my voice in aid of Clarence’s for the first knot in this + complicated bond?” + </p> + <p> + “But will Warwick consent while the king opposes? Will his pride—” + </p> + <p> + “His pride serves us here; for so long as Clarence did not dare to gainsay + the king, Warwick in truth might well disdain to press his daughter’s hand + upon living man. The king opposes, but with what right? Warwick’s pride + will but lead him, if well addressed, to defy affront and to resist + dictation. Besides, our brother has a woman’s heart for his children; and + Isabel’s face is pale, and that will plead more than all my eloquence.” + </p> + <p> + “But can the king forgive your intercession and Warwick’s contumacy?” + </p> + <p> + “Forgive!—the marriage once over, what is left for him to do? He is + then one with us, and when Gloucester returns all will be smooth again,—smooth + for the second and more important nuptials; and the second shall preface + the third; meanwhile, you return to the court. To these ceremonials you + need be no party: keep but thy handsome son from breaking his neck in + over-riding his hobby, and ‘bide thy time!’” + </p> + <p> + Agreeably with the selfish but sagacious policy thus detailed, the prelate + departed the next day for Calais, where Clarence was already urging his + suit with the ardent impatience of amorous youth. The archbishop found, + however, that Warwick was more reluctant than he had anticipated, to + suffer his daughter to enter any House without the consent of its chief; + nor would the earl, in all probability, have acceded to the prayers of the + princely suitor, had not Edward, enraged at the flight of Clarence, and + worked upon by the artful queen, committed the imprudence of writing an + intemperate and menacing letter to the earl, which called up all the + passions of the haughty Warwick. + </p> + <p> + “What!” he exclaimed, “thinks this ungrateful man not only to dishonour me + by his method of marrying his sisters, but will he also play the tyrant + with me in the disposal of mine own daughter! He threats! he!—enough. + It is due to me to show that there lives no man whose threats I have not + the heart to defy!” And the prelate finding him in this mood had no longer + any difficulty in winning his consent. This ill-omened marriage was, + accordingly, celebrated with great and regal pomp at Calais, and the first + object of the archbishop was attained. + </p> + <p> + While thus stood affairs between the two great factions of the state, + those discontents which Warwick’s presence at court had a while laid at + rest again spread, broad and far, throughout the land. The luxury and + indolence of Edward’s disposition in ordinary times always surrendered him + to the guidance of others. In the commencement of his reign he was + eminently popular, and his government, though stern, suited to the times; + for then the presiding influence was that of Lord Warwick. As the queen’s + counsels prevailed over the consummate experience and masculine vigour of + the earl, the king’s government lost both popularity and respect, except + only in the metropolis; and if, at the close of his reign, it regained all + its earlier favour with the people, it must be principally ascribed to the + genius of Hastings, then England’s most powerful subject, and whose + intellect calmly moved all the springs of action. But now everywhere the + royal authority was weakened; and while Edward was feasting at Shene and + Warwick absent at Calais, the provinces were exposed to all the abuses + which most gall a population. The poor complained that undue exactions + were made on them by the hospitals, abbeys, and barons; the Church + complained that the queen’s relations had seized and spent Church moneys; + the men of birth and merit complained of the advancement of new men who + had done no service: and all these several discontents fastened themselves + upon the odious Woodvilles, as the cause of all. The second breach, now + notorious, between the king and the all-beloved Warwick, was a new + aggravation of the popular hatred to the queen’s family, and seemed to + give occasion for the malcontents to appear with impunity, at least so far + as the earl was concerned: it was, then, at this critical time that the + circumstances we are about to relate occurred. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0037" id="link2HCH0037"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. THE WOULD-BE IMPROVERS OF JOVE’S FOOTBALL, EARTH.—THE + SAD FATHER AND THE SAD CHILD.—THE FAIR RIVALS. + </h2> + <h3> + Adam Warner was at work on his crucible when the servitor commissioned to + attend him opened the chamber door, and a man dressed in the black gown of + a student entered. + </h3> + <p> + He approached the alchemist, and after surveying him for a moment in a + silence that seemed not without contempt, said, “What, Master Warner, are + you so wedded to your new studies that you have not a word to bestow on an + old friend?” + </p> + <p> + Adam turned, and after peevishly gazing at the intruder a few moments, his + face brightened up into recognition. + </p> + <p> + “En iterum!” he said. “Again, bold Robin Hilyard, and in a scholar’s garb! + Ha! doubtless thou hast learned ere this that peaceful studies do best + insure man’s weal below, and art come to labour with me in the high craft + of mind-work!” + </p> + <p> + “Adam,” quoth Hilyard, “ere I answer, tell me this: Thou with thy science + wouldst change the world: art thou a jot nearer to thy end?” + </p> + <p> + “Well-a-day,” said poor Adam, “you know little what I have undergone. For + danger to myself by rack and gibbet I say nought. Man’s body is fair prey + to cruelty, and what a king spares to-day the worm shall gnaw to-morrow. + But mine invention—my Eureka—look!” and stepping aside, he + lifted a cloth, and exhibited the mangled remains of the unhappy model. + </p> + <p> + “I am forbid to restore it,” continued Adam, dolefully. “I must work day + and night to make gold, and the gold comes not; and my only change of toil + is when the queen bids me construct little puppet-boxes for her children! + How, then, can I change the world? And thou,” he added, doubtingly and + eagerly—“thou, with thy plots and stratagem, and active demagogy, + thinkest thou that thou hast changed the world, or extracted one drop of + evil out of the mixture of gall and hyssop which man is born to drink?” + </p> + <p> + Hilyard was silent, and the two world-betterers—the philosopher and + the demagogue—gazed on each other, half in sympathy, half in + contempt. At last Robin said,— + </p> + <p> + “Mine old friend, hope sustains us both; and in the wilderness we yet + behold the Pisgah! But to my business. Doubtless thou art permitted to + visit Henry in his prison.” + </p> + <p> + “Not so,” replied Adam; “and for the rest, since I now eat King Edward’s + bread, and enjoy what they call his protection, ill would it beseem me to + lend myself to plots against his throne.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, man, man, man,” exclaimed Hilyard, bitterly, “thou art like all the + rest,—scholar or serf, the same slave; a king’s smile bribes thee + from a people’s service!” + </p> + <p> + Before Adam could reply, a panel in the wainscot slid back and the bald + head of a friar peered into the room. “Son Adam,” said the holy man, “I + crave your company an instant, oro vestrem aurem;” and with this + abominable piece of Latinity the friar vanished. + </p> + <p> + With a resigned and mournful shrug of the shoulders, Adam walked across + the room, when Hilyard, arresting his progress, said, crossing himself, + and in a subdued and fearful whisper, “Is not that Friar Bungey, the + notable magician?” + </p> + <p> + “Magician or not,” answered Warner, with a lip of inexpressible contempt + and a heavy sigh, “God pardon his mother for giving birth to such a + numskull!” and with this pious and charitable ejaculation Adam disappeared + in the adjoining chamber, appropriated to the friar. + </p> + <p> + “Hum,” soliloquized Hilyard, “they say that Friar Bungey is employed by + the witch duchess in everlasting diabolisms against her foes. A peep into + his den might suffice me for a stirring tale to the people.” + </p> + <p> + No sooner did this daring desire arise than the hardy Robin resolved to + gratify it; and stealing on tiptoe along the wall, he peered cautiously + through the aperture made by the sliding panel. An enormous stuffed lizard + hung from the ceiling, and various strange reptiles, dried into mummy, + were ranged around, and glared at the spy with green glass eyes. A huge + book lay open on a tripod stand, and a caldron seethed over a slow and + dull fire. A sight yet more terrible presently awaited the rash beholder. + </p> + <p> + “Adam,” said the friar, laying his broad palm on the student’s reluctant + shoulders, “inter sapentes.” + </p> + <p> + “Sapientes, brother,” groaned Adam. + </p> + <p> + “That’s the old form, Adam,” quoth the friar, superciliously,—“sapentes + is the last improvement. I say, between wise men there is no envy. Our + noble and puissant patroness, the Duchess of Bedford, hath committed to me + a task that promiseth much profit. I have worked at it night and day + stotis filibus.” + </p> + <p> + “O man, what lingo speakest thou?—stotis filibus!” + </p> + <p> + “Tush, if it is not good Latin, it does as well, son Adam. I say I have + worked at it night and day, and it is now advanced eno’ for experiment. + But thou art going to sleep.” + </p> + <p> + “Despatch! speak out! speak on!” said Adam, desperately,—“what is + thy achievement?” + </p> + <p> + “See!” answered the friar, majestically; and drawing aside a black pall, + he exhibited to the eyes of Adam, and to the more startled gaze of Robin + Hilyard, a pale, cadaverous, corpse-like image, of pigmy proportions, but + with features moulded into a coarse caricature of the lordly countenance + of the Earl of Warwick. + </p> + <p> + “There,” said the friar, complacently, and rubbing his hands, “that is no + piece of bungling, eh? As like the stout earl as one pea to another.” + </p> + <p> + “And for what hast thou kneaded up all this waste of wax?” asked Adam. + “Forsooth, I knew not you had so much of ingenious art; algates, the toy + is somewhat ghastly.” + </p> + <p> + “Ho, ho!” quoth the friar, laughing so as to show a set of jagged, + discoloured fangs from ear to ear, “surely thou, who art so notable a + wizard and scholar, knowest for what purpose we image forth our enemies. + Whatever the duchess inflicts upon this figure, the Earl of Warwick, whom + it representeth, will feel through his bones and marrow,—waste wax, + waste man!” + </p> + <p> + “Thou art a devil to do this thing, and a blockhead to think it, O + miserable friar!” exclaimed Adam, roused from all his gentleness. + </p> + <p> + “Ha!” cried the friar, no less vehemently, and his burly face purple with + passion, “dost thou think to bandy words with me? Wretch! I will set + goblins to pinch thee black and blue! I will drag thee at night over all + the jags of Mount Pepanon, at the tail of a mad nightmare! I will put + aches in all thy bones, and the blood in thy veins shall run into sores + and blotches. Am I not Friar Bungey? And what art thou?” + </p> + <p> + At these terrible denunciations, the sturdy Robin, though far less + superstitious than most of his contemporaries, was seized with a trembling + from head to foot; and expecting to see goblins and imps start forth from + the walls, he retired hastily from his hiding-place, and, without waiting + for further commune with Warner, softly opened the chamber door and stole + down the stairs. Adam, however, bore the storm unquailingly, and when the + holy man paused to take breath, he said calmly,— + </p> + <p> + “Verily, if thou canst do these things, there must be secrets in Nature + which I have not yet discovered. Howbeit, though thou art free to try all + thou canst against me, thy threats make it necessary that this + communication between us should be nailed up, and I shall so order.” + </p> + <p> + The friar, who was ever in want of Adam’s aid, either to construe a bit of + Latin, or to help him in some chemical illusion, by no means relished this + quiet retort; and holding out his huge hand to Adam, said, with affected + cordiality,— + </p> + <p> + “Pooh! we are brothers, and must not quarrel. I was over hot, and thou too + provoking; but I honour and love thee, man,—let it pass. As for this + figure, doubtless we might pink it all over, and the earl be never the + worse. But if our employers order these things and pay for them, we + cunning men make profit by fools!” + </p> + <p> + “It is men like thee that bring shame on science,” answered Adam, sternly; + “and I will not listen to thee longer.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, but you must,” said the friar, clutching Adam’s robe, and concealing + his resentment by an affected grin. “Thou thinkest me a mere ignoramus—ha! + ha!—I think the same of thee. Why, man, thou hast never studied the + parts of the human body, I’ll swear.” + </p> + <p> + “I’m no leech,” said Adam. “Let me go.” + </p> + <p> + “No, not yet. I will convict thee of ignorance. Thou dost not even know + where the liver is placed.” + </p> + <p> + “I do,” answered Adam, shortly; “but what then?” + </p> + <p> + “Thou dost?—I deny it. Here is a pin; stick it into this wax, man, + where thou sayest the liver lies in the human frame.” + </p> + <p> + Adam unsuspiciously obeyed. + </p> + <p> + “Well! the liver is there, eh? Ah, but where are the lungs?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, here.” + </p> + <p> + “And the midriff?” + </p> + <p> + “Here, certes.” + </p> + <p> + “Right!—thou mayest go now,” said the friar, dryly. Adam disappeared + through the aperture, and closed the panel. + </p> + <p> + “Now I know where the lungs, midriff, and liver are,” said the friar to + himself, “I shall get on famously. ‘T is a useful fellow, that, or I + should have had him hanged long ago!” + </p> + <p> + Adam did not remark on his re-entrance that his visitor, Hilyard, had + disappeared, and the philosopher was soon reimmersed in the fiery interest + of his thankless labours. + </p> + <p> + It might be an hour afterwards, when, wearied and exhausted by perpetual + hope and perpetual disappointment, he flung himself on his seat; and that + deep sadness, which they who devote themselves in this noisy world to + wisdom and to truth alone can know, suffused his thoughts, and murmured + from his feverish lips. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, hard condition of my life!” groaned the sage,—“ever to strive, + and never to accomplish. The sun sets and the sun rises upon my eternal + toils, and my age stands as distant from the goal as stood my youth! Fast, + fast the mind is wearing out the frame, and my schemes have but woven the + ropes of sand, and my name shall be writ in water. Golden dreams of my + young hope, where are ye? Methought once, that could I obtain the grace of + royalty, the ear of power, the command of wealth, my path to glory was + made smooth and sure; I should become the grand inventor of my time and + land; I should leave my lore a heritage and blessing wherever labour works + to civilize the round globe. And now my lodging is a palace, royalty my + patron; they give me gold at my desire; my wants no longer mar my leisure. + Well, and for what? On condition that I forego the sole task for which + patronage, wealth, and leisure were desired! There stands the broken iron, + and there simmers the ore I am to turn to gold,—the iron worth more + than all the gold, and the gold never to be won! Poor, I was an inventor, + a creator, the true magician; protected, patronized, enriched, I am but + the alchemist, the bubble, the dupe or duper, the fool’s fool. God, brace + up my limbs! Let me escape! give me back my old dream, and die at least, + if accomplishing nothing, hoping all!” + </p> + <p> + He rose as he spoke; he strode across the chamber with majestic step, with + resolve upon his brow. He stopped short, for a sharp pain shot across his + heart. Premature age and the disease that labour brings were at their work + of decay within: the mind’s excitement gave way to the body’s weakness, + and he sank again upon his seat, breathing hard, gasping, pale, the icy + damps upon his brow. Bubblingly seethed the molten metals, redly glowed + the poisonous charcoal, the air of death was hot within the chamber where + the victim of royal will pandered to the desire of gold. Terrible and + eternal moral for Wisdom and for Avarice, for sages and for kings,—ever + shall he who would be the maker of gold breathe the air of death! + </p> + <p> + “Father,” said the low and touching voice of one who had entered + unperceived, and who now threw her arms round Adam’s neck, “Father, thou + art ill, and sorely suffering—” + </p> + <p> + “At heart—yes, Sibyll. Give me thine arm; let us forth and taste the + fresher air.” + </p> + <p> + It was so seldom that Warner could be induced to quit his chamber, that + these words almost startled Sibyll, and she looked anxiously in his face, + as she wiped the dews from his forehead. + </p> + <p> + “Yes—air—air!” repeated Adam, rising. + </p> + <p> + Sibyll placed his bonnet over his silvered locks, drew his gown more + closely round him, and slowly and in silence they left the chamber, and + took their way across the court to the ramparts of the fortress-palace. + </p> + <p> + The day was calm and genial, with a low but fresh breeze stirring gently + through the warmth of noon. The father and child seated themselves on the + parapet, and saw, below, the gay and numerous vessels that glided over the + sparkling river, while the dark walls of Baynard’s Castle, the adjoining + bulwark and battlements of Montfichet, and the tall watch-tower of + Warwick’s mighty mansion frowned in the distance against the soft blue + sky. “There,” said Adam, quietly, and pointing to the feudal roofs, “there + seems to rise power, and yonder (glancing to the river), yonder seems to + flow Genius! A century or so hence the walls shall vanish, but the river + shall roll on. Man makes the castle, and founds the power,—God forms + the river and creates the Genius. And yet, Sibyll, there may be streams as + broad and stately as yonder Thames, that flow afar in the waste, never + seen, never heard by man. What profits the river unmarked; what the genius + never to be known?” + </p> + <p> + It was not a common thing with Adam Warner to be thus eloquent. Usually + silent and absorbed, it was not his gift to moralize or declaim. His soul + must be deeply moved before the profound and buried sentiment within it + could escape into words. + </p> + <p> + Sibyll pressed her father’s hand, and, though her own heart was very + heavy, she forced her lips to smile and her voice to soothe. Adam + interrupted her. + </p> + <p> + “Child, child, ye women know not what presses darkest and most bitterly on + the minds of men. You know not what it is to form out of immaterial things + some abstract but glorious object,—to worship, to serve it, to + sacrifice to it, as on an altar, youth, health, hope, life,—and + suddenly in old age to see that the idol was a phantom, a mockery, a + shadow laughing us to scorn, because we have sought to clasp it.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes, Father, women have known that illusion.” + </p> + <p> + “What! Do they study?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Father, but they feel!” + </p> + <p> + “Feel! I comprehend thee not.” + </p> + <p> + “As man’s genius to him is woman’s heart to her,” answered Sibyll, her + dark and deep eyes suffused with tears. “Doth not the heart create, + invent? Doth it not dream? Doth it not form its idol out of air? Goeth it + not forth into the future, to prophesy to itself? And sooner or later, in + age or youth, doth it not wake at last, and see how it hath wasted its all + on follies? Yes, Father, my heart can answer, when thy genius would + complain.” + </p> + <p> + “Sibyll,” said Warner, roused and surprised, and gazing on her wistfully, + “time flies apace. Till this hour I have thought of thee but as a child, + an infant. Thy words disturb me now.” + </p> + <p> + “Think not of them, then. Let me never add one grief to thine.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou art brave and gay in thy silken sheen,” said Adam, curiously + stroking down the rich, smooth stuff of Sibyll’s tunic; “her grace the + duchess is generous to us. Thou art surely happy here!” + </p> + <p> + “Happy!” + </p> + <p> + “Not happy!” exclaimed Adam, almost joyfully, “wouldst thou that we were + back once more in our desolate, ruined home?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, ob, yes!—but rather away, far away, in some quiet village, + some green nook; for the desolate, ruined home was not safe for thine old + age.” + </p> + <p> + “I would we could escape, Sibyll,” said Adam, earnestly, in a whisper, and + with a kind of innocent cunning in his eye, “we and the poor Eureka! This + palace is a prison-house to me. I will speak to the Lord Hastings, a man + of great excellence, and gentle too. He is ever kind to us.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, Father, not to him,” cried Sibyll, turning pale,—“let him + not know a word of what we would propose, nor whither we would fly.” + </p> + <p> + “Child, he loves me, or why does he seek me so often, and sit and talk + not?” + </p> + <p> + Sibyll pressed her clasped hands tightly to her bosom, but made no answer; + and while she was summoning courage to say something that seemed to + oppress her thoughts with intolerable weight, a footstep sounded gently + near, and the Lady of Bonville (then on a visit to the queen), unseen and + unheard by the two, approached the spot. She paused, and gazed at Sibyll, + at first haughtily; and then, as the deep sadness of that young face + struck her softer feelings, and the pathetic picture of father and child, + thus alone in their commune, made its pious and sweet effect, the gaze + changed from pride to compassion, and the lady said courteously,— + </p> + <p> + “Fair mistress, canst thou prefer this solitary scene to the gay company + about to take the air in her grace’s gilded barge?” + </p> + <p> + Sibyll looked up in surprise, not unmixed with fear. Never before had the + great lady spoken to her thus gently. Adam, who seemed for a while + restored to the actual life, saluted Katherine with simple dignity, and + took up the word,— + </p> + <p> + “Noble lady, whoever thou art, in thine old age, and thine hour of care, + may thy child, like this poor girl, forsake all gayer comrades for a + parent’s side!” + </p> + <p> + The answer touched the Lady of Bonville, and involuntarily she extended + her hand to Sibyll. With a swelling heart, Sibyll, as proud as herself, + bent silently over that rival’s hand. Katherine’s marble cheek coloured, + as she interpreted the girl’s silence. + </p> + <p> + “Gentle sir,” she said, after a short pause, “wilt thou permit me a few + words with thy fair daughter? And if in aught, since thou speakest of + care, Lord Warwick’s sister can serve thee, prithee bid thy young maiden + impart it, as to a friend.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell her, then, my Sibyll,—tell Lord Warwick’s sister to ask the + king to give back to Adam Warner his poverty, his labour, and his hope,” + said the scholar, and his noble head sank gloomily on his bosom. + </p> + <p> + The Lady of Bonville, still holding Sibyll’s hand, drew her a few paces up + the walk, and then she said suddenly, and with some of that blunt + frankness which belonged to her great brother, “Maiden, can there be + confidence between thee and me?” + </p> + <p> + “Of what nature, lady?” + </p> + <p> + Again Katherine blushed, but she felt the small hand she held tremble in + her clasp, and was emboldened,— + </p> + <p> + “Maiden, thou mayst resent and marvel at my words; but when I had fewer + years than thou, my father said, ‘There are many carks in life which a + little truth could end.’ So would I heed his lesson. William de Hastings + has followed thee with an homage that has broken, perchance, many as pure + a heart,—nay, nay, fair child, hear me on. Thou hast heard that in + youth he wooed Katherine Nevile,—that we loved, and were severed. + They who see us now marvel whether we hate or love,—no, not love—that + question were an insult to Lord Bonville’s wife!—Ofttimes we seem + pitiless to each other,—why? Lord Hastings would have wooed me, an + English matron, to forget mine honour and my House’s. He chafes that he + moves me not. I behold him debasing a great nature to unworthy triflings + with man’s conscience and a knight’s bright faith. But mark me!—the + heart of Hastings is everlastingly mine, and mine alone! What seek I in + this confidence? To warn thee. Wherefore? Because for months, amidst all + the vices of this foul court-air, amidst the flatteries of the softest + voice that ever fell upon woman’s ear, amidst, peradventure, the pleadings + of thine own young and guileless love, thine innocence is unscathed. And + therefore Katherine of Bonville may be the friend of Sibyll Warner.” + </p> + <p> + However generous might be the true spirit of these words, it was + impossible that they should not gall and humiliate the young and flattered + beauty to whom they were addressed. They so wholly discarded all belief in + the affection of Hastings for Sibyll; they so haughtily arrogated the + mastery over his heart; they so plainly implied that his suit to the poor + maiden was but a mockery or dishonour, that they made even the praise for + virtue an affront to the delicate and chaste ear on which they fell. And, + therefore, the reader will not be astonished, though the Lady of Bonville + certainly was, when Sibyll, drawing her hand from Katherine’s clasp, + stopping short, and calmly folding her arms upon her bosom, said,— + </p> + <p> + “To what this tends, lady, I know not. The Lord Hastings is free to carry + his homage where he will. He has sought me,—not I Lord Hastings. And + if to-morrow he offered me his hand, I would reject it, if I were not + convinced that the heart—” + </p> + <p> + “Damsel,” interrupted the Lady Bonville, in amazed contempt, “the hand of + Lord Hastings! Look ye indeed so high, or has he so far paltered with your + credulous youth as to speak to you, the daughter of the alchemist, of + marriage? If so, poor child, beware! + </p> + <p> + “I knew not,” replied Sibyll, bitterly, “that Sibyll Warner was more below + the state of Lord Hastings than Master Hastings was once below the state + of Lady Katherine Nevile.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou art distraught with thy self-conceit,” answered the dame, + scornfully; and, losing all the compassion and friendly interest she had + before felt, “my rede is spoken,—reject it if thou wilt in pride. + Rue thy folly thou wilt in shame!” + </p> + <p> + She drew her wimple round her face as she said these words, and, gathering + up her long robe, swept slowly on. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0038" id="link2HCH0038"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. WHEREIN THE DEMAGOGUE SEEKS THE COURTIER. + </h2> + <h3> + On quitting Adam’s chamber, Hilyard paused not till he reached a stately + house, not far from Warwick Lane, which was the residence of the Lord + Montagu. + </h3> + <p> + That nobleman was employed in reading, or rather, in pondering over, two + letters, with which a courier from Calais had just arrived, the one from + the archbishop, the other from Warwick. In these epistles were two + passages, strangely contradictory in their counsel. A sentence in + Warwick’s letter ran thus:— + </p> + <p> + “It hath reached me that certain disaffected men meditate a rising against + the king, under pretext of wrongs from the queen’s kin. It is even said + that our kinsmen, Copiers and Fitzhugh, are engaged therein. Need I + caution thee to watch well that they bring our name into no disgrace or + attaint? We want no aid to right our own wrongs; and if the misguided men + rebel, Warwick will best punish Edward by proving that he is yet of use.” + </p> + <p> + On the other hand, thus wrote the prelate:— + </p> + <p> + “The king, wroth with my visit to Calais, has taken from me the + chancellor’s seal. I humbly thank him, and shall sleep the lighter for the + fardel’s loss. Now, mark me, Montagu: our kinsman, Lord Fitzhugh’s son, + and young Henry Nevile, aided by old Sir John Copiers, meditate a fierce + and well-timed assault upon the Woodvilles. Do thou keep neuter,—neither + help nor frustrate it. Howsoever it end, it will answer our views, and + shake our enemies.” + </p> + <p> + Montagu was yet musing over these tidings, and marvelling that he in + England should know less than his brethren in Calais of events so + important, when his page informed him that a stranger, with urgent + messages from the north country, craved an audience. Imagining that these + messages would tend to illustrate the communications just received, he + ordered the visitor to be admitted. + </p> + <p> + He scarcely noticed Hilyard on his entrance, and said abruptly, “Speak + shortly, friend,—I have but little leisure.” + </p> + <p> + “And yet, Lord Montagu, my business may touch thee home.” + </p> + <p> + Montagu, surprised, gazed more attentively on his visitor: “Surely, I know + thy face, friend,—we have met before.” + </p> + <p> + “True; thou wert then on thy way to the More.” + </p> + <p> + “I remember me; and thou then seemedst, from thy bold words, on a still + shorter road to the gallows.” + </p> + <p> + “The tree is not planted,” said Robin, carelessly, “that will serve for my + gibbet. But were there no words uttered by me that thou couldst not + disapprove? I spoke of lawless disorders, of shameful malfaisance + throughout the land, which the Woodvilles govern under a lewd tyrant—” + </p> + <p> + “Traitor, hold!” + </p> + <p> + “A tyrant,” continued Robin, heeding not the interruption nor the angry + gesture of Montagu, “a tyrant who at this moment meditates the destruction + of the House of Nevile. And not contented with this world’s weapons, + palters with the Evil One for the snares and devilries of witchcraft.” + </p> + <p> + “Hush, man! Not so loud,” said Montagu, in an altered voice. “Approach + nearer,—nearer yet. They who talk of a crowned king, whose right + hand raises armies, and whose left hand reposes on the block, should + beware how they speak above their breath. Witchcraft, sayest thou? Make + thy meaning clear.” + </p> + <p> + Here Robin detailed, with but little exaggeration, the scene he had + witnessed in Friar Bungey’s chamber,—the waxen image, the menaces + against the Earl of Warwick, and the words of the friar, naming the + Duchess of Bedford as his employer. Montagu listened in attentive silence. + Though not perfectly free from the credulities of the time, shared even by + the courageous heart of Edward and the piercing intellect of Gloucester, + he was yet more alarmed by such proofs of determined earthly hostility in + one so plotting and so near to the throne as the Duchess of Bedford, than + by all the pins and needles that could be planted into the earl’s waxen + counterpart. + </p> + <p> + “A devilish malice, indeed,” said he, when Hilyard had concluded; “and yet + this story, if thou wilt adhere to it, may serve us well at need. I thank + thee, trusty friend, for thy confidence, and beseech thee to come at once + with me to the king. There will I denounce our foe, and, with thine + evidence, we will demand her banishment.” + </p> + <p> + “By your leave, not a step will I budge, my Lord Montagu,” quoth Robin, + bluntly,—“I know how these matters are managed at court. The king + will patch up a peace between the duchess and you, and chop off my ears + and nose as a liar and common scandal-maker. No, no; denounce the duchess + and all the Woodvilles I will; but it shall not be in the halls of the + Tower, but on the broad plains of Yorkshire, with twenty thousand men at + my back.” + </p> + <p> + “Ha! thou a leader of armies,—and for what end,—to dethrone + the king?” + </p> + <p> + “That as it may be,—but first for justice to the people; it is the + people’s rising that I will head, and not a faction’s. Neither White Rose + nor Red shall be on my banner; but our standard shall be the gory head of + the first oppressor we can place upon a pole.” + </p> + <p> + “What is it the people, as you word it, would demand?” + </p> + <p> + “I scarce know what we demand as yet,—that must depend upon how we + prosper,” returned Hilyard, with a bitter laugh; “but the rising will have + some good, if it shows only to you lords and Normans that a Saxon people + does exist, and will turn when the iron heel is upon its neck. We are + taxed, ground, pillaged, plundered,—sheep, maintained to be sheared + for your peace or butchered for your war. And now will we have a petition + and a charter of our own, Lord Montagu. I speak frankly. I am in thy + power; thou canst arrest me, thou canst strike off the head of this + revolt. Thou art the king’s friend,—wilt thou do so? No, thou and + thy House have wrongs as well as we, the people. And a part at least of + our demands and our purpose is your own.” + </p> + <p> + “What part, bold man?” + </p> + <p> + “This: we shall make our first complaint the baneful domination of the + queen’s family; and demand the banishment of the Woodvilles, root and + stem.” + </p> + <p> + “Hem!” said Montagu, involuntarily glancing over the archbishop’s letter,—“hem, + but without outrage to the king’s state and person?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, trust me, my lord, the franklin’s head contains as much north-country + cunning as the noble’s. They who would speed well must feel their way + cautiously.” + </p> + <p> + “Twenty thousand men—impossible! Who art thou, to collect and head + them?” + </p> + <p> + “Plain Robin of Redesdale.” + </p> + <p> + “Ha!” exclaimed Montagu, “is it indeed as I was taught to suspect? Art + thou that bold, strange, mad fellow, whom, by pike and brand—a + soldier’s oath—I, a soldier, have often longed to see. Let me look + at thee. ‘Fore Saint George, a tall man, and well knit, with dareiment on + thy brow. Why, there are as many tales of thee in the North as of my + brother the earl. Some say thou art a lord of degree and birth, others + that thou art the robber of Hexham to whom Margaret of Anjou trusted her + own life and her son’s.” + </p> + <p> + “Whatever they say of me,” returned Robin, “they all agree in this,—that + I am a man of honest word and bold deed; that I can stir up the hearts of + men, as the wind stirreth fire; that I came an unknown stranger into the + parts where I abide; and that no peer in this roiaulme, save Warwick + himself, can do more to raise an army or shake a throne.” + </p> + <p> + “But by what spell?” + </p> + <p> + “By men’s wrongs, lord,” answered Robin, in a deep voice; “and now, ere + this moon wanes, Redesdale is a camp!” + </p> + <p> + “What the immediate cause of complaint?” + </p> + <p> + “The hospital of St. Leonard’s has compelled us unjustly to render them a + thrave of corn.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou art a cunning knave! Pinch the belly if you would make Englishmen + rise.” + </p> + <p> + “True,” said Robin, smiling grimly; “and now—what say you—will + you head us?” + </p> + <p> + “Head you! No!” + </p> + <p> + “Will you betray us?” + </p> + <p> + “It is not easy to betray twenty thousand men; if ye rise merely to free + yourselves from a corn-tax and England from the Woodvilles, I see no + treason in your revolt.” + </p> + <p> + “I understand you, Lord Montagu,” said Robin, with a stern and + half-scornful smile,—“you are not above thriving by our danger; but + we need now no lord and baron,—we will suffice for ourselves. And + the hour will come, believe me, when Lord Warwick, pursued by the king, + must fly to the Commons. Think well of these things and this prophecy, + when the news from the North startles Edward of March in the lap of his + harlots.” + </p> + <p> + Without saying another word, he turned and quitted the chamber as abruptly + as he had entered. + </p> + <p> + Lord Montagu was not, for his age, a bad man; though worldly, subtle, and + designing, with some of the craft of his prelate brother he united + something of the high soul of his brother soldier. But that age had not + the virtue of later times, and cannot be judged by its standard. He heard + this bold dare-devil menace his country with civil war upon grounds not + plainly stated nor clearly understood,—he aided not, but he + connived: “Twenty thousand men in arms,” he muttered to himself,—“say + half-well, ten thousand—not against Edward, but the Woodvilles! It + must bring the king to his senses; must prove to him how odious the + mushroom race of the Woodvilles, and drive him for safety and for refuge + to Montagu and Warwick. If the knaves presume too far,” (and Montagu + smiled), “what are undisciplined multitudes to the eye of a skilful + captain? Let the storm blow, we will guide the blast. In this world man + must make use of man.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0039" id="link2HCH0039"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. SIBYLL. + </h2> + <p> + While Montagu in anxious forethought awaited the revolt that Robin of + Redesdale had predicted; while Edward feasted and laughed, merry-made with + his courtiers, and aided the conjugal duties of his good citizens in + London; while the queen and her father, Lord Rivers, more and more in the + absence of Warwick encroached on all the good things power can bestow and + avarice seize; while the Duchess of Bedford and Friar Bungey toiled hard + at the waxen effigies of the great earl, who still held his royal + son-in-law in his court at Calais,—the stream of our narrative winds + from its noisier channels, and lingers, with a quiet wave, around the + temple of a virgin’s heart. Wherefore is Sibyll sad? Some short month + since and we beheld her gay with hope and basking in the sunny atmosphere + of pleasure and of love. The mind of this girl was a singular combination + of tenderness and pride,—the first wholly natural, the last the + result of circumstance and position. She was keenly conscious of her + gentle birth and her earlier prospects in the court of Margaret; and the + poverty and distress and solitude in which she had grown up from the child + into the woman had only served to strengthen what, in her nature, was + already strong, and to heighten whatever was already proud. Ever in her + youngest dreams of the future ambition had visibly blent itself with the + vague ideas of love. The imagined wooer was less to be young and fair than + renowned and stately. She viewed him through the mists of the future, as + the protector of her persecuted father, as the rebuilder of a fallen + House, as the ennobler of a humbled name; and from the moment in which her + girl’s heart beat at the voice of Hastings, the ideal of her soul seemed + found. And when, transplanted to the court, she learned to judge of her + native grace and loveliness by the common admiration they excited, her + hopes grew justified to her inexperienced reason. Often and ever the words + of Hastings, at the house of Lady Longueville, rang in her ear, and + thrilled through the solitude of night,—“Whoever is fair and chaste, + gentle and loving, is in the eyes of William de Hastings the mate and + equal of a king.” In visits that she had found opportunity to make to the + Lady Longueville, these hopes were duly fed; for the old Lancastrian + detested the Lady Bonville, as Lord Warwick’s sister, and she would have + reconciled her pride to view with complacency his alliance with the + alchemist’s daughter, if it led to his estrangement from the memory of his + first love; and, therefore, when her quick eye penetrated the secret of + Sibyll’s heart, and when she witnessed—for Hastings often + encountered (and seemed to seek the encounter) the young maid at Lady + Longueville’s house—the unconcealed admiration which justified + Sibyll in her high-placed affection, she scrupled not to encourage the + blushing girl by predictions in which she forced her own better judgment + to believe. Nor, when she learned Sibyll’s descent from a family that had + once ranked as high as that of Hastings, would she allow that there was + any disparity in the alliance she foretold. But more, far more than Lady + Longueville’s assurances, did the delicate and unceasing gallantries of + Hastings himself flatter the fond faith of Sibyll. True, that he spoke not + actually of love, but every look implied, every whisper seemed to betray + it. And to her he spoke as to an equal, not in birth alone, but in mind; + so superior was she in culture, in natural gifts, and, above all, in that + train of high thought and elevated sentiment, in which genius ever finds a + sympathy, to the court-flutterers of her sex, that Hastings, whether or + not he cherished a warmer feeling, might well take pleasure in her + converse, and feel the lovely infant worthy the wise man’s trust. He spoke + to her without reserve of the Lady Bonville, and he spoke with bitterness. + “I loved her,” he said, “as woman is rarely loved. She deserted me for + another—rather should she have gone to the convent than the altar; + and now, forsooth, she deems she hath the right to taunt and to rate me, + to dictate to me the way I should walk, and to flaunt the honours I have + won.” + </p> + <p> + “May that be no sign of a yet tender interest?” said Sibyll, timidly. + </p> + <p> + The eyes of Hastings sparkled for a moment, but the gleam vanished. “Nay, + you know her not. Her heart is marble, as hard and as cold; her very + virtue but the absence of emotion,—I would say, of gentler emotion; + for, pardieu, such emotions as come from ire and pride and scorn are the + daily growth of that stern soil. Oh, happy was my escape! Happy the + desertion which my young folly deemed a curse! No!” he added, with a + sarcastic quiver of his lip—“no; what stings and galls the Lady of + Harrington and Bonville, what makes her countenance change in my presence, + and her voice sharpen at my accost, is plainly this: in wedding her dull + lord and rejecting me, Katherine Nevile deemed she wedded power and rank + and station; and now, while we are both young, how proves her choice? The + Lord of Harrington and Bonville is so noted a dolt, that even the Neviles + cannot help him to rise,—the meanest office is above his mind’s + level; and, dragged down by the heavy clay to which her wings are yoked, + Katherine, Lady of Harrington and Bonville—oh, give her her due + titles!—is but a pageant figure in the court. If the war-trump blew, + his very vassals would laugh at a Bonville’s banner, and beneath the flag + of poor William Hastings would gladly march the best chivalry of the land. + And this it is, I say, that galls her. For evermore she is driven to + compare the state she holds as the dame of the accepted Bonville with that + she lost as the wife of the disdained Hastings.” + </p> + <p> + And if, in the heat and passion that such words betrayed, Sibyll sighed to + think that something of the old remembrance yet swelled and burned, they + but impressed her more with the value of a heart in which the characters + once writ endured so long, and roused her to a tender ambition to heal and + to console. + </p> + <p> + Then looking into her own deep soul, Sibyll beheld there a fund of such + generous, pure, and noble affection, such reverence as to the fame, such + love as to the man, that she proudly felt herself worthier of Hastings + than the haughty Katherine. She entered then, as it were, the lists with + this rival,—a memory rather, so she thought, than a corporeal being; + and her eye grew brighter, her step statelier, in the excitement of the + contest, the anticipation of the triumph. For what diamond without its + flaw? What rose without its canker? And bedded deep in that exquisite and + charming nature lay the dangerous and fatal weakness which has cursed so + many victims, broken so many hearts,—the vanity of the sex. We may + now readily conceive how little predisposed was Sibyll to the blunt + advances and displeasing warnings of the Lady Bonville, and the more so + from the time in which they chanced. For here comes the answer to the + question, “Why was Sibyll sad?” + </p> + <p> + The reader may determine for himself what were the ruling motives of Lord + Hastings in the court he paid to Sibyll. Whether to pique the Lady + Bonville, and force upon her the jealous pain he restlessly sought to + inflict; whether, from the habit of his careless life, seeking the + pleasure of the moment, with little forethought of the future, and + reconciling itself to much cruelty, by that profound contempt for human + beings, man, and still more for woman, which sad experience often brings + to acute intellect; or whether, from the purer and holier complacency with + which one whose youth has fed upon nobler aspirations than manhood cares + to pursue, suns itself back to something of its earlier lustre in the + presence and the converse of a young bright soul,—whatever, in + brief, the earlier motives of gallantries to Sibyll, once begun, + constantly renewed, by degrees wilder and warmer and guiltier emotions + roused up in the universal and all-conquering lover the vice of his softer + nature. When calm and unimpassioned, his conscience had said to him, “Thou + shalt spare that flower.” But when once the passion was roused within him, + the purity of the flower was forgotten in the breath of its voluptuous + sweetness. + </p> + <p> + And but three days before the scene we have described with Katherine, + Sibyll’s fabric of hope fell to the dust. For Hastings spoke for the first + time of love, for the first time knelt at her feet, for the first time, + clasping to his heart that virgin hand, poured forth the protestation and + the vow. And oh! woe—woe! for the first time she learned how cheaply + the great man held the poor maiden’s love, how little he deemed that + purity and genius and affection equalled the possessor of fame and wealth + and power; for plainly visible, boldly shown and spoken, the love that she + had foreseen as a glory from the heaven sought but to humble her to the + dust. + </p> + <p> + The anguish of that moment was unspeakable,—and she spoke it not. + But as she broke from the profaning clasp, as escaping to the threshold + she cast on the unworthy wooer one look of such reproachful sorrow as told + at once all her love and all her horror, the first act in the eternal + tragedy of man’s wrong and woman’s grief was closed. And therefore was + Sibyll sad! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0040" id="link2HCH0040"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. KATHERINE. + </h2> + <p> + For several days Hastings avoided Sibyll; in truth, he felt remorse for + his design, and in his various, active, and brilliant life he had not the + leisure for obstinate and systematic siege to a single virtue, nor was he, + perhaps, any longer capable of deep and enduring passion; his heart, like + that of many a chevalier in the earlier day, had lavished itself upon one + object, and sullenly, upon regrets and dreams, and vain anger and idle + scorn, it had exhausted those sentiments which make the sum of true love. + And so, like Petrarch, whom his taste and fancy worshipped, and many + another votary of the gentil Dieu, while his imagination devoted itself to + the chaste and distant ideal—the spiritual Laura—his senses, + ever vagrant and disengaged, settled without scruple upon the thousand + Cynthias of the minute. But then those Cynthias were, for the most part, + and especially of late years, easy and light-won nymphs; their coyest were + of another clay from the tender but lofty Sibyll. And Hastings shrunk from + the cold-blooded and deliberate seduction of one so pure, while he could + not reconcile his mind to contemplate marriage with a girl who could give + nothing to his ambition; and yet it was not in this last reluctance only + his ambition that startled and recoiled. In that strange tyranny over his + whole soul which Katherine Bonville secretly exercised, he did not dare to + place a new barrier evermore between her and himself. The Lord Bonville + was of infirm health; he had been more than once near to death’s door; and + Hastings, in every succeeding fancy that beguiled his path, recalled the + thrill of his heart when it had whispered “Katherine, the loved of thy + youth, may yet be thine!” And then that Katherine rose before him, not as + she now swept the earth, with haughty step and frigid eye and disdainful + lip, but as—in all her bloom of maiden beauty, before the temper was + soured or the pride aroused—she had met him in the summer twilight, + by the trysting-tree, broken with him the golden ring of faith, and wept + upon his bosom. + </p> + <p> + And yet, during his brief and self-inflicted absence from Sibyll, this + wayward and singular personage, who was never weak but to women, and ever + weak to them, felt that she had made herself far dearer to him than he had + at first supposed it possible. He missed that face, ever, till the last + interview, so confiding in the unconsciously betrayed affection. He felt + how superior in sweetness and yet in intellect Sibyll was to Katherine; + there was more in common between her mind and his in all things, save one. + But oh, that one exception!—what a world lies within it,—the + memory of the spring of life! In fact, though Hastings knew it not, he was + in love with two objects at once; the one, a chimera, a fancy, an ideal, + an Eidolon, under the name of Katherine; the other, youth and freshness + and mind and heart and a living shape of beauty, under the name of Sibyll. + Often does this double love happen to men; but when it does, alas for the + human object! for the shadowy and the spiritual one is immortal,—until, + indeed, it be possessed! + </p> + <p> + It might be, perhaps, with a resolute desire to conquer the new love and + confirm the old that Hastings, one morning, repaired to the house of the + Lady Bonville, for her visit to the court had expired. It was a large + mansion, without the Lud Gate. + </p> + <p> + He found the dame in a comely chamber, seated in the sole chair the room + contained, to which was attached a foot-board that served as a dais, while + around her, on low stools, sat some spinning, others broidering—some + ten or twelve young maidens of good family, sent to receive their + nurturing under the high-born Katherine, [And strange as it may seem to + modern notions, the highest lady who received such pensioners accepted a + befitting salary for their board and education.] while two other and + somewhat elder virgins sat a little apart, but close under the eye of the + lady, practising the courtly game of “prime:” for the diversion of cards + was in its zenith of fashion under Edward IV., and even half a century + later was considered one of the essential accomplishments of a + well-educated young lady. [So the Princess Margaret, daughter of Henry + VIL, at the age of fourteen, exhibits her skill, in prime or trump, to her + betrothed husband, James IV. of Scotland; so, among the womanly arts of + the unhappy Katherine of Arragon, it is mentioned that she could play at + “cards and dyce.” (See Strutt: Games and Pastimes, Hones’ edition, p. + 327.) The legislature was very anxious to keep these games sacred to the + aristocracy, and very wroth with ‘prentices and the vulgar for imitating + the ruinous amusements of their betters.] The exceeding stiffness, the + solemn silence of this female circle, but little accorded with the mood of + the graceful visitor. The demoiselles stirred not at his entrance, and + Katherine quietly motioned him to a seat at some distance. + </p> + <p> + “By your leave, fair lady,” said Hastings, “I rebel against so distant an + exile from such sweet company;” and he moved the tabouret close to the + formidable chair of the presiding chieftainess. + </p> + <p> + Katherine smiled faintly, but not in displeasure. + </p> + <p> + “So gay a presence,” she said, “must, I fear me, a little disturb these + learners.” + </p> + <p> + Hastings glanced at the prim demureness written on each blooming visage, + and replied,— + </p> + <p> + “You wrong their ardour in such noble studies. I would wager that nothing + less than my entering your bower on horseback, with helm on head and lance + in rest, could provoke even a smile from one pair of the twenty rosy lips + round which, methinks, I behold Cupido hovering in vain!” + </p> + <p> + The baroness bent her stately brows, and the twenty rosy lips were all + tightly pursed up, to prevent the indecorous exhibition which the wicked + courtier had provoked. But it would not do: one and all the twenty lips + broke into a smile,—but a smile so tortured, constrained, and nipped + in the bud, that it only gave an expression of pain to the features it was + forbidden to enliven. + </p> + <p> + “And what brings the Lord Hastings hither?” asked the baroness, in a + formal tone. + </p> + <p> + “Can you never allow for motive the desire of pleasure, fair dame?” + </p> + <p> + That peculiar and exquisite blush, which at moments changed the whole + physiognomy of Katherine, flitted across her smooth cheek, and vanished. + She said gravely,— + </p> + <p> + “So much do I allow it in you, my lord, that hence my question.” + </p> + <p> + “Katherine!” exclaimed Hastings, in a voice of tender reproach, and + attempting to seize her hand, forgetful of all other presence save that to + which the blush, that spoke of old, gave back the ancient charm. + </p> + <p> + Katherine cast a hurried and startled glance over the maiden group, and + her eye detected on the automaton faces one common expression of surprise. + Humbled and deeply displeased, she rose from the awful chair, and then, as + suddenly reseating herself, she said, with a voice and lip of the most + cutting irony, “My lord chamberlain is, it seems, so habituated to lackey + his king amidst the goldsmiths and grocers, that he forgets the form of + language and respect of bearing which a noblewoman of repute is accustomed + to consider seemly.” + </p> + <p> + Hastings bit his lip, and his falcon eye shot indignant fire. + </p> + <p> + “Pardon, my Lady of Bonville and Harrington, I did indeed forget what + reasons the dame of so wise and so renowned a lord hath to feel pride in + the titles she hath won. But I see that my visit hath chanced out of + season. My business, in truth, was rather with my lord, whose counsel in + peace is as famous as his truncheon in war!” + </p> + <p> + “It is enough,” replied Katherine, with a dignity that rebuked the taunt, + “that Lord Bonville has the name of an honest man,—who never rose at + court.” + </p> + <p> + “Woman, without one soft woman-feeling!” muttered Hastings, between his + ground teeth, as he approached the lady and made his profound obeisance. + The words were intended only for Katherine’s ear, and they reached it. Her + bosom swelled beneath the brocaded gorget, and when the door closed on + Hastings, she pressed her hands convulsively together, and her dark eyes + were raised upward. + </p> + <p> + “My child, thou art entangling thy skein,” said the lady of Bonville, as + she passed one of the maidens, towards the casement, which she opened,—“the + air to-day weighs heavily!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0041" id="link2HCH0041"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. JOY FOR ADAM, AND HOPE FOR SIBYLL—AND POPULAR FRIAR + BUNGEY! + </h2> + <p> + Leaping on his palfrey, Hastings rode back to the Tower, dismounted at the + gate, passed on to the little postern in the inner court, and paused not + till he was in Warner’s room. “How now, friend Adam? Thou art idle.” + </p> + <p> + “Lord Hastings, I am ill.” + </p> + <p> + “And thy child not with thee?” + </p> + <p> + “She is gone to her grace the duchess, to pray her to grant me leave to go + home, and waste no more life on making gold.” + </p> + <p> + “Home! Go hence! We cannot hear it! The duchess must not grant it. I will + not suffer the king to lose so learned a philosopher.” + </p> + <p> + “Then pray the king to let the philosopher achieve that which is in the + power of labour.” He pointed to the Eureka. “Let me be heard in the king’s + council, and prove to sufficing judges what this iron can do for England.” + </p> + <p> + “Is that all? So be it. I will speak to his highness forthwith. But + promise that thou wilt think no more of leaving the king’s palace.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no, no! If I may enter again into mine own palace, mine own royalty + of craft and hope, the court or the dungeon all one to me!” + </p> + <p> + “Father,” said Sibyll, entering, “be comforted. The duchess forbids thy + departure, but we will yet flee—” She stopped short as she saw + Hastings. He approached her timidly, and with so repentant, so earnest a + respect in his mien and gesture, that she had not the heart to draw back + the fair hand he lifted to his lips. + </p> + <p> + “No, flee not, sweet donzell; leave not the desert court, without the + flower and the laurel, the beauty and the wisdom, that scent the hour, and + foretype eternity. I have conferred with thy father,—I will obtain + his prayer from the king. His mind shall be free to follow its own + impulse, and thou”—he whispered—“pardon—pardon an + offence of too much love. Never shall it wound again.” + </p> + <p> + Her eyes, swimming with delicious tears, were fixed upon the floor. Poor + child! with so much love, how could she cherish anger? With so much + purity, how distrust herself? And while, at least, he spoke, the dangerous + lover was sincere. So from that hour peace was renewed between Sibyll and + Lord Hastings.—Fatal peace! alas for the girl who loves—and + has no mother! + </p> + <p> + True to his word, the courtier braved the displeasure of the Duchess of + Bedford, in inducing the king to consider the expediency of permitting + Adam to relinquish alchemy, and repair his model. Edward summoned a + deputation from the London merchants and traders, before whom Adam + appeared and explained his device. But these practical men at first + ridiculed the notion as a madman’s fancy, and it required all the art of + Hastings to overcome their contempt, and appeal to the native acuteness of + the king. Edward, however, was only caught by Adam’s incidental allusions + to the application of his principle to ships. The merchant-king suddenly + roused himself to attention, when it was promised to him that his galleys + should cross the seas without sail, and against wind and tide. + </p> + <p> + “By Saint George!” said he, then, “let the honest man have his whim. Mend + thy model, and every saint in the calendar speed thee! Master Heyford, + tell thy comely wife that I and Hastings will sup with her to-morrow, for + her hippocras is a rare dainty. Good day to you, worshipful my masters. + Hastings, come hither; enough of these trifles,—I must confer with + thee on matters really pressing,—this damnable marriage of gentle + George’s!” + </p> + <p> + And now Adam Warner was restored to his native element of thought; now the + crucible was at rest, and the Eureka began to rise from its ruins. He knew + not the hate that he had acquired in the permission he had gained; for the + London deputies, on their return home, talked of nothing else for a whole + week but the favour the king had shown to a strange man, half-maniac, + half-conjuror, who had undertaken to devise a something which would throw + all the artisans and journeymen out of work! From merchant to mechanic + travelled the news, and many an honest man cursed the great scholar, as he + looked at his young children, and wished to have one good blow at the head + that was hatching such devilish malice against the poor! The name of Adam + Warner became a byword of scorn and horror. Nothing less than the deep + ditch and strong walls of the Tower could have saved him from the popular + indignation; and these prejudices were skilfully fed by the jealous enmity + of his fellow-student, the terrible Friar Bungey. This man, though in all + matters of true learning and science worthy the utmost contempt Adam could + heap upon him, was by no means of despicable abilities in the arts of + imposing upon men. In his youth he had been an itinerant mountebank, or, + as it was called, tregetour. He knew well all the curious tricks of + juggling that then amazed the vulgar, and, we fear, are lost to the craft + of our modern necromancers. He could clothe a wall with seeming vines, + that vanished as you approached; he could conjure up in his quiet cell the + likeness of a castle manned with soldiers, or a forest tenanted by deer. + [See Chaucer, House of Time, Book III.; also the account given by Baptista + Porta, of his own Magical Delusions, of which an extract may be seen in + the “Curiosities of Literature” Art., Dreams at the Dawn of Philosophy.] + Besides these illusions, probably produced by more powerful magic lanterns + than are now used, the friar had stumbled upon the wondrous effects of + animal magnetism, which was then unconsciously practised by the alchemists + and cultivators of white or sacred magic. He was an adept in the craft of + fortune-telling; and his intimate acquaintance with all noted characters + in the metropolis, their previous history and present circumstances, + enabled his natural shrewdness to hit the mark, at least now and then, in + his oracular predictions. He had taken, for safety and for bread, the + friar’s robes, and had long enjoyed the confidence of the Duchess of + Bedford, the traditional descendant of the serpent-witch, Melusina. + Moreover, and in this the friar especially valued himself, Bungey had, in + the course of his hardy, vagrant early life, studied, as shepherds and + mariners do now, the signs of the weather; and as weather-glasses were + then unknown, nothing could be more convenient to the royal planners of a + summer chase or a hawking company than the neighbourhood of a skilful + predictor of storm and sunshine. In fact, there was no part in the lore of + magic which the popular seers found so useful and studied so much as that + which enabled them to prognosticate the humours of the sky, at a period + when the lives of all men were principally spent in the open air. + </p> + <p> + The fame of Friar Bungey had travelled much farther than the repute of + Adam Warner: it was known in the distant provinces: and many a northern + peasant grew pale as he related to his gaping listeners the tales he had + heard of the Duchess Jacquetta’s dread magician. + </p> + <p> + And yet, though the friar was an atrocious knave and a ludicrous impostor, + on the whole he was by no means unpopular, especially in the metropolis, + for he was naturally a jolly, social fellow; he often ventured boldly + forth into the different hostelries and reunions of the populace, and + enjoyed the admiration he there excited, and pocketed the groats he there + collected. He had no pride,—none in the least, this Friar Bungey!—and + was as affable as a magician could be to the meanest mechanic who crossed + his broad horn palm. A vulgar man is never unpopular with the vulgar. + Moreover, the friar, who was a very cunning person, wished to keep well + with the mob: he was fond of his own impudent, cheating, burly carcass, + and had the prudence to foresee that a time might come when his royal + patrons might forsake him, and a mob might be a terrible monster to meet + in his path; therefore he always affected to love the poor, often told + their fortunes gratis, now and then gave them something to drink, and was + esteemed a man exceedingly good-natured, because he did not always have + the devil at his back. + </p> + <p> + Now Friar Bungey had naturally enough evinced from the first a great + distaste and jealousy of Adam Warner; but occasionally profiting by the + science of the latter, he suffered his resentment to sleep latent till it + was roused into fury by learning the express favour shown to Adam by the + king, and the marvellous results expected from his contrivance. His envy, + then, forbade all tolerance and mercy; the world was not large enough to + contain two such giants,—Bungey and Warner, the genius and the + quack. To the best of our experience, the quacks have the same creed to + our own day. He vowed deep vengeance upon his associate, and spared no + arts to foment the popular hatred against him. Friar Bungey would have + been a great critic in our day! + </p> + <p> + But besides his jealousy, the fat friar had another motive for desiring + poor Adam’s destruction; he coveted his model! True, he despised the + model, he jeered the model, he abhorred the model; but, nevertheless, for + the model every string in his bowels fondly yearned. He believed that if + that model were once repaired, and in his possession, he could do—what + he knew not, but certainly all that was wanting to complete his glory, and + to bubble the public. + </p> + <p> + Unconscious of all that was at work against him, Adam threw his whole + heart and soul into his labour; and happy in his happiness, Sibyll once + more smiled gratefully upon Hastings, from whom the rapture came. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0042" id="link2HCH0042"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. A LOVE SCENE. + </h2> + <p> + More than ever chafed against Katherine, Hastings surrendered himself + without reserve to the charm he found in the society of Sibyll. Her + confidence being again restored, again her mind showed itself to + advantage, and the more because her pride was further roused to assert the + equality with rank and gold which she took from nature and from God. + </p> + <p> + It so often happens that the first love of woman is accompanied with a + bashful timidity, which overcomes the effort, while it increases the + desire, to shine, that the union of love and timidity has been called + inseparable, in the hackneyed language of every love-tale. But this is no + invariable rule, as Shakspeare has shown us in the artless Miranda, in the + eloquent Juliet, in the frank and healthful Rosalind;—and the love + of Sibyll was no common girl’s spring-fever of sighs and blushes. It lay + in the mind, the imagination, the intelligence, as well as in the heart + and fancy. It was a breeze that stirred from the modest leaves of the rose + all their diviner odour. It was impossible but what this strong, fresh + young nature—with its free gayety when happy, its earnest pathos + when sad, its various faculties of judgment and sentiment, and covert play + of innocent wit—should not contrast forcibly, in the mind of a man + who had the want to be amused and interested, with the cold pride of + Katherine, the dull atmosphere in which her stiff, unbending virtue + breathed unintellectual air, and still more with the dressed puppets, with + painted cheeks and barren talk, who filled up the common world, under the + name of women. + </p> + <p> + His feelings for Sibyll, therefore, took a more grave and respectful + colour, and his attentions, if gallant ever, were those of a man wooing + one whom he would make his wife, and studying the qualities to which he + was disposed to intrust his happiness; and so pure was Sibyll’s affection, + that she could have been contented to have lived forever thus,—have + seen and heard him daily, have talked but the words of friendship though + with the thoughts of love; for some passions refine themselves through the + very fire of the imagination into which the senses are absorbed, and by + the ideal purification elevated up to spirit. Rapt in the exquisite + happiness she now enjoyed, Sibyll perceived not, or, if perceiving, + scarcely heeded; that the admirers, who had before fluttered round her, + gradually dropped off; that the ladies of the court, the damsels who + shared her light duties, grew distant and silent at her approach; that + strange looks were bent on her; that sometimes when she and Hastings were + seen together, the stern frowned and the godly crossed themselves. + </p> + <p> + The popular prejudices had reacted on the court. The wizard’s daughter was + held to share the gifts of her sire, and the fascination of beauty was + imputed to evil spells. Lord Hastings was regarded—especially by all + the ladies he had once courted and forsaken—as a man egregiously + bewitched! + </p> + <p> + One day it chanced that Sibyll encountered Hastings in the walk that + girded the ramparts of the Tower. He was pacing musingly, with folded + arms, when he raised his eyes and beheld her. + </p> + <p> + “And whither go you thus alone, fair mistress?” + </p> + <p> + “The duchess bade me seek the queen, who is taking the air yonder. My lady + has received some tidings she would impart to her highness.” + </p> + <p> + “I was thinking of thee, fair damsel, when thy face brightened on my + musings; and I was comparing thee to others who dwell in the world’s high + places, and marvelling at the whims of fortune.” + </p> + <p> + Sibyll smiled faintly, and answered, “Provoke not too much the aspiring + folly of my nature. Content is better than ambition.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou ownest thy ambition?” asked Hastings, curiously. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, sir, who hath it not?” + </p> + <p> + “But for thy sweet sex ambition has so narrow and cribbed a field.” + </p> + <p> + “Not so; for it lives in others. I would say,” continued Sibyll, + colouring, fearful that she had betrayed herself, “for example, that so + long as my father toils for fame, I breathe in his hope, and am ambitious + for his honour.” + </p> + <p> + “And so, if thou wert wedded to one worthy of thee, in his ambition thou + wouldst soar and dare?” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps,” answered Sibyll, coyly. + </p> + <p> + “But if thou wert wedded to sorrow and poverty and troublous care, thine + ambition, thus struck dead, would of consequence strike dead thy love?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, noble lord, nay; canst thou so wrong womanhood in me unworthy? for + surely true ambition lives not only in the goods of fortune. Is there no + nobler ambition than that of the vanity? Is there no ambition of the + heart,—an ambition to console, to cheer the griefs of those who love + and trust us; an ambition to build a happiness out of the reach of fate; + an ambition to soothe some high soul, in its strife with a mean world,—to + lull to sleep its pain, to smile to serenity its cares? Oh, methinks a + woman’s true ambition would rise the bravest when, in the very sight of + death itself, the voice of him in whom her glory had dwelt through life + should say, ‘Thou fearest not to walk to the grave and to heaven by my + side!”’ + </p> + <p> + Sweet and thrilling were the tones in which these words were said, lofty + and solemn the upward and tearful look with which they closed. + </p> + <p> + And the answer struck home to the native and original heroism of the + listener’s nature, before debased into the cynic sourness of worldly + wisdom. Never had Katherine herself more forcibly recalled to Hastings the + pure and virgin glory of his youth. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Sibyll!” he exclaimed passionately, and yielding to the impulse of + the moment,—“oh, that for me, as to me, such high words were said! + Oh, that all the triumphs of a life men call prosperous were excelled by + the one triumph of waking such an ambition in such a heart!” + </p> + <p> + Sibyll stood before him transformed,—pale, trembling, mute,—and + Hastings, clasping her hand and covering it with kisses, said,— + </p> + <p> + “Dare I arede thy silence? Sibyll, thou lovest me—O Sibyll, speak!” + </p> + <p> + With a convulsive effort, the girl’s lips moved, then closed, then moved + again, into low and broken words. + </p> + <p> + “Why this, why this? Thou hadst promised not to—not to—” + </p> + <p> + “Not to insult thee by unworthy vows! Nor do I. But as my wife.” He paused + abruptly, alarmed at his own impetuous words, and scared by the phantom of + the world that rose like a bodily thing before the generous impulse, and + grinned in scorn of his folly. + </p> + <p> + But Sibyll heard only that one holy word of WIFE, and so sudden and so + great was the transport it called forth, that her senses grew faint and + dizzy, and she would have fallen to the earth but for the arms that + circled her, and the breast upon which, now, the virgin might veil the + blush that did not speak of shame. + </p> + <p> + With various feelings, both were a moment silent. But oh, that moment! + what centuries of bliss were crowded into it for the nobler and fairer + nature! + </p> + <p> + At last, gently releasing herself, she put her hands before her eyes, as + if to convince herself she was awake, and then, turning her lovely face + full upon the wooer, Sibyll said ingenuously,— + </p> + <p> + “Oh, my lord—oh, Hastings! if thy calmer reason repent not these + words, if thou canst approve in me what thou didst admire in Elizabeth the + queen, if thou canst raise one who has no dower but her heart to the state + of thy wife and partner, by this hand, which I place fearlessly in thine, + I pledge thee to such a love as minstrel hath never sung. No!” she + continued, drawing loftily up her light stature,—“no, thou shalt not + find me unworthy of thy name,—mighty though it is, mightier though + it shall be. I have a mind that can share thine objects, I have pride that + can exult in thy power, courage to partake thy dangers, and devotion—” + she hesitated, with the most charming blush—“but of that, sweet + lord, thou shalt judge hereafter! This is my dowry,—it is all!” + </p> + <p> + “And all I ask or covet,” said Hastings. But his cheek had lost its first + passionate glow. Lord of many a broad land and barony, victorious captain + in many a foughten field, wise statesman in many a thoughtful stratagem, + high in his king’s favour, and linked with a nation’s history,—William + de Hastings at that hour was as far below as earth is to heaven the poor + maiden whom he already repented to have so honoured, and whose sublime + answer woke no echo from his heart. + </p> + <p> + Fortunately, as he deemed it, at that very instant he heard many steps + rapidly approaching, and his own name called aloud by the voice of the + king’s body-squire. + </p> + <p> + “Hark! Edward summons me,” he said, with a feeling of reprieve. “Farewell, + dear Sibyll, farewell for a brief while,—we shall meet anon.” + </p> + <p> + At this time they were standing in that part of the rampart walk which is + now backed by the barracks of a modern soldiery, and before which, on the + other side of the moat, lay a space that had seemed solitary and deserted; + but as Hastings, in speaking his adieu, hurriedly pressed his lips on + Sibyll’s forehead, from a tavern without the fortress, and opposite the + spot on which they stood, suddenly sallied a disorderly troop of + half-drunken soldiers, with a gang of the wretched women that always + continue the classic associations of a false Venus with a brutal Mars; and + the last words of Hastings were scarcely spoken, before a loud laugh + startled both himself and Sibyll, and a shudder came over her when she + beheld the tinsel robes of the tymbesteres glittering in the sun, and + heard their leader sing, as she darted from the arms of a reeling soldier,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Ha! death to the dove + Is the falcon’s love. + Oh, sharp is the kiss of the falcon’s beak!” + </pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0051" id="link2H_4_0051"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BOOK VII. THE POPULAR REBELLION. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0043" id="link2HCH0043"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. THE WHITE LION OF MARCH SHAKES HIS MANE. + </h2> + <p> + “And what news?” asked Hastings, as he found himself amidst the king’s + squires; while yet was heard the laugh of the tymbesteres, and yet gliding + through the trees might be seen the retreating form of Sibyll. + </p> + <p> + “My lord, the king needs you instantly. A courier has just arrived from + the North. The Lords St. John, Rivers, De Fulke, and Scales are already + with his highness.” + </p> + <p> + “Where?” + </p> + <p> + “In the great council chamber.” + </p> + <p> + To that memorable room [it was from this room that Hastings was hurried to + execution, June 13, 1483] in the White Tower, in which the visitor, on + entrance, is first reminded of the name and fate of Hastings, strode the + unprophetic lord. + </p> + <p> + He found Edward not reclining on cushions and carpets, not womanlike in + loose robes, not with his lazy smile upon his sleek beauty. The king had + doffed his gown, and stood erect in the tight tunic, which gave in full + perfection the splendid proportions of a frame unsurpassed in activity and + strength. Before him, on the long table, lay two or three open letters, + beside the dagger with which Edward had cut the silk that bound them. + Around him gravely sat Lord Rivers, Anthony Woodville, Lord St. John, + Raoul de Fulke, the young and valiant D’Eyncourt, and many other of the + principal lords. Hastings saw at once that something of pith and moment + had occurred; and by the fire in the king’s eye, the dilation of his + nostril, the cheerful and almost joyous pride of his mien and brow, the + experienced courtier read the signs of WAR. + </p> + <p> + “Welcome, brave Hastings,” said Edward, in a voice wholly changed from its + wonted soft affectation,—loud, clear, and thrilling as it went + through the marrow and heart of all who heard its stirring and trumpet + accent,—“welcome now to the field as ever to the banquet! We have + news from the North that bids us brace on the burgonet and buckle-to the + brand,—a revolt that requires a king’s arm to quell. In Yorkshire + fifteen thousand men are in arms, under a leader they call Robin of + Redesdale,—the pretext, a thrave of corn demanded by the Hospital of + St. Leonard’s, the true design that of treason to our realm. At the same + time, we hear from our brother of Gloucester, now on the Border, that the + Scotch have lifted the Lancaster Rose. There is peril if these two armies + meet. No time to lose,—they are saddling our war-steeds; we hasten + to the van of our royal force. We shall have warm work, my lords. But who + is worthy of a throne that cannot guard it?” + </p> + <p> + “This is sad tidings indeed, sire,” said Hastings, gravely. + </p> + <p> + “Sad! Say it not, Hastings! War is the chase of kings! Sir Raoul de Fulke, + why lookest thou so brooding and sorrowful?” + </p> + <p> + “Sire, I but thought that had Earl Warwick been in England, this—” + </p> + <p> + “Ha!” interrupted Edward, haughtily and hastily, “and is Warwick the sun + of heaven that no cloud can darken where his face may shine? The rebels + shall need no foe, my realm no regent, while I, the heir of the + Plantagenets, have the sword for one, the sceptre for the other. We depart + this evening ere the sun be set.” + </p> + <p> + “My liege,” said the Lord St. John, gravely, “on what forces do you count + to meet so formidable an array?” + </p> + <p> + “All England, Lord of St. John!” + </p> + <p> + “Alack! my liege, may you not deceive yourself! But in this crisis it is + right that your leal and trusty subjects should speak out, and plainly. It + seems that these insurgents clamour not against yourself, but against the + queen’s relations,—yes, my Lord Rivers, against you and your House,—and + I fear me that the hearts of England are with them here.” + </p> + <p> + “It is true, sire,” put in Raoul de Fulke, boldly; “and if these—new + men are to head your armies, the warriors of Towton will stand aloof,—Raoul + de Fulke serves no Woodville’s banner. Frown not, Lord de Scales! it is + the griping avarice of you and yours that has brought this evil on the + king. For you the commons have been pillaged; for you the daughters of + peers have been forced into monstrous marriages, at war with birth and + with nature herself; for you, the princely Warwick, near to the throne in + blood, and front and pillar of our time-honoured order of seigneur and of + knight, has been thrust from our suzerain’s favour. And if now ye are to + march at the van of war,—you to be avengers of the strife of which + ye are the cause,—I say that the soldiers will lack heart, and the + provinces ye pass through will be the country of a foe!” + </p> + <p> + “Vain man!” began Anthony Woodville, when Hastings laid his hand on his + arm, while Edward, amazed at this outburst from two of the supporters on + whom he principally counted, had the prudence to suppress his resentment, + and remained silent,—but with the aspect of one resolved to command + obedience, when he once deemed it right to interfere. + </p> + <p> + “Hold, Sir Anthony!” said Hastings, who, the moment he found himself with + men, woke to all the manly spirit and profound wisdom that had rendered + his name illustrious—“hold, and let me have the word; my Lords St. + John and De Fulke, your charges are more against me than against these + gentlemen, for I am a new man,—a squire by birth, and proud to + derive mine honours from the same origin as all true nobility,—I + mean the grace of a noble liege and the happy fortune of a soldier’s + sword. It may be” (and here the artful favourite, the most beloved of the + whole court, inclined himself meekly)—“it may be that I have not + borne those honours so mildly as to disarm blame. In the war to be, let me + atone. My liege, hear your servant: give me no command,—let me be a + simple soldier, fighting by your side. My example who will not follow?—proud + to ride but as a man of arms along the track which the sword of his + sovereign shall cut through the ranks of battle! Not you, Lord de Scales, + redoubtable and invincible with lance and axe; let us new men soothe envy + by our deeds; and you, Lords St. John and De Fulke, you shall teach us how + your fathers led warriors who did not fight more gallantly than we will. + And when rebellion is at rest, when we meet again in our suzerain’s hall, + accuse us new men, if you can find us faulty, and we will answer you as we + best may.” + </p> + <p> + This address, which could have come from no man with such effect as from + Hastings, touched all present. And though the Woodvilles, father and son, + saw in it much to gall their pride, and half believed it a snare for their + humiliation, they made no opposition. Raoul de Fulke, ever generous as + fiery, stretched forth his hand, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “Lord Hastings, you have spoken well. Be it as the king wills.” + </p> + <p> + “My lords,” returned Edward, gayly, “my will is that ye be friends while a + foe is in the field. Hasten, then, I beseech you, one and all, to raise + your vassals, and join our standard at Fotheringay. I will find ye posts + that shall content the bravest.” + </p> + <p> + The king made a sign to break up the conference, and dismissing even the + Woodvilles, was left alone with Hastings. + </p> + <p> + “Thou hast served me at need, Will;” said the king. “But I shall remember” + (and his eye flashed a tiger’s fire) “the mouthing of those mock-pieces of + the lords at Runnymede. I am no John, to be bearded by my vassals. Enough + of them now. Think you Warwick can have abetted this revolt?” + </p> + <p> + “A revolt of peasants and yeomen! No, sire. If he did so, farewell forever + to the love the barons bear him.” + </p> + <p> + “Um! and yet Montagu, whom I dismissed ten days since to the Borders, + hearing of disaffection, hath done nought to check it. But come what may, + his must be a bold lance that shivers against a king’s mail. And now one + kiss of my lady Bessee, one cup of the bright canary, and then God and + Saint George for the White Rose!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0044" id="link2HCH0044"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. THE CAMP AT OLNEY. + </h2> + <p> + It was some weeks after the citizens of London had seen their gallant + king, at the head of such forces as were collected in haste in the + metropolis, depart from their walls to the encounter of the rebels. + Surprising and disastrous had been the tidings in the interim. At first, + indeed, there were hopes that the insurrection had been put down by + Montagu, who had defeated the troops of Robin of Redesdale, near the city + of York, and was said to have beheaded their leader. But the spirit of + discontent was only fanned by an adverse wind. The popular hatred to the + Woodvilles was so great, that in proportion as Edward advanced to the + scene of action, the country rose in arms, as Raoul de Fulke had + predicted. Leaders of lordly birth now headed the rebellion; the sons of + the Lords Latimer and Fitzhugh (near kinsmen of the House of Nevile) lent + their names to the cause and Sir John Coniers, an experienced soldier, + whose claims had been disregarded by Edward, gave to the insurgents the + aid of a formidable capacity for war. In every mouth was the story of the + Duchess of Bedford’s witchcraft; and the waxen figure of the earl did more + to rouse the people than perhaps the earl himself could have done in + person. [See “Parliamentary Rolls,” vi. 232, for the accusation of + witchcraft, and the fabrication of a necromantic image of Lord Warwick, + circulated against the Duchess of Bedford. She herself quotes and + complains of them.] As yet, however, language of the insurgents was + tempered with all personal respect to the king; they declared in their + manifestoes that they desired only the banishment of the Woodvilles and + the recall of Warwick, whose name they used unscrupulously, and whom they + declared they were on their way to meet. As soon as it was known that the + kinsmen of the beloved earl were in the revolt, and naturally supposed + that the earl himself must countenance the enterprise, the tumultuous camp + swelled every hour, while knight after knight, veteran after veteran, + abandoned the royal standard. The Lord d’Eyncourt (one of the few lords of + the highest birth and greatest following over whom the Neviles had no + influence, and who bore the Woodvilles no grudge) had, in his way to + Lincolnshire,—where his personal aid was necessary to rouse his + vassals, infected by the common sedition,—been attacked and wounded + by a body of marauders, and thus Edward’s camp lost one of its greatest + leaders. Fierce dispute broke out in the king’s councils; and when the + witch Jacquetta’s practices against the earl travelled from the hostile + into the royal camp, Raoul de Fulke, St. John, and others, seized with + pious horror, positively declared they would throw down their arms and + retire to their castles, unless the Woodvilles were dismissed from the + camp and the Earl of Warwick was recalled to England. To the first demand + the king was constrained to yield; with the second he temporized. He + marched from Fotheringay to Newark; but the signs of disaffection, though + they could not dismay him as a soldier, altered his plans as a captain of + singular military acuteness; he fell back on Nottingham, and despatched, + with his own hands, letters to Clarence, the Archbishop of York, and + Warwick. To the last he wrote touchingly. + </p> + <p> + “We do not believe” (said the letter) “that ye should be of any such + disposition towards us as the rumour here runneth, considering the trust + and affection we bear you,—and cousin, we think ye shall be to us + welcome.” [Paston Letters, ccxcviii. (Knight’s edition), vol. ii. p. 59. + See also Lingard, vol. iii. p. 522 (4to edition), note 43, for the proper + date to be assigned to Edward’s letter to Warwick, etc.] + </p> + <p> + But ere these letters reached their destination, the crown seemed + well-nigh lost. At Edgecote the Earl of Pembroke was defeated and slain, + and five thousand royalists were left on the field. Earl Rivers and his + son, Sir John Woodville, [This Sir John Woodville was the most obnoxious + of the queen’s brothers, and infamous for the avarice which had led him to + marry the old Duchess of Norfolk, an act which according to the old laws + of chivalry would have disabled him from entering the lists of knighthood, + for the ancient code disqualified and degraded any knight who should marry + any old woman for her money! Lord Rivers was the more odious to the people + at the time of the insurrection because, in his capacity of treasurer, he + had lately tampered with the coin and circulation.] who in obedience to + the royal order had retired to the earl’s country seat of Grafton, were + taken prisoners, and beheaded by the vengeance of the insurgents. The same + lamentable fate befell the Lord Stafford, on whom Edward relied as one of + his most puissant leaders; and London heard with dismay that the king, + with but a handful of troops, and those lukewarm and disaffected, was + begirt on all sides by hostile and marching thousands. + </p> + <p> + From Nottingham, however, Edward made good his retreat to a village called + Olney, which chanced at that time to be partially fortified with a wall + and a strong gate. Here the rebels pursued him; and Edward, hearing that + Sir Anthony Woodville, who conceived that the fate of his father and + brother cancelled all motive for longer absence from the contest, was busy + in collecting a force in the neighbourhood of Coventry, while other + assistance might be daily expected from London, strengthened the + fortifications as well as the time would permit, and awaited the assault + of the insurgents. + </p> + <p> + It was at this crisis, and while throughout all England reigned terror and + commotion, that one day, towards the end of July, a small troop of + horsemen were seen riding rapidly towards the neighbourhood of Olney. As + the village came in view of the cavalcade, with the spire of its church + and its gray stone gateway, so also they beheld, on the pastures that + stretched around wide and far, a moving forest of pikes and plumes. + </p> + <p> + “Holy Mother!” said one of the foremost riders, “good the knight and + strong man though Edward be, it were sharp work to cut his way from that + hamlet through yonder fields! Brother, we were more welcome, had we + brought more bills and bows at our backs!” + </p> + <p> + “Archbishop,” answered the stately personage thus addressed, “we bring + what alone raises armies and disbands them,—a NAME that a People + honours! From the moment the White Bear is seen on yonder archway side by + side with the king’s banner, that army will vanish as smoke before the + wind.” + </p> + <p> + “Heaven grant it, Warwick!” said the Duke of Clarence; “for though Edward + hath used us sorely, it chafes me as Plantagenet and as prince to see how + peasants and varlets can hem round a king.” + </p> + <p> + “Peasants and varlets are pawns in the chessboard, cousin George,” said + the prelate; “and knight and bishop find them mighty useful when pushing + forward to an attack. Now knight and bishop appear themselves and take up + the game. Warwick,” added the prelate, in a whisper, unheard by Clarence, + “forget not, while appeasing rebellion, that the king is in your power.” + </p> + <p> + “For shame, George! I think not now of the unkind king; I think only of + the brave boy I dandled on my knee, and whose sword I girded on at Towton. + How his lion heart must chafe, condemned to see a foe whom his skill as + captain tells him it were madness to confront!” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, Richard Nevile, ay,” said the prelate, with a slight sneer, “play the + Paladin, and become the dupe; release the prince, and betray the people!” + </p> + <p> + “No! I can be true to both. Tush! brother, your craft is slight to the + plain wisdom of bold honesty. You slacken your steeds, sirs; on! on! see + the march of the rebels! On, for an Edward and a Warwick!” and, spurring + to full speed, the little company arrived at the gates. The loud bugle of + the new comers was answered by the cheerful note of the joyous warder, + while dark, slow, and solemn over the meadows crept on the mighty crowd of + the rebel army. + </p> + <p> + “We have forestalled the insurgents!” said the earl, throwing himself from + his black steed. “Marmaduke Nevile, advance our banner; heralds, announce + the Duke of Clarence, the Archbishop of York, and the Earl of Salisbury + and Warwick.” + </p> + <p> + Through the anxious town, along the crowded walls and housetops, into the + hall of an old mansion (that then adjoined the church), where the king, in + complete armour, stood at bay, with stubborn and disaffected officers, + rolled the thunder cry, “A Warwick! a Warwick! all saved! a Warwick!” + </p> + <p> + Sharply, as he heard the clamour, the king turned upon his startled + council. “Lords and captains!” said he, with that inexpressible majesty + which he could command in his happier hours, “God and our Patron Saint + have sent us at least one man who has the heart to fight fifty times the + odds of yon miscreant rabble, by his king’s side, and for the honour of + loyalty and knighthood!” + </p> + <p> + “And who says, sire,” answered Raoul de Fulke, “that we, your lords and + captains, would not risk blood and life for our king and our knighthood in + a just cause? But we will not butcher our countrymen for echoing our own + complaint, and praying your Grace that a grasping and ambitious family + which you have raised to power may no longer degrade your nobles and + oppress your commons. We shall see if the Earl of Warwick blame us or + approve.” + </p> + <p> + “And I answer,” said Edward, loftily, “that whether Warwick approve or + blame, come as friend or foe, I will sooner ride alone through yonder + archway, and carve out a soldier’s grave amongst the ranks of rebellious + war, than be the puppet of my subjects, and serve their will by + compulsion. Free am I—free ever will I be, while the crown of the + Plantagenet is mine, to raise those whom I love, to defy the threats of + those sworn to obey me. And were I but Earl of March, instead of king of + England, this hall should have swum with the blood of those who have + insulted the friends of my youth, the wife of my bosom. Off, Hastings!—I + need no mediator with my servants. Nor here, nor anywhere in broad + England, have I my equal, and the king forgives or scorns—construe + it as ye will, my lords—what the simple gentleman would avenge.” + </p> + <p> + It were in vain to describe the sensation that this speech produced. There + is ever something in courage and in will that awes numbers, though brave + themselves. And what with the unquestioned valour of Edward; what with the + effect of his splendid person, towering above all present by the head, and + moving lightly, with each impulse, through the mass of a mail that few + there could have borne unsinking, this assertion of absolute power in the + midst of mutiny—an army marching to the gates—imposed an + unwilling reverence and sullen silence mixed with anger, that, while it + chafed, admired. They who in peace had despised the voluptuous monarch, + feasting in his palace, and reclining on the lap of harlot-beauty, felt + that in war all Mars seemed living in his person. Then, indeed, he was a + king; and had the foe, now darkening the landscape, been the noblest + chivalry of France, not a man there but had died for a smile from that + haughty lip. But the barons were knit heart in heart with the popular + outbreak, and to put down the revolt seemed to them but to raise the + Woodvilles. The silence was still unbroken, save where the persuasive + whisper of Lord Hastings might be faintly heard in remonstrance with the + more powerful or the more stubborn of the chiefs, when the tread of steps + resounded without, and, unarmed, bareheaded, the only form in Christendom + grander and statelier than the king’s strode into the hall. + </p> + <p> + Edward, as yet unaware what course Warwick would pursue, and half doubtful + whether a revolt that had borrowed his name and was led by his kinsmen + might not originate in his consent, surrounded by those to whom the earl + was especially dear, and aware that if Warwick were against him all was + lost, still relaxed not the dignity of his mien; and leaning on his large + two-handed sword, with such inward resolves as brave kings and gallant + gentlemen form, if the worst should befall, he watched the majestic + strides of his great kinsman, and said, as the earl approached, and the + mutinous captains louted low,— + </p> + <p> + “Cousin, you are welcome! for truly do I know that when you have aught + whereof to complain, you take not the moment of danger and disaster. And + whatever has chanced to alienate your heart from me, the sound of the + rebel’s trumpet chases all difference, and marries your faith to mine.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Edward, my king, why did you so misjudge me in the prosperous hour!” + said Warwick, simply, but with affecting earnestness: “since in the + adverse hour you arede me well?” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, he bowed his head, and, bending his knee, kissed the hand + held out to him. + </p> + <p> + Edward’s face grew radiant, and, raising the earl, he glanced proudly at + the barons, who stood round, surprised and mute. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my lords and sirs, see,—it is not the Earl of Warwick, next to + our royal brethren the nearest subject to the throne, who would desert me + in the day of peril!” + </p> + <p> + “Nor do we, sire,” retorted Raoul de Fulke; “you wrong us before our + mighty comrade if you so misthink us. We will fight for the king, but not + for the queen’s kindred; and this alone brings on us your anger.” + </p> + <p> + “The gates shall be opened to ye. Go! Warwick and I are men enough for the + rabble yonder.” + </p> + <p> + The earl’s quick eye and profound experience of his time saw at once the + dissension and its causes. Nor, however generous, was he willing to forego + the present occasion for permanently destroying an influence which he knew + hostile to himself and hurtful to the realm. His was not the generosity of + a boy, but of a statesman. Accordingly, as Raoul de Fulke ceased, he took + up the word. + </p> + <p> + “My liege, we have yet an hour good ere the foe can reach the gates. Your + brother and mine accompany me. See, they enter! Please you, a few minutes + to confer with them; and suffer me, meanwhile, to reason with these noble + captains.” + </p> + <p> + Edward paused; but before the open brow of the earl fled whatever + suspicion might have crossed the king’s mind. + </p> + <p> + “Be it so, cousin; but remember this,—to councillors who can menace + me with desertion at such an hour, I concede nothing.” + </p> + <p> + Turning hastily away, he met Clarence and the prelate midway in the hall, + threw his arm caressingly over his brother’s shoulder, and, taking the + archbishop by the hand, walked with them towards the battlements. + </p> + <p> + “Well, my friends,” said Warwick, “and what would you of the king?” + </p> + <p> + “The dismissal of all the Woodvilles, except the queen; the revocation of + the grants and land accorded to them, to the despoiling the ancient noble; + and, but for your presence, we had demanded your recall.” + </p> + <p> + “And, failing these, what your resolve?” + </p> + <p> + “To depart, and leave Edward to his fate. These granted, we doubt little + but that the insurgents will disband. These not granted, we but waste our + lives against a multitude whose cause we must approve.” + </p> + <p> + “The cause! But ye know not the real cause,” answered Warwick. “I know it; + for the sons of the North are familiar to me, and their rising hath deeper + meaning than ye deem. What! have they not decoyed to their head my + kinsmen, the heirs of Latimer and Fitzhugh, and bold Coniers, whose steel + calque should have circled a wiser brain? Have they not taken my name as + their battle-cry? And do ye think this falsehood veils nothing but the + simple truth of just complaint?” + </p> + <p> + “Was their rising, then,” asked St. John, in evident surprise, “wholly + unauthorized by you?” + </p> + <p> + “So help me Heaven! if I would resort to arms to redress a wrong, think + not that I myself would be absent from the field! No, my lords, friends, + and captains, time presses; a few words must suffice to explain what as + yet may be dark to you. I have letters from Montagu and others, which + reached me the same day as the king’s, and which clear up the purpose of + our misguided countrymen. Ye know well that ever in England, but + especially since the reign of Edward III., strange, wild notions of some + kind of liberty other than that we enjoy have floated loose through the + land. Among the commons, a half-conscious recollection that the nobles are + a different race from themselves feeds a secret rancour and mislike, + which, at any fair occasion for riot, shows itself bitter and ruthless,—as + in the outbreak of Cade and others. And if the harvest fail, or a tax + gall, there are never wanting men to turn the popular distress to the ends + of private ambition or state design. Such a man has been the true head and + front of this commotion.” + </p> + <p> + “Speak you of Robin of Redesdale, now dead?” asked one of the captains. + </p> + <p> + “He is not dead. [The fate of Robin of Redesdale has been as obscure as + most of the incidents in this most perplexed part of English history. + While some of the chroniclers finish his career according to the report + mentioned in the text, Fabyan not only more charitably prolongs his life, + but rewards him with the king’s pardon; and according to the annals of his + ancient and distinguished family (who will pardon, we trust, a license + with one of their ancestry equally allowed by history and romance), as + referred to in Wotton’s “English Baronetage” (Art. “Hilyard”), and which + probably rests upon the authority of the life of Richard III., in Stowe’s + “Annals,” he is represented as still living in the reign of that king. But + the whole account of this famous demagogue in Wotton is, it must be owned, + full of historical mistakes.] Montagu informs me that the report was + false. He was defeated off York, and retired for some days into the woods; + but it is he who has enticed the sons of Latimer and Fitzhugh into the + revolt, and resigned his own command to the martial cunning of Sir John + Coniers. This Robin of Redesdale is no common man. He hath had a clerkly + education, he hath travelled among the Free Towns of Italy, he hath deep + purpose in all he doth; and among his projects is the destruction of the + nobles here, as it was whilome effected in Florence, the depriving us of + all offices and posts, with other changes, wild to think of and long to + name.” + </p> + <p> + “And we would have suffered this man to triumph!” exclaimed De Fulke: “we + have been to blame.” + </p> + <p> + “Under fair pretence he has gathered numbers, and now wields an army. I + have reason to know that, had he succeeded in estranging ye from Edward, + and had the king fallen, dead or alive, into his hands, his object would + have been to restore Henry of Windsor, but on conditions that would have + left king and baron little more than pageants in the state. I knew this + man years ago. I have watched him since; and, strange though it may seem + to you, he hath much in him that I admire as a subject and should fear + were I a king. Brief, thus runs my counsel: For our sake and the realm’s + safety, we must see this armed multitude disbanded; that done, we must see + the grievances they with truth complain of fairly redressed. Think not, my + lords, I avenge my own wrongs alone, when I go with you in your resolve to + banish from the king’s councils the baleful influence of the queen’s kin. + Till that be compassed, no peace for England. As a leprosy, their avarice + crawls over the nobler parts of the state, and devours while it sullies. + Leave this to me; and, though we will redress ourselves, let us now assist + our king!” + </p> + <p> + With one voice the unruly officers clamoured their assent to all the earl + urged, and expressed their readiness to sally at once from the gates, and + attack the rebels. + </p> + <p> + “But,” observed an old veteran, “what are we amongst so many? Here a + handful—there an army!” + </p> + <p> + “Fear not, reverend sir,” answered Warwick, with an assured smile; “is not + this army in part gathered from my own province of Yorkshire? Is it not + formed of men who have eaten of my bread and drunk of my cup? Let me see + the man who will discharge one arrow at the walls which contain Richard + Nevile of Warwick. Now each to your posts,—I to the king.” + </p> + <p> + Like the pouring of new blood into a decrepit body seemed the arrival, at + that feeble garrison, of the Earl of Warwick. From despair into the + certainty of triumph leaped every heart. Already at the sight of his + banner floating by the side of Edward’s, the gunner had repaired to his + bombard, the archer had taken up his bow; the village itself, before + disaffected, poured all its scanty population—women, and age, and + children—to the walls. And when the earl joined the king upon the + ramparts, he found that able general sanguine and elated, and pointing out + to Clarence the natural defences of the place. Meanwhile, the rebels, no + doubt apprised by their scouts of the new aid, had already halted in their + march, and the dark swarm might be seen indistinctly undulating, as bees + ere they settle, amidst the verdure of the plain. + </p> + <p> + “Well, cousin,” said the king, “have ye brought these Hotspurs to their + allegiance?” + </p> + <p> + “Sire, yes,” said Warwick, gravely; “but we have here no force to resist + yon army.” + </p> + <p> + “Bring you not succours?” said the king, astonished. “You must have passed + through London. Have you left no troops upon the road?” + </p> + <p> + “I had no time, sire; and London is well-nigh palsied with dismay. Had I + waited to collect troops, I might have found a king’s head blackening over + those gates.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” returned Edward, carelessly, “few or many, one gentleman is more + worth than a hundred varlets. ‘We are eno’ for glory,’ as Henry said at + Agincourt.” + </p> + <p> + “No, sire; you are too skilful and too wise to believe your boast. These + men we cannot conquer,—we must disperse them.” + </p> + <p> + “By what spell?” + </p> + <p> + “By their king’s word to redress their complaints.” + </p> + <p> + “And banish my queen?” + </p> + <p> + “Heaven forbid that man should part those whom God has joined,” returned + Warwick. “Not my lady, your queen, but my lady’s kindred.” + </p> + <p> + “Rivers is dead, and gallant John,” said Edward, sadly; “is not that + enough for revenge?” + </p> + <p> + “It is not revenge that we require, but pledges for the land’s safety,” + answered Warwick. “And to be plain, without such a promise these walls may + be your tomb.” + </p> + <p> + Edward walked apart, strongly debating within himself. In his character + were great contrasts: no man was more frank in common, no man more false + when it suited; no man had more levity in wanton love, or more firm + affection for those he once thoroughly took to his heart. He was the + reverse of grateful for service yielded, yet he was warm in protecting + those on whom service was conferred. He was resolved not to give up the + Woodvilles, and after a short self-commune, he equally determined not to + risk his crown and life by persevering in resistance to the demand for + their downfall. Inly obstinate, outwardly yielding, he concealed his + falsehood with his usual soldierly grace. + </p> + <p> + “Warwick,” he said, returning to the earl’s side, “you cannot advise me to + what is misbeseeming, and therefore in this strait I resign my conduct to + your hands. I will not unsay to yon mutinous gentlemen what I have already + said; but what you judge it right to promise in my name to them or to the + insurgents, I will not suppose that mime honour will refuse to concede. + But go not hence, O noblest friend that ever stood by a king’s throne!—go + not hence till the grasp of your hand assures me that all past unkindness + is gone and buried; yea, and by this hand, and while its pressure is warm + in mine, bear not too hard on thy king’s affection for his lady’s + kindred.” + </p> + <p> + “Sire,” said Warwick, though his generous nature well-nigh melted into + weakness, and it was with an effort that he adhered to his purpose,—“sire, + if dismissed for a while, they shall not be degraded. And if it be, on + consideration, wise to recall from the family of Woodville your grants of + lands and lordships, take from your Warwick—who, rich in his king’s + love, hath eno’ to spare—take the double of what you would recall. + Oh, be frank with me, be true, be steadfast, Edward, and dispose of my + lands, whenever you would content a favourite.” + </p> + <p> + “Not to impoverish thee, my Warwick,” answered Edward, smiling, “did I + call thee to my aid; for the rest, my revenues as Duke of York are at + least mine to bestow. Go now to the hostile camp,—go as sole + minister and captain-general of this realm; go with all powers and honours + a king can give; and when these districts are at peace, depart to our + Welsh provinces, as chief justiciary of that principality. Pembroke’s + mournful death leaves that high post in my gift. It cannot add to your + greatness, but it proves to England your sovereign’s trust.” + </p> + <p> + “And while that trust is given,” said Warwick, with tears in his eyes, + “may Heaven strengthen my arm in battle, and sharpen my brain in council! + But I play the laggard. The sun wanes westward; it should not go down + while a hostile army menaces the son of Richard of York.” + </p> + <p> + The earl rode rapidly away, reached the broad space where his followers + still stood, dismounted, but beside their steeds,— + </p> + <p> + “Trumpets advance, pursuivants and heralds go before! Marmaduke, mount! + The rest I need not. We ride to the insurgent camp.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0045" id="link2HCH0045"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. THE CAMP OF THE REBELS. + </h2> + <p> + The rebels had halted about a mile from the town, and were already + pitching their tents for the night. It was a tumultuous, clamorous, but + not altogether undisciplined array; for Coniers was a leader of singular + practice in reducing men into the machinery of war, and where his skill + might have failed, the prodigious influence and energy of Robin of + Redesdale ruled the passions and united the discordant elements. This last + was, indeed, in much worthy the respect in which Warwick held his name. In + times more ripe for him, he would have been a mighty demagogue and a + successful regenerator. His birth was known but to few; his education and + imperious temper made him vulgarly supposed of noble origin; but had he + descended from a king’s loins, Robert Hilyard had still been the son of + the Saxon people. Warwick overrated, perhaps, Hilyard’s wisdom; for, + despite his Italian experience, his ideas were far from embracing any + clear and definite system of democracy. He had much of the frantic + levelism and jacquerie of his age and land, and could probably not have + explained to himself all the changes he desired to effect; but, coupled + with his hatred to the nobles, his deep and passionate sympathy with the + poor, his heated and fanatical chimeras of a republic, half-political and + half-religious, he had, with no uncommon inconsistency, linked the cause + of a dethroned king. For as the Covenanters linked with the Stuarts + against the succeeding and more tolerant dynasty, never relinquishing + their own anti-monarchic theories; as in our time, the extreme party on + the popular side has leagued with the extreme of the aristocratic, in + order to crush the medium policy, as a common foe,—so the bold + leveller united with his zeal for Margaret the very cause which the House + of Lancaster might be supposed the least to favour. He expected to obtain + from a sovereign dependent upon a popular reaction for restoration, great + popular privileges. And as the Church had deserted the Red Rose for the + White, he sought to persuade many of the Lollards, ever ready to show + their discontent, that Margaret (in revenge on the hierarchy) would extend + the protection they had never found in the previous sway of her husband + and Henry V. Possessed of extraordinary craft, and even cunning in secular + intrigues, energetic, versatile, bold, indefatigable, and, above all, + marvellously gifted with the arts that inflame, stir up, and guide the + physical force of masses, Robert Hilyard had been, indeed, the soul and + life of the present revolt; and his prudent moderation in resigning the + nominal command to those whose military skill and high birth raised a riot + into the dignity of rebellion, had given that consistency and method to + the rising which popular movements never attain without aristocratic aid. + </p> + <p> + In the principal tent of the encampment the leaders of the insurrection + were assembled. + </p> + <p> + There was Sir John Coniers, who had married one of the Neviles, the + daughter of Fauconberg, Lord High Admiral, but who had profited little by + this remote connection with Warwick; for, with all his merit, he was a + greedy, grasping man, and he had angered the hot earl in pressing his + claims too imperiously. This renowned knight was a tall, gaunt man, whose + iron frame sixty winters had not bowed. There were the young heirs of + Latimer and Fitzhugh, in gay gilded armour and scarlet mantelines; and + there, in a plain cuirass, trebly welded, and of immense weight, but the + lower limbs left free and unincumbered in thick leathern hose, stood Robin + of Redesdale. Other captains there were, whom different motives had led to + the common confederacy. There might be seen the secret Lollard, hating + either Rose, stern and sour, and acknowledging no leader but Hilyard, whom + he knew as a Lollard’s son; there might be seen the ruined spendthrift, + discontented with fortune, and regarding civil war as the cast of a die,—death + for the forfeiture, lordships for the gain; there, the sturdy Saxon + squire, oppressed by the little baron of his province, and rather hopeful + to abase a neighbour than dethrone a king of whom he knew little, and for + whom he cared still less; and there, chiefly distinguished from the rest + by grizzled beard, upturned mustache, erect mien, and grave, not + thoughtful aspect, were the men of a former period,—the soldiers who + had fought against the Maid of Are,—now without place, station, or + hope in peaceful times, already half robbers by profession, and decoyed to + any standard that promised action, pay, or plunder. + </p> + <p> + The conclave were in high and warm debate. + </p> + <p> + “If this be true,” said Coniers, who stood at the head of the table, his + helmet, axe, truncheon, and a rough map of the walls of Olney before him—“if + this be true, if our scouts are not deceived, if the Earl of Warwick is in + the village, and if his banner float beside King Edward’s,—I say, + bluntly, as soldiers should speak, that I have been deceived and juggled!” + </p> + <p> + “And by whom, Sir Knight and cousin?” said the heir of Fitzhugh, + reddening. + </p> + <p> + “By you, young kinsman, and this hot-mouthed dare-devil, Robin of + Redesdale! Ye assured me, both, that the earl approved the rising; that he + permitted the levying yon troops in his name; that he knew well the time + was come to declare against the Woodvilles, and that no sooner was an army + mustered than he would place himself at its bead; and I say, if this be + not true, you have brought these gray hairs into dishonour!” + </p> + <p> + “And what, Sir John Coniers,” exclaimed Robin, rudely, “what honour had + your gray hairs till the steel cap covered them? What honour, I say, under + lewd Edward and his lusty revellers? You were thrown aside, like a broken + scythe, Sir John Coniers! You were forsaken in your rust! Warwick himself, + your wife’s great kinsman, could do nought in your favour! You stand now, + leader of thousands, lord of life and death, master of Edward and the + throne! We have done this for you, and you reproach us!” + </p> + <p> + “And,” began the heir of Fitzhugh, encouraged by the boldness of Hilyard, + “we had all reason to believe my noble uncle, the Earl of Warwick, + approved our emprise. When this brave fellow (pointing to Robin) came to + inform me that, with his own eyes, he had seen the waxen effigies of my + great kinsman, the hellish misdeed of the queen’s witch-dam, I repaired to + my Lord Montagu; and though that prudent courtier refused to declare + openly, he let me see that war with the Woodvilles was not unwelcome to + him.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet this same Montagu,” observed one of the ringleaders, “when Hilyard + was well-nigh at the gates of York, sallied out and defeated him, sans + ruth, sans ceremony.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but he spared my life, and beheaded the dead body of poor Hugh + Withers in my stead: for John Nevile is cunning, and he picks his nuts + from the brennen without lesing his own paw. It was not the hour for him + to join us, so he beat us civilly, and with discretion. But what hath he + done since? He stands aloof while our army swells, while the bull of the + Neviles and the ragged staff of the earl are the ensigns of our war, and + while Edward gnaws out his fierce heart in yon walls of Olney. How say ye, + then, that Warwick, even if now in person with the king, is in heart + against us? Nay, he may have entered Olney but to capture the tyrant.” + </p> + <p> + “If so,” said Coniers, “all is as it should be: but if Earl Warwick, who, + though he hath treated me ill, is a stour carle, and to be feared if not + loved, join the king, I break this wand, and ye will seek out another + captain.” + </p> + <p> + “And a captain shall be found!” cried Robin. “Are we so poor in valour, + that when one man leaves us we are headless and undone? What if Warwick so + betray us and himself,—he brings no forces. And never, by God’s + blessing, should we separate till we have redressed the wrongs of our + countrymen!” + </p> + <p> + “Good!” said the Saxon squire, winking, and looking wise,—“not till + we have burned to the ground the Baron of Bullstock’s castle!” + </p> + <p> + “Not,” said a Lollard, sternly, “till we have shortened the purple gown of + the churchman; not till abbot and bishop have felt on their backs the whip + wherewith they have scourged the godly believer and the humble saint.” + </p> + <p> + “Not,” added Robin, “till we have assured bread to the poor man, and the + filling of the flesh-pot, and the law to the weak, and the scaffold to the + evil-doer.” + </p> + <p> + “All this is mighty well,” said, bluntly, Sir Geoffrey Gates, the leader + of the mercenaries, a skilful soldier, but a predatory and lawless bravo; + “but who is to pay me and my tall fellows?” + </p> + <p> + At this pertinent question, there was a general hush of displeasure and + disgust. + </p> + <p> + “For, look you, my masters,” continued Sir Geoffrey, “as long as I and my + comrades here believed that the rich earl, who hath half England for his + provant, was at the head or the tail of this matter, we were contented to + wait a while; but devil a groat hath yet gone into my gipsire; and as for + pillage, what is a farm or a homestead? an’ it were a church or a castle + there might be pickings.” + </p> + <p> + “There is much plate of silver, and a sack or so of marks and royals, in + the stronghold of the Baron of Bullstock,” quoth the Saxon squire, + doggedly hounding on to his revenge. + </p> + <p> + “You see, my friends,” said Coniers, with a smile, and shrugging his + shoulders, “that men cannot gird a kingdom with ropes of sand. Suppose we + conquer and take captive—nay, or slay—King Edward, what then?” + </p> + <p> + “The Duke of Clarence, male heir to the throne,” said the heir of Latimer, + “is Lord Warwick’s son-in-law, and therefore akin to you, Sir John.” + </p> + <p> + “That is true,” observed Coniers, musingly. + </p> + <p> + “Not ill thought of, sir,” said Sir Geoffrey Gates; “and my advice is to + proclaim Clarence king and Warwick lord protector. We have some chance of + the angels then.” + </p> + <p> + “Besides,” said the heir of Fitzhugh, “our purpose once made clear, it + will be hard either for Warwick or Clarence to go against us,—harder + still for the country not to believe them with us. Bold measures are our + wisest councillors.” + </p> + <p> + “Um!” said the Lollard, “Lord Warwick is a good man, and has never, though + his brother be a bishop, abetted the Church tyrannies. But as for George + of Clarence—” + </p> + <p> + “As for Clarence,” said Hilyard, who saw with dismay and alarm that the + rebellion he designed to turn at the fitting hour to the service of + Lancaster, might now only help to shift from one shoulder to the other the + hated dynasty of York—“as for Clarence, he hath Edward’s vices + without his manhood.” He paused, and seeing that the crisis had ripened + the hour for declaring himself, his bold temper pushed at once to its + object. “No!” he continued, folding his arms, raising his head, and + comprehending the whole council in his keen and steady gaze,—“no! + lords and gentlemen, since speak I must in this emergency, hear me calmly. + Nothing has prospered in England since we abandoned our lawful king. If we + rid ourselves of Edward, let it not be to sink from a harlot-monger to a + drunkard. In the Tower pines our true lord, already honoured as a saint. + Hear me, I say,—hear me out! On the frontiers an army that keeps + Gloucester at bay hath declared for Henry and Margaret. Let us, after + seizing Olney, march thither at once, and unite forces. Margaret is + already prepared to embark for England. I have friends in London who will + attack the Tower, and deliver Henry. To you, Sir John Coniers, in the + queen’s name, I promise an earldom and the garter; to you, the heirs of + Latimer and Fitzhugh, the high posts that beseem your birth; to all of + you, knights and captains, just share and allotment in the confiscated + lands of the Woodvilles and the Yorkists; to you, brethren,” and + addressing the Lollards, his voice softened into a meaning accent that, + compelled to worship in secret, they yet understood, “shelter from your + foes and mild laws; and to you, brave soldiers, that pay which a king’s + coffers alone can supply. Wherefore I say, down with all subject-banners! + up with the Red Rose and the Antelope, and long live Henry the Sixth!” + </p> + <p> + This address, however subtle in its adaptation to the various passions of + those assembled, however aided by the voice, spirit, and energy of the + speaker, took too much by surprise those present to produce at once its + effect. + </p> + <p> + The Lollards remembered the fires lighted for their martyrs by the House + of Lancaster; and though blindly confident in Hilyard, were not yet + prepared to respond to his call. The young heir of Fitzhugh, who had, in + truth, but taken arms to avenge the supposed wrongs of Warwick, whom he + idolized, saw no object gained in the rise of Warwick’s enemy, Queen + Margaret. The mercenaries called to mind the woful state of Henry’s + exchequer in the former time. The Saxon squire muttered to himself, “And + what the devil is to become of the castle of Bullstock?” But Sir Henry + Nevile (Lord Latimer’s son), who belonged to that branch of his House + which had espoused the Lancaster cause, and who was in the secret councils + of Hilyard, caught up the cry, and said, “Hilyard doth not exceed his + powers; and he who strikes for the Red Rose shall carve out his own + lordship from the manors of every Yorkist that he slays.” Sir John Coniers + hesitated: poor, long neglected, ever enterprising and ambitious, he was + dazzled by the proffered bribe; but age is slow to act, and he expressed + himself with the measured caution of gray hairs. + </p> + <p> + “A king’s name,” said he, “is a tower of strength, especially when + marching against a king; but this is a matter for general assent and grave + forethought.” + </p> + <p> + Before any other (for ideas did not rush at once to words in those days) + found his tongue, a mighty uproar was heard without. It did not syllable + itself into distinct sound; it uttered no name; it was such a shout as + numbers alone could raise; and to such a shout would some martial leader + have rejoiced to charge to battle, so full of depth and fervour, and + enthusiasm and good heart, it seemed, leaping from rank to rank, from + breast to breast, from earth to heaven. With one accord the startled + captains made to the entrance of the tent, and there they saw, in the + broad space before them, inclosed by the tents which were grouped in a + wide semicircle,—for the mass of the hardy rebel army slept in the + open air, and the tents were but for leaders,—they saw, we say, in + that broad space, a multitude kneeling, and in the midst, upon his good + steed Saladin, bending graciously down, the martial countenance, the lofty + stature, of the Earl of Warwick. Those among the captains who knew him not + personally recognized him by the popular description,—by the black + war-horse, whose legendary fame had been hymned by every minstrel; by the + sensation his appearance had created; by the armourial insignia of his + heralds, grouped behind him, and whose gorgeous tabards blazed with his + cognizance and quarterings in azure, or, and argent. The sun was slowly + setting, and poured its rays upon the bare head of the mighty noble, + gathering round it in the hazy atmosphere like a halo. The homage of the + crowd to that single form, unarmed, and scarce attended, struck a + death-knell to the hopes of Hilyard,—struck awe into all his + comrades! The presence of that one man seemed to ravish from them, as by + magic, a vast army; power, and state, and command left them suddenly to be + absorbed in HIM! Captains, they were troopless,—the wielder of men’s + hearts was amongst them, and from his barb assumed reign, as from his + throne! + </p> + <p> + “Gads my life!” said Coniers, turning to his comrades, “we have now, with + a truth, the earl amongst us; but unless he come to lead us on to Olney, I + would as lief see the king’s provost at my shoulder.” + </p> + <p> + “The crowd separates, he rides this way!” said the heir of Fitzhugh. + “Shall we go forth to meet him?” + </p> + <p> + “Not so!” exclaimed Hilyard, “we are still the leaders of this army; let + him find us deliberating on the siege of Olney!” + </p> + <p> + “Right!” said Coniers; “and if there come dispute, let not the rabble hear + it.” + </p> + <p> + The captains re-entered the tent, and in grave silence awaited the earl’s + coming; nor was this suspense long. Warwick, leaving the multitude in the + rear, and taking only one of the subaltern officers in the rebel camp as + his guide and usher, arrived at the tent, and was admitted into the + council. + </p> + <p> + The captains, Hilyard alone excepted, bowed with great reverence as the + earl entered. + </p> + <p> + “Welcome, puissant sir and illustrious kinsman!” said Coniers, who had + decided on the line to be adopted; “you are come at last to take the + command of the troops raised in your name, and into your hands I resign + this truncheon.” + </p> + <p> + “I accept it, Sir John Coniers,” answered Warwick, taking the place of + dignity; “and since you thus constitute me your commander, I proceed at + once to my stern duties. How happens it, knights and gentlemen, that in my + absence ye have dared to make my name the pretext of rebellion? Speak + thou, my sister’s son!” + </p> + <p> + “Cousin and lord,” said the heir of Fitzhugh, reddening but not abashed, + “we could not believe but what you would smile on those who have risen to + assert your wrongs and defend your life.” And he then briefly related the + tale of the Duchess of Bedford’s waxen effigies, and pointed to Hilyard as + the eye-witness. + </p> + <p> + “And,” began Sir Henry Nevile, “you, meanwhile, were banished, seemingly, + from the king’s court; the dissensions between you and Edward sufficiently + the land’s talk, the king’s vices the land’s shame! + </p> + <p> + “Nor did we act without at least revealing our intentions to my uncle and + your brother, the Lord Montagu,” added the heir of Fitzhugh. + </p> + <p> + “Meanwhile,” said Robin of Redesdale, “the commons were oppressed, the + people discontented, the Woodvilles plundering, and the king wasting our + substance on concubines and minions. We have had cause eno’ for our + rising!” The earl listened to each speaker in stern silence. + </p> + <p> + “For all this,” he said at last, “you have, without my leave or sanction, + levied armed men in my name, and would have made Richard Nevile seem to + Europe a traitor, without the courage to be a rebel! Your lives are in my + power, and those lives are forfeit to the laws.” + </p> + <p> + “If we have incurred your disfavour from our over-zeal for you,” said the + son of Lord Fitzhugh, touchingly, “take our lives, for they are of little + worth.” And the young nobleman unbuckled his sword, and laid it on the + table. + </p> + <p> + “But,” resumed Warwick, not seeming to heed his nephew’s humility, “I, who + have ever loved the people of England, and before king and parliament have + ever pleaded their cause,—I, as captain-general and first officer of + these realms, here declare, that whatever motives of ambition or interest + may have misled men of mark and birth, I believe that the commons at least + never rise in arms without some excuse for their error. Speak out then, + you, their leaders; and, putting aside all that relates to me as the one + man, say what are the grievances of which the many would complain.” + </p> + <p> + And now there was silence, for the knights and gentlemen knew little of + the complaints of the populace; the Lollards did not dare to expose their + oppressed faith, and the squires and franklins were too uneducated to + detail the grievances they had felt. But then the immense superiority of + the man of the people at once asserted itself; and Hilyard, whose eye the + earl had hitherto shunned, lifted his deep voice. With clear precision, in + indignant but not declamatory eloquence, he painted the disorders of the + time,—the insolent exactions of the hospitals and abbeys, the + lawless violence of each petty baron, the weakness of the royal authority + in restraining oppression, its terrible power in aiding the oppressor. He + accumulated instance on instance of misrule; he showed the insecurity of + property, the adulteration of the coin, the burden of the imposts; he + spoke of wives and maidens violated, of industry defrauded, of houses + forcibly entered, of barns and granaries despoiled, of the impunity of all + offenders, if high-born, of the punishment of all complaints, if poor and + lowly. “Tell us not,” he said, “that this is the necessary evil of the + times, the hard condition of mankind. It was otherwise, Lord Warwick, when + Edward first swayed; for you then made yourself dear to the people by your + justice. Still men talk, hereabouts, of the golden rule of Earl Warwick; + but since you have been, though great in office, powerless in deed, absent + in Calais, or idle at Middleham, England hath been but the plaything of + the Woodvilles, and the king’s ears have been stuffed with flattery as + with wool. And,” continued Hilyard, warming with his subject, and, to the + surprise of the Lollards, entering boldly on their master-grievance—“and + this is not all. When Edward ascended the throne, there was, if not + justice, at least repose, for the persecuted believers who hold that God’s + word was given to man to read, study, and digest into godly deeds. I speak + plainly. I speak of that faith which your great father Salisbury and many + of the House of York were believed to favour,—that faith which is + called the Lollard, and the oppression of which, more than aught else, + lost to Lancaster the hearts of England. But of late, the Church, assuming + the power it ever grasps the most under the most licentious kings (for the + sinner prince hath ever the tyrant priest!), hath put in vigour old laws + for the wronging man’s thought and conscience; [The Lollards had greatly + contributed to seat Edward on the throne; and much of the subsequent + discontent, no doubt, arose from their disappointment, when, as Sharon + Turner well expresses it, “his indolence allied him to the Church,” and he + became “hereticorum severissimus hostis.”—CROYL., p. 564.] and we + sit at our doors under the shade, not of the vine-tree, but the gibbet. + For all these things we have drawn the sword; and if now, you, taking + advantage of the love borne to you by the sons of England, push that sword + back into the sheath, you, generous, great, and princely though you be, + well deserve the fate that I foresee and can foretell. Yes!” cried the + speaker, extending his arms, and gazing fixedly on the proud face of the + earl, which was not inexpressive of emotion—“yes! I see you, having + deserted the people, deserted by them also in your need; I see you, the + dupe of an ungrateful king, stripped of power and honour, an exile and an + outlaw; and when you call in vain upon the people, in whose hearts you now + reign, remember, O fallen star, son of the morning! that in the hour of + their might you struck down the people’s right arm, and paralyzed their + power. And now, if you will, let your friends and England’s champions glut + the scaffolds of your woman-king!” + </p> + <p> + He ceased. A murmur went round the conclave; every breast breathed hard, + every eye turned to Warwick. That mighty statesman mastered the effect + which the thrilling voice of the popular pleader produced on him; but at + that moment he had need of all his frank and honourable loyalty to remind + him that he was there but to fulfil a promise and discharge a trust,—that + he was the king’s delegate, not the king’s judge. + </p> + <p> + “You have spoken, bold men,” said he, “as, in an hour when the rights of + princes are weighed in one scale, the subject’s sword in the other, I, + were I king, would wish free men to speak. And now you, Robert Hilyard, + and you, gentlemen, hear me, as envoy to King Edward IV. To all of you I + promise complete amnesty and entire pardon. His highness believes you + misled, not criminal, and your late deeds will not be remembered in your + future services. So much for the leaders. Now for the commons. My liege + the king is pleased to recall me to the high powers I once exercised, and + to increase rather than to lessen them. In his name, I pledge myself to + full and strict inquiry into all the grievances Robin of Redesdale hath + set forth, with a view to speedy and complete redress. Nor is this all. + His highness, laying aside his purpose of war with France, will have less + need of impost on his subjects, and the burdens and taxes will be reduced. + Lastly, his grace, ever anxious to content his people, hath most benignly + empowered me to promise that, whether or not ye rightly judge the queen’s + kindred, they will no longer have part or weight in the king’s councils. + The Duchess of Bedford, as beseems a lady so sorrowfully widowed, will + retire to her own home; and the Lord Scales will fulfil a mission to the + court of Spain. Thus, then, assenting to all reasonable demands, promising + to heal all true grievances, proffering you gracious pardon, I discharge + my duty to king and to people. I pray that these unhappy sores may be + healed evermore, under the blessing of God and our patron saint; and in + the name of Edward IV., Lord Suzerain of England and of France, I break up + this truncheon and disband this army!” + </p> + <p> + Among those present, this moderate and wise address produced a general + sensation of relief; for the earl’s disavowal of the revolt took away all + hope of its success. But the common approbation was not shared by Hilyard. + He sprang upon the table, and, seizing the broken fragments of the + truncheon, which the earl had snapped as a willow twig, exclaimed, “And + thus, in the name of the people, I seize the command that ye unworthily + resign! Oh, yes, what fools were yonder drudges of the hard hand and the + grimed brow and the leathern jerkin, to expect succour from knight and + noble!” + </p> + <p> + So saying, he bounded from the tent, and rushed towards the multitude at + the distance. + </p> + <p> + “Ye knights and lords, men of blood and birth, were but the tools of a + manlier and wiser Cade!” said Warwick, calmly. “Follow me.” + </p> + <p> + The earl strode from the tent, sprang upon his steed, and was in the midst + of the troops with his heralds by his side, ere Hilyard had been enabled + to begin the harangue he had intended. Warwick’s trumpets sounded to + silence; and the earl himself, in his loud clear voice, briefly addressed + the immense audience. Master, scarcely less than Hilyard, of the popular + kind of eloquence, which—short, plain, generous, and simple—cuts + its way at once through the feelings to the policy, Warwick briefly but + forcibly recapitulated to the commons the promises he had made to the + captains; and as soon as they heard of taxes removed, the coinage + reformed, the corn thrave abolished, the Woodvilles dismissed, and the + earl recalled to power, the rebellion was at an end. They answered with a + joyous shout his order to disperse and retire to their homes forthwith. + But the indomitable Hilyard, ascending a small eminence, began his + counter-agitation. The earl saw his robust form and waving hand, he saw + the crowd sway towards him; and too well acquainted with mankind to suffer + his address, he spurred to the spot, and turning to Marmaduke, said, in a + loud voice, “Marmaduke Nevile, arrest that man in the king’s name!” + </p> + <p> + Marmaduke sprang from his steed, and laid his hand on Hilyard’s shoulder. + Not one of the multitude stirred on behalf of their demagogue. As before + the sun recede the stars, all lesser lights had died in the blaze of + Warwick’s beloved name. Hilyard griped his dagger, and struggled an + instant; but when he saw the awe and apathy of the armed mob, a withering + expression of disdain passed over his hardy face. + </p> + <p> + “Do ye suffer this?” he said. “Do ye suffer me, who have placed swords in + your hands, to go forth in bonds, and to the death?” + </p> + <p> + “The stout earl wrongs no man,” said a single voice, and the populace + echoed the word. + </p> + <p> + “Sir, then, I care not for life, since liberty is gone. I yield myself + your prisoner.” + </p> + <p> + “A horse for my captive!” said Warwick, laughing; “and hear me promise + you, that he shall go unscathed in goods and in limbs. God wot, when + Warwick and the people meet, no victim should be sacrificed! Hurrah for + King Edward and fair England!” + </p> + <p> + He waved his plumed cap as he spoke, and within the walls of Olney was + heard the shout that answered. + </p> + <p> + Slowly the earl and his scanty troop turned the rein; as he receded, the + multitude broke up rapidly, and when the moon rose, that camp was a + solitude. [The dispersion of the rebels at Olney is forcibly narrated by a + few sentences, graphic from their brief simplicity, in the “Pictorial + History of England,” Book V, p. 104. “They (Warwick, etc.) repaired in a + very friendly manner to Olney, where they found Edward in a most unhappy + condition; his friends were dead or scattered, flying for their lives, or + hiding themselves in remote places: the insurgents were almost upon him. A + word from Warwick sent the insurgents quietly back to the North.”] + </p> + <p> + Such—for our nature is ever grander in the individual than the mass—such + is the power of man above mankind! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0046" id="link2HCH0046"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. THE NORMAN EARL AND THE SAXON DEMAGOGUE CONFER. + </h2> + <p> + On leaving the camp, Warwick rode in advance of his train, and his + countenance was serious and full of thought. At length, as a turn in the + road hid the little band from the view of the rebels, the earl motioned to + Marmaduke to advance with his prisoner. The young Nevile then fell back, + and Robin and Warwick rode breast to breast out of hearing of the rest. + </p> + <p> + “Master Hilyard, I am well content that my brother, when you fell into his + hands, spared your life out of gratitude for the favour you once showed to + mine.” + </p> + <p> + “Your noble brother, my lord,” answered Robin, dryly, “is, perhaps, not + aware of the service I once rendered you. Methinks he spared me rather, + because, without me, an enterprise which has shaken the Woodvilles from + their roots around the throne, and given back England to the Neviles, had + been nipped in the bud!—Your brother is a deep thinker!” + </p> + <p> + “I grieve to hear thee speak thus of the Lord Montagu. I know that he hath + wilier devices than become, in my eyes, a well-born knight and a sincere + man; but he loves his king, and his ends are juster than his means. Master + Hilyard, enough of the past evil. Some months after the field of Hexham, I + chanced to fall, when alone, amongst a band of roving and fierce + Lancastrian outlaws. Thou, their leader, recognizing the crest on my helm, + and mindful of some slight indulgence once shown to thy strange notions of + republican liberty, didst save me from the swords of thy followers: from + that time I have sought in vain to mend thy fortunes. Thou hast rejected + all mine offers, and I know well that thou hast lent thy service to the + fatal cause of Lancaster. Many a time I might have given thee to the law; + but gratitude for thy aid in the needful strait, and to speak sooth, my + disdain of all individual efforts to restore a fallen House, made me turn + my eyes from transgressions which, once made known to the king, had placed + thee beyond pardon. I see now that thou art a man of head and arm to bring + great danger upon nations; and though this time Warwick bids thee escape + and live, if once more thou offend, know me only as the king’s minister. + The debt between us is now cancelled. Yonder lies the path that conducts + to the forest. Farewell. Yet stay!—poverty may have led thee into + treason?” + </p> + <p> + “Poverty,” interrupted Hilyard,—“poverty, Lord Warwick, leads men to + sympathize with the poor, and therefore I have done with riches.” He + paused, and his breast heaved. “Yet,” he added sadly, “now that I have + seen the cowardice and ingratitude of men, my calling seems over, and my + spirit crushed.” + </p> + <p> + “Alas!” said Warwick, “whether man be rich or poor, ingratitude is the + vice of men; and you, who have felt it from the mob, menace me with it + from the king. But each must carve out his own way through this earth, + without over care for applause or blame; and the tomb is the sole judge of + mortal memory.” + </p> + <p> + Robin looked hard at the earl’s face, which was dark and gloomy, as he + thus spoke, and approaching nearer, he said, “Lord Warwick, I take from + you liberty and life the more willingly, because a voice I cannot mistake + tells me, and hath long told, that, sooner or later, time will bind us to + each other. Unlike other nobles, you have owed your power not so much to + lordship, land, and birth, and a king’s smile, as to the love you have + nobly won; you alone, true knight and princely Christian,—you alone, + in war, have spared the humble; you alone, stalwart and resistless + champion, have directed your lance against your equals, and your order + hath gone forth to the fierce of heart, ‘Never smite the commons!’ In + peace, you alone have stood up in your haughty parliament for just law or + for gentle mercy; your castle hath had a board for the hungry and a + shelter for the houseless; your pride, which hath bearded kings and + humbled upstarts, hath never had a taunt for the lowly; and therefore I—son + of the people—in the people’s name, bless you living, and sigh to + ask whether a people’s gratitude will mourn you dead! Beware Edward’s + false smile, beware Clarence’s fickle faith, beware Gloucester’s + inscrutable wile! Mark, the sun sets!—and while we speak, yon dark + cloud gathers over your plumed head.” + </p> + <p> + He pointed to the heavens as he ceased, and a low roll of gathering + thunder seemed to answer his ominous warning. Without tarrying for the + earl’s answer, Hilyard shook the reins of his steed, and disappeared in + the winding of the lane through which he took his way. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0047" id="link2HCH0047"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. WHAT FAITH EDWARD IV. PURPOSETH TO KEEP WITH EARL AND PEOPLE. + </h2> + <p> + Edward received his triumphant envoy with open arms and profuse + expressions of gratitude. He exerted himself to the utmost in the banquet + that crowned the day, not only to conciliate the illustrious new comers, + but to remove from the minds of Raoul de Fulke and his officers all memory + of their past disaffection. No gift is rarer or more successful in the + intrigues of life than that which Edward eminently possessed,—namely, + the hypocrisy of frankness. Dissimulation is often humble, often polished, + often grave, sleek, smooth, decorous; but it is rarely gay and jovial, a + hearty laughter, a merry, cordial, boon companion. Such, however, was the + felicitous craft of Edward IV.; and, indeed, his spirits were naturally so + high, his good humour so flowing, that this joyous hypocrisy cost him no + effort. Elated at the dispersion of his foes, at the prospect of his + return to his ordinary life of pleasure, there was something so kindly and + so winning in his mirth, that he subjugated entirely the fiery temper of + Raoul de Fulke and the steadier suspicions of the more thoughtful St. + John. Clarence, wholly reconciled to Edward, gazed on him with eyes + swimming with affection, and soon drank himself into uproarious joviality. + The archbishop, more reserved, still animated the society by the dry and + epigrammatic wit not uncommon to his learned and subtle mind. But Warwick + in vain endeavoured to shake off an uneasy, ominous gloom. He was not + satisfied with Edward’s avoidance of discussion upon the grave matters + involved in the earl’s promise to the insurgents, and his masculine spirit + regarded with some disdain, and more suspicion, a levity that he + considered ill-suited to the emergence. + </p> + <p> + The banquet was over, and Edward, having dismissed his other attendants, + was in his chamber with Lord Hastings, whose office always admitted him to + the wardrobe of the king. + </p> + <p> + Edward’s smile had now left his lip; he paced the room with a hasty + stride, and then suddenly opening the casement, pointed to the landscape + without, which lay calm and suffused in moonlight. + </p> + <p> + “Hastings,” said he, abruptly, “a few hours since and the earth grew + spears! Behold the landscape now!” + </p> + <p> + “So vanish all the king’s enemies!” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, man, ay,—if at the king’s word, or before the king’s + battle-axe; but at a subject’s command—No, I am not a king while + another scatters armies in my realm at his bare will. ‘Fore Heaven, this + shall not last!” + </p> + <p> + Hastings regarded the countenance of Edward, changed from affable beauty + into terrible fierceness, with reflections suggested by his profound and + mournful wisdom. “How little a man’s virtues profit him in the eyes of + men!” thought he. “The subject saves the crown, and the crown’s wearer + never pardons the presumption!” + </p> + <p> + “You do not speak, sir!” exclaimed Edward, irritated and impatient. “Why + gaze you thus on me?” + </p> + <p> + “Beau sire,” returned the favourite, calmly, “I was seeking to discover if + your pride spoke, or your nobler nature.” + </p> + <p> + “Tush!” said the king, petulantly, “the noblest part of a king’s nature is + his pride as king!” Again he strode the chamber, and again halted. “But + the earl hath fallen into his own snare,—he hath promised in my name + what I will not perform. Let the people learn that their idol hath + deceived them. He asks me to dismiss from the court the queen’s mother and + kindred!” + </p> + <p> + Hastings, who in this went thoroughly with the earl and the popular + feeling, and whose only enemies in England were the Woodvilles, replied + simply,— + </p> + <p> + “These are cheap terms, sire, for a king’s life and the crown of England.” + </p> + <p> + Edward started, and his eyes flashed that cold, cruel fire, which makes + eyes of a light colouring so far more expressive of terrible passions than + the quicker and warmer heat of dark orbs. “Think you so, sir? By God’s + blood, he who proffered them shall repent it in every vein of his body! + Hark ye, William Hastings de Hastings, I know you to be a deep and + ambitious man; but better for you had you covered that learned brain under + the cowl of a mendicant friar than lent one thought to the counsels of the + Earl of Warwick.” + </p> + <p> + Hastings, who felt even to fondness the affection which Edward generally + inspired in those about his person, and who, far from sympathizing, except + in hate of the Woodvilles, with the earl, saw that beneath that mighty + tree no new plants could push into their fullest foliage, reddened with + anger at this imperious menace. + </p> + <p> + “My liege,” said he, with becoming dignity and spirit, “if you can thus + address your most tried confidant and your lealest friend, your most + dangerous enemy is yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “Stay, man,” said the king, softening. “I was over warm, but the wild + beast within me is chafed. Would Gloucester were here!” + </p> + <p> + “I can tell you what would be the counsels of that wise young prince, for + I know his mind,” answered Hastings. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, he and you love each other well. Speak out.” + </p> + <p> + “Prince Richard is a great reader of Italian lere. He saith that those + small States are treasuries of all experience. From that lere Prince + Richard would say to you, ‘Where a subject is so great as to be feared, + and too much beloved to be destroyed, the king must remember how Tarpeia + was crushed.” + </p> + <p> + “I remember naught of Tarpeia, and I detest parables.” + </p> + <p> + “Tarpeia, sire (it is a story of old Rome), was crushed under the weight + of presents. Oh, my liege,” continued Hastings, warming with that interest + which an able man feels in his own superior art, “were I king for a year, + by the end of it Warwick should be the most unpopular (and therefore the + weakest) lord in England!” + </p> + <p> + “And how, O wise in thine own conceit?” + </p> + <p> + “Beau sire,” resumed Hastings, not heeding the rebuke—and strangely + enough he proceeded to point out, as the means of destroying the earl’s + influence, the very method that the archbishop had detailed to Montagu as + that which would make the influence irresistible and permanent—“Beau + sire,” resumed Hastings, “Lord Warwick is beloved by the people, because + they consider him maltreated; he is esteemed by the people, because they + consider him above all bribe; he is venerated by the people, because they + believe that in all their complaints and struggles he is independent (he + alone) of the king. Instead of love, I would raise envy; for instead of + cold countenance I would heap him with grace. Instead of esteem and + veneration I would raise suspicion; for I would so knit him to your House, + that he could not stir hand or foot against you; I would make his heirs + your brothers. The Duke of Clarence hath married one daughter,—wed + the other to Lord Richard. Betroth your young princess to Montagu’s son, + the representative of all the Neviles. The earl’s immense possessions must + thus ultimately pass to your own kindred. The earl himself will be no + longer a power apart from the throne, but a part of it. The barons will + chafe against one who half ceases to be of their order, and yet + monopolizes their dignities; the people will no longer see in the earl + their champion, but a king’s favourite and deputy. Neither barons nor + people will flock to his banner.” + </p> + <p> + “All this is well and wise,” said Edward, musing; “but meanwhile my + queen’s blood? Am I to reign in a solitude?—for look you, Hastings, + you know well that, uxorious as fools have deemed me, I had purpose and + design in the elevation of new families; I wished to raise a fresh + nobility to counteract the pride of the old, and only upon new nobles can + a new dynasty rely.” + </p> + <p> + “My Lord, I will not anger you again; but still, for a while, the queen’s + relations will do well to retire.” + </p> + <p> + “Good night, Hastings,” interrupted Edward, abruptly, “my pillow in this + shall be my counsellor.” + </p> + <p> + Whatever the purpose solitude and reflection might ripen in the king’s + mind, he was saved from immediate decision by news, the next morning, of + fresh outbreaks. The commons had risen in Lincolnshire and the county of + Warwick; and Anthony Woodville wrote word that, if the king would but show + himself among the forces he had raised near Coventry, all the gentry + around would rise against the rebellious rabble. Seizing advantage of + these tidings, borne to him by his own couriers, and eager to escape from + the uncertain soldiery quartered at Olney, Edward, without waiting to + consult even with the earl, sprang to horse, and his trumpets were the + first signal of departure that he deigned to any one. + </p> + <p> + This want of ceremony displeased the pride of Warwick; but he made no + complaint, and took his place by the king’s side, when Edward said + shortly,— + </p> + <p> + “Dear cousin, this is a time that needs all our energies. I ride towards + Coventry, to give head and heart to the raw recruits I shall find there; + but I pray you and the archbishop to use all means, in this immediate + district, to raise fresh troops; for at your name armed men spring up from + pasture and glebe, dyke and hedge. Join what troops you can collect in + three days with mine at Coventry, and, ere the sickle is in the harvest, + England shall be at peace. God speed you! Ho! there, gentlemen, away!—a + franc etrier!” + </p> + <p> + Without pausing for reply,—for he wished to avoid all questioning, + lest Warwick might discover that it was to a Woodville that he was bound,—the + king put spurs to his horse, and, while his men were yet hurrying to and + fro, rode on almost alone, and was a good mile out of the town before the + force led by St. John and Raoul de Fulke, and followed by Hastings, who + held no command, overtook him. + </p> + <p> + “I misthink the king,” said Warwick, gloomily; “but my word is pledged to + the people, and it shall be kept.” + </p> + <p> + “A man’s word is best kept when his arm is the strongest,” said the + sententious archbishop; “yesterday, you dispersed an army; to-day, raise + one!” + </p> + <p> + Warwick answered not, but, after a moment’s thought, beckoned to + Marmaduke. + </p> + <p> + “Kinsman,” said he, “spur on, with ten of my little company, to join the + king. Report to me if any of the Woodvilles be in his camp near Coventry.” + </p> + <p> + “Whither shall I send the report?” + </p> + <p> + “To my castle of Warwick.” + </p> + <p> + Marmaduke bowed his head, and, accustomed to the brevity of the earl’s + speech, proceeded to the task enjoined him. Warwick next summoned his + second squire. + </p> + <p> + “My lady and her children,” said he, “are on their way to Middleham. This + paper will instruct you of their progress. Join them with all the rest of + my troop, except my heralds and trumpeters; and say that I shall meet them + ere long at Middleham.” + </p> + <p> + “It is a strange way to raise an army,” said the archbishop, dryly, “to + begin by getting rid of all the force one possesses!” + </p> + <p> + “Brother,” answered the earl, “I would fain show my son-in-law, who may be + the father of a line of kings, that a general may be helpless at the head + of thousands, but that a man may stand alone who has the love of a + nation.” + </p> + <p> + “May Clarence profit by the lesson! Where is he all this while?” + </p> + <p> + “Abed,” said the stout earl, with a slight accent of disdain; and then, in + a softer voice, he added, “youth is ever luxurious. Better the slow man + than the false one.” + </p> + <p> + Leaving Warwick to discharge the duty enjoined him, we follow the + dissimulating king. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0048" id="link2HCH0048"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. WHAT BEFALLS KING EDWARD ON HIS ESCAPE FROM OLNEY. + </h2> + <h3> + As soon as Edward was out of sight of the spire of Olney, he slackened his + speed, and beckoned Hastings to his side. + </h3> + <p> + “Dear Will,” said the king, “I have thought over thy counsel, and will + find the occasion to make experiment thereof. But, methinks, thou wilt + agree with me that concessions come best from a king who has an army of + his own. ‘Fore Heaven, in the camp of a Warwick I have less power than a + lieutenant! Now mark me. I go to head some recruits raised in haste near + Coventry. The scene of contest must be in the northern counties. Wilt + thou, for love of me, ride night and day, thorough brake, thorough briar, + to Gloucester on the Borders? Bid him march, if the Scot will let him, + back to York; and if he cannot himself quit the Borders, let him send what + men can be spared under thy banner. Failing this, raise through Yorkshire + all the men-at-arms thou canst collect. But, above all, see Montagu. Him + and his army secure at all hazards. If he demur, tell him his son shall + marry his king’s daughter, and wear the coronal of a duke. Ha, ha! a large + bait for so large a fish! I see this is no casual outbreak, but a general + convulsion of the realm; and the Earl of Warwick must not be the only man + to smile or to frown back the angry elements.” + </p> + <p> + “In this, beau sire,” answered Hastings, “you speak as a king and a + warrior should, and I will do my best to assert your royal motto,—‘Modus + et ordo.’ If I can but promise that your Highness has for a while + dismissed the Woodville lords, rely upon it that ere two months I will + place under your truncheon an army worthy of the liege lord of hardy + England.” + </p> + <p> + “Go, dear Hastings, I trust all to thee!” answered the king. The nobleman + kissed his sovereign’s extended hand, closed his visor, and, motioning to + his body-squire to follow him, disappeared down a green lane, avoiding + such broader thoroughfares as might bring him in contact with the officers + left at Olney. + </p> + <p> + In a small village near Coventry Sir Anthony Woodville had collected about + two thousand men, chiefly composed of the tenants and vassals of the new + nobility, who regarded the brilliant Anthony as their head. The leaders + were gallant and ambitious gentlemen, as they who arrive at fortunes above + their birth mostly are; but their vassals were little to be trusted. For + in that day clanship was still strong, and these followers had been bred + in allegiance to Lancastrian lords, whose confiscated estates were granted + to the Yorkist favourites. The shout that welcomed the arrival of the king + was therefore feeble and lukewarm; and, disconcerted by so chilling a + reception, he dismounted, in less elevated spirits than those in which he + had left Olney, at the pavilion of his brother-in-law. + </p> + <p> + The mourning-dress of Anthony, his countenance saddened by the barbarous + execution of his father and brother, did not tend to cheer the king. + </p> + <p> + But Woodville’s account of the queen’s grief and horror at the afflictions + of her House, and of Jacquetta’s indignation at the foul language which + the report of her practices put into the popular mouth, served to endear + to the king’s mind the family that he considered unduly persecuted. Even + in the coldest breasts affection is fanned by opposition, and the more the + queen’s kindred were assailed, the more obstinately Edward clung to them. + By suiting his humour, by winking at his gallantries, by a submissive + sweetness of temper, which soothed his own hasty moods, and contrasted + with the rough pride of Warwick and the peevish fickleness of Clarence, + Elizabeth had completely wound herself into the king’s heart. And the + charming graces, the elegant accomplishments, of Anthony Woodville were + too harmonious with the character of Edward, who in all—except truth + and honour—was the perfect model of the gay gentilhomme of the time, + not to have become almost a necessary companionship. Indolent natures may + be easily ruled, but they grow stubborn when their comforts and habits are + interfered with. And the whole current of Edward’s merry, easy life seemed + to him to lose flow and sparkle if the faces he loved best were banished, + or even clouded. + </p> + <p> + He was yet conversing with Woodville, and yet assuring him that, however + he might temporize, he would never abandon the interests of his queen’s + kindred, when a gentleman entered aghast, to report that the Lords St. + John and de Fulke, on hearing that Sir Anthony Woodville was in command of + the forces, had, without even dismounting, left the camp, and carried with + them their retainers, amounting to more than half of the little troop that + rode from Olney. + </p> + <p> + “Let them go,” said Edward, frowning; “a day shall dawn upon their + headless trunks!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, my king,” said Anthony, now Earl of Rivers,—who, by far the + least selfish of his House, was struck with remorse at the penalty Edward + paid for his love marriage,—“now that your Highness can relieve me + of my command, let me retire from the camp. I would fain go a pilgrim to + the shrine of Compostella to pray for my father’s sins and my sovereign’s + weal.” + </p> + <p> + “Let us first see what forces arrive from London,” answered the king. + “Richard ere long will be on the march from the frontiers, and whatever + Warwick resolves, Montagu, whose heart I hold in my hand, will bring his + army to my side. Let us wait.” + </p> + <p> + But the next day brought no reinforcements, nor the next; and the king + retired betimes to his tent, in much irritation and perplexity; when at + the dead of the night he was startled from slumber by the tramp of horses, + the sound of horns, the challenge of the sentinels, and, as he sprang from + his couch, and hurried on his armour in alarm, the Earl of Warwick + abruptly entered. The earl’s face was stern, but calm and sad; and + Edward’s brave heart beat loud as he gazed on his formidable subject. + </p> + <p> + “King Edward,” said Warwick, slowly and mournfully, “you have deceived me! + I promised to the commons the banishment of the Woodvilles, and to a + Woodville you have flown.” + </p> + <p> + “Your promise was given to rebels, with whom no faith can be held; and I + passed from a den of mutiny to the camp of a loyal soldier.” + </p> + <p> + “We will not now waste words, king,” answered Warwick. “Please you to + mount and ride northward. The Scotch have gained great advantages on the + marches. The Duke of Gloucester is driven backwards. All the Lancastrians + in the North have risen. Margaret of Anjou is on the coast of Normandy, + [at this time Margaret was at Harfleur—Will. Wyre] ready to set sail + at the first decisive victory of her adherents.” + </p> + <p> + “I am with you,” answered Edward; “and I rejoice to think that at last I + may meet a foe. Hitherto it seems as if I had been chased by shadows. Now + may I hope to grasp the form and substance of danger and of battle.” + </p> + <p> + “A steed prepared for your Grace awaits you.” + </p> + <p> + “Whither ride we first?” + </p> + <p> + “To my castle of Warwick, hard by. At noon to-morrow all will be ready for + our northward march.” + </p> + <p> + Edward, by this time having armed himself, strode from the tent into the + open air. The scene was striking: the moon was extremely bright and the + sky serene, but around the tent stood a troop of torch-bearers, and the + red glare shone luridly upon the steel of the serried horsemen and the + banners of the earl, in which the grim white bear was wrought upon an ebon + ground, quartered with the dun bull, and crested in gold with the eagle of + the Monthermers. Far as the king’s eye could reach, he saw but the spears + of Warwick; while a confused hum in his own encampment told that the + troops Anthony Woodville had collected were not yet marshalled into order. + Edward drew back. + </p> + <p> + “And the Lord Anthony of Scales and Rivers?” said he, hesitatingly. + </p> + <p> + “Choose, king, between the Lord Anthony of Scales and Rivers and Richard + Nevile!” answered Warwick, in a stern whisper. + </p> + <p> + Edward paused, and at that moment Anthony himself emerged from his tent + (which adjoined the king’s) in company with the Archbishop of York, who + had rode thither in Warwick’s train. + </p> + <p> + “My liege,” said that gallant knight, putting his knee to the ground, “I + have heard from the archbishop the new perils that await your Highness, + and I grieve sorely that, in this strait, your councillors deem it meet to + forbid me the glory of fighting or falling by your side! I know too well + the unhappy odium attached to my House and name in the northern parts, to + dispute the policy which ordains my absence from your armies. Till these + feuds are over, I crave your royal leave to quit England, and perform my + pilgrimage to the sainted shrine of Compostella.” + </p> + <p> + A burning flush passed over the king’s face as he raised his + brother-in-law, and clasped him to his bosom. + </p> + <p> + “Go or stay, as you will, Anthony!” said he; “but let these proud men know + that neither time nor absence can tear you from your king’s heart. But + envy must have its hour Lord Warwick, I attend you; but it seems rather as + your prisoner than your liege.” + </p> + <p> + Warwick made no answer: the king mounted, and waved his hand to Anthony. + The torches tossed to and fro, the horns sounded, and in a silence moody + and resentful on either part Edward and his terrible subject rode on to + the towers of Warwick. + </p> + <p> + The next day the king beheld with astonishment the immense force that, in + a time so brief, the earl had collected round his standard. + </p> + <p> + From his casement, which commanded that lovely slope on which so many a + tourist now gazes with an eye that seeks to call back the stormy and + chivalric past, Edward beheld the earl on his renowned black charger, + reviewing the thousands that, file on file and rank on rank, lifted pike + and lance in the cloudless sun. + </p> + <p> + “After all,” muttered the king, “I can never make a new noble a great + baron! And if in peace a great baron overshadows the throne, in time of + war a great baron is a throne’s bulwark! Gramercy, I had been mad to cast + away such an army,—an army fit for a king to lead! They serve + Warwick now; but Warwick is less skilful in the martial art than I, and + soldiers, like hounds, love best the most dexterous huntsman!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0049" id="link2HCH0049"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. HOW KING EDWARD ARRIVES AT THE CASTLE OF MIDDLEHAM. + </h2> + <p> + On the ramparts of feudal Middleham, in the same place where Anne had + confessed to Isabel the romance of her childish love, again the sisters + stood, awaiting the coming of their father and the king. They had only, + with their mother, reached Middleham two days before, and the preceding + night an advanced guard had arrived at the castle to announce the approach + of the earl with his royal comrade and visitor. From the heights, already + they beheld the long array winding in glorious order towards the mighty + pile. + </p> + <p> + “Look!” exclaimed Isabel, “look! already methinks I see the white steed of + Clarence. Yes! it is he! it is my George, my husband! The banner borne + before shows his device.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, happy Isabel!” said Anne, sighing; “what rapture to await the coming + of him one loves!” + </p> + <p> + “My sweet Anne,” returned Isabel, passing her arm tenderly round her + sister’s slender waist, “when thou hast conquered the vain folly of thy + childhood, thou wilt find a Clarence of thine own. And yet,” added the + young duchess, smiling, “it must be the opposite of a Clarence to be to + thy heart what a Clarence is to mine. I love George’s gay humour,—thou + lovest a melancholy brow. I love that charming weakness which supples to + my woman will,—thou lovest a proud nature that may command thine + own. I do not respect George less, because I know my mind stronger than + his own; but thou (like my gentle mother) wouldst have thy mate lord and + chief in all things, and live from his life as the shadow from the sun. + But where left you our mother?” + </p> + <p> + “In the oratory, at prayer.” + </p> + <p> + “She has been sad of late.” + </p> + <p> + “The dark times darken her; and she ever fears the king’s falseness or + caprice will stir the earl up to some rash emprise. My father’s letter, + brought last night to her, contains something that made her couch + sleepless.” + </p> + <p> + “Ha!” exclaimed the duchess, eagerly, “my mother confides in thee more + than me. Saw you the letter?” + </p> + <p> + “No.” + </p> + <p> + “Edward will make himself unfit to reign,” said Isabel, abruptly. “The + barons will call on him to resign; and then—and then, Anne—sister + Anne,—Warwick’s daughters cannot be born to be simple subjects!” + </p> + <p> + “Isabel, God temper your ambition! Oh, curb it, crush it down! Abuse not + your influence with Clarence. Let not the brother aspire to the brother’s + crown.” + </p> + <p> + “Sister, a king’s diadem covers all the sins schemed in the head that wins + it!” + </p> + <p> + As the duchess spoke, her eyes flashed and her form dilated. Her beauty + seemed almost terrible. + </p> + <p> + The gentle Anne gazed and shuddered; but ere she found words to rebuke, + the lovely shape of the countess-mother was seen moving slowly towards + them. She was dressed in her robes of state to receive her kingly guest; + the vest fitting high to the throat, where it joined the ermine tippet, + and thickly sown with jewels; the sleeves tight, with the second or over + sleeves, that, loose and large, hung pendent and sweeping even to the + ground; and the gown, velvet of cramousin, trimmed with ermine,—made + a costume not less graceful than magnificent, and which, where compressed, + set off the exquisite symmetry of a form still youthful, and where flowing + added majesty to a beauty naturally rather soft and feminine than proud + and stately. As she approached her children, she looked rather like their + sister than their mother, as if Time, at least, shrunk from visiting + harshly one for whom such sorrows were reserved. + </p> + <p> + The face of the countess was so sad in its aspect of calm and sweet + resignation that even the proud Isabel was touched; and kissing her + mother’s hand, she asked if any ill tidings preceded her father’s coming. + </p> + <p> + “Alas, my Isabel, the times themselves are bad tidings! Your youth + scarcely remembers the days when brother fought against brother, and the + son’s sword rose against the father’s breast. But I, recalling them, + tremble to hear the faintest murmur that threatens a civil war.” She + paused, and forcing a smile to her lips, added, “Our woman fears must not, + however, sadden our lords with an unwelcome countenance; for men returning + to their hearths have a right to a wife’s smile; and so, Isabel, thou and + I, wives both, must forget the morrow in to-day. Hark! the trumpets sound + near and nearer! let us to the hall.” + </p> + <p> + Before, however, they had reached the castle, a shrill blast rang at the + outer gate. The portcullis was raised; the young Duke of Clarence, with a + bridegroom’s impatience, spurred alone through the gloomy arch, and + Isabel, catching sight of his countenance lifted towards the ramparts, + uttered a cry, and waved her hand. Clarence beard and saw, leaped from his + steed, and had clasped Isabel to his breast, almost before Anne or the + countess had recognized the new comer. + </p> + <p> + Isabel, however, always stately, recovered in an instant from the joy she + felt at her lord’s return, and gently escaping his embrace, she glanced + with a blush towards the battlements crowded with retainers; Clarence + caught and interpreted the look. + </p> + <p> + “Well, belle mere,” he said, turning to the countess, “and if yon faithful + followers do witness with what glee a fair bride inspires a returning + bridegroom, is there cause for shame in this cheek of damascene?” + </p> + <p> + “Is the king still with my father?” asked Isabel, hastily, and + interrupting the countess’s reply. + </p> + <p> + “Surely, yes; and hard at hand. And pardon me that I forgot, dear lady, to + say that my royal brother has announced his intention of addressing the + principal officers of the army in Middleham Hall. This news gave me fair + excuse for hastening to you and Isabel.” + </p> + <p> + “All is prepared for his highness,” said the countess, “save our own + homage. We must quicken our steps; come, Anne.” The countess took the arm + of the younger sister, while the duchess made a sign to Clarence. He + lingered behind, and Isabel, drawing him aside, asked, + </p> + <p> + “Is my father reconciled to Edward?” + </p> + <p> + “No,—nor Edward to him.” + </p> + <p> + “Good! The king has no soldiers of his own amidst yon armed train?” + </p> + <p> + “Save a few of Anthony Woodville’s recruits, none. Raoul de Fulke and St. + John have retired to their towers in sullen dudgeon. But have you no + softer questions for my return, bella mia?” + </p> + <p> + “Pardon me, many—my king.” + </p> + <p> + “King!” + </p> + <p> + “What other name should the successor of Edward IV. bear?” + </p> + <p> + “Isabel,” said Clarence, in great emotion, “what is it you would tempt me + to? Edward IV. spares the life of Henry VI., and shall Edward IV.‘s + brother conspire against his own?” + </p> + <p> + “Saints forefend!” exclaimed Isabel; “can you so wrong my honest meaning? + O George! can you conceive that your wife—Warwick’s daughter—harbours + the thought of murder? No! surely the career before you seems plain and + spotless! Can Edward reign? Deserted by the barons, and wearing away even + my father’s long-credulous love; odious! except in luxurious and unwarlike + London, to all the commons—how reign? What other choice left? none,—save + Henry of Lancaster or George of York.” + </p> + <p> + “Were it so!” said the weak duke; and yet be added falteringly, “believe + me, Warwick meditates no such changes in my favour.” + </p> + <p> + “Time is a rapid ripener,” answered Isabel; “but hark! they are lowering + the drawbridge for our guests.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0050" id="link2HCH0050"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. THE ANCIENTS RIGHTLY GAVE TO THE GODDESS OF ELOQUENCE A + CROWN. + </h2> + <p> + The lady of Warwick stood at the threshold of the porch, which, in the + inner side of the broad quadrangle, admitted to the apartments used by the + family; and, heading the mighty train that, line after line, emerged + through the grim jaws of the arch, came the earl on his black destrier, + and the young king. + </p> + <p> + Even where she stood, the anxious chatelaine beheld the moody and gloomy + air with which Edward glanced around the strong walls of the fortress, and + up to the battlements that bristled with the pikes and sallets of armed + men, who looked on the pomp below, in the silence of military discipline. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Anne!” she whispered to her youngest daughter, who stood beside her, + “what are women worth in the strife of men? Would that our smiles could + heal the wounds which a taunt can make in a proud man’s heart!” + </p> + <p> + Anne, affected and interested by her mother’s words, and with a secret + curiosity to gaze upon the man who ruled on the throne of the prince she + loved, came nearer and more in front; and suddenly, as he turned his head, + the king’s regard rested upon her intent eyes and blooming face. + </p> + <p> + “Who is that fair donzell, cousin of Warwick?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “My daughter, sire.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, your youngest!—I have not seen her since she was a child.” + </p> + <p> + Edward reined in his charger, and the earl threw himself from his selle, + and held the king’s stirrup to dismount. But he did so with a haughty and + unsmiling visage. “I would be the first, sire,” said he, with a slight + emphasis, and as if excusing to himself his condescension, “to welcome to + Middleham the son of Duke Richard.” + </p> + <p> + “And your suzerain, my lord earl,” added Edward, with no less proud a + meaning, and leaning his hand lightly on Warwick’s shoulder, he dismounted + slowly. “Rise, lady,” he said, raising the countess, who knelt at the + porch, “and you too, fair demoiselle. Pardieu, we envy the knee that hath + knelt to you.” So saying, with royal graciousness, he took the countess’s + hand, and they entered the hall as the musicians, in the gallery raised + above, rolled forth their stormy welcome. + </p> + <p> + The archbishop, who had followed close to Warwick and the king, whispered + now to his brother, + </p> + <p> + “Why would Edward address the captains?” + </p> + <p> + “I know not.” + </p> + <p> + “He hath made himself familiar with many in the march.” + </p> + <p> + “Familiarity with a steel casque better becomes a king than waisall with a + greasy flat-cap.” + </p> + <p> + “You do not fear lest he seduce from the White Bear its retainers?” + </p> + <p> + “As well fear that he can call the stars from their courses around the + sun.” + </p> + <p> + While these words were interchanged, the countess conducted the king to a + throne-chair raised upon the dais, by the side of which were placed two + seats of state, and, from the dais, at the same time, advanced the Duke + and Duchess of Clarence. The king prevented their kneeling, and kissed + Isabel slightly and gravely on the forehead. “Thus, noble lady, I greet + the entrance of the Duchess of Clarence into the royalty of England.” + </p> + <p> + Without pausing for reply, he passed on and seated himself on the throne, + while Isabel and her husband took possession of the state chairs on either + hand. At a gesture of the king’s the countess and Anne placed themselves + on seats less raised, but still upon the dais. But now as Edward sat, the + hall grew gradually full of lords and knights who commanded in Warwick’s + train, while the earl and the archbishop stood mute in the centre, the one + armed cap-a-pie, leaning on his sword, the other with his arms folded in + his long robes. + </p> + <p> + The king’s eye, clear, steady, and majestic, roved round that martial + audience, worthy to be a monarch’s war-council, and not one of whom + marched under a monarch’s banner! Their silence, their discipline, the + splendour of their arms, the greater splendour of their noble names, + contrasted painfully with the little mutinous camp of Olney, and the + surly, untried recruits of Anthony Woodville. But Edward, whose step, + whose form, whose aspect, proclaimed the man conscious of his rights to be + lord of all, betrayed not to those around him the kingly pride, the lofty + grief, that swelled within his heart. Still seated, he raised his left + hand to command silence; with the right he replaced his plumed cap upon + his brow. + </p> + <p> + “Lords and gentlemen,” he said (arrogating to himself at once, as a thing + of course, that gorgeous following), “we have craved leave of our host to + address to you some words,—words which it pleases a king to utter, + and which may not be harsh to the ears of a loyal subject. Nor will we, at + this great current of unsteady fortune, make excuse, noble ladies, to you, + that we speak of war to knighthood, which is ever the sworn defender of + the daughter and the wife,—the daughters and the wife of our cousin + Warwick have too much of hero-blood in their blue veins to grow pale at + the sight of heroes. Comrades in arms! thus far towards our foe upon the + frontier we have marched, without a sword drawn or an arrow launched from + an archer’s bow. We believe that a blessing settles on the head of a true + king, and that the trumpet of a good angel goes before his path, + announcing the victory which awaits him. Here, in the hall of the Earl of + Warwick, our captain-general, we thank you for your cheerful countenance + and your loyal service; and here, as befits a king, we promise to you + those honours a king alone worthily can bestow.” He paused, and his keen + eye glanced from chief to chief as he resumed: “We are informed that + certain misguided and traitor lords have joined the Rose of Lancaster. + Whoever so doth is attainted, life and line, evermore! His lands and + dignities are forfeit to enrich and to ennoble the men who strike for me. + Heaven grant I may have foes eno’ to reward all my friends! To every baron + who owns Edward IV. king (ay, and not king in name, king in banquet and in + bower, but leader and captain in the war), I trust to give a new barony, + to every knight a new knight’s fee, to every yeoman a hyde of land, to + every soldier a year’s pay. What more I can do, let it be free for any one + to suggest,—for my domains of York are broad, and my heart is larger + still!” + </p> + <p> + A murmur of applause and reverence went round. Vowed, as those warriors + were, to the earl, they felt that A MONARCH was amongst them. + </p> + <p> + “What say you, then? We are ripe for glory. Three days will we halt at + Middleham, guest to our noble subject.” + </p> + <p> + “Three days, sire!” repeated Warwick, in a voice of surprise. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; and this, fair cousin, and ye, lords and gentlemen, is my reason for + the delay. I have despatched Sir William, Lord de Hastings, to the Duke of + Gloucester, with command to join us here (the archbishop started, but + instantly resumed his earnest, placid aspect); to the Lord Montagu, Earl + of Northumberland, to muster all the vassals of our shire of York. As + three streams that dash into the ocean, shall our triple army meet and + rush to the war. Not even, gentlemen, not even to the great Earl of + Warwick will Edward IV. be so beholden for roiaulme and renown, as to + march but a companion to the conquest. If ye were raised in Warwick’s + name, not mine,—why, be it so! I envy him such friends; but I will + have an army of mine own, to show mine English soldiery how a Plantagenet + battles for his crown. Gentlemen, ye are dismissed to your repose. In + three days we march! and if any of you know in these fair realms the man, + be he of York or of Lancaster, more fit to command brave subjects than he + who now addresses you, I say to that man, turn rein, and leave us! Let + tyrants and cowards enforce reluctant service,—my crown was won by + the hearts of my people! Girded by those hearts, let me reign, or, mourned + by them, let me fall! So God and Saint George favour me as I speak the + truth!” + </p> + <p> + And as the king ceased, he uncovered his head, and kissed the cross of his + sword. A thrill went through the audience. Many were there, disaffected to + his person, and whom Warwick’s influence alone could have roused to arms; + but at the close of an address spirited and loyal in itself, and borrowing + thousand-fold effect by the voice and mien of the speaker, no feeling but + that of enthusiastic loyalty, of almost tearful admiration, was left in + those steel-clad breasts. + </p> + <p> + As the king lifted on high the cross of his sword, every blade leaped from + its scabbard, and glittered in the air; and the dusty banners in the hall + waved, as to a mighty blast, when, amidst the rattle of armour, burst + forth the universal cry, “Long live Edward IV.! Long live the king!” + </p> + <p> + The sweet countess, even amidst the excitement, kept her eyes anxiously + fixed on Warwick, whose countenance, however shaded by the black plumes of + his casque, though the visor was raised, revealed nothing of his mind. Her + daughters were more powerfully affected; for Isabel’s intellect was not so + blinded by her ambition but that the kingliness of Edward forced itself + upon her with a might and solemn weight, which crushed, for the moment, + her aspiring hopes. + </p> + <p> + Was this the man unfit to reign? This the man voluntarily to resign a + crown? This the man whom George of Clarence, without fratricide, could + succeed? No!—there spoke the soul of the First and the Third Edward! + There shook the mane and there glowed the eye of the indomitable lion of + the august Plantagenets! And the same conviction, rousing softer and + holier sorrow, sat on the heart of Anne; she saw, as for the first time, + clearly before her the awful foe with whom her ill-omened and beloved + prince had to struggle for his throne. In contrast beside that form, in + the prime of manly youth—a giant in its strength, a god in its + beauty—rose the delicate shape of the melancholy boy who, afar in + exile, coupled in his dreams, the sceptre and the bride! By one of those + mysteries which magnetism seeks to explain, in the strong intensity of her + emotions, in the tremor of her shaken nerves, fear seemed to grow + prophetic. A stream as of blood rose up from the dizzy floors. The image + of her young prince, bound and friendless, stood before the throne of that + warrior-king. In the waving glitter of the countless swords raised on + high, she saw the murderous blade against the boy-heir of Lancaster + descend—descend! Her passion, her terror, at the spectre which fancy + thus evoked, seized and overcame her; and ere the last hurrah sent its + hollow echo to the raftered roof, she sank from her chair to the ground, + hueless and insensible as the dead. + </p> + <p> + The king had not without design permitted the unwonted presence of the + women in this warlike audience,—partly because he was not unaware of + the ambitious spirit of Isabel, partly because he counted on the affection + shown to his boyhood by the countess, who was said to have singular + influence over her lord, but principally because in such a presence he + trusted to avoid all discussion and all questioning, and to leave the + effect of his eloquence, in which he excelled all his contemporaries, + Gloucester alone excepted, single and unimpaired; and therefore, as he + rose, and returned with a majestic bend the acclamation of the warriors, + his eye now turned towards the chairs where the ladies sat, and he was the + first to perceive the swoon of the fair Anne. + </p> + <p> + With the tender grace that always characterized his service to women, he + descended promptly from his throne, and raised the lifeless form in his + stalwart arms; and Anne, as he bent over her, looked so strangely lovely + in her marble stillness, that even in that hour a sudden thrill shot + through a heart always susceptible to beauty as the harp-string to the + breeze. + </p> + <p> + “It is but the heat, lady,” said he, to the alarmed countess, “and let me + hope that interest which my fair kinswoman may take in the fortunes of + Warwick and of York, hitherto linked together—” + </p> + <p> + “May they ever be so!” said Warwick, who, on seeing his daughter’s state, + had advanced hastily to the dais; and, moved by the king’s words, his late + speech, the evils that surrounded his throne, the gentleness shown to the + beloved Anne, forgetting resentment and ceremony alike, he held out his + mailed hand. The king, as he resigned Anne to her mother’s arms, grasped + with soldierly frankness, and with the ready wit of the cold intellect + which reigned beneath the warm manner, the hand thus extended, and holding + still that iron gauntlet in his own ungloved and jewelled fingers, he + advanced to the verge of the dais, to which, in the confusion occasioned + by Anne’s swoon, the principal officers had crowded, and cried aloud,— + </p> + <p> + “Behold! Warwick and Edward thus hand in hand, as they stood when the + clarions sounded the charge at Towton! and that link what swords forged on + a mortal’s anvil can rend or sever?” + </p> + <p> + In an instant every knee there knelt; and Edward exultingly beheld that + what before had been allegiance to the earl was now only homage to the + king. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0051" id="link2HCH0051"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. WEDDED CONFIDENCE AND LOVE—THE EARL AND THE PRELATE—THE + PRELATE AND THE KING—SCHEMES—WILES—AND THE BIRTH OF A + DARK THOUGHT DESTINED TO ECLIPSE A SUN. + </h2> + <h3> + While, preparatory to the banquet, Edward, as was then the daily classic + custom, relaxed his fatigues, mental or bodily, in the hospitable bath, + the archbishop sought the closet of the earl. + </h3> + <p> + “Brother,” said he, throwing himself with some petulance into the only + chair the room, otherwise splendid, contained, “when you left me to seek + Edward in the camp of Anthony Woodville, what was the understanding + between us?” + </p> + <p> + “I know of none,” answered the earl, who having doffed his armour, and + dismissed his squires, leaned thoughtfully against the wall, dressed for + the banquet, with the exception of the short surcoat, which lay glittering + on the tabouret. + </p> + <p> + “You know of none? Reflect! Have you brought hither Edward as a guest or + as a prisoner?” + </p> + <p> + The earl knit his brows—“A prisoner, archbishop?” + </p> + <p> + The prelate regarded him with a cold smile. + </p> + <p> + “Warwick, you, who would deceive no other man, now seek to deceive + yourself.” The earl drew back, and his hardy countenance grew a shade + paler. The prelate resumed: “You have carried Edward from his camp, and + severed him from his troops; you have placed him in the midst of your own + followers; you have led him, chafing and resentful all the way, to this + impregnable keep; and you now pause, amazed by the grandeur of your + captive,—a man who leads to his home a tiger, a spider who has + entangled a hornet in its web!” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, reverend brother,” said the earl, calmly, “ye churchmen never know + what passes in the hearts of those who feel and do not scheme. When I + learned that the king had fled to the Woodvilles, that he was bent upon + violating the pledge given in his name to the insurgent commons, I vowed + that he should redeem my honour and his own, or that forever I would quit + his service. And here, within these walls which sheltered his childhood, I + trusted, and trust still, to make one last appeal to his better reason.” + </p> + <p> + “For all that, men now, and history hereafter, will consider Edward as + your captive.” + </p> + <p> + “To living men my words and deeds can clear themselves; and as for + history, let clerks and scholars fool themselves in the lies of parchment! + He who has acted history, despises the gownsmen who sit in cloistered + ease, and write about what they know not.” The earl paused, and then + continued: “I confess, however, that I have had a scheme. I have wished to + convince the king how little his mushroom lords can bestead him in the + storm; and that he holds his crown only from his barons and his people.” + </p> + <p> + “That is, from the Lord Warwick!” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps I am the personation of both seignorie and people; but I design + this solely for his welfare. Ah, the gallant prince—how well he bore + himself to-day!” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, when stealing all hearts from thee to him.” + </p> + <p> + “And, Vive Dieu, I never loved him so well as when he did! Methinks it was + for a day like this that I reared his youth and achieved his crown. Oh, + priest, priest, thou mistakest me. I am rash, hot, haughty, hasty; and I + love not to bow my knees to a man because they call him king, if his life + be vicious and his word be false. But could Edward be ever as to-day, then + indeed should I hail a sovereign whom a baron may reverence and a soldier + serve!” + </p> + <p> + Before the archbishop could reply, the door gently opened, and the + countess appeared. Warwick seemed glad of the interruption; he turned + quickly—“And how fares my child?” + </p> + <p> + “Recovered from her strange swoon, and ready to smile at thy return. Oh, + Warwick, thou art reconciled to the king?” + </p> + <p> + “That glads thee, sister?” said the archbishop. + </p> + <p> + “Surely. Is it not for my lord’s honour?” + </p> + <p> + “May he find it so!” said the prelate, and he left the room. + </p> + <p> + “My priest-brother is chafed,” said the earl, smiling. “Pity he was not + born a trader, he would have made a shrewd hard bargain. Verily, our + priests burn the Jews out of envy! Ah, m’amie, how fair thou art to-day! + Methinks even Isabel’s cheek less blooming.” And the warrior drew the lady + towards him, and smoothed her hair, and tenderly kissed her brow. “My + letter vexed thee, I know, for thou lovest Edward, and blamest me not for + my love to him. It is true that he hath paltered with me, and that I had + stern resolves, not against his crown, but to leave him to his fate, and + in these halls to resign my charge. But while he spoke, and while he + looked, methought I saw his mother’s face, and heard his dear father’s + tone, and the past rushed over me, and all wrath was gone. Sonless myself, + why would he not be my son?” The earl’s voice trembled, and the tears + stood in his dark eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Speak thus, dear lord, to Isabel, for I fear her overvaulting spirit—” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, had Isabel been his wife!” he paused and moved away. Then, as if + impatient to escape the thoughts that tended to an ungracious + recollection, he added, “And now, sweetheart, these slight fingers have + ofttimes buckled on my mail; let them place on my breast this badge of St. + George’s chivalry; and, if angry thoughts return, it shall remind me that + the day on which I wore it first, Richard of York said to his young + Edward, ‘Look to that star, boy, if ever, in cloud and trouble, thou + wouldst learn what safety dwells in the heart which never knew deceit.’” + </p> + <p> + During the banquet, the king, at whose table sat only the Duke of Clarence + and the earl’s family, was gracious as day to all, but especially to the + Lady Anne, attributing her sudden illness to some cause not unflattering + to himself; her beauty, which somewhat resembled that of the queen, save + that it had more advantage of expression and of youth, was precisely of + the character he most admired. Even her timidity, and the reserve with + which she answered him, had their charms; for, like many men, themselves + of imperious nature and fiery will, he preferred even imbecility in a + woman to whatever was energetic or determined; and hence perhaps his + indifference to the more dazzling beauty of Isabel. After the feast, the + numerous demoiselles, high-born and fair, who swelled the more than regal + train of the countess, were assembled in the long gallery, which was + placed in the third story of the castle and served for the principal state + apartment. The dance began; but Isabel excused herself from the pavon, and + the king led out the reluctant and melancholy Anne. The proud Isabel, who + had never forgiven Edward’s slight to herself, resented deeply his evident + admiration of her sister, and conversed apart with the archbishop, whose + subtle craft easily drew from her lips confessions of an ambition higher + even than his own. He neither encouraged nor dissuaded; he thought there + were things more impossible than the accession of Clarence to the throne, + but he was one who never plotted,—save for himself and for the + Church. + </p> + <p> + As the revel waned, the prelate approached the earl, who, with that + remarkable courtesy which charmed those below his rank and contrasted with + his haughtiness to his peers, had well played amongst his knights the part + of host, and said, in a whisper, “Edward is in a happy mood—let us + lose it not. Will you trust me to settle all differences ere he sleep? Two + proud men never can agree without a third of a gentler temper.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right,” said Warwick, smiling; “yet the danger is that I should + rather concede too much than be too stubborn. But look you, all I demand + is satisfaction to mine own honour and faith to the army I disbanded in + the king’s name.” + </p> + <p> + “All!” muttered the archbishop, as he turned away, “but that call is + everything to provoke quarrel for you, and nothing to bring power to me!” + </p> + <p> + The earl and the archbishop attended the king to his chamber, and after + Edward was served with the parting refection, or livery, the earl said, + with his most open smile, “Sire, there are yet affairs between us; whom + will you confer with,—me or the archbishop?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, the archbishop, by all means, fair cousin,” cried Edward, no less + frankly; “for if you and I are left alone, the Saints help both of us!—when + flint and steel meet, fire flies, and the house may burn.” + </p> + <p> + The earl half smiled at the candour, half sighed at the levity, of the + royal answer, and silently left the room. The king, drawing round him his + loose dressing-robe, threw himself upon the gorgeous coverlid of the bed, + and lying at lazy length, motioned to the prelate to seat himself at the + foot. The archbishop obeyed. Edward raised himself on his elbow, and, by + the light of seven gigantic tapers, set in sconces of massive silver, the + priest and the king gravely gazed on each other without speaking. + </p> + <p> + At last Edward, bursting into his hale, clear, silvery laugh, said, + “Confess, dear sir and cousin,—confess that we are like two skilful + masters of Italian fence, each fearing to lay himself open by commencing + the attack.” + </p> + <p> + “Certes,” quoth the archbishop, “your Grace over-estimates my vanity, in + opining that I deemed myself equal to so grand a duello. If there were + dispute between us, I should only win by baring my bosom.” + </p> + <p> + The king’s bow-like lip curved with a slight sneer, quickly replaced by a + serious and earnest expression. “Let us leave word-making, and to the + point, George. Warwick is displeased because I will not abandon my wife’s + kindred; you, with more reason, because I have taken from your hands the + chancellor’s great seal—” + </p> + <p> + “For myself, I humbly answer that your Grace errs. I never coveted other + honours than those of the Church.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay,” said Edward, keenly examining the young prelate’s smooth face, “is + it so? Yes, now I begin to comprehend thee. What offence have I given to + the Church? Have I suffered the law too much to sleep against the + Lollards. If so, blame Warwick.” + </p> + <p> + “On the contrary, sire, unlike other priests, I have ever deemed that + persecution heals no schism. Blow not dying embers. Rather do I think of + late that too much severity hath helped to aid, by Lollard bows and pikes, + the late rising. My lady, the queen’s mother, unjustly accused of + witchcraft, hath sought to clear herself, and perhaps too zealously, in + exciting your Grace against that invisible giant yclept heresy.” + </p> + <p> + “Pass on,” said Edward. “It is not then indifference to the ecclesia that + you complain of. Is it neglect of the ecclesiastic? Ha, ha! you and I, + though young, know the colours that make up the patchwork world. + Archbishop, I love an easy life; if your brother and his friends will but + give me that, let them take all else. Again, I say, to the point,—I + cannot banish my lady’s kindred, but I will bind your House still more to + mine. I have a daughter, failing male issue, the heiress to my crown. I + will betroth her to your nephew, my beloved Montagu’s son. They are + children yet, but their ages not unsuited. And when I return to London, + young Nevile shall be Duke of Bedford, a title hitherto reserved to the + royal race. [And indeed there was but one Yorkist duke then in England out + of the royal family,—namely, the young boy Buckingham, who + afterwards vainly sought to bend the Ulysses bow of Warwick against + Richard III.] Let that be a pledge of peace between the queen’s mother, + bearing the same honours, and the House of Nevile, to which they pass.” + </p> + <p> + The cheek of the archbishop flushed with proud pleasure; he bowed his + head, and Edward, ere he could answer, went on: “Warwick is already so + high that, pardie, I have no other step to give him, save my throne + itself, and, God’s truth, I would rather be Lord Warwick than King of + England! But for you—listen—our only English cardinal is old + and sickly; whenever he pass to Abraham’s bosom, who but you should have + the suffrage of the holy college? Thou knowest that I am somewhat in the + good favour of the sovereign pontiff. Command me to the utmost. Now, + George, are we friends?” The archbishop kissed the gracious hand extended + to him, and, surprised to find, as by magic, all his schemes frustrated by + sudden acquiescence in the objects of them all, his voice faltered with + real emotion as he gave vent to his gratitude. But abruptly he checked + himself, his brow lowered, and with a bitter remembrance of his brother’s + plain, blunt sense of honour, he said, “Yet, alas! my liege, in all this + there is nought to satisfy our stubborn host.” + </p> + <p> + “By dear Saint George and my father’s head!” exclaimed Edward, reddening, + and starting to his feet, “what would the man have?” + </p> + <p> + “You know,” answered the archbishop, “that Warwick’s pride is only roused + when he deems his honour harmed. Unhappily, as he thinks, by your Grace’s + full consent, he pledged himself to the insurgents of Olney to the + honourable dismissal of the lords of the Woodville race. And unless this + be conceded, I fear me that all else he will reject, and the love between + ye can be but hollow!” + </p> + <p> + Edward took but three strides across the chamber, and then halted opposite + the archbishop, and lay both hands on his shoulders, as, looking him full + in the face, he said, “Answer me frankly, am I a prisoner in these towers + or not?” + </p> + <p> + “Not, sire.” + </p> + <p> + “You palter with me, priest. I have been led hither against my will. I am + almost without an armed retinue. I am at the earl’s mercy. This chamber + might be my grave, and this couch my bed of death.” + </p> + <p> + “Holy Mother! Can you think so of Warwick? Sire, you freeze my blood.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, if I refuse to satisfy Warwick’s pride, and disdain to give + up loyal servants to rebel insolence, what will Warwick do? Speak out, + archbishop.” + </p> + <p> + “I fear me, sire, that he will resign all office, whether of peace or war. + I fear me that the goodly army now at sleep within and around these walls + will vanish into air, and that your Highness will stand alone amidst new + men, and against the disaffection of the whole land!” + </p> + <p> + Edward’s firm hand trembled. The prelate continued, with a dry, caustic + smile,— + </p> + <p> + “Sire, Sir Anthony Woodville, now Lord Rivers, has relieved you of all + embarrassment; no doubt, my Lord Dorset and his kinsmen will be chevaliers + enough to do the same. The Duchess of Bedford will but suit the decorous + usage to retire a while into privacy, to mourn her widowhood. And when a + year is told, if these noble persons reappear at court, your word and the + earl’s will at least have been kept.” + </p> + <p> + “I understand thee,” said the king, half laughing; “but I have my pride as + well as Warwick. To concede this point is to humble the conceder.” + </p> + <p> + “I have thought how to soothe all things, and without humbling either + party. Your Grace’s mother is dearly beloved by Warwick and revered by + all. Since your marriage she hath lived secluded from all state affairs. + As so nearly akin to Warwick, so deeply interested in your Grace, she is a + fitting mediator in all disputes. Be they left to her to arbitrate.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, cunning prelate, thou knowest how my proud mother hates the + Woodvilles; thou knowest how her judgment will decide.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps so; but at least your Grace will be spared all pain and all + abasement.” + </p> + <p> + “Will Warwick consent to this?” + </p> + <p> + “I trust so.” + </p> + <p> + “Learn, and report to me. Enough for to-night’s conference.” Edward was + left alone, and his mind ran rapidly over the field of action open to him. + </p> + <p> + “I have half won the earl’s army,” he thought; “but it would be to lose + all hold in their hearts again, if they knew that these unhappy Woodvilles + were the cause of a second breach between us. Certes, the Lancastrians are + making strong head! Certes, the times must be played with and appeased! + And yet these poor gentlemen love me after my own fashion, and not with + the bear’s hug of that intolerable earl. How came the grim man by so fair + a daughter? Sweet Anne! I caught her eye often fixed on me, and with a + soft fear which my heart beat loud to read aright. Verily, this is the + fourth week I have passed without hearing a woman’s sigh! What marvel that + so fair a face enamours me! Would that Warwick made her his ambassador; + and yet it were all over with the Woodvilles if he did! These men know not + how to manage me, and well-a-day, that task is easy eno’ to women!” He + laughed gayly to himself as he thus concluded his soliloquy, and + extinguished the tapers. But rest did not come to his pillow; and after + tossing to and fro for some time in vain search for sleep, he rose and + opened his casement to cool the air which the tapers had overheated. In a + single casement, in a broad turret, projecting from an angle in the + building, below the tower in which his chamber was placed, the king saw a + solitary light burning steadily. A sight so unusual at such an hour + surprised him. “Peradventure, the wily prelate,” thought he. “Cunning + never sleeps.” But a second look showed him the very form that chased his + slumbers. Beside the casement, which was partially open, he saw the soft + profile of the Lady Anne; it was bent downwards; and what with the clear + moonlight, and the lamp within her chamber, he could see distinctly that + she was weeping. “Ah, Anne,” muttered the amorous king, “would that I were + by to kiss away those tears!” While yet the unholy wish murmured on his + lips, the lady rose. The fair hand, that seemed almost transparent in the + moonlight, closed the casement; and though the light lingered for some + minutes ere it left the dark walls of the castle without other sign of + life than the step of the sentry, Anne was visible no more. + </p> + <p> + “Madness! madness! madness!” again murmured the king. “These Neviles are + fatal to me in all ways,—in hatred or in love!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0061" id="link2H_4_0061"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BOOK VIII. IN WHICH THE LAST LINK BETWEEN KING-MAKER AND KING SNAPS + ASUNDER. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0052" id="link2HCH0052"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. THE LADY ANNE VISITS THE COURT. + </h2> + <p> + It was some weeks after the date of the events last recorded. The storm + that hung over the destinies of King Edward was dispersed for the hour, + though the scattered clouds still darkened the horizon: the Earl of + Warwick had defeated the Lancastrians on the frontier, [Croyl. 552] and + their leader had perished on the scaffold; but Edward’s mighty sword had + not shone in the battle. Chained by an attraction yet more powerful than + slaughter, he had lingered at Middleham, while Warwick led his army to + York; and when the earl arrived at the capital of Edward’s ancestral + duchy, he found that the able and active Hastings—having heard, even + before he reached the Duke of Gloucester’s camp, of Edward’s apparent + seizure by the earl and the march to Middleham—had deemed it best to + halt at York, and to summon in all haste a council of such of the knights + and barons as either love to the king or envy to Warwick could collect. + The report was general that Edward was retained against his will at + Middleham; and this rumour Hastings gravely demanded Warwick, on the + arrival of the latter at York, to disprove. The earl, to clear himself + from a suspicion that impeded all his military movements, despatched Lord + Montagu to Middleham, who returned not only with the king, but the + countess and her daughters, whom Edward, under pretence of proving the + complete amity that existed between Warwick and himself, carried in his + train. The king’s appearance at York reconciled all differences; but he + suffered Warwick to march alone against the enemy, and not till after the + decisive victory, which left his reign for a while without an open foe, + did he return to London. + </p> + <p> + Thither the earl, by the advice of his friends, also repaired, and in a + council of peers, summoned for the purpose, deigned to refute the rumours + still commonly circulated by his foes, and not disbelieved by the vulgar, + whether of his connivance at the popular rising or his forcible detention + of the king at Middleham. To this, agreeably to the counsel of the + archbishop, succeeded a solemn interview of the heads of the Houses of + York and Warwick, in which the once fair Rose of Raby (the king’s mother) + acted as mediator and arbiter. The earl’s word to the commons at Olney was + ratified. Edward consented to the temporary retirement of the Woodvilles, + though the gallant Anthony yet delayed his pilgrimage to Compostella. The + vanity of Clarence was contented by the government of Ireland, but, under + various pretences, Edward deferred his brother’s departure to that + important post. A general amnesty was proclaimed, a parliament summoned + for the redress of popular grievances, and the betrothal of the king’s + daughter to Montagu’s heir was proclaimed: the latter received the title + of Duke of Bedford; and the whole land rejoiced in the recovered peace of + the realm, the retirement of the Woodvilles, and the reconciliation of the + young king with his all-beloved subject. Never had the power of the + Neviles seemed so secure; never did the throne of Edward appear so stable. + </p> + <p> + It was at this time that the king prevailed upon the earl and his countess + to permit the Lady Anne to accompany the Duchess of Clarence in a visit to + the palace of the Tower. The queen had submitted so graciously to the + humiliation of her family, that even the haughty Warwick was touched and + softened; and the visit of his daughter at such a time became a homage to + Elizabeth which it suited his chivalry to render. + </p> + <p> + The public saw in this visit, which was made with great state and + ceremony, the probability of a new and popular alliance. The archbishop + had suffered the rumour of Gloucester’s attachment to the Lady Anne to get + abroad, and the young prince’s return from the North was anxiously + expected by the gossips of the day. + </p> + <p> + It was on this occasion that Warwick showed his gratitude for Marmaduke + Nevile’s devotion. “My dear and gallant kinsman,” he said, “I forget not + that when thou didst leave the king and the court for the discredited + minister and his gloomy hall,—I forget not that thou didst tell me + of love to some fair maiden, which had not prospered according to thy + merits. At least it shall not be from lack of lands, or of the gold spur, + which allows the wearer to ride by the side of king or kaisar, that thou + canst not choose thy bride as the heart bids thee. I pray thee, sweet + cousin, to attend my child Anne to the court, where the king will show + thee no ungracious countenance; but it is just to recompense thee for the + loss of thy post in his highness’s chamber. I hold the king’s commission + to make knights of such as can pay the fee, and thy lands shall suffice + for the dignity. Kneel down and rise up, Sir Marmaduke Nevile, lord of the + Manor of Borrodaile, with its woodlands and its farms, and may God and our + Lady render thee puissant in battle and prosperous in love!” + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, in his new rank, and entitled to ruffle it with the bravest, + Sir Marmaduke Nevile accompanied the earl and the Lady Anne to the palace + of the Tower. + </p> + <p> + As Warwick, leaving his daughter amidst the brilliant circle that + surrounded Elizabeth, turned to address the king, he said, with simple and + unaffected nobleness,— + </p> + <p> + “Ah, my liege, if you needed a hostage of my faith, think that my heart is + here, for verily its best blood were less dear to me than that slight + girl,—the likeness of her mother, when her lips first felt the touch + of mine!” + </p> + <p> + Edward’s bold brow fell, and he blushed as he answered, “My Elizabeth will + hold her as a sister. But, cousin, part you not now for the North?” + </p> + <p> + “By your leave I go first to Warwick.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, you do not wish to approve of my seeming preparations against + France?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, your Highness is not in earnest. I promised the commons that you + would need no supplies for so thriftless a war.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou knowest I mean to fulfil all thy pledges. But the country so swarms + with disbanded soldiers, that it is politic to hold out to them a hope of + service, and so let the clouds gradually pass away.” + </p> + <p> + “Alack, my liege,” said Warwick, gravely, “I suppose that a crown teaches + the brow to scheme; but hearty peace or open war seems ever the best to + me.” + </p> + <p> + Edward smiled, and turned aside. Warwick glanced at his daughter, whom + Elizabeth flatteringly caressed, stifled a sigh, and the air seemed + lighter to the insects of the court as his proud crest bowed beneath the + doorway, and, with the pomp of his long retinue, he vanished from the + scene. + </p> + <p> + “And choose, fair Anne,” said the queen, “choose from my ladies whom you + will have for your special train. We would not that your attendance should + be less than royal.” + </p> + <p> + The gentle Anne in vain sought to excuse herself from an honour at once + arrogant and invidious, though too innocent to perceive the cunning so + characteristic of the queen; for, under the guise of a special compliment, + Anne had received the royal request to have her female attendants chosen + from the court, and Elizabeth now desired to force upon her a selection + which could not fail to mortify those not preferred. But glancing timidly + round the circle, the noble damsel’s eye rested on one fair face, and in + that face there was so much that awoke her own interest, and stirred up a + fond and sad remembrance, that she passed involuntarily to the stranger’s + side, and artlessly took her hand. The high-born maidens, grouped around, + glanced at each other with a sneer, and slunk back. Even the queen looked + surprised; but recovering herself, inclined her head graciously, and said, + “Do we read your meaning aright, Lady Anne, and would you this + gentlewoman, Mistress Sibyll Warner, as one of your chamber?” + </p> + <p> + “Sibyll, ah, I knew that my memory failed me not,” murmured Anne; and, + after bowing assent to the queen, she said, “Do you not also recall, fair + demoiselle, our meeting, when children long years ago?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, noble dame,” [The title of dame was at that time applied + indiscriminately to ladies whether married or single, if of high birth.] + answered Sibyll. And as Anne turned, with her air of modest gentleness, + yet of lofty birth and breeding, to explain to the queen that she had met + Sibyll in earlier years, the king approached to monopolize his guest’s + voice and ear. It seemed natural to all present that Edward should devote + peculiar attention to the daughter of Warwick and the sister of the + Duchess of Clarence; and even Elizabeth suspected no guiltier gallantry in + the subdued voice, the caressing manner, which her handsome lord adopted + throughout that day, even to the close of the nightly revel, towards a + demoiselle too high (it might well appear) for licentious homage. + </p> + <p> + But Anne herself, though too guileless to suspect the nature of Edward’s + courtesy, yet shrank from it in vague terror. All his beauty, all his + fascination, could not root from her mind the remembrance of the exiled + prince; nay, the brilliancy of his qualities made her the more averse to + him. It darkened the prospects of Edward of Lancaster that Edward of York + should wear so gracious and so popular a form. She hailed with delight the + hour when she was conducted to her chamber, and dismissing gently the + pompous retinue allotted to her, found herself alone with the young maiden + whom she had elected to her special service. + </p> + <p> + “And you remember me, too, fair Sibyll?” said Anne, with her dulcet and + endearing voice. + </p> + <p> + “Truly, who would not? for as you, then, noble lady, glided apart from the + other children, hand in hand with the young prince, in whom all dreamed to + see their future king, I heard the universal murmur of—a false + prophecy!” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! and of what?” asked Anne. + </p> + <p> + “That in the hand the prince clasped with his small rosy fingers—the + hand of great Warwick’s daughter—lay the best defence of his + father’s throne.” + </p> + <p> + Anne’s breast heaved, and her small foot began to mark strange characters + on the floor. + </p> + <p> + “So,” she said musingly, “so even here, amidst a new court, you forget not + Prince Edward of Lancaster. Oh, we shall find hours to talk of the past + days. But how, if your childhood was spent in Margaret’s court, does your + youth find a welcome in Elizabeth’s?” + </p> + <p> + “Avarice and power had need of my father’s science. He is a scholar of + good birth, but fallen fortunes, even now, and ever while night lasts, he + is at work. I belonged to the train of her grace of Bedford; but when the + duchess quitted the court, and the king retained my father in his own + royal service, her highness the queen was pleased to receive me among her + maidens. Happy that my father’s home is mine!—who else could tend + him?” + </p> + <p> + “Thou art his only child?—he must—love thee dearly?” + </p> + <p> + “Yet not as I love him; he lives in a life apart from all else that live. + But after all, peradventure it is sweeter to love than to be loved.” + </p> + <p> + Anne, whose nature was singularly tender and woman-like, was greatly + affected by this answer. She drew nearer to Sibyll; she twined her arm + round her slight form, and kissed her forehead. + </p> + <p> + “Shall I love thee, Sibyll?” she said, with a girl’s candid simplicity, + “and wilt thou love me?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, lady! there are so many to love thee,—father, mother, sister,—all + the world; the very sun shines more kindly upon the great!” + </p> + <p> + “Nay!” said Anne, with that jealousy of a claim to suffering to which the + gentler natures are prone, “I may have sorrows from which thou art free. I + confess to thee, Sibyll, that something I know not how to explain draws me + strangely towards thy sweet face. Marriage has lost me my only sister, for + since Isabel is wed she is changed to me—would that her place were + supplied by thee! Shall I steal thee from the queen when I depart? Ah, my + mother—at least thou wilt love her! for verily, to love my mother + you have but to breathe the same air. Kiss me, Sibyll.” + </p> + <p> + Kindness, of late, had been strange to Sibyll, especially from her own + sex, one of her own age; it came like morning upon the folded blossom. She + threw her arms round the new friend that seemed sent to her from heaven; + she kissed Anne’s face and hands with grateful tears. + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” she said at last, when she could command a voice still broken with + emotion—“if I could ever serve—ever repay thee—though + those gracious words were the last thy lips should ever deign to address + to me!” + </p> + <p> + Anne was delighted; she had never yet found one to protect; she had never + yet found one in whom thoroughly to confide. Gentle as her mother was, the + distinction between child and parent was, even in the fond family she + belonged to, so great in that day, that she could never have betrayed to + the countess the wild weakness of her young heart. + </p> + <p> + The wish to communicate, to reveal, is so natural to extreme youth, and in + Anne that disposition was so increased by a nature at once open and + inclined to lean on others, that she had, as we have seen, sought a + confidante in Isabel; but with her, even at the first, she found but the + half-contemptuous pity of a strong and hard mind; and lately, since + Edward’s visit to Middleham, the Duchess of Clarence had been so rapt in + her own imperious egotism and discontented ambition, that the timid Anne + had not even dared to touch, with her, upon those secrets which it flushed + her own bashful cheek to recall. And this visit to the court, this new, + unfamiliar scene, this estrangement from all the old accustomed + affections, had produced in her that sense of loneliness which is so + irksome, till grave experience of real life accustoms us to the common + lot. So with the exaggerated and somewhat morbid sensibility that belonged + to her, she turned at once, and by impulse, to this sudden, yet graceful + friendship. Here was one of her own age, one who had known sorrow, one + whose voice and eyes charmed her, one who would not chide even folly, one, + above all, who had seen her beloved prince, one associated with her + fondest memories, one who might have a thousand tales to tell of the day + when the outlaw boy was a monarch’s heir. In the childishness of her soft + years, she almost wept at another channel for so much natural tenderness. + It was half the woman gaining a woman-friend, half the child clinging to a + new playmate. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Sibyll,” she whispered, “do not leave me to-night; this strange place + daunts me, and the figures on the arras seem so tall and spectre-like, and + they say the old tower is haunted. Stay, dear Sibyll!” + </p> + <p> + And Sibyll stayed. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0053" id="link2HCH0053"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. THE SLEEPING INNOCENCE—THE WAKEFUL CRIME. + </h2> + <p> + While these charming girls thus innocently conferred; while, Anne’s sweet + voice running on in her artless fancies, they helped each other to + undress; while hand in hand they knelt in prayer by the crucifix in the + dim recess; while timidly they extinguished the light, and stole to rest; + while, conversing in whispers, growing gradually more faint and low, they + sank into guileless sleep,—the unholy king paced his solitary + chamber, parched with the fever of the sudden and frantic passion that + swept away from a heart in which every impulse was a giant all the + memories of honour, gratitude, and law. + </p> + <p> + The mechanism of this strong man’s nature was that almost unknown to the + modern time; it belonged to those earlier days which furnish to Greece the + terrible legends Ovid has clothed in gloomy fire, which a similar + civilization produced no less in the Middle Ages, whether of Italy or the + North,—that period when crime took a grandeur from its excess; when + power was so great and absolute that its girth burst the ligaments of + conscience; when a despot was but the incarnation of WILL; when honour was + indeed a religion, but its faith was valour, and it wrote its decalogue + with the point of a fearless sword. + </p> + <p> + The youth of Edward IV. was as the youth of an ancient Titan, of an + Italian Borgia; through its veins the hasty blood rolled as a devouring + flame. This impetuous and fiery temperament was rendered yet more fearful + by the indulgence of every intemperance; it fed on wine and lust; its very + virtues strengthened its vices,—its courage stifled every whisper of + prudence; its intellect, uninured to all discipline, taught it to disdain + every obstacle to its desires. Edward could, indeed, as we have seen, be + false and crafty, a temporizer, a dissimulator; but it was only as the + tiger creeps,—the better to spring, undetected, on its prey. If + detected, the cunning ceased, the daring rose, and the mighty savage had + fronted ten thousand foes, secure in its fangs and talons, its bold heart + and its deadly spring. Hence, with all Edward’s abilities, the astonishing + levities and indiscretions of his younger years. It almost seemed, as we + have seen him play fast and loose with the might of Warwick, and with that + power, whether of barons or of people, which any other prince of half his + talents would have trembled to arouse against an unrooted throne,—it + almost seemed as if he loved to provoke a danger for the pleasure it gave + the brain to baffle or the hand to crush it. His whole nature coveting + excitement, nothing was left to the beautiful, the luxurious Edward, + already wearied with pomp and pleasure, but what was unholy and forbidden. + In his court were a hundred ladies, perhaps not less fair than Anne, at + least of a beauty more commanding the common homage, but these he had only + to smile on with ease to win. No awful danger, no inexpiable guilt, + attended those vulgar frailties, and therefore they ceased to tempt. But + here the virgin guest, the daughter of his mightiest subject, the beloved + treasure of the man whose hand had built a throne, whose word had + dispersed an army—here, the more the reason warned, the conscience + started, the more the hell-born passion was aroused. + </p> + <p> + Like men of his peculiar constitution, Edward was wholly incapable of pure + and steady love. His affection for his queen the most resembled that + diviner affection; but when analyzed, it was composed of feelings widely + distinct. From a sudden passion, not otherwise to be gratified, he had + made the rashest sacrifices for an unequal marriage. His vanity, and + something of original magnanimity, despite his vices, urged him to protect + what he himself had raised,—to secure the honour of the subject who + was honoured by the king. In common with most rude and powerful natures, + he was strongly alive to the affections of a father, and the faces of his + children helped to maintain the influence of the mother. But in all this, + we need scarcely say that that true love, which is at once a passion and a + devotion, existed not. Love with him cared not for the person loved, but + solely for its own gratification; it was desire for possession,—nothing + more. But that desire was the will of a king who never knew fear or + scruple; and, pampered by eternal indulgence, it was to the feeble lusts + of common men what the storm is to the west wind. Yet still, as in the + solitude of night he paced his chamber, the shadow of the great crime + advancing upon his soul appalled even that dauntless conscience. He gasped + for breath; his cheeks flushed crimson, and the next moment grew deadly + pale. He heard the loud beating of his heart. He stopped still. He flung + himself on a seat, and hid his face with his hands; then starting up, he + exclaimed, “No, no! I cannot shut out that sweet face, those blue eyes + from my gaze. They haunt me to my destruction and her own. Yet why say + destruction? If she love me, who shall know the deed? If she love me not, + will she dare to reveal her shame? Shame!—nay, a king’s embrace + never dishonours. A king’s bastard is a House’s pride. All is still,—the + very moon vanishes from heaven. The noiseless rushes in the gallery give + no echo to the footstep. Fie on me! Can a Plantagenet know fear?” He + allowed himself no further time to pause; he opened the door gently and + stole along the gallery. He knew well the chamber, for it was appointed by + his command, and, besides the usual door from the corridor, a small closet + conducted to a secret panel behind the arras. It was the apartment + occupied, in her visits to the court, by the queen’s rival, the Lady + Elizabeth Lucy. He passed into the closet; he lifted the arras; he stood + in that chamber, which gratitude and chivalry and hospitable faith should + have made sacred as a shrine. And suddenly, as he entered, the moon, + before hid beneath a melancholy cloud, broke forth in awful splendour, and + her light rushed through the casement opposite his eye, and bathed the + room with the beams of a ghostlier day. + </p> + <p> + The abruptness of the solemn and mournful glory scared him as the rebuking + face of a living thing; a presence as if not of earth seemed to interpose + between the victim and the guilt. It was, however, but for a moment that + his step halted. He advanced: he drew aside the folds of the curtain heavy + with tissue of gold, and the sleeping face of Anne lay hushed before him. + It looked pale in the moonlight, but ineffably serene, and the smile on + its lips seemed still sweeter than that which it wore awake. So fixed was + his gaze, so ardently did his whole heart and being feed through his eyes + upon that exquisite picture of innocence and youth, that he did not see + for some moments that the sleeper was not alone. Suddenly an exclamation + rose to his lips. He clenched his hand in jealous agony; he approached; he + bent over; he heard the regular breathing which the dreams of guilt never + know; and then, when he saw that pure and interlaced embrace,—the + serene yet somewhat melancholy face of Sibyll, which seemed hueless as + marble in the moonlight, bending partially over that of Anne, as if even + in sleep watchful; both charming forms so linked and woven that the two + seemed as one life, the very breath in each rising and ebbing with the + other; the dark ringlets of Sibyll mingling with the auburn gold of Anne’s + luxuriant hair, and the darkness and the gold, tress within tress, falling + impartially over either neck, that gleamed like ivory beneath that common + veil,—when he saw this twofold loveliness, the sentiment, the + conviction of that mysterious defence which exists in purity, thrilled + like ice through his burning veins. In all his might of monarch and of + man, he felt the awe of that unlooked-for protection,—maidenhood + sheltering maidenhood, innocence guarding innocence. The double virtue + appalled and baffled him; and that slight arm which encircled the neck he + would have perilled his realm to clasp, shielded his victim more + effectually than the bucklers of all the warriors that ever gathered round + the banner of the lofty Warwick. Night and the occasion befriended him; + but in vain. While Sibyll was there, Anne was saved. He ground his teeth, + and muttered to himself. At that moment Anne turned restlessly. This + movement disturbed the light sleep of her companion. She spoke half + inaudibly, but the sound was as the hoot of shame in the ear of the guilty + king. He let fall the curtain, and was gone. And if one who lived + afterwards to hear and to credit the murderous doom which, unless history + lies, closed the male line of Edward, had beheld the king stealing, + felon-like, from the chamber,—his step reeling to and fro the + gallery floors, his face distorted by stormy passion, his lips white and + murmuring, his beauty and his glory dimmed and humbled,—the + spectator might have half believed that while Edward gazed upon those + harmless sleepers, A VISION OF THE TRAGEDY TO COME had stricken down his + thought of guilt, and filled up its place with horror,—a vision of a + sleep as pure, of two forms wrapped in an embrace as fond, of intruders + meditating a crime scarce fouler than his own; and the sins of the father + starting into grim corporeal shapes, to become the deathsmen of the sons! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0054" id="link2HCH0054"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. NEW DANGERS TO THE HOUSE OF YORK—AND THE KING’S HEART + ALLIES ITSELF WITH REBELLION AGAINST THE KING’S THRONE. + </h2> + <p> + Oh, beautiful is the love of youth to youth, and touching the tenderness + of womanhood to woman; and fair in the eyes of the happy sun is the waking + of holy sleep, and the virgin kiss upon virgin lips smiling and murmuring + the sweet “Good-morrow!” + </p> + <p> + Anne was the first to wake; and as the bright winter morn, robust with + frosty sunbeams shone cheerily upon Sibyll’s face, she was struck with a + beauty she had not sufficiently observed the day before; for in the sleep + of the young the traces of thought and care vanish, the aching heart is + lulled in the body’s rest, the hard lines relax into flexile ease, a + softer, warmer bloom steals over the cheek, and, relieved from the stiff + restraints of dress, the rounded limbs repose in a more alluring grace! + Youth seems younger in its slumber, and beauty more beautiful, and purity + more pure. Long and dark, the fringe of the eyelash rested upon the white + lids, and the freshness of the parting pouted lips invited the sister kiss + that wakened up the sleeper. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, lady,” said Sibyll, parting her tresses from her dark blue eyes, “you + are here, you are safe!—blessed be the saints and our Lady! for I + had a dream in the night that startled and appalled me.” + </p> + <p> + “And my dreams were all blithe and golden,” said Anne. “What was thine?” + </p> + <p> + “Methought you were asleep and in this chamber, and I not by your side, + but watching you at a little distance; and lo! a horrible serpent glided + from yon recess, and, crawling to your pillow, I heard its hiss, and + strove to come to your aid, but in vain; a spell seemed to chain my limbs. + At last I found voice, I cried aloud, I woke; and mock me not, but I + surely heard a parting footstep, and the low grating of some sliding + door.” + </p> + <p> + “It was the dream’s influence, enduring beyond the dream. I have often + felt it so,—nay, even last night; for I, too, dreamed of another, + dreamed that I stood by the altar with one far away, and when I woke—for + I woke also—it was long before I could believe it was thy hand I + held, and thine arm that embraced me.” + </p> + <p> + The young friends rose, and their toilet was scarcely ended, when again + appeared in the chamber all the stateliness of retinue allotted to the + Lady Anne. Sibyll turned to depart. “And whither go you?” asked Anne. + </p> + <p> + “To visit my father; it is my first task on rising,” returned Sibyll, in a + whisper. + </p> + <p> + “You must let me visit him, too, at a later hour. Find me here an hour + before noon, Sibyll.” + </p> + <p> + The early morning was passed by Anne in the queen’s company. The + refection, the embroidery frame, the closheys, filled up the hours. The + Duchess of Clarence had left the palace with her lord to visit the king’s + mother at Baynard’s Castle; and Anne’s timid spirits were saddened by the + strangeness of the faces round her, and Elizabeth’s habitual silence. + There was something in the weak and ill-fated queen that ever failed to + conciliate friends. Though perpetually striving to form and create a + party, she never succeeded in gaining confidence or respect. And no one + raised so high was ever left so friendless as Elizabeth, when, in her + awful widowhood, her dowry home became the sanctuary. All her power was + but the shadow of her husband’s royal sun, and vanished when the orb + prematurely set; yet she had all gifts of person in her favour, and a + sleek smoothness of manner that seemed to the superficial formed to win; + but the voice was artificial, and the eye cold and stealthy. About her + formal precision there was an eternal consciousness of self, a breathing + egotism. Her laugh was displeasing,—cynical, not mirthful; she had + none of that forgetfulness of self, that warmth when gay, that earnestness + when sad, which create sympathy. Her beauty was without loveliness, her + character without charm; every proportion in her form might allure the + sensualist; but there stopped the fascination. The mind was trivial, + though cunning and dissimulating; and the very evenness of her temper + seemed but the clockwork of a heart insensible to its own movements. Vain + in prosperity, what wonder that she was so abject in misfortune? What + wonder that even while, in later and gloomier years, [Grafton, 806] + accusing Richard III. of the murder of her royal sons, and knowing him, at + least, the executioner of her brother and her child by the bridegroom of + her youth, [Anthony Lord Rivers, and Lord Richard Gray. Not the least + instance of the frivolity of Elizabeth’s mind is to be found in her + willingness, after all the woes of her second widowhood, and when she was + not very far short of sixty years old, to take a third husband, James + III., of Scotland,—a marriage prevented only by the death of the + Scotch king.] she consented to send her daughters to his custody, though + subjected to the stain of illegitimacy, and herself only recognized as the + harlot? + </p> + <p> + The king, meanwhile, had ridden out betimes alone, and no other of the + male sex presumed in his absence to invade the female circle. It was with + all a girl’s fresh delight that Anne escaped at last to her own chamber, + where she found Sibyll; and, with her guidance, she threaded the gloomy + mazes of the Tower. “Let me see,” she whispered, “before we visit your + father, let me see the turret in which the unhappy Henry is confined.” + </p> + <p> + And Sibyll led her through the arch of that tower, now called “The + Bloody,” and showed her the narrow casement deep sunk in the mighty wall, + without which hung the starling in the cage, basking its plumes in the + wintry sun. Anne gazed with that deep interest and tender reverence which + the parent of the man she loves naturally excites in a woman; and while + thus standing sorrowful and silent, the casement was unbarred, and she saw + the mild face of the human captive; he seemed to talk to the bird, which, + in shrill tones and with clapping wings, answered his address. At that + time a horn sounded at a little distance off; a clangour of arms, as the + sentries saluted, was heard; the demoiselles retreated through the arch, + and mounted the stair conducting to the very room, then unoccupied, in + which tradition records the murder of the Third Richard’s nephews; and + scarcely had they gained this retreat, ere towards the Bloody Gate, and + before the prison tower, rode the king who had mounted the captive’s + throne. His steed, gaudy with its housing, his splendid dress, the knights + and squires who started forward from every corner to hold his gilded + stirrup, his vigorous youth, so blooming and so radiant,—all + contrasted, with oppressive force, the careworn face that watched him + meekly through the little casement of the Wakefield tower. Edward’s large, + quick blue eye caught sudden sight of the once familiar features. He + looked up steadily, and his gaze encountered the fallen king’s. He changed + countenance: but with the external chivalry that made the surface of his + hollow though brilliant character, he bowed low to his saddle-bow as he + saw his captive, and removed the plumed cap from his high brow. + </p> + <p> + Henry smiled sadly, and shook his reverend head, as if gently to rebuke + the mockery; then he closed the casement; and Edward rode into the yard. + </p> + <p> + “How can the king hold here a court and here a prison? Oh, hard heart!” + murmured Anne, as, when Edward had disappeared, the damsels bent their way + to Adam’s chamber. + </p> + <p> + “Would the Earl Warwick approve thy pity, sweet Lady Anne?” asked Sibyll. + </p> + <p> + “My father’s heart is too generous to condemn it,” returned Anne, wiping + the tears from her eyes; “how often in the knight’s galliard shall I see + that face!” + </p> + <p> + The turret in which Warner’s room was placed flanked the wing inhabited by + the royal family and their more distinguished guests (namely, the palace, + properly speaking, as distinct from the fortress), and communicated with + the regal lodge by a long corridor, raised above cloisters and open to a + courtyard. At one end of this corridor a door opened upon the passage, in + which was situated the chamber of the Lady Anne; the other extremity + communicated with a rugged stair of stone, conducting to the rooms + tenanted by Warner. Leaving Sibyll to present her learned father to the + gentle Anne, we follow the king into the garden, which he entered on + dismounting. He found here the Archbishop of York, who had come to the + palace in his barge, and with but a slight retinue, and who was now + conversing with Hastings in earnest whispers. + </p> + <p> + The king, who seemed thoughtful and fatigued, approached the two, and + said, with a forced smile, “What learned sententiary engages you two + scholars?” + </p> + <p> + “Your Grace,” said the archbishop, “Minerva was not precisely the goddess + most potent over our thoughts at that moment. I received a letter last + evening from the Duke of Gloucester, and as I know the love borne by the + prince to the Lord Hastings, I inquired of your chamberlain how far he + would have foreguessed the news it announced.” + </p> + <p> + “And what may the tidings be?” asked Edward, absently. + </p> + <p> + The prelate hesitated. + </p> + <p> + “Sire,” he said gravely, “the familiar confidence with which both your + Highness and the Duke of Gloucester distinguish the chamberlain, permits + me to communicate the purport of the letter in his presence. The young + duke informs me that he hath long conceived an affection which he would + improve into marriage, but before he address either the demoiselle or her + father, he prays me to confer with your Grace, whose pleasure in this, as + in all things, will be his sovereign law.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Richard loves me with a truer love than George of Clarence! But who + can he have seen on the Borders worthy to be a prince’s bride?” + </p> + <p> + “It is no sudden passion, sire, as I before hinted; nay, it has been for + some time sufficiently notorious to his friends and many of the court; it + is an affection for a maiden known to him in childhood, connected to him + by blood,—my niece, Anne Nevile.” + </p> + <p> + As if stung by a scorpion, Edward threw off the prelate’s arm, on which he + had been leaning with his usual caressing courtesy. + </p> + <p> + “This is too much!” said he, quickly, and his face, before somewhat pale, + grew highly flushed. “Is the whole royalty of England to be one Nevile? + Have I not sufficiently narrowed the basis of my throne? Instead of mating + my daughter to a foreign power,—to Spain or to Bretagne,—she + is betrothed to young Montagu! Clarence weds Isabel, and now Gloucester—no, + prelate, I will not consent!” + </p> + <p> + The archbishop was so little prepared for this burst, that he remained + speechless. Hastings pressed the king’s arm, as if to caution him against + so imprudent a display of resentment; but the king walked on, not heeding + him, and in great disturbance. Hastings interchanged looks with the + archbishop, and followed his royal master. + </p> + <p> + “My king,” he said, in an earnest whisper, “whatever you decide, do not + again provoke unhappy feuds laid at rest. Already this morning I sought + your chamber, but you were abroad, to say that I have received + intelligence of a fresh rising of the Lancastrians in Lincolnshire, under + Sir Robert Welles, and the warlike knight of Scrivelsby, Sir Thomas + Dymoke. This is not yet an hour to anger the pride of the Neviles!” + </p> + <p> + “O Hastings! Hastings!” said the king, in a tone of passionate emotion, + “there are moments when the human heart cannot dissemble! Howbeit your + advice is wise and honest! No, we must not anger the Neviles!” + </p> + <p> + He turned abruptly; rejoined the archbishop, who stood on the spot on + which the king had left him, his arms folded on his breast, his face calm, + but haughty. + </p> + <p> + “My most worshipful cousin,” said Edward, “forgive the well-known heat of + my hasty moods! I had hoped that Richard would, by a foreign alliance, + have repaired the occasion of confirming my dynasty abroad, which Clarence + lost. But no matter! Of these things we will speak anon. Say naught to + Richard till time ripens maturer resolutions: he is a youth yet. What + strange tidings are these from Lincolnshire?” + </p> + <p> + “The house of your purveyor, Sir Robert de Burgh, is burned, his lands + wasted. The rebels are headed by lords and knights. Robin of Redesdale, + who, methinks, bears a charmed life, has even ventured to rouse the + disaffected in my brother’s very shire of Warwick.” + </p> + <p> + “O Henry,” exclaimed the king, casting his eyes towards the turret that + held his captive, “well mightest then call a crown ‘a wreath of thorns!’” + </p> + <p> + “I have already,” said the archbishop, “despatched couriers to my brother, + to recall him from Warwick, whither he went on quitting your Highness. I + have done more; prompted by a zeal that draws me from the care of the + Church to that of the State, I have summoned the Lords St. John, De Fulke, + and others, to my house of the More,—praying your Highness to deign + to meet them, and well sure that a smile from your princely lips will + regain their hearts and confirm heir allegiance, at a moment when new + perils require all strong arms.” + </p> + <p> + “You have done most wisely. I will come to your palace,—appoint your + own day.” + </p> + <p> + “It will take some days for the barons to arrive from their castles. I + fear not ere the tenth day from this.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah,” said the king, with a vivacity that surprised his listeners, aware + of his usual impetuous energy, “the delay will but befriend us; as for + Warwick, permit me to alter your arrangements; let him employ the + interval, not in London, where he is useless, but in raising men in the + neighbourhood of his castle, and in defeating the treason of this + Redesdale knave. We will give commission to him and to Clarence to levy + troops; Hastings, see to this forthwith. Ye say Sir Robert Welles leads + the Lincolnshire varlets; I know the nature of his father, the Lord + Welles,—a fearful and timorous one; I will send for him, and the + father’s head shall answer for the son’s faith. Pardon me, dear cousin, + that I leave you to attend these matters. Prithee visit our queen, + meanwhile, she holds you our guest.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, your Highness must vouchsafe my excuse; I also have your royal + interests too much at heart to while an hour in my pleasurement. I will + but see the friends of our House now in London, and then back to the More, + and collect the force of my tenants and retainers.” + </p> + <p> + “Ever right, fair speed to you, cardinal that shall be! Your arm, + Hastings.” + </p> + <p> + The king and his favourite took their way into the state chambers. + </p> + <p> + “Abet not Gloucester in this alliance,—abet him not!” said the king, + solemnly. + </p> + <p> + “Pause, sire! This alliance gives to Warwick a wise counsellor, instead of + the restless Duke of Clarence. Reflect what danger may ensue if an + ambitious lord, discontented with your reign, obtains the hand of the + great earl’s coheiress, and the half of a hundred baronies that command an + army larger than the crown’s.” + </p> + <p> + Though these reasonings at a calmer time might well have had their effect + on Edward, at that moment they were little heeded by his passions. He + stamped his foot violently on the floor. “Hastings!” he exclaimed, “be + silent! or—” He stopped short, mastered his emotion. “Go, assemble + our privy council. We have graver matters than a boy’s marriage now to + think of.” + </p> + <p> + It was in vain that Edward sought to absorb the fire of his nature in + state affairs, in all needful provisions against the impending perils, in + schemes of war and vengeance. The fatal frenzy that had seized him haunted + him everywhere, by day and by night. For some days after the unsuspected + visit which he had so criminally stolen to his guest’s chamber, something + of knightly honour, of religious scruple, of common reason,—awakened + in him the more by the dangers which had sprung up and which the Neviles + were now actively employed in defeating,—struggled against his + guilty desire, and roused his conscience to a less feeble resistance than + it usually displayed when opposed to passion; but the society of Anne, + into which he was necessarily thrown so many hours in the day, and those + hours chiefly after the indulgences of the banquet, was more powerful than + all the dictates of a virtue so seldom exercised as to have none of the + strength of habit. And as the time drew near when he must visit the + archbishop, head his army against the rebels (whose force daily increased, + despite the captivity of Lord Welles and Sir Thomas Dymoke, who, on the + summons of the king, had first taken sanctuary, and then yielded their + persons on the promise of pardon and safety), and restore Anne to her + mother,—as this time drew near, his perturbation of mind became + visible to the whole court; but, with the instinct of his native craft, he + contrived to conceal its cause. For the first time in his life he had no + confidant—he did not dare trust his secret to Hastings. His heart + gnawed itself. Neither, though constantly stealing to Anne’s side, could + he venture upon language that might startle and enlighten her. He felt + that even those attentions, which on the first evening of her arrival had + been noticed by the courtiers, could not be safely renewed. He was grave + and constrained, even when by her side, and the etiquette of the court + allowed him no opportunity for unwitnessed conference. In this suppressed + and unequal struggle with himself the time passed, till it was now but the + day before that fixed for his visit to the More. And, as he rose at + morning from his restless couch, the struggle was over, and the soul + resolved to dare the crime. His first thought was to separate Anne from + Sibyll. He affected to rebuke the queen for giving to his high-born guest + an associate below her dignity, and on whose character, poor girl, rested + the imputation of witchcraft; and when the queen replied that Lady Anne + herself had so chosen, he hit upon the expedient of visiting Warner + himself, under pretence of inspecting his progress,—affected to be + struck by the sickly appearance of the sage, and sending for Sibyll, told + her, with an air of gracious consideration, that her first duty was to + attend her parent; that the queen released her for some days from all + court duties; and that he had given orders to prepare the room adjoining + Master Warner’s, and held by Friar Bungey, till that worthy had retired + with his patroness from the court, to which she would for the present + remove. + </p> + <p> + Sibyll, wondering at this novel mark of consideration in the careless + king, yet imputing it to the high value set on her father’s labours, + thanked Edward with simple earnestness, and withdrew. In the anteroom she + encountered Hastings, on his way to the king. He started in surprise, and + with a jealous pang: “What! thou, Sibyll! and from the king’s closet! What + led thee thither?” + </p> + <p> + “His grace’s command.” And too noble for the pleasure of exciting the + distrust that delights frivolous minds as the proof of power, Sibyll + added, “The king has been kindly speaking to me of my father’s health.” + The courtier’s brow cleared; he mused a moment, and said, in a whisper, “I + beseech thee to meet me an hour hence at the eastern rampart.” + </p> + <p> + Since the return of Lord Hastings to the palace there had been an + estrangement and distance in his manner, ill suiting one who enjoyed the + rights of an accepted suitor, and wounding alike to Sibyll’s affection and + her pride; but her confidence in his love and truth was entire. Her + admiration for him partook of worship, and she steadily sought to reason + away any causes for alarm by recalling the state cares which pressed + heavily upon him, and whispering to herself that word of “wife,” which, + coming in passionate music from those beloved lips, had thrown a mist over + the present, a glory over the future! and in the king’s retention of Adam + Warner, despite the Duchess of Bedford’s strenuous desire to carry him off + with Friar Bungey, and restore him to his tasks of alchemist and + multiplier, as well as in her own promotion to the queen’s service, Sibyll + could not but recognize the influence of her powerful lover. His tones now + were tender, though grave and earnest. Surely, in the meeting he asked, + all not comprehended would be explained. And so, with a light heart, she + passed on. + </p> + <p> + Hastings sighed as his eye followed her from the room, and thus said he to + himself, “Were I the obscure gentleman I once was, how sweet a lot would + that girl’s love choose to me from the urn of fate! But, oh! when we taste + of power and greatness, and master the world’s dark wisdom, what doth love + shrink to?—an hour’s bliss and a life’s folly.” His delicate lip + curled, and breaking from his soliloquy, he entered the king’s closet. + Edward was resting his face upon the palms of his hands, and his bright + eyes dwelt upon vacant space, till they kindled into animation as they + lighted on his favourite. + </p> + <p> + “Dear Will,” said the king, “knowest thou that men say thou art + bewitched?” + </p> + <p> + “Beau sire, often have men, when a sweet face hath captured thy great + heart, said the same of thee!” + </p> + <p> + “It may be so with truth, for verily love is the arch-devil’s birth.” + </p> + <p> + The king rose, and strode his chamber with a quick step; at last pausing,— + </p> + <p> + “Hastings,” he said, “so thou lovest the multiplier’s pretty daughter? She + has just left me. Art thou jealous?” + </p> + <p> + “Happily your Highness sees no beauty in looks that have the gloss of the + raven, and eyes that have the hue of the violet.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I am a constant man, constant to one idea of beauty in a thousand + forms,—eyes like the summer’s light-blue sky, and locks like its + golden sunbeams! But to set thy mind at rest, Will, know that I have but + compassionated the sickly state of the scholar, whom thou prizest so + highly; and I have placed thy fair Sibyll’s chamber near her father’s. + Young Lovell says thou art bent on wedding the wizard’s daughter.” + </p> + <p> + “And if I were, beau sire?” + </p> + <p> + Edward looked grave. + </p> + <p> + “If thou wert, my poor Will, thou wouldst lose all the fame for shrewd + wisdom which justifies thy sudden fortunes. No, no; thou art the flower + and prince of my new seignorie,—thou must mate thyself with a name + and a barony that shall be worthy thy fame and thy prospects. Love beauty, + but marry power, Will. In vain would thy king draw thee up, if a despised + wife draw thee down!” + </p> + <p> + Hastings listened with profound attention to these words. The king did not + wait for his answer, but added laughingly,— + </p> + <p> + “It is thine own fault, crafty gallant, if thou dost not end all her + spells.” + </p> + <p> + “What ends the spells of youth and beauty, beau sire?” + </p> + <p> + “Possession!” replied the king, in a hollow and muttered voice. + </p> + <p> + Hastings was about to answer, when the door opened, and the officer in + waiting announced the Duke of Clarence. “Ha!” said Edward, “George comes + to importune me for leave to depart to the government of Ireland, and I + have to make him weet that I think my Lord Worcester a safer viceroy of + the two.” + </p> + <p> + “Your Highness will pardon me; but, though I deemed you too generous in + the appointment, it were dangerous now to annul it.” + </p> + <p> + “More dangerous to confirm it. Elizabeth has caused me to see the folly of + a grant made over the malmsey,—a wine, by the way, in which poor + George swears he would be content to drown himself. Viceroy of Ireland! My + father had that government, and once tasting the sweets of royalty, ceased + to be a subject! No, no, Clarence—” + </p> + <p> + “Can never meditate treason against a brother’s crown. Has he the wit or + the energy or the genius for so desperate an ambition?” + </p> + <p> + “No; but he hath the vanity. And I will wager thee a thousand marks to a + silver penny that my jester shall talk giddie Georgie into advancing a + claim to be soldan of Egypt or Pope of Rome!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0055" id="link2HCH0055"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. THE FOSTER-BROTHERS. + </h2> + <p> + Sir Marmaduke Nevile was sunning his bravery in the Tower Green, amidst + the other idlers of the court, proud of the gold chain and the gold spurs + which attested his new rank, and not grieved to have exchanged the solemn + walls of Middleham for the gay delights of the voluptuous palace, when to + his pleasure and surprise, he perceived his foster-brother enter the + gateway; and no sooner had Nicholas entered, than a bevy of the younger + courtiers hastened eagerly towards him. + </p> + <p> + “Gramercy!” quoth Sir Marmaduke, to one of the bystanders, “what hath + chanced to make Nick Alwyn a man of such note, that so many wings of satin + and pile should flutter round him like sparrows round an owl?—which, + by the Holy Rood, his wise face somewhat resembleth.” + </p> + <p> + “Know you not that Master Alwyn, since he hath commenced trade for + himself, hath acquired already the repute of the couthliest goldsmith in + London? No dague-hilts, no buckles are to be worn, save those that he + fashions; and—an he live, and the House of York prosper—verily, + Master Alwyn the goldsmith will ere long be the richest and best man from + Mile-end to the Sanctuary.” + </p> + <p> + “Right glad am I to hear it,” said honest Marmaduke, heartily; and + approaching Alwyn, he startled the precise trader by a friendly slap on + the shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “What, man, art thou too proud to remember Marmaduke Nevile? Come to my + lodgment yonder, and talk of old days over the king’s canary.” + </p> + <p> + “I crave your pardon, dear Master Nevile.” + </p> + <p> + “Master—avaunt! Sir Marmaduke,—knighted by the hand of Lord + Warwick,—Sir Marmaduke Nevile, lord of a manor he hath never yet + seen, sober Alwyn.” + </p> + <p> + Then drawing his foster-brother’s arm in his, Marmaduke led him to the + chamber in which he lodged. + </p> + <p> + The young men spent some minutes in congratulating each other on their + respective advances in life: the gentleman who had attained competence and + station simply by devotion to a powerful patron, the trader who had + already won repute and the prospect of wealth by ingenuity, application, + and toil; and yet, to do justice, as much virtue went to Marmaduke’s + loyalty to Warwick as to Alwyn’s capacities for making a fortune. Mutual + compliments over, Alwyn said hesitatingly,— + </p> + <p> + “And dost thou find Mistress Sibyll more gently disposed to thee than when + thou didst complain to me of her cruelty?” + </p> + <p> + “Marry, good Nicholas, I will be frank with thee. When I left the court to + follow Lord Warwick, there were rumours of the gallantries of Lord + Hastings to the girl, which grieved me to the heart. I spoke to her + thereof bluntly and honourably, and got but high looks and scornful words + in return. Good fellow, I thank thee for that squeeze of the hand and that + doleful sigh. In my absence at Middleham, I strove hard to forget one who + cared so little for me. My dear Alwyn, those Yorkshire lasses are + parlously comely, and mighty douce and debonaire. So I stormed cruel + Sibyll out of my heart perforce of numbers.” + </p> + <p> + “And thou lovest her no more?” + </p> + <p> + “Not I, by this goblet! On coming back, it is true, I felt pleased to + clank my gold spurs in her presence, and curious to see if my new fortunes + would bring out a smile of approval; and verily, to speak sooth, the + donzell was kind and friendly, and spoke to me so cheerly of the pleasure + she felt in my advancement, that I adventured again a few words of the old + folly. But my lassie drew up like a princess, and I am a cured man.” + </p> + <p> + “By your troth?” + </p> + <p> + “By my troth!” + </p> + <p> + Alwyn’s head sank on his bosom in silent thought. Sir Marmaduke emptied + his goblet; and really the young knight looked so fair and so gallant, in + his new surcoat of velvet, that it was no marvel if he should find enough + food for consolation in a court where men spent six hours a day in making + love,—nor in vain. + </p> + <p> + “And what say they still of the Lord Hastings?” asked Alwyn, breaking + silence. “Nothing, I trow and trust, that arraigns the poor lady’s honour, + though much that may scoff at her simple faith in a nature so vain and + fickle. ‘The tongue’s not steel, yet it cuts,’ as the proverb saith of the + slanderer.” + </p> + <p> + “No! scandal spares her virtue as woman, to run down her cunning as witch! + They say that Hastings hath not prevailed, nor sought to prevail,—that + he is spell-bound. By Saint Thomas, from a maid of such character + Marmaduke Nevile is happily rescued!” + </p> + <p> + “Sir Marmaduke,” then said Alwyn, in a grave and earnest voice, “it + behooves me, as true friend, though humble, and as honest man, to give + thee my secret, in return for thine own. I love this girl. Ay, ay! thou + thinkest that love is a strange word on a craftsman’s lips, but ‘cold + flint hides hot fire.’ I would not have been thy rival, Heaven forefend! + hadst thou still cherished a hope, or if thou now wilt forbid my aspiring; + but if thou wilt not say me nay, I will try my chance in delivering a pure + soul from a crafty wooer.” + </p> + <p> + Marmaduke stared in great surprise at his foster-brother; and though, no + doubt, he spoke truth when he said he was cured of his love for Sibyll, he + yet felt a sort of jealousy at Alwyn’s unexpected confession, and his + vanity was hurt at the notion that the plain-visaged trader should attempt + where the handsome gentleman had failed.—However, his blunt, + generous, manly nature after a brief struggle got the better of these sore + feelings; and holding out his hand to Alwyn, he said, “My dear + foster-brother, try the hazard and cast thy dice, if thou wilt. Heaven + prosper thee, if success be for thine own good! But if she be given to + witchcraft (plague on thee, man, sneer not at the word), small comfort to + bed and hearth can such practices bring!” + </p> + <p> + “Alas!” said Alwyn, “the witchcraft is on the side of Hastings,—the + witchcraft of fame and rank, and a glozing tongue and experienced art. But + she shall not fall, if a true arm can save her; and ‘though Hope be a + small child; she can carry a great anchor.’” + </p> + <p> + These words were said so earnestly, that they opened new light into + Marmaduke’s mind; and his native generosity standing in lieu of intellect, + he comprehended sympathetically the noble motives which actuated the son + of commerce. + </p> + <p> + “My poor Alwyn,” he said, “if thou canst save this young maid,—whom + by my troth I loved well, and who tells me yet that she loveth me as a + sister loves,—right glad shall I be. But thou stakest thy peace of + mind against hers! Fair luck to thee, say I again,—and if thou wilt + risk thy chance at once (for suspense is love’s purgatory), seize the + moment. I saw Sibyll, just ere we met, pass to the ramparts, alone; at + this sharp season the place is deserted; go.” + </p> + <p> + “I will, this moment!” said Alwyn, rising and turning very pale; but as he + gained the door, he halted—“I had forgot, Master Nevile, that I + bring the king his signet-ring, new set, of the falcon and fetter-lock.” + </p> + <p> + “They will keep thee three hours in the anteroom. The Duke of Clarence is + now with the king. Trust the ring to me, I shall see his highness ere he + dines.” + </p> + <p> + Even in his love, Alwyn had the Saxon’s considerations of business; he + hesitated—“May I not endanger thereby the king’s favour and loss of + custom?” said the trader. + </p> + <p> + “Tush, man! little thou knowest King Edward; he cares naught for the + ceremonies: moreover, the Neviles are now all-puissant in favour. I am + here in attendance on sweet Lady Anne, whom the king loves as a daughter, + though too young for sire to so well-grown a donzell; and a word from her + lip, if need be, will set all as smooth as this gorget of lawn!” + </p> + <p> + Thus assured, Alwyn gave the ring to his friend, and took his way at once + to the ramparts. Marmaduke remained behind to finish the canary and marvel + how so sober a man should form so ardent a passion. Nor was he much less + surprised to remark that his friend, though still speaking with a strong + provincial accent, and still sowing his discourse with rustic saws and + proverbs, had risen in language and in manner with the rise of his + fortunes. “An he go on so, and become lord mayor,” muttered Marmaduke, + “verily he will half look like a gentleman!” + </p> + <p> + To these meditations the young knight was not long left in peace. A + messenger from Warwick House sought and found him, with the news that the + earl was on his road to London, and wished to see Sir Marmaduke the moment + of his arrival, which was hourly expected. The young knight’s hardy brain + somewhat flustered by the canary, Alwyn’s secret, and this sudden tidings, + he hastened to obey his chief’s summons, and forgot, till he gained the + earl’s mansion, the signet ring intrusted to him by Alwyn. “What matters + it?” said he then, philosophically,—“the king hath rings eno’ on his + fingers not to miss one for an hour or so, and I dare not send any one + else with it. Marry, I must plunge my head in cold water, to get rid of + the fumes of the wine.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0056" id="link2HCH0056"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. THE LOVER AND THE GALLANT—WOMAN’S CHOICE. + </h2> + <p> + Alwyn bent his way to the ramparts, a part of which then resembled the + boulevards of a French town, having rows of trees, green sward, a winding + walk, and seats placed at frequent intervals for the repose of the + loungers. During the summer evenings, the place was a favourite resort of + the court idlers; but now, in winter, it was usually deserted, save by the + sentries, placed at distant intervals. The trader had not gone far in his + quest when he perceived, a few paces before him, the very man he had most + cause to dread; and Lord Hastings, hearing the sound of a footfall amongst + the crisp, faded leaves that strewed the path, turned abruptly as Alwyn + approached his side. + </p> + <p> + At the sight of his formidable rival, Alwyn had formed one of those + resolutions which occur only to men of his decided, plain-spoken, + energetic character. His distinguishing shrewdness and penetration had + given him considerable insight into the nobler as well as the weaker + qualities of Hastings; and his hope in the former influenced the + determination to which he came. The reflections of Hastings at that moment + were of a nature to augur favourably to the views of the humbler lover; + for, during the stirring scenes in which his late absence from Sibyll had + been passed, Hastings had somewhat recovered from her influence; and + feeling the difficulties of reconciling his honour and his worldly + prospects to further prosecution of the love, rashly expressed but not + deeply felt, he had determined frankly to cut the Gordian knot he could + not solve, and inform Sibyll that marriage between them was impossible. + With that view he had appointed this meeting, and his conference with the + king but confirmed his intention. It was in this state of mind that he was + thus accosted by Alwyn:— + </p> + <p> + “My lord, may I make bold to ask for a few moments your charitable + indulgence to words you may deem presumptuous?” + </p> + <p> + “Be brief, then, Master Alwyn,—I am waited for.” + </p> + <p> + “Alas, my lord! I can guess by whom,—by the one whom I seek myself,—by + Sibyll Warner.” + </p> + <p> + “How, Sir Goldsmith!” said Hastings, haughtily, “what knowest thou of my + movements, and what care I for thine?” + </p> + <p> + “Hearken, my Lord Hastings,—hearken!” said Alwyn, repressing his + resentment, and in a voice so earnest that it riveted the entire attention + of the listener—“hearken, and judge not as noble judges craftsman, + but as man should judge man. As the saw saith, ‘We all lie alike in our + graves.’ From the first moment I saw this Sibyll Warner I loved her. Yes; + smile disdainfully, but listen still. She was obscure and in distress. I + loved her not for her fair looks alone; I loved her for her good gifts, + for her patient industry, for her filial duty, for her struggles to give + bread to her father’s board. I did not say to myself, ‘This girl will make + a comely fere, a delicate paramour!’ I said, ‘This good daughter will make + a wife whom an honest man may take to his heart and cherish!’” Poor Alwyn + stopped, with tears in his voice, struggled with his emotions, and + pursued: “My fortunes were more promising than hers; there was no cause + why I might not hope. True, I had a rival then; young as myself, better + born, comelier; but she loved him not. I foresaw that his love for her—if + love it were—would cease. Methought that her mind would understand + mine; as mine—verily I say it—yearned for hers! I could not + look on the maidens of mine own rank, and who had lived around me, but + what—oh, no, my lord, again I say, not the beauty, but the gifts, + the mind, the heart of Sibyll, threw them all into the shade. You may + think it strange that I—a plain, steadfast, trading, working, + careful man—should have all these feelings; but I will tell you + wherefore such as I sometimes have them, nurse them, brood on them, more + than you lords and gentlemen, with all your graceful arts in pleasing. We + know no light loves! no brief distractions to the one arch passion! We + sober sons of the stall and the ware are no general gallants,—we + love plainly, we love but once, and we love heartily. But who knows not + the proverb, ‘What’s a gentleman but his pleasure?’—and what’s + pleasure but change? When Sibyll came to the palace, I soon heard her name + linked with yours; I saw her cheek blush when you spoke. Well, well, well! + after all, as the old wives tell us, ‘Blushing is virtue’s livery.’ I + said, ‘She is a chaste and high-hearted girl.’ This will pass, and the + time will come when she can compare your love and mine. Now, my lord, the + time has come. I know that you seek her. Yea, at this moment, I know that + her heart beats for your footstep. Say but one word,—say that you + love Sibyll Warner with the thought of wedding her,—say that, on + your honour, noble Hastings, as gentleman and peer, and I will kneel at + your feet, and beg your pardon for my vain follies, and go back to my + ware, and work, and not repine. Say it! You are silent? Then I implore + you, still as peer and gentleman, to let the honest love save the maiden + from the wooing that will blight her peace and blast her name! And now, + Lord Hastings, I wait your gracious answer.” + </p> + <p> + The sensations experienced by Hastings, as Alwyn thus concluded, were + manifold and complicated; but, at the first, admiration and pity were the + strongest. + </p> + <p> + “My poor friend,” said he, kindly, “if you thus love a demoiselle + deserving all my reverence, your words and your thoughts bespeak you no + unworthy pretender; but take my counsel, good Alwyn. Come not—thou + from the Chepe—come not to the court for a wife. Forget this + fantasy.” + </p> + <p> + “My lord, it is impossible! Forget I cannot, regret I may. + </p> + <p> + “Thou canst not succeed, man,” resumed the nobleman, more coldly, “nor + couldst if William Hastings had never lived. The eyes of women accustomed + to gaze on the gorgeous externals of the world are blinded to plain worth + like thine. It might have been different had the donzell never abided in a + palace; but as it is, brave fellow, learn how these wounds of the heart + scar over, and the spot becomes hard and callous evermore. What art thou, + Master Nicholas Alwyn,” continued Hastings, gloomily, and with a withering + smile—“what art thou, to ask for a bliss denied to me—to all + of us,—the bliss of carrying poetry into life, youth into manhood, + by winning—the FIRST LOVED? But think not, sir lover, that I say + this in jealousy or disparagement. Look yonder, by the leafless elm, the + white robe of Sibyll Warner. Go and plead thy suit.” + </p> + <p> + “Do I understand you, my lord?” said Alwyn, somewhat confused and + perplexed by the tone and the manner Hastings adopted. “Does report err, + and you do not love this maiden?” + </p> + <p> + “Fair master,” returned Hastings, scornfully, “thou hast no right that I + trow of to pry into my thoughts and secrets; I cannot acknowledge my judge + in thee, good jeweller and goldsmith,—enough, surely, in all + courtesy, that I yield thee the precedence. Tell thy tale, as movingly, if + thou wilt, as thou hast told it to me; say of me all that thou fanciest + thou hast reason to suspect; and if, Master Alwyn, thou woo and win the + lady, fail not to ask me to thy wedding!” + </p> + <p> + There was in this speech and the bearing of the speaker that superb + levity, that inexpressible and conscious superiority, that cold, ironical + tranquillity, which awe and humble men more than grave disdain or + imperious passion. Alwyn ground his teeth as he listened, and gazed in + silent despair and rage upon the calm lord. Neither of these men could + strictly be called handsome. Of the two, Alwyn had the advantage of more + youthful prime, of a taller stature, of a more powerful, though less + supple and graceful, frame. In their very dress, there was little of that + marked distinction between classes which then usually prevailed, for the + dark cloth tunic and surcoat of Hastings made a costume even simpler than + the bright-coloured garb of the trader, with its broad trimmings of fur, + and its aiglettes of elaborate lace. Between man and man, then, where was + the visible, the mighty, the insurmountable difference in all that can + charm the fancy and captivate the eye, which, as he gazed, Alwyn confessed + to himself there existed between the two? Alas! how the distinctions least + to be analyzed are ever the sternest! What lofty ease in that high-bred + air; what histories of triumph seemed to speak in that quiet eye, sleeping + in its own imperious lustre; what magic of command in that pale brow; what + spells of persuasion in that artful lip! Alwyn muttered to himself, bowed + his head involuntarily, and passed on at once from Hastings to Sibyll, who + now, at the distance of some yards, had arrested her steps, in surprise to + see the conference between the nobleman and the burgher. + </p> + <p> + But as he approached Sibyll, poor Alwyn felt all the firmness and courage + he had exhibited with Hastings melt away. And the trepidation which a + fearful but deep affection ever occasions in men of his character, made + his movements more than usually constrained and awkward, as he cowered + beneath the looks of the maid he so truly loved. + </p> + <p> + “Seekest thou me, Master Alwyn?” asked Sibyll, gently, seeing that, though + he paused by her side, he spoke not. + </p> + <p> + “I do,” returned Alwyn, abruptly, and again he was silent. At length, + lifting his eyes and looking round him, he saw Hastings at the distance, + leaning against the rampart, with folded arms; and the contrast of his + rival’s cold and arrogant indifference, and his own burning veins and + bleeding heart, roused up his manly spirit, and gave to his tongue the + eloquence which emotion gains when it once breaks the fetters it forges + for itself. + </p> + <p> + “Look, look, Sibyll!” he said, pointing to Hastings “look! that man you + believe loves you. If so—if he loved thee,—would he stand + yonder—mark him—aloof, contemptuous, careless—while he + knew that I was by your side?” + </p> + <p> + Sibyll turned upon the goldsmith eyes full of innocent surprise,—eyes + that asked, plainly as eyes could speak, “And wherefore not, Master + Alwyn?” + </p> + <p> + Alwyn so interpreted the look, and replied, as if she had spoken: “Because + he must know how poor and tame is that feeble fantasy which alone can come + from a soul worn bare with pleasure, to that which I feel and now own for + thee,—the love of youth, born of the heart’s first vigour; because + he ought to fear that that love should prevail with thee; because that + love ought to prevail. Sibyll, between us there are not imparity and + obstacle. Oh, listen to me,—listen still! Frown not, turn not away.” + And, stung and animated by the sight of his rival, fired by the excitement + of a contest on which the bliss of his own life and the weal of Sibyll’s + might depend, his voice was as the cry of a mortal agony, and affected the + girl to the inmost recesses of her soul. “Oh, Alwyn, I frown not!” she + said sweetly; “oh, Alwyn, I turn not away! Woe is me to give pain to so + kind and brave a heart; but—” + </p> + <p> + “No, speak not yet. I have studied thee, I have read thee as a scholar + would read a book. I know thee proud; I know thee aspiring; I know thou + art vain of thy gentle blood, and distasteful of my yeoman’s birth. There, + I am not blind to thy faults, but I love thee despite them; and to please + those faults I have toiled, schemed, dreamed, risen. I offer to thee the + future with the certainty of a man who can command it. Wouldst thou + wealth?—be patient (as ambition ever is): in a few years thou shalt + have more gold than the wife of Lord Hastings can command; thou shalt + lodge more statelily, fare more sumptuously; [This was no vain promise of + Master Alwyn. At that time a successful trader made a fortune with signal + rapidity, and enjoyed greater luxuries than most of the barons. All the + gold in the country flowed into the coffers of the London merchants.] thou + shalt walk on cloth-of-gold if thou wilt! Wouldst thou titles?—I + will win them. Richard de la Pole, who founded the greatest duchy in the + realm, was poorer than I, when he first served in a merchant’s ware. Gold + buys all things now. Oh, would to Heaven it could but buy me thee!” + </p> + <p> + “Master Alwyn, it is not gold that buys love. Be soothed. What can I say + to thee to soften the harsh word ‘Nay’?” + </p> + <p> + “You reject me, then, and at once? I ask not your hand now. I will wait, + tarry, hope,—I care not if for years; wait till I can fulfil all I + promise thee!” + </p> + <p> + Sibyll, affected to tears, shook her head mournfully; and there was a long + and painful silence. Never was wooing more strangely circumstanced than + this,—the one lover pleading while the other was in view; the one, + ardent, impassioned, the other, calm and passive; and the silence of the + last, alas! having all the success which the words of the other lacked. It + might be said that the choice before Sibyll was a type of the choice ever + given, but in vain, to the child of genius. Here a secure and peaceful + life, an honoured home, a tranquil lot, free from ideal visions, it is + true, but free also from the doubt and the terror, the storms of passion; + there, the fatal influence of an affection, born of imagination, sinister, + equivocal, ominous, but irresistible. And the child of genius fulfilled + her destiny! + </p> + <p> + “Master Alwyn,” said Sibyll, rousing herself to the necessary exertion, “I + shall never cease gratefully to recall thy generous friendship, never + cease to pray fervently for thy weal below. But forever and forever let + this content thee,—I can no more.” + </p> + <p> + Impressed by the grave and solemn tone of Sibyll, Alwyn hushed the groan + that struggled to his lips, and gloomily replied: “I obey you, fair + mistress, and I return to my workday life; but ere I go, I pray you + misthink me not if I say this much: not alone for the bliss of hoping for + a day in which I might call thee mine have I thus importuned, but, not + less—I swear not less—from the soul’s desire to save thee from + what I fear will but lead to woe and wayment, to peril and pain, to weary + days and sleepless nights. ‘Better a little fire that warms than a great + that burns.’ Dost thou think that Lord Hastings, the vain, the dissolute—” + </p> + <p> + “Cease, sir!” said Sibyll, proudly; “me reprove if thou wilt, but lower + not my esteem for thee by slander against another!” + </p> + <p> + “What!” said Alwyn, bitterly; “doth even one word of counsel chafe thee? I + tell thee that if thou dreamest that Lord Hastings loves Sibyll Warner as + man loves the maiden he would wed, thou deceivest thyself to thine own + misery. If thou wouldst prove it, go to him now,—go and say, ‘Wilt + thou give me that home of peace and honour, that shelter for my father’s + old age under a son’s roof which the trader I despise proffers me in + vain?” + </p> + <p> + “If it were already proffered me—by him?” said Sibyll, in a low + voice, and blushing deeply. + </p> + <p> + Alwyn started. “Then I wronged him; and—and—” he added + generously, though with a faint sickness at his heart, “I can yet be happy + in thinking thou art so. Farewell, maiden, the saints guard thee from one + memory of regret at what hath passed between us!” + </p> + <p> + He pulled his bonnet hastily over his brows, and departed with unequal and + rapid strides. As he passed the spot where Hastings stood leaning his arm + upon the wall, and his face upon his hand, the nobleman looked up, and + said,— + </p> + <p> + “Well, Sir Goldsmith, own at least that thy trial hath been a fair one!” + Then struck with the anguish written upon Alwyn’s face, he walked up to + him, and, with a frank, compassionate impulse, laid his hand on his + shoulder. “Alwyn,” he said, “I have felt what you feel now; I have + survived it, and the world hath not prospered with me less! Take with you + a compassion that respects, and does not degrade you.” + </p> + <p> + “Do not deceive her, my lord,—she trusts and loves you! You never + deceived man,—the wide world says it,—do not deceive woman! + Deeds kill men, words women!” Speaking thus simply, Alwyn strode on, and + vanished. + </p> + <p> + Hastings slowly and silently advanced to Sibyll. Her rejection of Alwyn + had by no means tended to reconcile him to the marriage he himself had + proffered. He might well suppose that the girl, even if unguided by + affection, would not hesitate between a mighty nobleman and an obscure + goldsmith. His pride was sorely wounded that the latter should have even + thought himself the equal of one whom he had proposed, though but in a + passionate impulse, to raise to his own state. And yet as he neared + Sibyll, and, with a light footstep, she sprang forward to meet him, her + eyes full of sweet joy and confidence, he shrank from an avowal which must + wither up a heart opening thus all its bloom of youth and love to greet + him. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, fair lord,” said the maiden, “was it kindly in thee to permit poor + Alwyn to inflict on me so sharp a pain, and thou to stand calmly distant? + Sure, alas! that had thy humble rival proffered a crown, it had been the + same to Sibyll! Oh, how the grief it was mine to cause grieved me; and + yet, through all, I had one selfish, guilty gleam of pleasure,—to + think that I had not been loved so well, if I were all unworthy the sole + love I desire or covet!” + </p> + <p> + “And yet, Sibyll, this young man can in all, save wealth and a sounding + name, give thee more than I can,—a heart undarkened by moody + memories, a temper unsoured by the world’s dread and bitter lore of man’s + frailty and earth’s sorrow. Ye are not far separated by ungenial years, + and might glide to a common grave hand in hand; but I, older in heart than + in age, am yet so far thine elder in the last, that these hairs will be + gray, and this form bent, while thy beauty is in its prime, and—but + thou weepest!” + </p> + <p> + “I weep that thou shouldst bring one thought of time to sadden my + thoughts, which are of eternity. Love knows no age, it foresees no grave! + its happiness and its trust behold on the earth but one glory, melting + into the hues of heaven, where they who love lastingly pass calmly on to + live forever! See, I weep not now!” + </p> + <p> + “And did not this honest burgher,” pursued Hastings, softened and + embarrassed, but striving to retain his cruel purpose, “tell thee to + distrust me; tell thee that my vows were false?” + </p> + <p> + “Methinks, if an angel told me so, I should disbelieve!” + </p> + <p> + “Why, look thee, Sibyll, suppose his warning true; suppose that at this + hour I sought thee with intent to say that that destiny which ambition + weaves for itself forbade me to fulfil a word hotly spoken; that I could + not wed thee,—should I not seem to thee a false wooer, a poor + trifler with thy earnest heart; and so, couldst thou not recall the love + of him whose truer and worthier homage yet lingers in thine ear, and with + him be happy?” + </p> + <p> + Sibyll lifted her dark eyes, yet humid, upon the unrevealing face of the + speaker, and gazed on him with wistful and inquiring sadness; then, + shrinking from his side, she crossed her arms meekly on her bosom, and + thus said,— + </p> + <p> + “If ever, since we parted, one such thought hath glanced across thee—one + thought of repentance at the sacrifice of pride, or the lessening of power—which + (she faltered, broke off the sentence, and resumed)—in one word, if + thou wouldst retract, say it now, and I will not accuse thy falsehood, but + bless thy truth.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou couldst be consoled, then, by thy pride of woman, for the loss of an + unworthy lover?” + </p> + <p> + “My lord, are these questions fair?” + </p> + <p> + Hastings was silent. The gentler part of his nature struggled severely + with the harder. The pride of Sibyll moved him no less than her trust; and + her love in both was so evident, so deep, so exquisitely contrasting the + cold and frivolous natures amidst which his lot had fallen, that he + recoiled from casting away forever a heart never to be replaced. Standing + on that bridge of life, with age before and youth behind, he felt that + never again could he be so loved, or, if so loved by one so worthy of + whatever of pure affection, of young romance, was yet left to his + melancholy and lonely soul. + </p> + <p> + He took her hand, and, as she felt its touch, her firmness forsook her, + her head drooped upon her bosom, and she burst into an agony of tears. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Sibyll, forgive me! Smile on me again, Sibyll!” exclaimed Hastings, + subdued and melted. But, alas! the heart once bruised and galled recovers + itself but slowly, and it was many minutes before the softest words the + eloquent lover could shape to sound sufficed to dry those burning tears, + and bring back the enchanting smile,—nay, even then the smile was + forced and joyless. They walked on for some moments, both in thought, till + Hastings said: “Thou lovest me, Sibyll, and art worthy of all the love + that man can feel for maid; and yet, canst thou solve me this question, + nor chide me that I ask it, Dost thou not love the world and the world’s + judgments more than me? What is that which women call honour? What makes + them shrink from all love that takes not the form and circumstance of the + world’s hollow rites? Does love cease to be love, unless over its wealth + of trust and emotion the priest mouths his empty blessing? Thou in thy + graceful pride art angered if I, in wedding thee, should remember the + sacrifice which men like me—I own it fairly—deem as great as + man can make; and yet thou wouldst fly my love if it wooed thee to a + sacrifice of thine own.” + </p> + <p> + Artfully was the question put, and Hastings smiled to himself in imagining + the reply it must bring; and then Sibyll answered, with the blush which + the very subject called forth, + </p> + <p> + “Alas, my lord, I am but a poor casuist, but I feel that if I asked thee + to forfeit whatever men respect,—honour and repute for valour, to be + traitor and dastard,—thou couldst love me no more; and marvel you + if, when man woos woman to forfeit all that her sex holds highest,—to + be in woman what dastard and traitor is in man,—she hears her + conscience and her God speak in a louder voice than can come from a human + lip? The goods and pomps of the world we are free to sacrifice, and true + love heeds and counts them not; but true love cannot sacrifice that which + makes up love,—it cannot sacrifice the right to be loved below; the + hope to love on in the realm above; the power to pray with a pure soul for + the happiness it yearns to make; the blessing to seem ever good and + honoured in the eyes of the one by whom alone it would be judged. And + therefore, sweet lord, true love never contemplates this sacrifice; and if + once it believes itself truly loved, it trusts with a fearless faith in + the love on which it leans.” + </p> + <p> + “Sibyll, would to Heaven I had seen thee in my youth! Would to Heaven I + were more worthy of thee!” And in that interview Hastings had no heart to + utter what he had resolved, “Sibyll, I sought thee but to say Farewell.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0057" id="link2HCH0057"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. WARWICK RETURNS—APPEASES A DISCONTENTED PRINCE—AND + CONFERS WITH A REVENGEFUL CONSPIRATOR. + </h2> + <p> + It was not till late in the evening that Warwick arrived at his vast + residence in London, where he found not only Marmaduke Nevile ready to + receive him, but a more august expectant, in George Duke of Clarence. + Scarcely had the earl crossed the threshold, when the duke seized his arm, + and leading him into the room that adjoined the hall, said,— + </p> + <p> + “Verily, Edward is besotted no less than ever by his wife’s leech-like + family. Thou knowest my appointment to the government of Ireland; Isabel, + like myself, cannot endure the subordinate vassalage we must brook at the + court, with the queen’s cold looks and sour words. Thou knowest, also, + with what vain pretexts Edward has put me of; and now, this very day, he + tells me that he hath changed his humour,—that I am not stern enough + for the Irish kernes; that he loves me too well to banish me, forsooth; + and that Worcester, the people’s butcher but the queen’s favourite, must + have the post so sacredly pledged to me. I see in this Elizabeth’s crafty + malice. Is this struggle between king’s blood and queen’s kith to go on + forever?” + </p> + <p> + “Calm thyself, George; I will confer with the king tomorrow, and hope to + compass thy not too arrogant desire. Certes, a king’s brother is the + fittest vice-king for the turbulent kernes of Ireland, who are ever + flattered into obeisance by ceremony and show. The government was pledged + to thee—Edward can scarcely be serious. Moreover, Worcester, though + forsooth a learned man—Mort-Dieu! methinks that same learning fills + the head to drain the heart!—is so abhorred for his cruelties that + his very landing in Ireland will bring a new rebellion to add to our + already festering broils and sores. Calm thyself, I say. Where didst thou + leave Isabel?” + </p> + <p> + “With my mother.” + </p> + <p> + “And Anne?—the queen chills not her young heart with cold grace?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, the queen dare not unleash her malice against Edward’s will; and, to + do him justice, he hath shown all honour to Lord Warwick’s daughter.” + </p> + <p> + “He is a gallant prince, with all his faults,” said the father, heartily, + “and we must bear with him, George; for verily he hath bound men by a + charm to love him. Stay thou and share my hasty repast, and over the wine + we will talk of thy views. Spare me now for a moment; I have to prepare + work eno’ for a sleepless night. This Lincolnshire rebellion promises much + trouble. Lord Willoughby has joined it; more than twenty thousand men are + in arms. I have already sent to convene the knights and barons on whom the + king can best depend, and must urge their instant departure for their + halls, to raise men and meet the foe. While Edward feasts, his minister + must toil. Tarry a while till I return.” The earl re-entered the hall, and + beckoned to Marmaduke, who stood amongst a group of squires. + </p> + <p> + “Follow me; I may have work for thee.” Warwick took a taper from one of + the servitors, and led the way to his own more private apartment. On the + landing of the staircase, by a small door, stood his body-squire—“Is + the prisoner within?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my lord.” + </p> + <p> + “Good!”—The earl opened the door by which the squire had mounted + guard, and bade Marmaduke wait without. + </p> + <p> + The inmate of the chamber, whose dress bore the stains of fresh travel and + hard riding, lifted his face hastily as the earl entered. + </p> + <p> + “Robin Hilyard,” said Warwick, “I have mused much how to reconcile my + service to the king with the gratitude I owe to a man who saved me from + great danger. In the midst of thy unhappy and rebellious designs thou wert + captured and brought to me; the papers found on thee attest a Lancastrian + revolt, so ripening towards a mighty gathering, and so formidable from the + adherents whom the gold and intrigues of King Louis have persuaded to risk + land and life for the Red Rose, that all the king’s friends can do to save + his throne is now needed. In this revolt thou hast been the scheming + brain, the master hand, the match to the bombard, the fire brand to the + flax. Thou smilest, man! Alas! seest thou not that it is my stern duty to + send thee bound hand and foot before the king’s council, for the brake to + wring from thee thy guilty secrets, and the gibbet to close thy days?” + </p> + <p> + “I am prepared,” said Hilyard; “when the bombard explodes, the match has + become useless; when the flame smites the welkin, the firebrand is + consumed!” + </p> + <p> + “Bold man! what seest thou in this rebellion that can profit thee?” + </p> + <p> + “I see, looming through the chasms and rents made in the feudal order by + civil war, the giant image of a free people.” + </p> + <p> + “And thou wouldst be a martyr for the multitude, who deserted thee at + Olney?” + </p> + <p> + “As thou for the king who dishonoured thee at Shene!” + </p> + <p> + Warwick frowned, and there was a moment’s pause; at last, said the earl: + “Look you, Robin, I would fain not have on my hands the blood of a man who + saved my life. I believe thee, though a fanatic and half madman,—I + believe thee true in word as rash of deed. Swear to me on the cross of + this dagger that thou wilt lay aside all scheme and plot for this + rebellion, all aid and share in civil broil and dissension, and thy life + and liberty are restored to thee. In that intent, I have summoned my own + kinsman, Marmaduke Nevile. He waits without the door; he shall conduct + thee safely to the seashore; thou shalt gain in peace my government of + Calais, and my seneschal there shall find thee all thou canst need,—meat + for thy hunger and moneys for thy pastime. Accept my mercy, take the oath, + and begone.” + </p> + <p> + “My lord,” answered Hilyard, much touched and affected, “blame not thyself + if this carcass feed the crows—my blood be on mine own head! I + cannot take this oath; I cannot live in peace; strife and broil are grown + to me food and drink. Oh, my lord! thou knowest not what dark and baleful + memories made me an agent in God’s hand against this ruthless Edward!” and + then passionately, with whitening lips and convulsive features, Hilyard + recounted to the startled Warwick the same tale which had roused the + sympathy of Adam Warner. + </p> + <p> + The earl, whose affections were so essentially homely and domestic, was + even more shocked than the scholar by the fearful narrative. + </p> + <p> + “Unhappy man!” he said with moistened eyes, “from the core of my heart I + pity thee. But thou, the scathed sufferer from civil war, wilt thou be now + its dread reviver?” + </p> + <p> + “If Edward had wronged thee, great earl, as me, poor franklin, what would + be thine answer? In vain moralize to him whom the spectre of a murdered + child and the shriek of a maniac wife haunt and hound on to vengeance! So + send me to rack and halter. Be there one curse more on the soul of + Edward!” + </p> + <p> + “Thou shalt not die through my witness,” said the earl, abruptly; and he + quitted the chamber. + </p> + <p> + Securing the door by a heavy bolt on the outside, he gave orders to his + squire to attend to the comforts of the prisoner; and then turning into + his closet with Marmaduke, said: “I sent for thee, young cousin, with + design to commit to thy charge one whose absence from England I deemed + needful—that design I must abandon. Go back to the palace, and see, + if thou canst, the king before he sleeps; say that this rising in + Lincolnshire is more than a riot,—it is the first burst of a + revolution! that I hold council here to-night, and every shire, ere the + morrow, shall have its appointed captain. I will see the king at morning. + Yet stay—gain sight of my child Anne; she will leave the court + to-morrow. I will come for her; bid her train be prepared; she and the + countess must away to Calais,—England again hath ceased to be a home + for women! What to do with this poor rebel?” muttered the earl, when + alone; “release him I cannot; slay him I will not. Hum, there is space + enough in these walls to inclose a captive.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0058" id="link2HCH0058"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. THE FEAR AND THE FLIGHT. + </h2> + <p> + King Edward feasted high, and Sibyll sat in her father’s chamber,—she + silent with thought of love, Adam silent in the toils of science. The + Eureka was well-nigh finished, rising from its ruins more perfect, more + elaborate, than before. Maiden and scholar, each seeming near to the + cherished goal,—one to love’s genial altar, the other to fame’s + lonely shrine. + </p> + <p> + Evening advanced, night began, night deepened. King Edward’s feast was + over, but still in his perfumed chamber the wine sparkled in the golden + cup. It was announced to him that Sir Marmaduke Nevile, just arrived from + the earl’s house, craved an audience. The king, pre-occupied in deep + revery, impatiently postponed it till the morrow. + </p> + <p> + “To-morrow,” said the gentleman in attendance, “Sir Marmaduke bids me say, + fearful that the late hour would forbid his audience, that Lord Warwick + himself will visit your Grace. I fear, sire, that the disturbances are + great indeed, for the squires and gentlemen in Lady Anne’s train have + orders to accompany her to Calais to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “To-morrow, to-morrow!” repeated the king—“well, sir, you are + dismissed.” + </p> + <p> + The Lady Anne (to whom Sibyll had previously communicated the king’s + kindly consideration for Master Warner) had just seen Marmaduke, and + learned the new dangers that awaited the throne and the realm. The + Lancastrians were then openly in arms for the prince of her love, and + against her mighty father! + </p> + <p> + The Lady Anne sat a while, sorrowful and musing, and then, before yon + crucifix, the Lady Anne knelt in prayer. Sir Marmaduke Nevile descends to + the court below, and some three or four busy, curious gentlemen, not yet + a-bed, seize him by the arm, and pray him to say what storm is in the + wind. + </p> + <p> + The night deepened still. The wine is drained in King Edward’s goblet; + King Edward has left his chamber; and Sibyll, entreating her father, but + in vain, to suspend his toil, has kissed the damps from his brow, and is + about to retire to her neighbouring room. She has turned to the threshold, + when, hark! a faint—a distant cry, a woman’s shriek, the noise of a + clapping door! The voice—it is the voice of Anne! Sibyll passed the + threshold, she is in the corridor; the winter moon shines through the open + arches, the air is white and cold with frost. Suddenly the door at the + farther end is thrown wide open, a form rushes into the corridor, it + passes Sibyll, halts, turns round. “Oh, Sibyll!” cried the Lady Anne, in a + voice wild with horror, “save me—aid—help! Merciful Heaven, + the king!” + </p> + <p> + Instinctively, wonderingly, tremblingly, Sibyll drew Anne into the chamber + she had just quitted, and as they gained its shelter, as Anne sank upon + the floor, the gleam of cloth-of-gold flashed through the dim atmosphere, + and Edward, yet in the royal robe in which he had dazzled all the eyes at + his kingly feast, stood within the chamber. His countenance was agitated + with passion, and its clear hues flushed red with wine. At his entrance + Anne sprang from the floor, and rushed to Warner, who, in dumb + bewilderment, had suspended his task, and stood before the Eureka, from + which steamed and rushed the dark, rapid smoke, while round and round, + labouring and groaning, rolled its fairy wheels. [The gentle reader will + doubtless bear in mind that Master Warner’s complicated model had but + little resemblance to the models of the steam-engine in our own day, and + that it was usually connected with other contrivances, for the better + display of the principle it was intended to illustrate.] + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” cried Anne, clinging to him convulsively, “you are a father; by + your child’s soul, protect Lord Warwick’s daughter!” + </p> + <p> + Roused from his abstraction by this appeal, the poor scholar wound his arm + round the form thus clinging to him, and raising his head with dignity, + replied, “Thy name, youth, and sex protect thee!” + </p> + <p> + “Unhand that lady, vile sorcerer,” exclaimed the king, “I am her + protector. Come, Anne, sweet Anne, fair lady, thou mistakest,—come!” + he whispered. “Give not to these low natures matter for guesses that do + but shame thee. Let thy king and cousin lead thee back to thy sweet rest.” + </p> + <p> + He sought, though gently, to loosen the arms that wound themselves round + the old man; but Anne, not heeding, not listening, distracted by a terror + that seemed to shake her whole frame and to threaten her very reason, + continued to cry out loudly upon her father’s name,—her great + father, wakeful, then, for the baffled ravisher’s tottering throne! + </p> + <p> + Edward had still sufficient possession of his reason to be alarmed lest + some loiterer or sentry in the outer court might hear the cries which his + attempts to soothe but the more provoked. Grinding his teeth, and losing + patience, he said to Adam, “Thou knowest me, friend,—I am thy king. + Since the Lady Anne, in her bewilderment, prefers thine aid to mine, help + to bear her back to her apartment; and thou, young mistress, lend thine + arm. This wizard’s den is no fit chamber for our high-born guest.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no; drive me not hence, Master Warner—that man—that king—give + me not up to his—his—” + </p> + <p> + “Beware!” exclaimed the king. + </p> + <p> + It was not till now that Adam’s simple mind comprehended the true cause of + Anne’s alarm, which Sibyll still conjectured not, but stood trembling by + her friend’s side, and close to her father. + </p> + <p> + “Do not fear, maiden;” said Adam Warner, laying his hand upon the loosened + locks that swept over his bosom, “for though I am old and feeble, God and + his angels are in every spot where virtue trembles and resists. My lord + king, thy sceptre extends not over a human soul!” + </p> + <p> + “Dotard, prate not to me!” said Edward, laying his hand on his dagger. + Sibyll saw the movement, and instinctively placed herself between her + father and the king. That slight form, those pure, steadfast eyes, those + features, noble at once and delicate, recalled to Edward the awe which had + seized him in his first dark design; and again that awe came over him. He + retreated. + </p> + <p> + “I mean harm to none,” said he, almost submissively; “and if I am so + unhappy as to scare with my presence the Lady Anne, I will retire, praying + you, donzell, to see to her state, and lead her back to her chamber when + it so pleases herself. Saying this much, I command you, old man, and you, + maiden, to stand back while I but address one sentence to the Lady Anne.” + </p> + <p> + With these words he gently advanced to Anne, and took her hand; but, + snatching it from him, the poor lady broke from Adam, rushed to the + casement, opened it, and seeing some figures indistinct and distant in the + court below, she called out in a voice of such sharp agony that it struck + remorse and even terror into Edward’s soul. + </p> + <p> + “Alas!” he muttered, “she will not listen to me! her mind is distraught! + What frenzy has been mine! Pardon—pardon, Anne,—oh, pardon!” + </p> + <p> + Adam Warner laid his hand on the king’s arm, and he drew the imperious + despot away as easily as a nurse leads a docile child. + </p> + <p> + “King!” said the brave old man, “may God pardon thee; for if the last evil + hath been wrought upon this noble lady, David sinned not more heavily than + thou.” + </p> + <p> + “She is pure, inviolate,—I swear it!” said the king, humbly. “Anne, + only say that I am forgiven.” + </p> + <p> + But Anne spoke not: her eyes were fixed, her lips had fallen; she was + insensible as a corpse,—dumb and frozen with her ineffable dread. + Suddenly steps were heard upon the stairs; the door opened, and Marmaduke + Nevile entered abruptly. + </p> + <p> + “Surely I heard my lady’s voice,—surely! What marvel this?—the + king! Pardon, my liege!” and he bent his knee. + </p> + <p> + The sight of Marmaduke dissolved the spell of awe and repentant + humiliation which had chained a king’s dauntless heart. His wonted guile + returned to him with his self-possession. + </p> + <p> + “Our wise craftsman’s strange and weird invention”—and Edward + pointed to the Eureka—“has scared our fair cousin’s senses, as, by + sweet Saint George, it well might! Go back, Sir Marmaduke, we will leave + Lady Anne for the moment to the care of Mistress Sibyll. Donzell, remember + my command. Come, sir”—(and he drew the wondering Marmaduke from the + chamber); but as soon as he had seen the knight descend the stairs and + regain the court, he returned to the room, and in a low, stern voice, + said, “Look you, Master Warner, and you, damsel, if ever either of ye + breathe one word of what has been your dangerous fate to hear and witness, + kings have but one way to punish slanderers, and silence but one + safeguard!—trifle not with death!” + </p> + <p> + He then closed the door, and resought his own chamber. The Eastern spices, + which were burned in the sleeping-rooms of the great, still made the air + heavy with their feverish fragrance. The king seated himself, and strove + to recollect his thoughts, and examine the peril he had provoked. The + resistance and the terror of Anne had effectually banished from his heart + the guilty passion it had before harboured; for emotions like his, and in + such a nature, are quick of change. His prevailing feeling was one of + sharp repentance and reproachful shame. But as he roused himself from a + state of mind which light characters ever seek to escape, the image of the + dark-browed earl rose before him, and fear succeeded to mortification; but + even this, however well-founded, could not endure long in a disposition so + essentially scornful of all danger. Before morning the senses of Anne must + return to her. So gentle a bosom could be surely reasoned out of + resentment, or daunted, at least, from betraying to her stern father a + secret that, if told, would smear the sward of England with the gore of + thousands. What woman will provoke war and bloodshed? And for an evil not + wrought, for a purpose not fulfilled? The king was grateful that his + victim had escaped him. He would see Anne before the earl could, and + appease her anger, obtain her silence! For Warner and for Sibyll, they + would not dare to reveal; and, if they did, the lips that accuse a king + soon belie themselves, while a rack can torture truth, and the doomsman be + the only judge between the subject and the head that wears a crown. + </p> + <p> + Thus reasoning with himself, his soul faced the solitude. Meanwhile + Marmaduke regained the courtyard, where, as we have said, he had been + detained in conferring with some of the gentlemen in the king’s service, + who, hearing that he brought important tidings from the earl, had + abstained from rest till they could learn if the progress of the new + rebellion would bring their swords into immediate service. Marmaduke, + pleased to be of importance, had willingly satisfied their curiosity, as + far as he was able, and was just about to retire to his own chamber, when + the cry of Anne had made him enter the postern-door which led up the + stairs to Adam’s apartment, and which was fortunately not locked; and now, + on returning, he had again a new curiosity to allay. Having briefly said + that Master Warner had taken that untoward hour to frighten the women with + a machine that vomited smoke and howled piteously, Marmaduke dismissed the + group to their beds, and was about to seek his own, when, looking once + more towards the casement, he saw a white hand gleaming in the frosty + moonlight, and beckoning to him. + </p> + <p> + The knight crossed himself, and reluctantly ascended the stairs, and + re-entered the wizard’s den. + </p> + <p> + The Lady Anne had so far recovered herself, that a kind of unnatural calm + had taken possession of her mind, and changed her ordinary sweet and + tractable nature into one stern, obstinate resolution,—to escape, if + possible, that unholy palace. And as soon as Marmaduke re-entered, Anne + met him at the threshold, and laying her hand convulsively on his arm, + said, “By the name you bear, by your love to my father, aid me to quit + these walls.” + </p> + <p> + In great astonishment, Marmaduke stared, without reply. “Do you deny me, + sir?” said Anne, almost sternly. + </p> + <p> + “Lady and mistress mine,” answered Marmaduke, “I am your servant in all + things. Quit these walls, the palace!—How?—the gates are + closed. Nay, and what would my lord say, if at night—” + </p> + <p> + “If at night!” repeated Anne, in a hollow voice; and then pausing, burst + into a terrible laugh. Recovering herself abruptly, she moved to the door, + “I will go forth alone, and trust in God and Our Lady.” + </p> + <p> + Sibyll sprang forward to arrest her steps, and Marmaduke hastened to Adam, + and whispered, “Poor lady, is her mind unsettled? Hast thou, in truth, + distracted her with thy spells and glamour?” + </p> + <p> + “Hush!” answered the old man; and he whispered in Nevile’s ear. + </p> + <p> + Scarcely had the knight caught the words, than his cheek paled, his eyes + flashed fire. “The great earl’s daughter!” he exclaimed. “Infamy—horror—she + is right!” He broke from the student, approached Anne, who still struggled + with Sibyll, and kneeling before her, said, in a voice choked with + passions at once fierce and tender,— + </p> + <p> + “Lady, you are right. Unseemly it may be for one of your quality and sex + to quit this place with me, and alone; but at least I have a man’s heart, + a knight’s honour. Trust to me your safety, noble maiden, and I will cut + your way, even through yon foul king’s heart, to your great father’s + side!” + </p> + <p> + Anne did not seem quite to understand his words; but she smiled on him as + he knelt, and gave him her hand. The responsibility he had assumed + quickened all the intellect of the young knight. As he took and kissed the + hand extended to him, he felt the ring upon his finger,—the ring + intrusted to him by Alwyn, the king’s signet-ring, before which would fly + open every gate. He uttered a joyous exclamation, loosened his long + night-cloak, and praying Anne to envelop her form in its folds, drew the + hood over her head; he was about to lead her forth when he halted + suddenly. + </p> + <p> + “Alack,” said he, turning to Sibyll, “even though we may escape the Tower, + no boatman now can be found on the river. The way through the streets is + dark and perilous, and beset with midnight ruffians.” + </p> + <p> + “Verily,” said Warner, “the danger is past now. Let the noble demoiselle + rest here till morning. The king dare not again—” + </p> + <p> + “Dare not!” interrupted Marmaduke. “Alas! you little know King Edward.” + </p> + <p> + At that name Anne shuddered, opened the door, and hurried down the stairs; + Sibyll and Marmaduke followed her. + </p> + <p> + “Listen, Sir Marmaduke,” said Sibyll. “Close without the Tower is the + house of a noble lady, the dame of Longueville, where Anne may rest in + safety, while you seek Lord Warwick. I will go with you, if you can obtain + egress for us both.” + </p> + <p> + “Brave damsel!” said Marmaduke, with emotion; “but your own safety—the + king’s anger—no—besides a third, your dress not concealed, + would create the warder’s suspicion. Describe the house.” + </p> + <p> + “The third to the left, by the river’s side, with an arched porch, and the + fleur-de-lis embossed on the walls.” + </p> + <p> + “It is not so dark but we shall find it. Fare you well, gentle mistress.” + </p> + <p> + While they yet spoke, they had both reached the side of Anne. Sibyll still + persisted in the wish to accompany her friend; but Marmaduke’s + representation of the peril to life itself that might befall her father, + if Edward learned she had abetted Anne’s escape, finally prevailed. The + knight and his charge gained the outer gate. + </p> + <p> + “Haste, haste, Master Warder!” he cried, beating at the door with his + dagger till it opened jealously,—“messages of importance to the Lord + Warwick. We have the king’s signet. Open!” + </p> + <p> + The sleepy warder glanced at the ring; the gates were opened; they were + without the fortress, they hurried on. “Cheer up, noble lady; you are + safe, you shall be avenged!” said Marmaduke, as he felt the steps of his + companion falter. But the reaction had come. The effort Anne had hitherto + made was for escape, for liberty; the strength ceased, the object gained; + her head drooped, she muttered a few incoherent words, and then sense and + life left her. Marmaduke paused in great perplexity and alarm. But lo, a + light in a house before him! That house the third to the river,—the + only one with the arched porch described by Sibyll. He lifted the light + and holy burden in his strong arms, he gained the door; to his + astonishment it was open; a light burned on the stairs; he heard, in the + upper room, the sound of whispered voices, and quick, soft footsteps + hurrying to and fro. Still bearing the insensible form of his companion, + he ascended the staircase, and entered at once upon a chamber, in which, + by a dim lamp, he saw some two or three persons assembled round a bed in + the recess. A grave man advanced to him, as he paused at the threshold. + </p> + <p> + “Whom seek you?” + </p> + <p> + “The Lady Longueville.” + </p> + <p> + “Hush?” + </p> + <p> + “Who needs me?” said a faint voice, from the curtained recess. + </p> + <p> + “My name is Nevile,” answered Marmaduke, with straightforward brevity. + “Mistress Sibyll Warner told me of this house, where I come for an hour’s + shelter to my companion, the Lady Anne, daughter of the Earl of Warwick.” + </p> + <p> + Marmaduke resigned his charge to an old woman, who was the nurse in that + sick-chamber, and who lifted the hood and chafed the pale, cold hands of + the young maiden; the knight then strode to the recess. The Lady of + Longueville was on the bed of death—an illness of two days had + brought her to the brink of the grave; but there was in her eye and + countenance a restless and preternatural animation, and her voice was + clear and shrill, as she said,— + </p> + <p> + “Why does the daughter of Warwick, the Yorkist, seek refuge in the house + of the fallen and childless Lancastrian?” + </p> + <p> + “Swear by thy hopes in Christ that thou will tend and guard her while I + seek the earl, and I reply.” + </p> + <p> + “Stranger, my name is Longueville, my birth noble,—those pledges of + hospitality and trust are stronger than hollow oaths. Say on!” + </p> + <p> + “Because, then,” whispered the knight, after waving the bystanders from + the spot, “because the earl’s daughter flies dishonour in a king’s palace, + and her insulter is the king!” + </p> + <p> + Before the dying woman could reply, Anne, recovered by the cares of the + experienced nurse, suddenly sprang to the recess, and kneeling by the + bedside, exclaimed wildly,—“Save me! bide me! save me!” + </p> + <p> + “Go and seek the earl, whose right hand destroyed my house and his lawful + sovereign’s throne,—go! I will live till he arrives!” said the + childless widow, and a wild gleam of triumph shot over her haggard + features. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0059" id="link2HCH0059"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. THE GROUP ROUND THE DEATH-BED OF THE LANCASTRIAN WIDOW. + </h2> + <p> + The dawning sun gleamed through gray clouds upon a small troop of men, + armed in haste, who were grouped round a covered litter by the outer door + of the Lady Longueville’s house; while in the death-chamber, the Earl of + Warwick, with a face as pale as the dying woman’s, stood beside the bed, + Anne calmly leaning on his breast, her eyes closed, and tears yet moist on + her long fringes. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, ay!” said the Lancastrian noblewoman, “ye men of wrath and + turbulence should reap what ye have sown! This is the king for whom ye + dethroned the sainted Henry! this the man for whom ye poured forth the + blood of England’s best! Ha! ha! Look down from heaven, my husband, my + martyr-sons! The daughter of your mightiest foe flies to this lonely + hearth,—flies to the death-bed of the powerless woman for refuge + from the foul usurper whom that foe placed upon the throne!” + </p> + <p> + “Spare me,” muttered Warwick, in a low voice, and between his grinded + teeth. The room had been cleared, and Dr. Godard (the grave man who had + first accosted Marmaduke, and who was the priest summoned to the dying) + alone—save the scarce conscious Anne herself—witnessed the + ghastly and awful conference. + </p> + <p> + “Hush, daughter,” said the man of peace, lifting the solemn crucifix,—“calm + thyself to holier thoughts.” + </p> + <p> + The lady impatiently turned from the priest, and grasping the strong right + arm of Warwick with her shrivelled and trembling fingers, resumed in a + voice that struggled to repress the gasps which broke its breath,— + </p> + <p> + “But thou—oh, thou wilt bear this indignity! thou, the chief of + England’s barons, wilt see no dishonour in the rank love of the vilest of + England’s kings! Oh, yes, ye Yorkists have the hearts of varlets, not of + men and fathers!” + </p> + <p> + “By the symbol from which thou turnest, woman!” exclaimed the earl, giving + vent to the fury which the presence of death had before suppressed, “by + Him to whom, morning and night, I have knelt in grateful blessing for the + virtuous life of this beloved child, I will have such revenge on the + recreant whom I kinged, as shall live in the rolls of England till the + trump of the Judgment Angel!” + </p> + <p> + “Father,” said Anne, startled by her father’s vehemence from her + half-swoon, half-sleep—“Father, think no more of the past,—take + me to my mother! I want the clasp of my mother’s arms!” + </p> + <p> + “Leave us,—leave the dying, Sir Earl and son,” said Godard. “I too + am Lancastrian; I too would lay down my life for the holy Henry; but I + shudder, in the hour of death, to hear yon pale lips, that should pray for + pardon, preach to thee of revenge.” + </p> + <p> + “Revenge!” shrieked out the dame of Longueville, as, sinking fast and + fast, she caught the word—“revenge! Thou hast sworn revenge on + Edward of York, Lord Warwick,—sworn it in the chamber of death, in + the ear of one who will carry that word to the hero-dead of a hundred + battlefields! Ha! the sun has risen! Priest—Godard—thine arms—support—raise—bear + me to the casement! Quick—quick! I would see my king once more! + Quick—quick! and then—then—I will hear thee pray!” + </p> + <p> + The priest, half chiding, yet half in pity, bore the dying woman to the + casement. She motioned to him to open it; he obeyed. The sun, just above + the welkin, shone over the lordly Thames, gilded the gloomy fortress of + the Tower, and glittered upon the window of Henry’s prison. + </p> + <p> + “There—there! It is he,—it is my king! Hither,—lord, + rebel earl,—hither. Behold your sovereign. Repent, revenge!” + </p> + <p> + With her livid and outstretched hand, the Lancastrian pointed to the huge + Wakefield tower. The earl’s dark eye beheld in the dim distance a pale and + reverend countenance, recognized even from afar. The dying woman fixed her + glazing eyes upon the wronged and mighty baron, and suddenly her arm fell + to her side, the face became set as into stone, the last breath of life + gurgled within, and fled; and still those glazing eyes were fixed on the + earl’s hueless face, and still in his ear, and echoed by a thousand + passions in his heart, thrilled the word which had superseded prayer, and + in which the sinner’s soul had flown,—REVENGE! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0070" id="link2H_4_0070"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BOOK IX. THE WANDERERS AND THE EXILES. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0060" id="link2HCH0060"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. HOW THE GREAT BARON BECOMES AS GREAT A REBEL. + </h2> + <p> + Hilyard was yet asleep in the chamber assigned to him as his prison, when + a rough grasp shook off his slumbers, and he saw the earl before him, with + a countenance so changed from its usual open majesty, so dark and sombre, + that he said involuntarily, “You send me to the doomsman,—I am + ready!” + </p> + <p> + “Hist, man! Thou hatest Edward of York?” + </p> + <p> + “An it were my last word, yes!” + </p> + <p> + “Give me thy hand—we are friends! Stare not at me with those eyes of + wonder, ask not the why nor wherefore! This last night gave Edward a rebel + more in Richard Nevile! A steed waits thee at my gates; ride fast to young + Sir Robert Welles with this letter. Bid him not be dismayed; bid him hold + out, for ere many days are past, Lord Warwick, and it may be also the Duke + of Clarence, will join their force with his. Mark, I say not that I am for + Henry of Lancaster,—I say only that I am against Edward of York. + Farewell, and when we meet again, blessed be the arm that first cuts its + way to a tyrant’s heart!” + </p> + <p> + Without another word, Warwick left the chamber. Hilyard at first could not + believe his senses; but as he dressed himself in haste, he pondered over + all those causes of dissension which had long notoriously subsisted + between Edward and the earl, and rejoiced that the prophecy that he had + long so shrewdly hazarded was at last fulfilled. Descending the stairs he + gained the gate, where Marmaduke awaited him, while a groom held a stout + haquenee (as the common riding-horse was then called), whose points and + breeding promised speed and endurance. + </p> + <p> + “Mount, Master Robin,” said Marmaduke; “I little thought we should ever + ride as friends together! Mount!—our way for some miles out of + London is the same. You go into Lincolnshire, I into the shire of + Hertford.” + </p> + <p> + “And for the same purpose?” asked Hilyard, as he sprang upon his horse, + and the two men rode briskly on. + </p> + <p> + “Yes!” + </p> + <p> + “Lord Warwick is changed at last?” + </p> + <p> + “At last!” + </p> + <p> + “For long?” + </p> + <p> + “Till death!” + </p> + <p> + “Good, I ask no more!” + </p> + <p> + A sound of hoofs behind made the franklin turn his head, and he saw a + goodly troop, armed to the teeth, emerge from the earl’s house and follow + the lead of Marmaduke. Meanwhile Warwick was closeted with Montagu. + </p> + <p> + Worldly as the latter was, and personally attached to Edward, he was still + keenly alive to all that touched the honour of his House; and his + indignation at the deadly insult offered to his niece was even more loudly + expressed than that of the fiery earl. + </p> + <p> + “To deem,” he exclaimed, “to deem Elizabeth Woodville worthy of his + throne, and to see in Anne Nevile the only worthy to be his leman!” + </p> + <p> + “Ay!” said the earl, with a calmness perfectly terrible, from its + unnatural contrast to his ordinary heat, when but slightly chafed, “ay! + thou sayest it! But be tranquil; cold,—cold as iron, and as hard! We + must scheme now, not storm and threaten—I never schemed before! You + are right,—honesty is a fool’s policy! Would I had known this but an + hour before the news reached me! I have already dismissed our friends to + their different districts, to support King Edward’s cause—he is + still king,—a little while longer king! Last night, I dismissed them—last + night, at the very hour when—O God, give me patience!” He paused, + and added in a low voice, “Yet—yet—how long the moments are + how long! Ere the sun sets, Edward, I trust, will be in my power!” + </p> + <p> + “How?” + </p> + <p> + “He goes, to-day, to the More,—he will not go the less for what hath + chanced; he will trust to the archbishop to make his peace with me,—churchmen + are not fathers! Marmaduke Nevile hath my orders; a hundred armed men, who + would march against the fiend himself, if I said the word, will surround + the More, and seize the guest!” + </p> + <p> + “But what then? Who, if Edward, I dare not say the word—who is to + succeed him?” + </p> + <p> + “Clarence is the male heir.” + </p> + <p> + “But with what face to the people proclaim—” + </p> + <p> + “There—there it is!” interrupted Warwick. “I have thought of that,—I + have thought of all things; my mind seems to have traversed worlds since + daybreak! True! all commotion to be successful must have a cause that men + can understand. Nevertheless, you, Montagu—you have a smoother + tongue than I; go to our friends—to those who hate Edward—seek + them, sound them!” + </p> + <p> + “And name to them Edward’s infamy?” + </p> + <p> + “‘S death, dost thou think it? Thou, a Monthermer and Montagu: proclaim to + England the foul insult to the hearth of an English gentleman and peer! + feed every ribald Bourdour with song and roundel of Anne’s virgin shame! + how King Edward stole to her room at the dead of night, and wooed and + pressed, and swore, and—God of Heaven, that this hand were on his + throat! No, brother, no! there are some wrongs we may not tell,—tumours + and swellings of the heart which are eased not till blood can flow!” + </p> + <p> + During this conference between the brothers, Edward, in his palace, was + seized with consternation and dismay on hearing that the Lady Anne could + not be found in her chamber. He sent forthwith to summon Adam Warner to + his presence, and learned from the simple sage, who concealed nothing, the + mode in which Anne had fled from the Tower. The king abruptly dismissed + Adam, after a few hearty curses and vague threats; and awaking to the + necessity of inventing some plausible story, to account to the wonder of + the court for the abrupt disappearance of his guest, he saw that the + person who could best originate and circulate such a tale was the queen; + and he sought her at once, with the resolution to choose his confidant in + the connection most rarely honoured by marital trust in similar offences. + He, however, so softened his narrative as to leave it but a venial error. + He had been indulging over-freely in the wine-cup, he had walked into the + corridor for the refreshing coolness of the air, he had seen the figure of + a female whom he did not recognize; and a few gallant words, he scarce + remembered what, had been misconstrued. On perceiving whom he had thus + addressed, he had sought to soothe the anger or alarm of the Lady Anne; + but still mistaking his intention, she had hurried into Warner’s chamber; + he had followed her thither, and now she had fled the palace. Such was his + story, told lightly and laughingly, but ending with a grave enumeration of + the dangers his imprudence had incurred. + </p> + <p> + Whatever Elizabeth felt, or however she might interpret the confession, + she acted with her customary discretion; affected, after a few tender + reproaches, to place implicit credit in her lord’s account, and + volunteered to prevent all scandal by the probable story that the earl, + being prevented from coming in person for his daughter, as he had + purposed, by fresh news of the rebellion which might call him from London + with the early day, had commissioned his kinsman Marmaduke to escort her + home. The quick perception of her sex told her that, whatever license + might have terrified Anne into so abrupt a flight, the haughty earl would + shrink no less than Edward himself from making public an insult which + slander could well distort into the dishonour of his daughter; and that + whatever pretext might be invented, Warwick would not deign to contradict + it. And as, despite Elizabeth’s hatred to the earl, and desire of + permanent breach between Edward and his minister, she could not, as queen, + wife, and woman, but be anxious that some cause more honourable in Edward, + and less odious to the people, should be assigned for quarrel, she + earnestly recommended the king to repair at once to the More, as had been + before arranged, and to spare no pains, disdain no expressions of + penitence and humiliation, to secure the mediation of the archbishop. His + mind somewhat relieved by this interview and counsel, the king kissed + Elizabeth with affectionate gratitude, and returned to his chamber to + prepare for his departure to the archbishop’s palace. But then, + remembering that Adam and Sibyll possessed his secret, he resolved at once + to banish them from the Tower. For a moment he thought of the dungeons of + his fortress, of the rope of his doomsman; but his conscience at that hour + was sore and vexed. His fierceness humbled by the sense of shame, he + shrank from a new crime; and, moreover, his strong common-sense assured + him that the testimony of a shunned and abhorred wizard ceased to be of + weight the moment it was deprived of the influence it took from the + protection of a king. He gave orders for a boat to be in readiness by the + gate of St. Thomas, again summoned Adam into his presence, and said + briefly, “Master Warner, the London mechanics cry so loudly against thine + invention for lessening labour and starving the poor, the sailors on the + wharfs are so mutinous at the thought of vessels without rowers, that, as + a good king is bound, I yield to the voice of my people. Go home, then, at + once; the queen dispenses with thy fair daughter’s service, the damsel + accompanies thee. A boat awaits ye at the stairs; a guard shall attend ye + to your house. Think what has passed within these walls has been a dream,—a + dream that, if told, is deathful, if concealed and forgotten hath no + portent!” + </p> + <p> + Without waiting a reply, the king called from the anteroom one of his + gentlemen, and gave him special directions as to the departure and conduct + of the worthy scholar and his gentle daughter. Edward next summoned before + him the warder of the gate, learned that he alone was privy to the mode of + his guest’s flight, and deeming it best to leave at large no commentator + on the tale he had invented, sentenced the astonished warder to three + months’ solitary imprisonment,—for appearing before him with soiled + hosen! An hour afterwards, the king, with a small though gorgeous retinue, + was on his way to the More. + </p> + <p> + The archbishop had, according to his engagement, assembled in his palace + the more powerful of the discontented seigneurs; and his eloquence had so + worked upon them, that Edward beheld, on entering the hall, only + countenances of cheerful loyalty and respectful welcome. After the first + greetings, the prelate, according to the custom of the day, conducted + Edward into a chamber, that he might refresh himself with a brief rest and + the bath, previous to the banquet. + </p> + <p> + Edward seized the occasion, and told his tale; but however softened, + enough was left to create the liveliest dismay in his listener. The lofty + scaffolding of hope upon which the ambitious prelate was to mount to the + papal throne seemed to crumble into the dust. The king and the earl were + equally necessary to the schemes of George Nevile. He chid the royal + layman with more than priestly unction for his offence; but Edward so + humbly confessed his fault, that the prelate at length relaxed his brow, + and promised to convey his penitent assurances to the earl. + </p> + <p> + “Not an hour should be lost,” he said; “the only one who can soothe his + wrath is your Highness’s mother, our noble kinswoman. Permit me to + despatch to her grace a letter, praying her to seek the earl, while I + write by the same courier to himself.” + </p> + <p> + “Be it all as you will,” said Edward, doffing his surcoat, and dipping his + hands in a perfumed ewer; “I shall not know rest till I have knelt to the + Lady Anne, and won her pardon.” + </p> + <p> + The prelate retired, and scarcely had he left the room when Sir John + Ratcliffe, [Afterwards Lord Fitzwalter. See Lingard (note, vol. iii. p. + 507, quarto edition), for the proper date to be assigned to this royal + visit to the More,—a date we have here adopted, not, as Sharon + Turner and others place (namely, upon the authority of Hearne’s Fragm., + 302, which subsequent events disprove), after the open rebellion of + Warwick, but just before it; that is, not after Easter, but before Lent.] + one of the king’s retinue, and in waiting on his person, entered the + chamber, pale and trembling. + </p> + <p> + “My liege,” he said, in a whisper, “I fear some deadly treason awaits you. + I have seen, amongst the trees below this tower, the gleam of steel; I + have crept through the foliage, and counted no less than a hundred armed + men,—their leader is Sir Marmaduke Nevile, Earl Warwick’s kinsman!” + </p> + <p> + “Ha!” muttered the king, and his bold face fell, “comes the earl’s revenge + so soon?” + </p> + <p> + “And,” continued Ratcliffe, “I overheard Sir Marmaduke say, ‘The door of + the Garden Tower is unguarded,—wait the signal!’ Fly, my liege! + Hark! even now I hear the rattling of arms!” + </p> + <p> + The king stole to the casement; the day was closing; the foliage grew + thick and dark around the wall; he saw an armed man emerge from the shade,—a + second, and a third. + </p> + <p> + “You are right, Ratcliffe! Flight—but how?” + </p> + <p> + “This way, my liege. By the passage I entered, a stair winds to a door on + the inner court; there I have already a steed in waiting. Deign, for + precaution, to use my hat and manteline.” + </p> + <p> + The king hastily adopted the suggestion, followed the noiseless steps of + Ratcliffe, gained the door, sprang upon his steed, and dashing right + through a crowd assembled by the gate, galloped alone and fast, untracked + by human enemy, but goaded by the foe that mounts the rider’s steed, over + field, over fell, over dyke, through hedge, and in the dead of night + reined in at last before the royal towers of Windsor. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0061" id="link2HCH0061"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. MANY THINGS BRIEFLY TOLD. + </h2> + <p> + The events that followed the king’s escape were rapid and startling. The + barons assembled at the More, enraged at Edward’s seeming distrust of + them, separated in loud anger. The archbishop learned the cause from one + of his servitors, who detected Marmaduke’s ambush, but he was too wary to + make known a circumstance suspicious to himself. He flew to London, and + engaged the mediation of the Duchess of York to assist his own. [Lingard. + See for the dates, Fabyan, 657.] + </p> + <p> + The earl received their joint overtures with stern and ominous coldness, + and abruptly repaired to Warwick, taking with him the Lady Anne. There he + was joined, the same day, by the Duke and Duchess of Clarence. + </p> + <p> + The Lincolnshire rebellion gained head: Edward made a dexterous feint in + calling, by public commission, upon Clarence and Warwick to aid in + dispersing it; if they refused, the odium of first aggression would + seemingly rest with them. Clarence, more induced by personal ambition than + sympathy with Warwick’s wrong, incensed by his brother’s recent slights, + looking to Edward’s resignation and his own consequent accession to the + throne, and inflamed by the ambition and pride of a wife whom he at once + feared and idolized, went hand in heart with the earl; but not one lord + and captain whom Montagu had sounded lent favour to the deposition of one + brother for the advancement of the next. Clarence, though popular, was too + young to be respected: many there were who would rather have supported the + earl, if an aspirant to the throne; but that choice forbidden by the earl + himself, there could be but two parties in England,—the one for + Edward IV., the other for Henry VI. Lord Montagu had repaired to Warwick + Castle to communicate in person this result of his diplomacy. The earl, + whose manner was completely changed, no longer frank and hearty, but close + and sinister, listened in gloomy silence. + </p> + <p> + “And now,” said Montagu, with the generous emotion of a man whose nobler + nature was stirred deeply, “if you resolve on war with Edward, I am + willing to renounce my own ambition, the hand of a king’s daughter for my + son, so that I may avenge the honour of our common name. I confess that I + have so loved Edward that I would fain pray you to pause, did I not + distrust myself, lest in such delay his craft should charm me back to the + old affection. Nathless, to your arm and your great soul I have owed all, + and if you are resolved to strike the blow, I am ready to share the + hazard.” + </p> + <p> + The earl turned away his face, and wrung his brother’s hand. + </p> + <p> + “Our father, methinks, hears thee from the grave!” said he, solemnly, and + there was a long pause. At length Warwick resumed: “Return to London; seem + to take no share in my actions, whatever they be; if I fail, why drag thee + into my ruin?—and yet, trust me, I am rash and fierce no more. He + who sets his heart on a great object suddenly becomes wise. When a throne + is in the dust, when from St. Paul’s Cross a voice goes forth to Carlisle + and the Land’s End, proclaiming that the reign of Edward the Fourth is + past and gone, then, Montagu, I claim thy promise of aid and fellowship,—not + before!” + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, the king, eager to dispel thought in action, rushed in person + against the rebellious forces. Stung by fear into cruelty, he beheaded, + against all kingly faith, his hostages, Lord Welles and Sir Thomas Dymoke, + summoned Sir Robert Welles, the leader of the revolt, to surrender; + received for answer, that Sir Robert Welles would not trust the perfidy of + the man who had murdered his father!—pushed on to Erpingham, + defeated the rebels in a signal battle, and crowned his victory by a + series of ruthless cruelties, committed to the fierce and learned Earl of + Worcester, “Butcher of England.” [Stowe. “Warkworth Chronicle”—Cont. + Croyl. Lord Worcester ordered Clapham (a squire to Lord Warwick) and + nineteen others, gentlemen and yeomen, to be impaled, and from the horror + the spectacle inspired, and the universal odium it attached to Worcester, + it is to be feared that the unhappy men were still sensible to the agony + of this infliction, though they appear first to have been drawn, and + partially hanged,—outrage confined only to the dead bodies of rebels + being too common at that day to have excited the indignation which + attended the sentence Worcester passed on his victims. It is in vain that + some writers would seek to cleanse the memory of this learned nobleman + from the stain of cruelty by rhetorical remarks on the improbability that + a cultivator of letters should be of a ruthless disposition. The general + philosophy of this defence is erroneous. In ignorant ages a man of + superior acquirements is not necessarily made humane by the cultivation of + his intellect, on the contrary, he too often learns to look upon the + uneducated herd as things of another clay. Of this truth all history is + pregnant,—witness the accomplished tyrants of Greece, the profound + and cruel intellect of the Italian Borgias. Richard III. and Henry VIII. + were both highly educated for their age. But in the case of Tiptoft, Lord + Worcester, the evidence of his cruelty is no less incontestable than that + which proves his learning—the Croyland historian alone is + unimpeachable. Worcester’s popular name of “the Butcher” is sufficient + testimony in itself. The people are often mistaken, to be sure, but can + scarcely be so upon the one point, whether a man who has sat in judgment + on themselves be merciful or cruel.] + </p> + <p> + With the prompt vigour and superb generalship which Edward ever displayed + in war, he then cut his gory way to the force which Clarence and Warwick + (though their hostility was still undeclared) had levied, with the intent + to join the defeated rebels. He sent his herald, Garter King-at-arms, to + summon the earl and the duke to appear before him within a certain day. + The time expired; he proclaimed them traitors, and offered rewards for + their apprehension. [One thousand pounds in money, or one hundred pounds a + year in land; an immense reward for that day.] + </p> + <p> + So sudden had been Warwick’s defection, so rapid the king’s movements, + that the earl had not time to mature his resources, assemble his vassals, + consolidate his schemes. His very preparations, upon the night on which + Edward had repaid his services by such hideous ingratitude, had manned the + country with armies against himself. Girt but with a scanty force + collected in haste (and which consisted merely of his retainers in the + single shire of Warwick), the march of Edward cut him off from the + counties in which his name was held most dear, in which his trumpet could + raise up hosts. He was disappointed in the aid he had expected from his + powerful but self-interested brother-in-law, Lord Stanley. Revenge had + become more dear to him than life: life must not be hazarded, lest revenge + be lost. On still marched the king; and the day that his troops entered + Exeter, Warwick, the females of his family, with Clarence, and a small but + armed retinue, took ship from Dartmouth, sailed for Calais (before which + town, while at anchor, Isabel was confined of her first-born). To the + earl’s rage and dismay his deputy Vauclerc fired upon his ships. Warwick + then steered on towards Normandy, captured some Flemish vessels by the + way, in token of defiance to the earl’s old Burgundian foe, and landed at + Harfleur, where he and his companions were received with royal honours by + the Admiral of France, and finally took their way to the court of Louis + XI. at Amboise. + </p> + <p> + “The danger is past forever!” said King Edward, as the wine sparkled in + his goblet. “Rebellion hath lost its head,—and now, indeed, and for + the first time, a monarch I reign alone!” [Before leaving England, Warwick + and Clarence are generally said to have fallen in with Anthony Woodville + and Lord Audley, and ordered them to execution, from which they were saved + by a Dorsetshire gentleman. Carte, who, though his history is not without + great mistakes, is well worth reading by those whom the character of Lord + Warwick may interest, says, that the earl had “too much magnanimity to put + them to death immediately, according to the common practice of the times, + and only imprisoned them in the castle of Wardour, from whence they were + soon rescued by John Thornhill, a gentleman of Dorsetshire.” The whole of + this story is, however, absolutely contradicted by the “Warkworth + Chronicle” (p. 9, edited by Mr. Halliwell), according to which authority + Anthony Woodville was at that time commanding a fleet upon the Channel, + which waylaid Warwick on his voyage; but the success therein attributed to + the gallant Anthony, in dispersing or seizing all the earl’s ships, save + the one that bore the earl himself and his family, is proved to be purely + fabulous, by the earl’s well-attested capture of the Flemish vessels, as + he passed from Calais to the coasts of Normandy, an exploit he could never + have performed with a single vessel of his own. It is very probable that + the story of Anthony Woodville’s capture and peril at this time originates + in a misadventure many years before, and recorded in the “Paston Letters,” + as well as in the “Chronicles.”—In the year 1459, Anthony Woodville + and his father, Lord Rivers (then zealous Lancastrians), really did fall + into the hands of the Earl of March (Edward IV.), Warwick and Salisbury, + and got off with a sound “rating” upon the rude language which such + “knaves’ sons” and “little squires” had held to those “who were of king’s + blood.”] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0062" id="link2HCH0062"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. THE PLOT OF THE HOSTELRY—THE MAID AND THE SCHOLAR IN + THEIR HOME. + </h2> + <p> + The country was still disturbed, and the adherents, whether of Henry or + the earl, still rose in many an outbreak, though prevented from swelling + into one common army by the extraordinary vigour not only of Edward, but + of Gloucester and Hastings,—when one morning, just after the events + thus rapidly related, the hostelry of Master Sancroft, in the suburban + parish of Marybone, rejoiced in a motley crowd of customers and topers. + </p> + <p> + Some half-score soldiers, returned in triumph from the royal camp, sat + round a table placed agreeably enough in the deep recess made by the large + jutting lattice; with them were mingled about as many women, strangely and + gaudily clad. These last were all young; one or two, indeed, little + advanced from childhood. But there was no expression of youth in their + hard, sinister features: coarse paint supplied the place of bloom; the + very youngest had a wrinkle on her brow; their forms wanted the round and + supple grace of early years. Living principally in the open air, trained + from infancy to feats of activity, their muscles were sharp and prominent, + their aspects had something of masculine audacity and rudeness; health + itself seemed in them more loathsome than disease. Upon those faces of + bronze, vice had set its ineffable, unmistaken seal. To those eyes never + had sprung the tears of compassion or woman’s gentle sorrow; on those + brows never had flushed the glow of modest shame: their very voices half + belied their sex,—harsh and deep and hoarse, their laughter loud and + dissonant. Some amongst them were not destitute of a certain beauty, but + it was a beauty of feature with a common hideousness of expression,—an + expression at once cunning, bold, callous, licentious. Womanless through + the worst vices of woman, passionless through the premature waste of + passion, they stood between the sexes like foul and monstrous anomalies, + made up and fashioned from the rank depravities of both. These creatures + seemed to have newly arrived from some long wayfaring; their shoes and the + hems of their robes were covered with dust and mire; their faces were + heated, and the veins in their bare, sinewy, sunburned arms were swollen + by fatigue. Each had beside her on the floor a timbrel, each wore at her + girdle a long knife in its sheath: well that the sheaths hid the blades, + for not one—not even that which yon cold-eyed child of fifteen wore—but + had on its steel the dark stain of human blood! + </p> + <p> + The presence of soldiers fresh from the scene of action had naturally + brought into the hostelry several of the idle gossips of the suburb, and + these stood round the table, drinking into their large ears the boasting + narratives of the soldiers. At a small table, apart from the revellers, + but evidently listening with attention to all the news of the hour, sat a + friar, gravely discussing a mighty tankard of huffcap, and ever and anon, + as he lifted his head for the purpose of drinking, glancing a wanton eye + at one of the tymbesteres. + </p> + <p> + “But an’ you had seen,” said a trooper, who was the mouthpiece of his + comrades—“an’ you had seen the raptrils run when King Edward himself + led the charge! Marry, it was like a cat in a rabbit burrow! Easy to see, + I trow, that Earl Warwick was not amongst them! His men, at least, fight + like devils!” + </p> + <p> + “But there was one tall fellow,” said a soldier, setting down his tankard, + “who made a good fight and dour, and, but for me and my comrades, would + have cut his way to the king.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, true; we saved his highness, and ought to have been knighted,—but + there’s no gratitude nowadays!” + </p> + <p> + “And who was this doughty warrior?” asked one of the bystanders, who + secretly favoured the rebellion. + </p> + <p> + “Why, it was said that he was Robin of Redesdale,—he who fought my + Lord Montagu off York.” + </p> + <p> + “Our Robin!” exclaimed several voices. “Ay, he was ever a brave fellow—poor + Robin!” + </p> + <p> + “‘Your Robin,’ and ‘poor Robin,’ varlets!” cried the principal trooper. + “Have a care! What do ye mean by your Robin?” + </p> + <p> + “Marry, sir soldier,” quoth a butcher, scratching his head, and in a + humble voice, “craving your pardon and the king’s, this Master Robin + sojourned a short time in this hamlet, and was a kind neighbour, and + mighty glib of the tongue. Don’t ye mind, neighbours,” he added rapidly, + eager to change the conversation, “how he made us leave off when we were + just about burning Adam Warner, the old nigromancer, in his den yonder? + Who else could have done that? But an’ we had known Robin had been a rebel + to sweet King Edward, we’d have roasted him along with the wizard!” + </p> + <p> + One of the timbrel-girls, the leader of the choir, her arm round a + soldier’s neck, looked up at the last speech, and her eye followed the + gesture of the butcher, as he pointed through the open lattice to the + sombre, ruinous abode of Adam Warner. + </p> + <p> + “Was that the house ye would have burned?” she asked abruptly. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; but Robin told us the king would hang those who took on them the + king’s blessed privilege of burning nigromancers; and, sure enough, old + Adam Warner was advanced to be wizard-in-chief to the king’s own highness + a week or two afterwards.” + </p> + <p> + The friar had made a slight movement at the name of Warner; he now pushed + his stool nearer to the principal group, and drew his hood completely over + his countenance. + </p> + <p> + “Yea!” exclaimed the mechanic, whose son had been the innocent cause of + the memorable siege to poor Adam’s dilapidated fortress, related in the + first book of this narrative”—yea; and what did he when there? Did + he not devise a horrible engine for the destruction of the poor,—an + engine that was to do all the work in England by the devil’s help?—so + that if a gentleman wanted a coat of mail, or a cloth tunic; if his dame + needed a Norwich worsted; if a yeoman lacked a plough or a wagon, or his + good wife a pot or a kettle; they were to go, not to the armourer, and the + draper, and the tailor, and the weaver, and the wheelwright, and the + blacksmith,—but, hey presto! Master Warner set his imps a-churning, + and turned ye out mail and tunic, worsted and wagon, kettle and pot, spick + and span new, from his brewage of vapour and sea-coal. Oh, have I not + heard enough of the sorcerer from my brother, who works in the Chepe for + Master Stokton, the mercer!—and Master Stokton was one of the + worshipful deputies to whom the old nigromancer had the front to boast his + devices.” + </p> + <p> + “It is true,” said the friar, suddenly. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, reverend father, it is true,” said the mechanic, doffing his cap, + and inclining his swarthy face to this unexpected witness of his veracity. + A murmur of wrath and hatred was heard amongst the bystanders. The + soldiers indifferently turned to their female companions. There was a + brief silence; and, involuntarily, the gossips stretched over the table to + catch sight of the house of so demoniac an oppressor of the poor. + </p> + <p> + “See,” said the baker, “the smoke still curls from the rooftop! I heard he + had come back. Old Madge, his handmaid, has bought cimnel-cakes of me the + last week or so; nothing less than the finest wheat serves him now, I + trow. However, right’s right, and—” + </p> + <p> + “Come back!” cried the fierce mechanic; “the owl hath kept close in his + roost! An’ it were not for the king’s favour, I would soon see how the + wizard liked to have fire and water brought to bear against himself!” + </p> + <p> + “Sit down, sweetheart,” whispered one of the young tymbesteres to the last + speaker— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Come, kiss me, my darling, + Warm kisses I trade for.” + </pre> + <p> + “Avaunt!” quoth the mechanic, gruffly, and shaking off the seductive arm + of the tymbestere—“avaunt! I have neither liefe nor halfpence for + thee and thine. Out on thee!—a child of thy years! a rope’s end to + thy back were a friend’s best kindness!” + </p> + <p> + The girl’s eyes sparkled, she instinctively put her hand to her knife; + then turning to a soldier by her side, she said, “Hear you that, and sit + still?” + </p> + <p> + “Thunder and wounds!” growled the soldier thus appealed to, “more respect + to the sex, knave; if I don’t break thy fool’s costard with my sword-hilt, + it is only because Red Grisell can take care of herself against twenty + such lozels as thou. These honest girls have been to the wars with us; + King Edward grudges no man his jolly fere. Speak up for thyself, Grisell! + How many tall fellows didst thou put out of their pain after the battle of + Losecote?” + </p> + <p> + “Only five, Hal,” replied the cold-eyed girl, and showing her glittering + teeth with the grin of a young tigress; “but one was a captain. I shall do + better next time; it was my first battle, thou knowest!” + </p> + <p> + The more timid of the bystanders exchanged a glance of horror, and drew + back. The mechanic resumed sullenly,—“I seek no quarrel with lass or + lover. I am a plain, blunt man, with a wife and children, who are dear to + me; and if I have a grudge to the nigromancer, it is because he glamoured + my poor boy Tim. See!”—and he caught up a blue-eyed, handsome boy, + who had been clinging to his side, and baring the child’s arm, showed it + to the spectators; there was a large scar on the limb, and it was shrunk + and withered. + </p> + <p> + “It was my own fault,” said the little fellow, deprecatingly. The + affectionate father silenced the sufferer with a cuff on the cheek, and + resumed: “Ye note, neighbours, the day when the foul wizard took this + little one in his arms: well, three weeks afterwards—that very day + three weeks—as he was standing like a lamb by the fire, the good + wife’s caldron seethed over, without reason or rhyme, and scalded his arm + till it rivelled up like a leaf in November; and if that is not glamour, + why have we laws against witchcraft?” + </p> + <p> + “True, true!” groaned the chorus. + </p> + <p> + The boy, who had borne his father’s blow without a murmur, now again + attempted remonstrance. “The hot water went over the gray cat, too, but + Master Warner never bewitched her, daddy.” + </p> + <p> + “He takes his part!—You hear the daff laddy? He takes the old + nigromancer’s part,—a sure sign of the witchcraft; but I’ll leather + it out of thee, I will!” and the mechanic again raised his weighty arm. + The child did not this time await the blow; he dodged under the butcher’s + apron, gained the door, and disappeared. “And he teaches our own children + to fly in our faces!” said the father, in a kind of whimper. The + neighbours sighed in commiseration. + </p> + <p> + “Oh,” he exclaimed in a fiercer tone, grinding his teeth, and shaking his + clenched fist towards Adam Warner’s melancholy house, “I say again, if the + king did not protect the vile sorcerer, I would free the land from his + devilries ere his black master could come to his help.” + </p> + <p> + “The king cares not a straw for Master Warner or his inventions, my son,” + said a rough, loud voice. All turned, and saw the friar standing in the + midst of the circle. “Know ye not, my children, that the king sent the + wretch neck and crop out of the palace for having bewitched the Earl of + Warwick and his grace the Lord Clarence, so that they turned unnaturally + against their own kinsman, his highness? But ‘Manus malorum suos bonos + breaket,’—that is to say, the fists of wicked men only whack their + own bones. Ye have all heard tell of Friar Bungey, my children?” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay!” answered two or three in a breath,—“a wizard, it’s true, + and a mighty one; but he never did harm to the poor; though they do say he + made a quaint image of the earl, and—” + </p> + <p> + “Tut, tut!” interrupted the friar, “all Bungey did was to try to + disenchant the Lord Warwick, whom yon miscreant had spellbound. Poor + Bungey! he is a friend to the people: and when he found that Master Adam + was making a device for their ruin, he spared no toil, I assure ye, to + frustrate the iniquity. Oh, how he fasted and watched! Oh, how many a time + he fought, tooth and nail, with the devil in person, to get at the + infernal invention! for if he had that invention once in his hands, he + could turn it to good account, I can promise ye: and give ye rain for the + green blade and sun for the ripe sheaf. But the fiend got the better at + first; and King Edward, bewitched himself for the moment, would have + hanged Friar Bungey for crossing old Adam, if he had not called three + times, in a loud voice, ‘Presto pepranxenon!’ changed himself into a bird, + and flown out of the window. As soon as Master Adam Warner found the field + clear to himself, he employed his daughter to bewitch the Lord Hastings; + he set brother against brother, and made the king and Lord George fall to + loggerheads; he stirred up the rebellion; and where he would have stopped + the foul fiend only knows, if your friend Friar Bungey, who, though a + wizard as you say, is only so for your benefit (and a holy priest into the + bargain), had not, by aid of a good spirit, whom he conjured up in the + island of Tartary, disenchanted the king, and made him see in a dream what + the villanous Warner was devising against his crown and his people,—whereon + his highness sent Master Warner and his daughter back to their roost, and, + helped by Friar Bungey, beat his enemies out of the kingdom. So, if ye + have a mind to save your children from mischief and malice, ye may set to + work with good heart, always provided that ye touch not old Adam’s iron + invention. Woe betide ye, if ye think to destroy that! Bring it safe to + Friar Bungey, whom ye will find returned to the palace, and journeyman’s + wages will be a penny a day higher for the next ten years to come!” With + these words the friar threw down his reckoning, and moved majestically to + the door. + </p> + <p> + “An’ I might trust you!” said Tim’s father, laying hold of the friar’s + serge. + </p> + <p> + “Ye may, ye may!” cried the leader of the tymbesteres, starting up from + the lap of her soldier, “for it is Friar Bungey himself!” + </p> + <p> + A movement of astonishment and terror was universal. “Friar Bungey + himself!” repeated the burly impostor. “Right, lassie, right; and he now + goes to the palace of the Tower, to mutter good spells in King Edward’s + ear,—spells to defeat the malignant ones, and to lower the price of + beer. Wax wobiscum!” + </p> + <p> + With that salutation, more benevolent than accurate, the friar vanished + from the room; the chief of the tymbesteres leaped lightly on the table, + put one foot on the soldier’s shoulder, and sprang through the open + lattice. She found the friar in the act of mounting a sturdy mule, which + had been tied to a post by the door. + </p> + <p> + “Fie, Graul Skellet! Fie, Graul!” said the conjurer “Respect for my serge. + We must not be noted together out of door in the daylight. There’s a groat + for thee. Vade, execrabilis,—that is, good-day to thee, pretty + rogue!” + </p> + <p> + “A word, friar, a word. Wouldst thou have the old man burned, drowned, or + torn piecemeal? He hath a daughter too, who once sought to mar our trade + with her gittern; a daughter, then in a kirtle that I would not have + nimmed from a hedge, but whom I last saw in sarcenet and lawn, with a + great lord for her fere.” The tymbestere’s eyes shone with malignant envy, + as she added, “Graul Skellet loves not to see those who have worn worsted + and say walk in sarcenet and lawn. Graul Skellet loves not wenches who + have lords for their feres, and yet who shrink from Graul and her sisters + as the sound from the leper.” + </p> + <p> + “Fegs,” answered the friar, impatiently, “I know naught against the + daughter,—a pretty lass, but too high for my kisses. And as for the + father, I want not the man’s life,—that is, not very specially,—but + his model, his mechanical. He may go free, if that can be compassed; if + not, why, the model at all risks. Serve me in this.” + </p> + <p> + “And thou wilt teach me the last tricks of the cards, and thy great art of + making phantoms glide by on the wall?” + </p> + <p> + “Bring the model intact, and I will teach thee more, Graul,—the dead + man’s candle, and the charm of the newt; and I’ll give thee, to boot, the + Gaul of the parricide that thou hast prayed me so oft for. Hum! thou hast + a girl in thy troop who hath a blinking eye that well pleases me; but go + now, and obey me. Work before play, and grace before pudding!” + </p> + <p> + The tymbestere nodded, snapped her fingers in the air, and humming no holy + ditty, returned to the house through the doorway. + </p> + <p> + This short conference betrays to the reader the relations, mutually + advantageous, which subsisted between the conjuror and the tymbesteres. + Their troop (the mothers, perchance, of the generation we treat of) had + been familiar to the friar in his old capacity of mountebank, or + tregetour, and in his clerical and courtly elevation, he did not disdain + an ancient connection that served him well with the populace; for these + grim children of vice seemed present in every place, where pastime was + gay, or strife was rampant,—in peace, at the merry-makings and the + hostelries; in war, following the camp, and seen, at night, prowling + through the battlefields to dispatch the wounded and to rifle the slain: + in merrymaking, hostelry, or in camp, they could thus still spread the + fame of Friar Bungey, and uphold his repute both for terrible lore and for + hearty love of the commons. + </p> + <p> + Nor was this all; both tymbesteres and conjuror were fortune-tellers by + profession. They could interchange the anecdotes each picked up in their + different lines. The tymbestere could thus learn the secrets of gentle and + courtier, the conjuror those of the artisan and mechanic. + </p> + <p> + Unconscious of the formidable dispositions of their neighbours, Sibyll and + Warner were inhaling the sweet air of the early spring in their little + garden. His disgrace had affected the philosopher less than might be + supposed. True, that the loss of the king’s favour was the deferring + indefinitely—perhaps for life—any practical application of his + adored theory; and yet, somehow or other, the theory itself consoled him. + At the worst, he should find some disciple, some ingenious student, more + fortunate than himself, to whom he could bequeath the secret, and who, + when Adam was in his grave, would teach the world to revere his name. + Meanwhile, his time was his own; he was lord of a home, though ruined and + desolate; he was free, with his free thoughts; and therefore, as he paced + the narrow garden, his step was lighter, his mind less absent than when + parched with feverish fear and hope for the immediate practical success of + a principle which was to be tried before the hazardous tribunal of + prejudice and ignorance. + </p> + <p> + “My child,” said the sage, “I feel, for the first time for years, the + distinction of the seasons. I feel that we are walking in the pleasant + spring. Young days come back to me like dreams; and I could almost think + thy mother were once more by my side!” + </p> + <p> + Sibyll pressed her father’s hand, and a soft but melancholy sigh stirred + her rosy lips. She, too, felt the balm of the young year; yet her father’s + words broke upon sad and anxious musings. Not to youth as to age, not to + loving fancy as to baffled wisdom, has seclusion charms that compensate + for the passionate and active world! On coming back to the old house, on + glancing round its mildewed walls, comfortless and bare, the neglected, + weed-grown garden, Sibyll had shuddered in dismay. Had her ambition fallen + again into its old abject state? Were all her hopes to restore her + ancestral fortunes, to vindicate her dear father’s fame, shrunk into this + slough of actual poverty,—the butterfly’s wings folded back into the + chrysalis shroud of torpor? The vast disparity between herself and + Hastings had not struck her so forcibly at the court; here, at home, the + very walls proclaimed it. When Edward had dismissed the unwelcome + witnesses of his attempted crime, he had given orders that they should be + conducted to their house through the most private ways. He naturally + desired to create no curious comment upon their departure. Unperceived by + their neighbours, Sibyll and her father had gained access by the garden + gate. Old Madge received them in dismay; for she had been in the habit of + visiting Sibyll weekly at the palace, and had gained, in the old + familiarity subsisting, then, between maiden and nurse, some insight into + her heart. She had cherished the fondest hopes for the fate of her young + mistress; and now, to labour and to penury had the fate returned! The + guard who accompanied them, according to Edward’s orders, left some pieces + of gold, which Adam rejected, but Madge secretly received and judiciously + expended. And this was all their wealth. But not of toil nor of penury in + themselves thought Sibyll; she thought but of Hastings,—wildly, + passionately, trustfully, unceasingly, of the absent Hastings. Oh, he + would seek her, he would come, her reverse would but the more endear her + to him! Hastings came not. She soon learned the wherefore. War threatened + the land,—he was at his post, at the head of armies. + </p> + <p> + Oh, with what panoply of prayer she sought to shield that beloved breast! + And now the old man spoke of the blessed spring, the holiday time of + lovers and of love, and the young girl, sighing, said to her mournful + heart, “The world hath its sun,—where is mine?” + </p> + <p> + The peacock strutted up to his poor protectors, and spread his plumes to + the gilding beams. And then Sibyll recalled the day when she had walked in + that spot with Marmaduke, and he had talked of his youth, ambition, and + lusty hopes, while, silent and absorbed, she had thought within herself, + “Could the world be open to me as to him,—I too have ambition, and + it should find its goal.” Now what contrast between the two,—the man + enriched and honoured, if to-day in peril or in exile, to-morrow free to + march forward still on his career, the world the country to him whose + heart was bold and whose name was stainless! and she, the woman, brought + back to the prison-home, scorn around her, impotent to avenge, and + forbidden to fly! Wherefore?—Sibyll felt her superiority of mind, of + thought, of nature,—wherefore the contrast? The success was that of + man, the discomfiture that of woman. Woe to the man who precedes his age; + but never yet has an age been in which genius and ambition are safe to + woman! + </p> + <p> + The father and the child turned into their house. The day was declining. + Adam mounted to his studious chamber, Sibyll sought the solitary servant. + </p> + <p> + “What tidings, oh, what tidings? The war, you say, is over; the great + earl, his sweet daughter, safe upon the seas, but Hastings—ob, + Hastings! what of him?” + </p> + <p> + “My bonnibell, my lady-bird, I have none but good tales to tell thee. I + saw and spoke with a soldier who served under Lord Hastings himself; he is + unscathed, he is in London. But they say that one of his bands is + quartered in the suburb, and that there is a report of a rising in + Hertfordshire.” + </p> + <p> + “When will peace come to England and to me!” sighed Sibyll. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0063" id="link2HCH0063"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. THE WORLD’S JUSTICE, AND THE WISDOM OF OUR ANCESTORS. + </h2> + <p> + The night had now commenced, and Sibyll was still listening—or, + perhaps, listening not—to the soothing babble of the venerable + servant. They were both seated in the little room that adjoined the hall, + and their only light came through the door opening on the garden,—a + gray, indistinct twilight, relieved by the few earliest stars. The + peacock, his head under his wing, roosted on the balustrade, and the song + of the nightingale, from amidst one of the neighbouring copses, which + studded the ground towards the chase of Marybone, came soft and distant on + the serene air. The balm and freshness of spring were felt in the dews, in + the skies, in the sweet breath of young herb and leaf; through the calm of + ever-watchful nature, it seemed as if you might mark, distinct and + visible, minute after minute, the blessed growth of April into May. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly Madge uttered a cry of alarm, and pointed towards the opposite + wall. Sibyll, startled from her revery, looked up, and saw something dusk + and dwarf-like perched upon the crumbling eminence. Presently this + apparition leaped lightly into the garden, and the alarm of the women was + lessened on seeing a young boy creep stealthily over the grass and + approach the open door. + </p> + <p> + “Hey, child!” said Madge, rising. “What wantest thou?” + </p> + <p> + “Hist, gammer, hist! Ah, the young mistress? That’s well. Hist! I say + again.” The boy entered the room. “I’m in time to save you. In half an + hour your house will be broken into, perhaps burned. The boys are clapping + their hands now at the thoughts of the bonfire. Father and all the + neighbours are getting ready. Hark! hark! No, it is only the wind! The + tymbesteres are to give note. When you hear their bells tinkle, the mob + will meet. Run for your lives, you and the old man, and don’t ever say it + was poor Tim who told you this, for Father would beat me to death. Ye can + still get through the garden into the fields. Quick!” + </p> + <p> + “I will go to the master,” exclaimed Madge, hurrying from the room. + </p> + <p> + The child caught Sibyll’s cold hand through the dark. “And I say, + mistress, if his worship is a wizard, don’t let him punish Father and + Mother, or poor Tim, or his little sister; though Tim was once naughty, + and hooted Master Warner. Many, many, many a time and oft have I seen that + kind, mild face in my sleep, just as when it bent over me, while I kicked + and screamed, and the poor gentleman said, ‘Thinkest thou I would harm + thee?’ But he’ll forgive me now, will he not? And when I turned the + seething water over myself, and they said it was all along of the wizard, + my heart pained more than the arm. But they whip me, and groan out that + the devil is in me, if I don’t say that the kettle upset of itself! Oh, + those tymbesteres! Mistress, did you ever see them? They fright me. If you + could hear how they set on all the neighbours! And their laugh—it + makes the hair stand on end! But you will get away, and thank Tim too? Oh, + I shall laugh then, when they find the old house empty!” + </p> + <p> + “May our dear Lord bless thee—bless thee, child,” sobbed Sibyll, + clasping the boy in her arms, and kissing him, while her tears bathed his + cheeks. + </p> + <p> + A light gleamed on the threshold; Madge, holding a candle, appeared with + Warner, his hat and cloak thrown on in haste. “What is this?” said the + poor scholar. “Can it be true? Is mankind so cruel? What have I done, woe + is me! what have I done to deserve this?” + </p> + <p> + “Come, dear father, quick,” said Sibyll, drying her tears, and wakened by + the presence of the old man into energy and courage. “But put thy hand on + this boy’s head, and bless him; for it is he who has, haply, saved us.” + </p> + <p> + The boy trembled a moment as the long-bearded face turned towards him, but + when he caught and recognized those meek, sweet eyes, his superstition + vanished, and it was but a holy and grateful awe that thrilled his young + blood, as the old man placed both withered hands over his yellow hair, and + murmured,— + </p> + <p> + “God shield thy youth! God make thy manhood worthy! God give thee children + in thine old age with hearts like thine!” Scarcely had the prayer ceased + when the clash of timbrels, with their jingling bells, was heard in the + street. Once, twice, again, and a fierce yell closed in chorus,—caught + up and echoed from corner to corner, from house to house. + </p> + <p> + “Run! run!” cried the boy, turning white with terror. + </p> + <p> + “But the Eureka—my hope—my mind’s child!” exclaimed Adam, + suddenly, and halting at the door. + </p> + <p> + “Eh, eh!” said Madge, pushing him forward. “It is too heavy to move; thou + couldst not lift it. Think of thine own flesh and blood, of thy daughter, + of her dead mother! Save her life, if thou carest not for thine own!” + </p> + <p> + “Go, Sibyll, go, and thou, Madge; I will stay. What matters my life,—it + is but the servant of a thought! Perish master, perish slave!” + </p> + <p> + “Father, unless you come with me, I stir not. Fly or perish, your fate is + mine! Another minute—Oh, Heaven of mercy, that roar again! We are + both lost!” + </p> + <p> + “Go, sir, go; they care not for your iron,—iron cannot feel. They + will not touch that! Have not your daughter’s life upon your soul!” + </p> + <p> + “Sibyll, Sibyll, forgive me! Come!” said Warner, conscience-stricken at + the appeal. + </p> + <p> + Madge and the boy ran forwards; the old woman unbarred the garden-gate; + Sibyll and her father went forth; the fields stretched before them calm + and solitary; the boy leaped up, kissed Sibyll’s pale cheek, and then + bounded across the grass, and vanished. + </p> + <p> + “Loiter not, Madge. Come!” cried Sibyll. + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” said the old woman, shrinking back, “they bear no grudge to me; I + am too old to do aught but burthen ye. I will stay, and perchance save the + house and the chattels, and poor master’s deft contrivance. Whist! thou + knowest his heart would break if none were by to guard it.” + </p> + <p> + With that the faithful servant thrust the broad pieces that yet remained + of the king’s gift into the gipsire Sibyll wore at her girdle, and then + closed and rebarred the door before they could detain her. + </p> + <p> + “It is base to leave her,” said the scholar-gentleman. + </p> + <p> + The noble Sibyll could not refute her father. Afar they heard the tramping + of feet; suddenly, a dark red light shot up into the blue air, a light + from the flame of many torches. + </p> + <p> + “The wizard, the wizard! Death to the wizard, who would starve the poor!” + yelled forth, and was echoed by a stern hurrah. + </p> + <p> + Adam stood motionless, Sibyll by his side. + </p> + <p> + “The wizard and his daughter!” shrieked a sharp single voice, the voice of + Graul the tymbestere. + </p> + <p> + Adam turned. “Fly, my child,—they now threaten thee. Come, come, + come!” and, taking her by the hand, he hurried her across the fields, + skirting the hedge, their shadows dodging, irregular and quaint, on the + starlit sward. The father had lost all thought, all care but for the + daughter’s life. They paused at last, out of breath and exhausted: the + sounds at the distance were lulled and hushed. They looked towards the + direction of the home they had abandoned, expecting to see the flames + destined to consume it reddening the sky; but all was dark,—or, + rather, no light save the holy stars and the rising moon offended the + majestic heaven. + </p> + <p> + “They cannot harm the poor old woman; she hath no lore. On her gray hairs + has fallen not the curse of men’s hate!” said Warner. + </p> + <p> + “Right, Father! when they found us flown, doubtless the cruel ones + dispersed. But they may search yet for thee. Lean on me, I am strong and + young. Another effort, and we gain the safe coverts of the Chase.” + </p> + <p> + While yet the last word hung on her lips, they saw, on the path they had + left, the burst of torch-light, and heard the mob hounding on their track. + But the thick copses, with their pale green just budding into life, were + at hand. On they fled. The deer started from amidst the entangled fern, + but stood and gazed at them without fear; the playful hares in the green + alleys ceased not their nightly sports at the harmless footsteps; and when + at last, in the dense thicket, they sunk down on the mossy roots of a + giant oak, the nightingales overhead chanted as if in melancholy welcome. + They were saved! + </p> + <p> + But in their home, fierce fires glared amidst the tossing torch-light; the + crowd, baffled by the strength of the door, scaled the wall, broke through + the lattice-work of the hall window, and streaming through room after + room, roared forth, “Death to the wizard!” Amidst the sordid dresses of + the men, the soiled and faded tinsel of the tymbesteres gleamed and + sparkled. It was a scene the she-fiends revelled in,—dear are + outrage and malice, and the excitement of turbulent passions, and the + savage voices of frantic men, and the thirst of blood to those everlasting + furies of a mob, under whatever name we know them, in whatever time they + taint with their presence,—women in whom womanhood is blasted! + </p> + <p> + Door after door was burst open with cries of disappointed rage; at last + they ascended the turret-stairs, they found a small door barred and + locked. Tim’s father, a huge axe in his brawny arm, shivered the panels; + the crowd rushed in, and there, seated amongst a strange and motley + litter, they found the devoted Madge. The poor old woman had collected + into this place, as the stronghold of the mansion, whatever portable + articles seemed to her most precious, either from value or association. + Sibyll’s gittern (Marmaduke’s gift) lay amidst a lumber of tools and + implements; a faded robe of her dead mother’s, treasured by Madge and + Sibyll both, as a relic of holy love; a few platters and cups of pewter, + the pride of old Madge’s heart to keep bright and clean; odds and ends of + old hangings; a battered silver brooch (a love-gift to Madge herself when + she was young),—these, and suchlike scraps of finery, hoards + inestimable to the household memory and affection, lay confusedly heaped + around the huge grim model, before which, mute and tranquil, sat the brave + old woman. + </p> + <p> + The crowd halted, and stared round in superstitious terror and dumb + marvel. + </p> + <p> + The leader of the tymbesteres sprang forward. + </p> + <p> + “Where is thy master, old hag, and where the bonny maid who glamours + lords, and despises us bold lasses?” + </p> + <p> + “Alack! master and the damsel have gone hours ago! I am alone in the + house; what’s your will?” + </p> + <p> + “The crone looks parlous witchlike!” said Tim’s father; crossing himself, + and somewhat retreating from her gray, unquiet eyes. And, indeed, poor + Madge, with her wrinkled face, bony form, and high cap, corresponded far + more with the vulgar notions of a dabbler in the black art than did Adam + Warner, with his comely countenance and noble mien. + </p> + <p> + “So she doth, indeed, and verily,” said a hump-backed tinker; “if we were + to try a dip in the horsepool yonder it could do no harm.” + </p> + <p> + “Away with her, away!” cried several voices at that humane suggestion. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, nay,” quoth the baker, “she is a douce creature after all, and hath + dealt with me many years. I don’t care what becomes of the wizard,—every + one knows,” he added with pride, “that I was one of the first to set fire + to his house when Robin gainsayed it! but right’s right—burn the + master, not the drudge!” + </p> + <p> + This intercession might have prevailed, but unhappily, at that moment + Graul Skellet, who had secured two stout fellows to accomplish the object + so desired by Friar Bungey, laid hands on the model, and, at her shrill + command, the men advanced and dislodged it from its place. At the same + tine the other tymbesteres, caught by the sight of things pleasing to + their wonted tastes, threw themselves, one upon the faded robe Sibyll’s + mother had worn in her chaste and happy youth; another, upon poor Madge’s + silver brooch; a third, upon the gittern. + </p> + <p> + These various attacks roused up all the spirit and wrath of the old woman: + her cries of distress as she darted from one to the other, striking to the + right and left with her feeble arms, her form trembling with passion, were + at once ludicrous and piteous; and these were responded to by the shrill + exclamations of the fierce tymbesteres, as they retorted scratch for + scratch, and blow for blow. The spectators grew animated by the sight of + actual outrage and resistance; the humpbacked tinker, whose unwholesome + fancy one of the aggrieved tymbesteres had mightily warmed, hastened to + the relief of his virago; and rendered furious by finding ten nails + fastened suddenly on his face, he struck down the poor creature by a blow + that stunned her, seized her in his arms,—for deformed and weakly as + the tinker was, the old woman, now sense and spirit were gone, was as + light as skin and bone could be,—and followed by half a score of his + comrades, whooping and laughing, bore her down the stairs. Tim’s father, + who, whether from parental affection, or, as is more probable, from the + jealous hatred and prejudice of ignorant industry, was bent upon Adam’s + destruction, hallooed on some of his fierce fellows into the garden, + tracked the footsteps of the fugitives by the trampled grass, and bounded + over the wall in fruitless chase. But on went the more giddy of the mob, + rather in sport than in cruelty, with a chorus of drunken apprentices and + riotous boys, to the spot where the humpbacked tinker had dragged his + passive burden. The foul green pond near Master Sancroft’s hostel + reflected the glare of torches; six of the tymbesteres, leaping and + wheeling, with doggerel song and discordant music, gave the signal for the + ordeal of the witch,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Lake or river, dyke or ditch, + Water never drowns the witch. + Witch or wizard would ye know? + Sink or swim, is ay or no. + Lift her, swing her, once and twice, + Lift her, swing her o’er the brim,— + Lille—lera—twice and thrice + Ha! ha! mother, sink or swim!” + </pre> + <p> + And while the last line was chanted, amidst the full jollity of laughter + and clamour and clattering timbrels, there was a splash in the sullen + water; the green slough on the surface parted with an oozing gurgle, and + then came a dead silence. + </p> + <p> + “A murrain on the hag! she does not even struggle!” said, at last, the + hump-backed tinker. + </p> + <p> + “No,—no! she cares not for water. Try fire! Out with her! out!” + cried Red Grisell. + </p> + <p> + “Aroint her! she is sullen!” said the tinker, as his lean fingers clutched + up the dead body, and let it fall upon the margin. “Dead!” said the baker, + shuddering; “we have done wrong,—I told ye so! She dealt with me + many a year. Poor Madge! Right’s right. She was no witch!” + </p> + <p> + “But that was the only way to try it,” said the humpbacked tinker; “and if + she was not a witch, why did she look like one? I cannot abide ugly + folks!” + </p> + <p> + The bystanders shook their heads. But whatever their remorse, it was + diverted by a double sound: first, a loud hurrah from some of the mob who + had loitered for pillage, and who now emerged from Adam’s house, following + two men, who, preceded by the terrible Graul, dancing before them, and + tossing aloft her timbrel, bore in triumph the captured Eureka; and, + secondly, the blast of a clarion at the distance, while up the street + marched—horse and foot, with pike and banner—a goodly troop. + The Lord Hastings in person led a royal force, by a night march, against a + fresh outbreak of the rebels, not ten miles from the city, under Sir + Geoffrey Gates, who had been lately arrested by the Lord Howard at + Southampton, escaped, collected a disorderly body of such restless men as + are always disposed to take part in civil commotion, and now menaced + London itself. At the sound of the clarion the valiant mob dispersed in + all directions, for even at that day mobs had an instinct of terror at the + approach of the military, and a quick reaction from outrage to the fear of + retaliation. + </p> + <p> + But, at the sound of martial music, the tymbesteres silenced their own + instruments, and instead of flying, they darted through the crowd, each to + seek the other, and unite as for counsel. Graul, pointing to Mr. + Sancroft’s hostelry, whispered the bearers of the Eureka to seek refuge + there for the present, and to bear their trophy with the dawn to Friar + Bungey at the Tower; and then, gliding nimbly through the fugitive + rioters, sprang into the centre of the circle formed by her companions. + </p> + <p> + “Ye scent the coming battle?” said the arch-tymbestere. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, ay!” answered the sisterhood. + </p> + <p> + “But we have gone miles since noon,—I am faint and weary!” said one + amongst them. + </p> + <p> + Red Grisell, the youngest of the band, struck her comrade on the cheek—“Faint + and weary, ronion, with blood and booty in the wind!” + </p> + <p> + The tymbesteres smiled grimly on their young sister; but the leader + whispered “Hush!” and they stood for a second or two with outstretched + throats, with dilated nostrils, with pent breath, listening to the clarion + and the hoofs and the rattling armour, the human vultures foretasting + their feast of carnage; then, obedient to a sign from their chieftainess, + they crept lightly and rapidly into the mouth of a neighbouring alley, + where they cowered by the squalid huts, concealed. The troop passed on,—a + gallant and serried band, horse and foot, about fifteen hundred men. As + they filed up the thoroughfare, and the tramp of the last soldiers fell + hollow on the starlit ground, the tymbesteres stole from their retreat, + and, at the distance of some few hundred yards, followed the procession, + with long, silent, stealthy strides,—as the meaner beasts, in the + instinct of hungry cunning, follow the lion for the garbage of his prey. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0064" id="link2HCH0064"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. THE FUGITIVES ARE CAPTURED—THE TYMBESTERES REAPPEAR—MOONLIGHT + ON THE REVEL OF THE LIVING—MOONLIGHT ON THE SLUMBER OF THE DEAD. + </h2> + <p> + The father and child made their resting-place under the giant oak. They + knew not whither to fly for refuge; the day and the night had become the + same to them,—the night menaced with robbers, the day with the mob. + If return to their home was forbidden, where in the wide world a shelter + for the would-be world-improver? Yet they despaired not, their hearts + failed them not. The majestic splendour of the night, as it deepened in + its solemn calm; as the shadows of the windless trees fell larger and + sharper upon the silvery earth; as the skies grew mellower and more + luminous in the strengthening starlight, inspired them with the serenity + of faith,—for night, to the earnest soul, opens the Bible of the + universe, and on the leaves of Heaven is written, “God is everywhere.” + </p> + <p> + Their hands were clasped each in each, their pale faces were upturned; + they spoke not, neither were they conscious that they prayed, but their + silence was thought, and the thought was worship. + </p> + <p> + Amidst the grief and solitude of the pure, there comes, at times, a + strange and rapt serenity,—a sleep-awake,—over which the + instinct of life beyond the grave glides like a noiseless dream; and ever + that heaven that the soul yearns for is coloured by the fancies of the + fond human heart, each fashioning the above from the desires unsatisfied + below. + </p> + <p> + “There,” thought the musing maiden, “cruelty and strife shall cease; + there, vanish the harsh differences of life; there, those whom we have + loved and lost are found, and through the Son, who tasted of mortal + sorrow, we are raised to the home of the Eternal Father!” + </p> + <p> + “And there,” thought the aspiring sage, “the mind, dungeoned and chained + below, rushes free into the realms of space; there, from every mystery + falls the veil; there, the Omniscient smiles on those who, through the + darkness of life, have fed that lamp, the soul; there, Thought, but the + seed on earth, bursts into the flower and ripens to the fruit!” + </p> + <p> + And on the several hope of both maid and sage the eyes of the angel stars + smiled with a common promise. + </p> + <p> + At last, insensibly, and while still musing, so that slumber but continued + the revery into visions, father and daughter slept. + </p> + <p> + The night passed away; the dawn came slow and gray; the antlers of the + deer stirred above the fern; the song of the nightingale was hushed; and + just as the morning star waned back, while the reddening east announced + the sun, and labour and trouble resumed their realm of day, a fierce band + halted before those sleeping forms. + </p> + <p> + These men had been Lancastrian soldiers, and, reduced to plunder for a + living, had, under Sir Geoffrey Gates, formed the most stalwart part of + the wild, disorderly force whom Hilyard and Coniers had led to Olney. They + had heard of the new outbreak, headed by their ancient captain, Sir + Geoffrey (who was supposed to have been instigated to his revolt by the + gold and promises of the Lancastrian chiefs), and were on their way to + join the rebels; but as war for them was but the name for booty, they felt + the wonted instinct of the robber, when they caught sight of the old man + and the fair maid. + </p> + <p> + Both Adam and his daughter wore, unhappily, the dresses in which they had + left the court, and Sibyll’s especially was that which seemed to betoken a + certain rank and station. + </p> + <p> + “Awake, rouse ye!” said the captain of the band, roughly shaking the arm + which encircled Sibyll’s slender waist. Adam started, opened his eyes, and + saw himself begirt by figures in rusty armour, with savage faces peering + under their steel sallets. + </p> + <p> + “How came you hither? Yon oak drops strange acorns,” quoth the chief. + </p> + <p> + “Valiant sir,” replied Adam, still seated, and drawing his gown + instinctively over Sibyll’s face, which nestled on his bosom, in slumber + so deep and heavy, that the gruff voice had not broken it, “valiant sir! + we are forlorn and houseless, an old man and a simple girl. Some + evil-minded persons invaded our home; we fled in the night, and—” + </p> + <p> + “Invaded your house! ha, it is clear,” said the chief. “We know the rest.” + </p> + <p> + At this moment Sibyll woke, and starting to her feet in astonishment and + terror at the sight on which her eyes opened, her extreme beauty made a + sensible effect upon the bravoes. + </p> + <p> + “Do not be daunted, young demoiselle,” said the captain, with an air + almost respectful; “it is necessary thou and Sir John should follow us, + but we will treat you well, and consult later on the ransom ye will pay + us. Jock, discharge the young sumpter mule; put its load on the black one. + We have no better equipment for thee, lady; but the first haquenee we find + shall replace the mule, and meanwhile my knaves will heap their cloaks for + a pillion.” + </p> + <p> + “But what mean you?—you mistake us!” exclaimed Sibyll. “We are poor; + we cannot ransom ourselves.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor!—tut!” said the captain, pointing significantly to the costly + robe of the maiden—“moreover his worship’s wealth is well known. + Mount in haste,—we are pressed.” And without heeding the + expostulations of Sibyll and the poor scholar, the rebel put his troop + into motion, and marched himself at their head, with his lieutenant. + </p> + <p> + Sibyll found the subalterns sterner than their chief; for as Warner + offered to resist, one of them lifted his gisarme, with a frightful oath, + and Sibyll was the first to persuade her father to submit. She mildly, + however, rejected the mule, and the two captives walked together in the + midst of the troop. + </p> + <p> + “Pardie!” said the lieutenant, “I see little help to Sir Geoffrey in these + recruits, captain!” + </p> + <p> + “Fool!” said the chief, disdainfully, “if the rebellion fail, these + prisoners may save our necks. Will Somers last night was to break into the + house of Sir John Bourchier, for arms and moneys, of which the knight hath + a goodly store. Be sure, Sir John slinked off in the siege, and this is he + and his daughter. Thou knowest he is one of the greatest knights, and the + richest, whom the Yorkists boast of; and we may name our own price for his + ransom.” + </p> + <p> + “But where lodge them while we go to the battle?” + </p> + <p> + “Ned Porpustone hath a hostelry not far from the camp, and Ned is a good + Lancastrian, and a man to be trusted.” + </p> + <p> + “We have not searched the prisoners,” said the lieutenant; “they may have + some gold in their pouches.” + </p> + <p> + “Marry, when Will Somers storms a hive, little time does he leave to the + bees to fly away with much money. Nathless, thou mayest search the old + knight, but civilly, and with gentle excuses.” + </p> + <p> + “And the damsel?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay! that were unmannerly, and the milder our conduct, the larger the + ransom,—when we have great folks to deal with.” + </p> + <p> + The lieutenant accordingly fell back to search Adam’s gipsire, which + contained only a book and a file, and then rejoined his captain, without + offering molestation to Sibyll. + </p> + <p> + The mistake made by the bravo was at least so far not wholly unfortunate + that the notion of the high quality of the captives—for Sir John + Bourchier was indeed a person of considerable station and importance (a + notion favoured by the noble appearance of the scholar and the delicate + and highborn air of Sibyll)—procured for them all the respect + compatible with the circumstances. They had not gone far before they + entered a village, through which the ruffians marched with the most + perfect impunity; for it was a strange feature in those civil wars that + the mass of the population, except in the northern districts, remained + perfectly supine and neutral. And as the little band halted at a small inn + to drink, the gossips of the village collected round them, with the same + kind of indolent, careless curiosity which is now evinced in some hamlet + at the halt of a stage-coach. Here the captain learned, however, some + intelligence important to his objects,—namely, the night march of + the troop under Lord Hastings, and the probability that the conflict was + already begun. “If so,” muttered the rebel, “we can see how the tide + turns, before we endanger ourselves; and at the worst, our prisoners will + bring something of prize-money.” + </p> + <p> + While thus soliloquizing, he spied one of those cumbrous vehicles of the + day called whirlicotes [Whirlicotes were in use from a very early period, + but only among the great, till, in the reign of Richard II., his queen, + Anne, introduced side-saddles, when the whirlicote fell out of fashion, + but might be found at different hostelries on the main roads for the + accommodation of the infirm or aged.] standing in the yard of the + hostelry; and seizing upon it, vi et armis, in spite of all the cries and + protestations of the unhappy landlord, he ordered his captives to enter, + and recommenced his march. + </p> + <p> + As the band proceeded farther on their way, they were joined by fresh + troops of the same class as themselves, and they pushed on gayly, till, + about the hour of eight, they halted before the hostelry the captain had + spoken of. It stood a little out of the high road, not very far from the + village of Hadley, and the heath or chase of Gladsmore, on which was + fought, some time afterwards, the battle of Barnet. It was a house of good + aspect, and considerable size, for it was much frequented by all + caravanserais and travellers from the North to the metropolis. The + landlord, at heart a stanch Lancastrian, who had served in the French + wars, and contrived, no one knew how, to save moneys in the course of an + adventurous life, gave to his hostelry the appellation and sign of the + Talbot, in memory of the old hero of that name; and, hiring a tract of + land, joined the occupation of a farmer to the dignity of a host. The + house, which was built round a spacious quadrangle, represented the double + character of its owner, one side being occupied by barns and a + considerable range of stabling, while cows, oxen, and ragged colts grouped + amicably together in a space railed off in the centre of the yard. At + another side ran a large wooden staircase, with an open gallery, propped + on wooden columns, conducting to numerous chambers, after the fashion of + the Tabard in Southwark, immortalized by Chaucer. Over the archway, on + entrance, ran a labyrinth of sleeping lofts for foot passengers and + muleteers; and the side facing the entrance was nearly occupied by a vast + kitchen, the common hall, and the bar, with the private parlour of the + host, and two or three chambers in the second story. The whirlicote jolted + and rattled into the yard. Sibyll and her father were assisted out of the + vehicle, and, after a few words interchanged with the host, conducted by + Master Porpustone himself up the spacious stairs into a chamber, well + furnished and fresh littered, with repeated assurances of safety, provided + they maintained silence, and attempted no escape. + </p> + <p> + “Ye are in time,” said Ned Porpustone to the captain. “Lord Hastings made + proclamation at daybreak that he gave the rebels two hours to disperse.” + </p> + <p> + “Pest! I like not those proclamations. And the fellows stood their + ground?” + </p> + <p> + “No; for Sir Geoffrey, like a wise soldier, mended the ground by + retreating a mile to the left, and placing the wood between the Yorkists + and himself. Hastings, by this, must have remarshalled his men. But to + pass the wood is slow work, and Sir Geoffrey’s crossbows are no doubt + doing damage in the covert. Come in, while your fellows snatch a morsel + without; five minutes are not thrown away on filling their bellies.” + </p> + <p> + “Thanks, Ned, thou art a good fellow; and if all else fail, why, Sir + John’s ransom shall pay the reckoning. Any news of bold Robin?” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, he has ‘scaped with a whole skin, and gone back to the North,” + answered the host, leading the way to his parlour, where a flask of strong + wine and some cold meat awaited his guest. “If Sir Geoffrey Gates can beat + off the York troopers, tell him, from me, not to venture to London, but to + fall back into the marshes. He will be welcome there, I foreguess; for + every northman is either for Warwick or for Lancaster, and the two must + unite now, I trow.” + </p> + <p> + “But Warwick is flown!” quoth the captain. + </p> + <p> + “Tush! he has only flown as the falcon flies when he has a heron to fight + with,—wheeling and soaring. Woe to the heron when the falcon swoops! + But you drink not!” + </p> + <p> + “No; I must keep the head cool to-day; for Hastings is a perilous captain. + Thy fist, friend! If I fall, I leave you Sir John and his girl to wipe off + old scores; if we beat off the Yorkists I vow to Our Lady of Walsingham an + image of wax of the weight of myself.” The marauder then started up, and + strode to his men, who were snatching a hasty meal on the space before the + hostel. He paused a moment or so, while his host whispered,— + </p> + <p> + “Hastings was here before daybreak: but his men only got the sour beer; + yours fight upon huffcap.” + </p> + <p> + “Up, men! to your pikes! Dress to the right!” thundered the captain, with + a sufficient pause between each sentence. “The York lozels have starved on + stale beer,—shall they beat huffcap and Lancaster? Frisk and + fresh-up with the Antelope banner [The antelope was one of the Lancastrian + badges. The special cognizance of Henry VI. was two feathers in saltire.], + and long live Henry the Sixth!” + </p> + <p> + The sound of the shout that answered this harangue shook the thin walls of + the chamber in which the prisoners were confined, and they heard with joy + the departing tramp of the soldiers. In a short time, Master Porpustone + himself, a corpulent, burly fellow, with a face by no means + unprepossessing, mounted to the chamber, accompanied by a comely + housekeeper, linked to him, as scandal said, by ties less irksome than + Hymen’s, and both bearing ample provisions, with rich pigment and lucid + clary [clary was wine clarified], which they spread with great formality + on an oak table before their involuntary guest. + </p> + <p> + “Eat, your worship, eat!” cried mine host, heartily. “Eat, lady-bird,—nothing + like eating to kill time and banish care. Fortune of war, Sir John,—fortune + of war, never be daunted! Up to-day, down to-morrow. Come what may—York + or Lancaster—still a rich man always falls on his legs. Five hundred + or so to the captain; a noble or two, out of pure generosity, to Ned + Porpustone (I scorn extortion), and you and the fair young dame may + breakfast at home to-morrow, unless the captain or his favourite + lieutenant is taken prisoner; and then, you see, they will buy off their + necks by letting you out of the bag. Eat, I say,—eat!” + </p> + <p> + “Verily,” said Adam, seating himself solemnly, and preparing to obey, “I + confess I’m a hungered, and the pasty hath a savoury odour; but I pray + thee to tell me why I am called Sir John. Adam is my baptismal name.” + </p> + <p> + “Ha! ha! good—very good, your honour—to be sure, and your + father’s name before you. We are all sons of Adam, and every son, I trow, + has a just right and a lawful to his father’s name.” + </p> + <p> + With that, followed by the housekeeper, the honest landlord, chuckling + heartily, rolled his goodly bulk from the chamber, which he carefully + locked. + </p> + <p> + “Comprehendest thou yet, Sibyll?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, dear sir and father, they mistake us for fugitives of mark and + importance; and when they discover their error, no doubt we shall go free. + Courage, dear father!” + </p> + <p> + “Me seemeth,” quoth Adam, almost merrily, as the good man filled his cup + from the wine flagon, “me seemeth that, if the mistake could continue, it + would be no weighty misfortune; ha! ha!” He stopped abruptly in the + unwonted laughter, put down the cup; his face fell. “Ah, Heaven forgive + me!—and the poor Eureka and faithful Madge!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Father! fear not; we are not without protection. Lord Hastings is + returned to London,—we will seek him; he will make our cruel + neighbours respect thee. And Madge—poor Madge!—will be so + happy at our return, for they could not harm her,—a woman, old and + alone; no, no, man is not fierce enough for that.” + </p> + <p> + “Let us so pray; but thou eatest not, child.” + </p> + <p> + “Anon, Father, anon; I am sick and weary. But, nay—nay, I am better + now,—better. Smile again, Father. I am hungered, too; yes, indeed + and in sooth, yes. Ah, sweet Saint Mary, give me life and strength, and + hope and patience, for his dear sake!” + </p> + <p> + The stirring events which had within the last few weeks diversified the + quiet life of the scholar had somewhat roused him from his wonted + abstraction, and made the actual world a more sensible and living thing + than it had hitherto seemed to his mind; but now, his repast ended, the + quiet of the place (for the inn was silent and almost deserted) with the + fumes of the wine—a luxury he rarely tasted—operated + soothingly upon his thought and fancy, and plunged him into those + reveries, so dear alike to poet and mathematician. To the thinker the most + trifling external object often suggests ideas, which, like Homer’s chain, + extend, link after link; from earth to heaven. The sunny motes, that in a + glancing column came through the lattice, called Warner from the real day,—the + day of strife and blood, with thousands hard by driving each other to the + Hades,—and led his scheming fancy into the ideal and abstract day,—the + theory of light itself; and the theory suggested mechanism, and mechanism + called up the memory of his oracle, old Roger Bacon; and that memory + revived the great friar’s hints in the Opus magnus,—hints which + outlined the grand invention of the telescope; and so, as over some dismal + precipice a bird swings itself to and fro upon the airy bough, the + schoolman’s mind played with its quivering fancy, and folded its calm + wings above the verge of terror. + </p> + <p> + Occupied with her own dreams, Sibyll respected those of her father; and so + in silence, not altogether mournful, the morning and the noon passed, and + the sun was sloping westward, when a confused sound below called Sibyll’s + gaze to the lattice, which looked over the balustrade of the staircase + into the vast yard. She saw several armed men, their harness hewed and + battered, quaffing ale or wine in haste, and heard one of them say to the + landlord,— + </p> + <p> + “All is lost! Sir Geoffrey Gates still holds out, but it is butcher work. + The troops of Lord Hastings gather round him as a net round the fish!” + </p> + <p> + Hastings!—that name!—he was at hand! he was near! they would + be saved! Sibyll’s heart beat loudly. + </p> + <p> + “And the captain?” asked Porpustone. + </p> + <p> + “Alive, when I last saw him; but we must be off. In another hour all will + be hurry and skurry, flight and chase.” At this moment from one of the + barns there emerged, one by one, the female vultures of the battle. The + tymbesteres, who had tramped all night to the spot, had slept off their + fatigue during the day, and appeared on the scene as the neighbouring + strife waxed low, and the dead and dying began to cumber the gory ground. + Graul Skellet, tossing up her timbrel, darted to the fugitives and grinned + a ghastly grin when she heard the news,—for the tymbesteres were all + loyal to a king who loved women, and who had a wink and a jest for every + tramping wench! The troopers tarried not, however, for further converse, + but, having satisfied their thirst, hurried and clattered from the yard. + At the sight of the ominous tymbesteres Sibyll had drawn back, without + daring to close the lattice she had opened; and the women, seating + themselves on a bench, began sleeking their long hair and smoothing their + garments from the scraps of straw and litter which betokened the nature of + their resting-place. + </p> + <p> + “Ho, girls!” said the fat landlord, “ye will pay me for board and bed, I + trust, by a show of your craft. I have two right worshipful lodgers up + yonder, whose lattice looks on the yard, and whom ye may serve to divert.” + </p> + <p> + Sibyll trembled, and crept to her father’s side. + </p> + <p> + “And,” continued the landlord, “if they like the clash of your musicals, + it may bring ye a groat or so, to help ye on your journey. By the way, + whither wend ye, wenches?” + </p> + <p> + “To a bonny, jolly fair,” answered the sinister voice of Graul,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Where a mighty SHOWMAN dyes + The greenery into red; + Where, presto! at the word + Lies his Fool without a head; + Where he gathers in the crowd + To the trumpet and the drum, + With a jingle and a tinkle, + Graul’s merry lasses come!” + </pre> + <p> + As the two closing lines were caught by the rest of the tymbesteres, + striking their timbrels, the crew formed themselves into a semicircle, and + commenced their dance. Their movements, though wanton and fantastic, were + not without a certain wild grace; and the address with which, from time to + time, they cast up their instruments and caught them in descending, joined + to the surprising agility with which, in the evolutions of the dance, one + seemed now to chase, now to fly from, the other, darting to and fro + through the ranks of her companions, winding and wheeling,—the chain + now seemingly broken in disorder, now united link to link, as the whole + force of the instruments clashed in chorus,—made an exhibition + inexpressibly attractive to the vulgar. + </p> + <p> + The tymbesteres, however, as may well be supposed, failed to draw Sibyll + or Warner to the window; and they exchanged glances of spite and + disappointment. + </p> + <p> + “Marry,” quoth the landlord, after a hearty laugh at the diversion, “I do + wrong to be so gay, when so many good friends perhaps are lying stark and + cold. But what then? Life is short,—laugh while we can!” + </p> + <p> + “Hist!” whispered his housekeeper; “art wode, Ned? Wouldst thou have it + discovered that thou hast such quality birds in the cage—noble + Yorkists—at the very time when Lord Hastings himself may be riding + this way after the victory?” + </p> + <p> + “Always right, Meg,—and I’m an ass!” answered the host, in the same + undertone. “But my good nature will be the death of me some day. Poor + gentlefolks, they must be unked dull, yonder!” + </p> + <p> + “If the Yorkists come hither,—which we shall soon know by the + scouts,—we must shift Sir John and the damsel to the back of the + house, over thy tap-room.” + </p> + <p> + “Manage it as thou wilt, Meg; but thou seest they keep quiet and snug. Ho, + ho, ho! that tall tymbestere is supple enough to make an owl hold his + sides with laughing. Ah! hollo, there, tymbesteres, ribaudes, tramps, the + devil’s chickens,—down, down!” + </p> + <p> + The host was too late in his order. With a sudden spring, Graul, who had + long fixed her eye on the open lattice of the prisoners, had wreathed + herself round one of the pillars that supported the stairs, swung lightly + over the balustrade; and with a faint shriek the startled Sibyll beheld + the tymbestere’s hard, fierce eyes, glaring upon her through the lattice, + as her long arm extended the timbrel for largess. But no sooner had Sibyll + raised her face than she was recognized. + </p> + <p> + “Ho, the wizard and the wizard’s daughter! Ho, the girl who glamours + lords, and wears sarcenet and lawn! Ho, the nigromancer who starves the + poor!” + </p> + <p> + At the sound of their leader’s cry, up sprang, up climbed the hellish + sisters! One after the other, they darted through the lattice into the + chamber. + </p> + <p> + “The ronions! the foul fiend has distraught them!” groaned the landlord, + motionless with astonishment; but the more active Meg, calling to the + varlets and scullions, whom the tymbesteres had collected in the yard, to + follow her, bounded up the stairs, unlocked the door, and arrived in time + to throw herself between the captives and the harpies, whom Sibyll’s rich + super-tunic and Adam’s costly gown had inflamed into all the rage of + appropriation. + </p> + <p> + “What mean ye, wretches?” cried the bold Meg, purple with anger. “Do ye + come for this into honest folk’s hostelries, to rob their guests in broad + day—noble guests—guests of mark! Oh, Sir John! Sir John! what + will ye think of us?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Sir John! Sir John!” groaned the landlord, who had now moved his slow + bulk into the room. “They shall be scourged, Sir John! They shall be put + in the stocks, they shall be brent with hot iron, they—” + </p> + <p> + “Ha, ha!” interrupted the terrible Graul, “guests of mark! noble guests, + trow ye! Adam Warner, the wizard, and his daughter, whom we drove last + night from their den, as many a time, sisters, and many, we have driven + the rats from charnel and cave.” + </p> + <p> + “Wizard! Adam! Blood of my life!” stammered the landlord, “is his name + Adam after all?” + </p> + <p> + “My name is Adam Warner,” said the old man, with dignity, “no wizard—a + humble scholar, and a poor gentleman, who has injured no one. Wherefore, + women—if women ye are—would ye injure mine and me?” + </p> + <p> + “Faugh, wizard!” returned Graul, folding her arms. “Didst thou not send + thy spawn, yonder, to spoil our mart with her gittern? Hast thou not + taught her the spells to win love from the noble and young? Ho, how + daintily the young witch robes herself! Ho, laces and satins, and we + shiver with the cold, and parch with the heat—and—doff thy + tunic, minion!” + </p> + <p> + And Graul’s fierce gripe was on the robe, when the landlord interposed his + huge arm, and held her at bay. + </p> + <p> + “Softly, my sucking dove, softly! Clear the room and be off!” + </p> + <p> + “Look to thyself, man. If thou harbourest a wizard against law,—a + wizard whom King Edward hath given up to the people,—look to thy + barns,—they shall burn; look to thy cattle,—they shall rot; + look to thy secrets,—they shall be told. Lancastrian, thou shalt + hang! We go! we go! We have friends amongst the mailed men of York. We go,—we + will return! Woe to thee, if thou harbourest the wizard and the succuba!” + </p> + <p> + With that Graul moved slowly to the door. Host and housekeeper, varlet, + groom, and scullion made way for her in terror; and still, as she moved, + she kept her eyes on Sibyll, till her sisters, following in successive + file, shut out the hideous aspect: and Meg, ordering away her gaping + train, closed the door. + </p> + <p> + The host and the housekeeper then gazed gravely at each other. Sibyll lay + in her father’s arms breathing hard and convulsively. The old man’s face + bent over her in silence. Meg drew aside her master. “You must rid the + house at once of these folks. I have heard talk of yon tymbesteres; they + are awsome in spite and malice. Every man to himself!” + </p> + <p> + “But the poor old gentleman, so mild, and the maid, so winsome!” + </p> + <p> + The last remark did not over-please the comely Meg. She advanced at once + to Adam, and said shortly,— + </p> + <p> + “Master, whether wizard or not is no affair of a poor landlord, whose + house is open to all; but ye have had food and wine,—please to pay + the reckoning, and God speed ye; ye are free to depart.” + </p> + <p> + “We can pay you, mistress!” exclaimed Sibyll, springing up. “We have + moneys yet. Here, here!” and she took from her gipsire the broad pieces + which poor Madge’s precaution had placed therein, and which the bravoes + had fortunately spared. + </p> + <p> + The sight of the gold somewhat softened the housewife. “Lord Hastings is + known to us,” continued Sibyll, perceiving the impression she had made; + “suffer us to rest here till he pass this way, and ye will find yourselves + repaid for the kindness.” + </p> + <p> + “By my troth,” said the landlord, “ye are most welcome to all my poor + house containeth; and as for these tymbesteres, I value them not a straw. + No one can say Ned Porpustone is an ill man or inhospitable. Whoever can + pay reasonably is sure of good wine and civility at the Talbot.” + </p> + <p> + With these and many similar protestations and assurances, which were less + heartily re-echoed by the housewife, the landlord begged to conduct them + to an apartment not so liable to molestation; and after having led them + down the principal stairs, through the bar, and thence up a narrow flight + of steps, deposited them in a chamber at the back of the house, and + lighted a sconce therein, for it was now near the twilight. He then + insisted on seeing after their evening meal, and vanished with his + assistant. The worthy pair were now of the same mind; for guests known to + Lord Hastings it was worth braving the threats of the tymbesteres; + especially since Lord Hastings, it seems, had just beaten the + Lancastrians. + </p> + <p> + But alas! while the active Meg was busy on the hippocras, and the worthy + landlord was inspecting the savoury operations of the kitchen, a vast + uproar was heard without. A troop of disorderly Yorkist soldiers, who had + been employed in dispersing the flying rebels, rushed helter-skelter into + the house, and poured into the kitchen, bearing with them the detested + tymbesteres, who had encountered them on their way. Among these soldiers + were those who had congregated at Master Sancroft’s the day before, and + they were well prepared to support the cause of their griesly paramours. + Lord Hastings himself had retired for the night to a farmhouse nearer the + field of battle than the hostel; and as in those days discipline was lax + enough after a victory, the soldiers had a right to license. Master + Porpustone found himself completely at the mercy of these brawling + customers, the more rude and disorderly from the remembrance of the sour + beer in the morning, and Graul Skellet’s assurances that Master Porpustone + was a malignant Lancastrian. They laid hands on all the provisions in the + house, tore the meats from the spit, devouring them half raw; set the + casks running over the floors; and while they swilled and swore, and + filled the place with the uproar of a hell broke loose, Graul Skellet, + whom the lust for the rich garments of Sibyll still fired and stung, led + her followers up the stairs towards the deserted chamber. Mine host + perceived, but did not dare openly to resist the foray; but as he was + really a good-natured knave, and as, moreover, he feared ill consequences + might ensue if any friends of Lord Hastings were spoiled, outraged,—nay, + peradventure murdered,—in his house, he resolved, at all events, to + assist the escape of his guests. Seeing the ground thus clear of the + tymbesteres, he therefore stole from the riotous scene, crept up the back + stairs, gained the chamber to which he had so happily removed his + persecuted lodgers, and making them, in a few words, sensible that he was + no longer able to protect them, and that the tymbesteres were now returned + with an armed force to back their malice, conducted them safely to a wide + casement only some three or four feet from the soil of the solitary + garden, and bade them escape and save themselves. + </p> + <p> + “The farm,” he whispered, “where they say my Lord Hastings is quartered is + scarcely a mile and a half away; pass the garden wicket, leave Gladsmore + Chase to the left hand, take the path to the right, through the wood, and + you will see its roof among the apple-blossoms. Our Lady protect you, and + say a word to my lord on behalf of poor Ned.” + </p> + <p> + Scarce had he seen his guests descend into the garden before he heard the + yell of the tymbesteres, in the opposite part of the house, as they ran + from room to room after their prey. He hastened to regain the kitchen; and + presently the tymbesteres, breathless and panting, rushed in, and demanded + their victims. + </p> + <p> + “Marry,” quoth the landlord, with the self-possession of a cunning old + soldier-“think ye I cumbered my house with such cattle after pretty lasses + like you had given me the inkling of what they were? No wizard shall fly + away with the sign of the Talbot, if I can help it. They skulked off I can + promise ye, and did not even mount a couple of broomsticks which I + handsomely offered for their ride up to London.” + </p> + <p> + “Thunder and bombards!” cried a trooper, already half-drunk, and seizing + Graul in his iron arms, “put the conjuror out of thine head now, and buss + me, Graul, buss me!” + </p> + <p> + Then the riot became hideous; the soldiers, following their comrade’s + example, embraced the grim glee-women, tearing and hauling them to and + fro, one from the other, round and round, dancing, hallooing, chanting, + howling, by the blaze of a mighty fire,—many a rough face and hard + hand smeared with blood still wet, communicating the stain to the cheeks + and garb of those foul feres, and the whole revel becoming so unutterably + horrible and ghastly, that even the veteran landlord fled from the spot, + trembling and crossing himself. And so, streaming athwart the lattice, and + silvering over that fearful merry-making, rose the moon. + </p> + <p> + But when fatigue and drunkenness had done their work, and the soldiers + fell one over the other upon the floor, the tables, the benches, into the + heavy sleep of riot, Graul suddenly rose from amidst the huddled bodies, + and then, silently as ghouls from a burial-ground, her sisters emerged + also from their resting-places beside the sleepers. The dying light of the + fire contended but feebly with the livid rays of the moon, and played + fantastically over the gleaming robes of the tymbesteres. They stood erect + for a moment, listening, Graul with her finger on her lips; then they + glided to the door, opened and reclosed it, darted across the yard, + scaring the beasts that slept there; the watch-dog barked, but drew back, + bristling, and showing his fangs, as Red Grisell, undaunted, pointed her + knife, and Graul flung him a red peace-sop of meat. They launched + themselves through the open entrance, gained the space beyond, and scoured + away to the battlefield. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, Sibyll and her father were still under the canopy of heaven, + they had scarcely passed the garden and entered the fields, when they saw + horsemen riding to and fro in all directions. Sir Geoffrey Gates, the + rebel leader, had escaped; the reward of three hundred marks was set on + his head, and the riders were in search of the fugitive. The human form + itself had become a terror to the hunted outcasts; they crept under a + thick hedge till the horsemen had disappeared, and then resumed their way. + They gained the wood; but there again they halted at the sound of voices, + and withdrew themselves under covert of some entangled and trampled + bushes. This time it was but a party of peasants, whom curiosity had led + to see the field of battle, and who were now returning home. Peasants and + soldiers both were human, and therefore to be shunned by those whom the + age itself put out of the pale of law. At last the party also left the + path free; and now it was full night. They pursued their way, they cleared + the wood; before them lay the field of battle; and a deeper silence seemed + to fall over the world! The first stars had risen, but not yet the moon. + The gleam of armour from prostrate bodies, which it had mailed in vain, + reflected the quiet rays; here and there flickered watchfires, where + sentinels were set, but they were scattered and remote. The outcasts + paused and shuddered, but there seemed no holier way for their feet; and + the roof of the farmer’s homestead slept on the opposite side of the + field, amidst white orchard blossoms, whitened still more by the stars. + They went on, hand in hand,—the dead, after all, were less terrible + than the living. Sometimes a stern, upturned face, distorted by the last + violent agony, the eyes unclosed and glazed, encountered them with its + stony stare; but the weapon was powerless in the stiff hand, the menace + and the insult came not from the hueless lips; persecution reposed, at + last, in the lap of slaughter. They had gone midway through the field, + when they heard from a spot where the corpses lay thickest piled, a faint + voice calling upon God for pardon; and, suddenly, it was answered by a + tone of fiercer agony,—that did not pray, but curse. + </p> + <p> + By a common impulse, the gentle wanderers moved silently to the spot. + </p> + <p> + The sufferer in prayer was a youth scarcely passed from boyhood: his helm + had been cloven, his head was bare, and his long light hair, clotted with + gore, fell over his shoulders. Beside him lay a strong-built, powerful + form, which writhed in torture, pierced under the arm by a Yorkist arrow, + and the shaft still projecting from the wound,—and the man’s curse + answered the boy’s prayer. + </p> + <p> + “Peace to thy parting soul, brother!” said Warner, bending over the man. + </p> + <p> + “Poor sufferer!” said Sibyll to the boy; “cheer thee, we will send + succour; thou mayest live yet!” + </p> + <p> + “Water! water!—hell and torture!—water, I say!” groaned the + man; “one drop of water!” + </p> + <p> + It was the captain of the maurauders who had captured the wanderers. + </p> + <p> + “Thine arm! lift me! move me! That evil man scares my soul from heaven!” + gasped the boy. + </p> + <p> + And Adam preached penitence to the one that cursed, and Sibyll knelt down + and prayed with the one that prayed. And up rose the moon! + </p> + <p> + Lord Hastings sat with his victorious captains—over mead, morat, and + wine—in the humble hall of the farm. + </p> + <p> + “So,” said he, “we have crushed the last embers of the rebellion! This Sir + Geoffrey Gates is a restless and resolute spirit; pity he escapes again + for further mischief. But the House of Nevile, that overshadowed the + rising race, hath fallen at last,—a waisall, brave sirs, to the new + men!” + </p> + <p> + The door was thrown open, and an old soldier entered abruptly. + </p> + <p> + “My lord! my lord! Oh, my poor son! he cannot be found! The women, who + ever follow the march of soldiers, will be on the ground to despatch the + wounded, that they may rifle the corpses! O God! if my son, my boy, my + only son—” + </p> + <p> + “I wist not, my brave Mervil, that thou hadst a son in our bands; yet I + know each man by name and sight. Courage! Our wounded have been removed, + and sentries are placed to guard the field.” + </p> + <p> + “Sentries! O my lord, knowest thou not that they wink at the crime that + plunders the dead? Moreover, these corpse-riflers creep stealthily and + unseen, as the red earth-worms, to the carcass. Give me some few of thy + men, give me warrant to search the field! My son, my boy—not sixteen + summers—and his mother!” + </p> + <p> + The man stopped, and sobbed. + </p> + <p> + “Willingly!” said the gentle Hastings, “willingly! And woe to the sentries + if it be as thou sayest! I will go myself and see! Torches there—what + ho!—the good captain careth even for his dead!—Thy son! I + marvel I knew him not! Whom served he under?” + </p> + <p> + “My lord! my lord! pardon him! He is but a boy—they misled him! he + fought for the rebels. He crossed my path to-day, my arm was raised; we + knew each other, and he fled from his father’s sword! Just as the strife + was ended I saw him again, I saw him fall!—Oh, mercy, mercy! do not + let him perish of his wounds or by the rifler’s knife, even though a + rebel!” + </p> + <p> + “Homo sum!” quoth the noble chief; “I am a man; and, even in these bloody + times, Nature commands when she speaks in a father’s voice! Mervil, I + marked thee to-day! Thou art a brave fellow. I meant thee advancement; I + give thee, instead, thy son’s pardon, if he lives; ten Masses if he died + as a soldier’s son should die, no matter under what flag,—antelope + or lion, pierced manfully in the breast, his feet to the foe! Come, I will + search with thee!” + </p> + <p> + The boy yielded up his soul while Sibyll prayed, and her sweet voice + soothed the last pang; and the man ceased to curse while Adam spoke of + God’s power and mercy, and his breath ebbed, gasp upon gasp, away. While + thus detained, the wanderers saw not pale, fleeting figures, that had + glided to the ground, and moved, gleaming, irregular, and rapid, as + marsh-fed vapours, from heap to heap of the slain. With a loud, wild cry, + the robber Lancastrian half sprung to his feet, in the paroxysm of the + last struggle, and then fell on his face, a corpse! + </p> + <p> + The cry reached the tymbesteres, and Graul rose from a body from which she + had extracted a few coins smeared with blood, and darted to the spot; and + so, as Adam raised his face from contemplating the dead, whose last + moments he had sought to soothe, the Alecto of the battlefield stood + before him, her knife bare in her gory arm. Red Grisell, who had just left + (with a spurn of wrath—for the pouch was empty) the corpse of a + soldier, round whose neck she had twined her hot clasp the day before, + sprang towards Sibyll; the rest of the sisterhood flocked to the place, + and laughed in glee as they beheld their unexpected prey. The danger was + horrible and imminent; no pity was seen in those savage eyes. The + wanderers prepared for death—when, suddenly, torches flashed over + the ground. A cry was heard, “See, the riflers of the dead!” Armed men + bounded forward, and the startled wretches uttered a shrill, unearthly + scream, and fled from the spot, leaping over the carcasses, and doubling + and winding, till they had vanished into the darkness of the wood. + </p> + <p> + “Provost!” said a commanding voice, “hang me up those sentinels at + day-break!” + </p> + <p> + “My son! my boy! speak, Hal,—speak to me. He is here, he is found!” + exclaimed the old soldier, kneeling beside the corpse at Sibyll’s feet. + </p> + <p> + “My lord! my beloved! my Hastings!” And Sibyll fell insensible before the + chief. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0065" id="link2HCH0065"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. THE SUBTLE CRAFT OF RICHARD OF GLOUCESTER. + </h2> + <p> + It was some weeks after the defeat of Sir Geoffrey Gates, and Edward was + at Shene, with his gay court. Reclined at length within a pavilion placed + before a cool fountain, in the royal gardens, and surrounded by his + favourites, the king listened indolently to the music of his minstrels, + and sleeked the plumage of his favourite falcon, perched upon his wrist. + And scarcely would it have been possible to recognize in that lazy + voluptuary the dauntless soldier, before whose lance, as deer before the + hound, had so lately fled, at bloody Erpingham, the chivalry of the + Lancastrian Rose; but remote from the pavilion, and in one of the deserted + bowling alleys, Prince Richard and Lord Montagu walked apart, in earnest + conversation. The last of these noble personages had remained inactive + during these disturbances, and Edward had not seemed to entertain any + suspicion of his participation in the anger and revenge of Warwick. The + king took from him, it is true, the lands and earldom of Northumberland, + and restored them to the Percy, but he had accompanied this act with + gracious excuses, alleging the necessity of conciliating the head of an + illustrious House, which had formally entered into allegiance to the + dynasty of York, and bestowed upon his early favourite, in compensation, + the dignity of marquis. [Montagu said bitterly of this new dignity, “He + takes from me the Earldom and domains of Northumberland, and makes me a + Marquis, with a pie’s nest to maintain it withal.”—STOWE: Edward IV.—Warkworth + Chronicle.] The politic king, in thus depriving Montagu of the wealth and + the retainers of the Percy, reduced him, as a younger brother, to a + comparative poverty and insignificance, which left him dependent on + Edward’s favour, and deprived him, as he thought, of the power of active + mischief; at the same time more than ever he insisted on Montagu’s + society, and summoning his attendance at the court, kept his movements in + watchful surveillance. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, my lord,” said Richard, pursuing with much unction the conversation + he had commenced, “you wrong me much, Holy Paul be my witness, if you + doubt the deep sorrow I feel at the unhappy events which have led to the + severance of my kinsmen! England seems to me to have lost its smile in + losing the glory of Earl Warwick’s presence, and Clarence is my brother, + and was my friend; and thou knowest, Montagu, thou knowest, how dear to my + heart was the hope to win for my wife and lady the gentle Anne.” + </p> + <p> + “Prince,” said Montagu, abruptly, “though the pride of Warwick and the + honour of our House may have forbidden the public revelation of the cause + which fired my brother to rebellion, thou, at least, art privy to a secret—” + </p> + <p> + “Cease!” exclaimed Richard, in great emotion, probably sincere, for his + face grew livid, and its muscles were nervously convulsed. “I would not + have that remembrance stirred from its dark repose. I would fain forget a + brother’s hasty frenzy, in the belief of his lasting penitence.” He paused + and turned his face, gasped for breath, and resumed: “The cause justified + the father; it had justified me in the father’s cause, had Warwick + listened to my suit, and given me the right to deem insult to his daughter + injury to myself.” + </p> + <p> + “And if, my prince,” returned Montagu, looking round him, and in a subdued + whisper, “if yet the hand of Lady Anne were pledged to you?” + </p> + <p> + “Tempt me not, tempt me not!” cried the prince, crossing himself. Montagu + continued,— + </p> + <p> + “Our cause, I mean Lord Warwick’s cause, is not lost, as the king deems + it.” + </p> + <p> + “Proceed,” said Richard, casting down his eyes, while his countenance + settled back into its thoughtful calm. + </p> + <p> + “I mean,” renewed Montagu, “that in my brother’s flight, his retainers + were taken by surprise. In vain the king would confiscate his lands,—he + cannot confiscate men’s hearts. If Warwick to-morrow set his armed heel + upon the soil, trowest thou, sagacious and clear-judging prince, that the + strife which would follow would be but another field of Losecote? [The + battle of Erpingham, so popularly called, in contempt of the rebel lions + runaways.] Thou hast heard of the honours with which King Louis has + received the earl. Will that king grudge him ships and moneys? And + meanwhile, thinkest thou that his favourers sleep?” + </p> + <p> + “But if he land, Montagu,” said Richard, who seemed to listen with an + attention that awoke all the hopes of Montagu, coveting so powerful an + ally—“if he land, and make open war on Edward—we must say the + word boldly—what intent can he proclaim? It is not enough to say + King Edward shall not reign; the earl must say also what king England + should elect!” + </p> + <p> + “Prince,” answered Montagu, “before I reply to that question, vouchsafe to + hear my own hearty desire and wish. Though the king has deeply wronged my + brother, though he has despoiled me of the lands, which were, + peradventure, not too large a reward for twenty victories in his cause, + and restored them to the House that ever ranked amongst the strongholds of + his Lancastrian foe, yet often when I am most resentful, the memory of my + royal seigneur’s past love and kindness comes over me,—above all, + the thought of the solemn contract between his daughter and my son; and I + feel (now the first heat of natural anger at an insult offered to my niece + is somewhat cooled) that if Warwick did land, I could almost forget my + brother for my king.” + </p> + <p> + “Almost!” repeated Richard, smiling. + </p> + <p> + “I am plain with your Highness, and say but what I feel. I would even now + fain trust that, by your mediation, the king may be persuaded to make such + concessions and excuses as in truth would not misbeseem him, to the father + of Lady Anne, and his own kinsman; and that yet, ere it be too late, I may + be spared the bitter choice between the ties of blood and my allegiance to + the king.” + </p> + <p> + “But failing this hope (which I devoutly share),—and Edward, it must + be owned, could scarcely trust to a letter,—still less to a + messenger, the confession of a crime,—failing this, and your brother + land, and I side with him for love of Anne, pledged to me as a bride,—what + king would he ask England to elect?” + </p> + <p> + “The Duke of Clarence loves you dearly, Lord Richard,” replied Montagu. + “Knowest thou not how often he hath said, ‘By sweet Saint George, if + Gloucester would join me, I would make Edward know we were all one man’s + sons, who should be more preferred and promoted than strangers of his + wife’s blood?’” [Hall.] + </p> + <p> + Richard’s countenance for a moment evinced disappointment; but he said + dryly: “Then Warwick would propose that Clarence should be king?—and + the great barons and the honest burghers and the sturdy yeomen would, you + think, not stand aghast at the manifesto which declares, not that the + dynasty of York is corrupt and faulty, but that the younger son should + depose the elder,—that younger son, mark me! not only unknown in war + and green in council, but gay, giddy, vacillating; not subtle of wit and + resolute of deed, as he who so aspires should be!—Montagu, a vain + dream!”—Richard paused and then resumed, in a low tone, as to + himself, “Oh, not so—not so are kings cozened from their thrones! a + pretext must blind men,—say they are illegitimate, say they are too + young, too feeble, too anything, glide into their place, and then, not war—not + war. You slay them not,—they disappear!” The duke’s face, as he + muttered, took a sinister and a dark expression, his eyes seemed to gaze + on space. Suddenly recovering himself as from a revery, he turned, with + his wonted sleek and gracious aspect, to the startled Montagu, and said, + “I was but quoting from Italian history, good my lord,—wise lore, + but terrible and murderous. Return we to the point. Thou seest Clarence + could not reign, and as well,” added the prince, with a slight sigh,—“as + well or better (for, without vanity, I have more of a king’s mettle in + me), might I—even I—aspire to my brother’s crown!” Here he + paused, and glanced rapidly and keenly at the marquis; but whether or not + in these words he had sought to sound Montagu, and that glance sufficed to + show him it were bootless or dangerous to speak more plainly, he resumed + with an altered voice, “Enough of this: Warwick will discover the idleness + of such design; and if he land, his trumpets must ring to a more kindling + measure. John Montagu, thinkest thou that Margaret of Anjou and the + Lancastrians will not rather win thy brother to their side? There is the + true danger to Edward,—none elsewhere.” + </p> + <p> + “And if so?” said Montagu, watching his listener’s countenance. Richard + started, and gnawed his lip. “Mark me,” continued the marquis, “I repeat + that I would fain hope yet that Edward may appease the earl; but if not, + and, rather than rest dishonoured and aggrieved, Warwick link himself with + Lancaster, and thou join him as Anne’s betrothed and lord, what matters + who the puppet on the throne?—we and thou shall be the rulers; or, + if thou reject,” added the marquis, artfully, as he supposed, exciting the + jealousy of the duke, “Henry has a son—a fair, and they say, a + gallant prince—carefully tutored in the knowledge of our English + laws, and who my lord of Oxford, somewhat in the confidence of the + Lancastrians, assures me would rejoice to forget old feuds, and call + Warwick ‘father,’ and my niece ‘Lady and Princess of Wales.’” + </p> + <p> + With all his dissimulation, Richard could ill conceal the emotions of + fear, of jealousy, of dismay, which these words excited. + </p> + <p> + “Lord Oxford!” he cried, stamping his foot. “Ha, John de Vere, pestilent + traitor, plottest thou thus? But we can yet seize thy person, and will + have thy head.” + </p> + <p> + Alarmed at this burst, and suddenly made aware that he had laid his breast + too bare to the boy, whom he had thought to dazzle and seduce to his + designs, Montagu said falteringly, “But, my lord, our talk is but in + confidence: at your own prayer, with your own plighted word of prince and + of kinsman, that whatever my frankness may utter should not pass farther. + Take,” added the nobleman, with proud dignity—“take my head rather + than Lord Oxford’s; for I deserve death, if I reveal to one who can betray + the loose words of another’s intimacy and trust!” + </p> + <p> + “Forgive me, my cousin,” said Richard, meekly; “my love to Anne + transported me too far. Lord Oxford’s words, as you report them, had + conjured up a rival, and—but enough of this. And now,” added the + prince, gravely, and with a steadiness of voice and manner that gave a + certain majesty to his small stature, “now as thou hast spoken openly, + openly also will I reply. I feel the wrong to the Lady Anne as to myself; + deeply, burningly, and lastingly, will it live in my mind; it may be, + sooner or later, to rise to gloomy deeds, even against Edward and Edward’s + blood. But no, I have the king’s solemn protestations of repentance; his + guilty passion has burned into ashes, and he now sighs—gay Edward—for + a lighter fere. I cannot join with Clarence, less can I join with the + Lancastrians. My birth makes me the prop of the throne of York,—to + guard it as a heritage (who knows?) that may descend to mine,—nay, + to me! And, mark me well if Warwick attempt a war of fratricide, he is + lost; if, on the other hand, he can submit himself to the hands of + Margaret, stained with his father’s gore, the success of an hour will + close in the humiliation of a life. There is a third way left, and that + way thou hast piously and wisely shown. Let him, like me, resign revenge, + and, not exacting a confession and a cry of peccavi, which no king, much + less King Edward the Plantagenet, can whimper forth, let him accept such + overtures as his liege can make. His titles and castles shall be restored, + equal possessions to those thou hast lost assigned to thee, and all my + guerdon (if I can so negotiate) as all my ambition, his daughter’s hand. + Muse on this, and for the peace and weal of the realm so limit all thy + schemes, my lord and cousin!” + </p> + <p> + With these words the prince pressed the hand of the marquis, and walked + slowly towards the king’s pavilion. + </p> + <p> + “Shame on my ripe manhood and lore of life,” muttered Montagu, enraged + against himself, and deeply mortified. “How sentence by sentence and step + by step yon crafty pigmy led me on, till all our projects, all our fears + and hopes, are revealed to him who but views them as a foe. Anne betrothed + to one who even in fiery youth can thus beguile and dupe! Warwick decoyed + hither upon fair words, at the will of one whom Italy (boy, there thou + didst forget thy fence of cunning!) has taught how the great are slain + not, but disappear! no, even this defeat instructs me now. But right, + right! the reign of Clarence is impossible, and that of Lancaster is + ill-omened and portentous; and after all, my son stands nearer to the + throne than any subject, in his alliance with the Lady Elizabeth. Would to + Heaven the king could yet—But out on me! this is no hour for musing + on mine own aggrandizement; rather let me fly at once and warn Oxford—imperilled + by my imprudence—against that dark eye which hath set watch upon his + life.” + </p> + <p> + At that thought, which showed that Montagu, with all his worldliness, was + not forgetful of one of the first duties of knight and gentleman, the + marquis hastened up the alley, in the opposite direction to that taken by + Gloucester, and soon found himself in the courtyard, where a goodly + company were mounting their haquenees and palfreys, to enjoy a summer ride + through the neighbouring chase. The cold and half-slighting salutations of + these minions of the hour, which now mortified the Nevile, despoiled of + the possessions that had rewarded his long and brilliant services, + contrasting forcibly the reverential homage he had formerly enjoyed, stung + Montagu to the quick. + </p> + <p> + “Whither ride you, brother Marquis?” said young Lord Dorset (Elizabeth’s + son by her first marriage), as Montagu called to his single squire, who + was in waiting with his horse. “Some secret expedition, methinks, for I + have known the day when the Lord Montagu never rode from his king’s palace + with less than thirty squires.” + </p> + <p> + “Since my Lord Dorset prides himself on his memory,” answered the scornful + lord, “he may remember also the day when, if a Nevile mounted in haste, he + bade the first Woodville he saw hold the stirrup.” + </p> + <p> + And regarding “the brother marquis” with a stately eye that silenced and + awed retort, the long-descended Montagu passed the courtiers, and rode + slowly on till out of sight of the palace; he then pushed into a + hand-gallop, and halted not till he had reached London, and gained the + house in which then dwelt the Earl of Oxford, the most powerful of all the + Lancastrian nobles not in exile, and who had hitherto temporized with the + reigning House. + </p> + <p> + Two days afterwards the news reached Edward that Lord Oxford and Jasper of + Pembroke—uncle to the boy afterwards Henry VII.—had sailed + from England. + </p> + <p> + The tidings reached the king in his chamber, where he was closeted with + Gloucester. The conference between them seemed to have been warm and + earnest, for Edward’s face was flushed, and Gloucester’s brow was + perturbed and sullen. + </p> + <p> + “Now Heaven be praised!” cried the king, extending to Richard the letter + which communicated the flight of the disaffected lords. “We have two + enemies the less in our roiaulme, and many a barony the more to confiscate + to our kingly wants. Ha, ha! these Lancastrians only serve to enrich us. + Frowning still, Richard? smile, boy!” + </p> + <p> + “Foi de mon ame, Edward,” said Richard, with a bitter energy, strangely at + variance with his usual unctious deference to the king, “your Highness’s + gayety is ill-seasoned; you reject all the means to assure your throne, + you rejoice in all the events that imperil it. I prayed you to lose not a + moment in conciliating, if possible, the great lord whom you own you have + wronged, and you replied that you would rather lose your crown than win + back the arm that gave it you.” + </p> + <p> + “Gave it me! an error, Richard! that crown was at once the heritage of my + own birth and the achievement of my own sword. But were it as you say, it + is not in a king’s nature to bear the presence of a power more formidable + than his own, to submit to a voice that commands rather than counsels; and + the happiest chance that ever befell me is the exile of this earl. How, + after what hath chanced, can I ever see his face again without + humiliation, or he mine without resentment?” + </p> + <p> + “So you told me anon, and I answered, if that be so, and your Highness + shrinks from the man you have injured, beware at least that Warwick, if he + may not return as a friend, come not back as an irresistible foe. If you + will not conciliate, crush! Hasten by all arts to separate Clarence from + Warwick. Hasten to prevent the union of the earl’s popularity and Henry’s + rights. Keep eye upon all the Lancastrian lords, and see that none quit + the realm where they are captives, to join a camp where they can rise into + leaders. And at the very moment I urge you to place strict watch upon + Oxford, to send your swiftest riders to seize Jasper of Pembroke, you + laugh with glee to hear that Oxford and Pembroke are gone to swell the + army of your foes!” + </p> + <p> + “Better foes out of my realm than in it,” answered Edward, dryly. + </p> + <p> + “My liege, I say no more,” and Richard rose. “I would forestall a danger; + it but remains for me to share it.” + </p> + <p> + The king was touched. “Tarry yet, Richard,” he said; and then, fixing his + brother’s eye, he continued, with a half smile and a heightened colour, + “though we knew thee true and leal to us, we yet know also, Richard, that + thou hast personal interest in thy counsels. Thou wouldst by one means or + another soften or constrain the earl into giving thee the hand of Anne. + Well, then, grant that Warwick and Clarence expel King Edward from his + throne, they may bring a bride to console thee for the ruin of a brother.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou hast no right to taunt or to suspect me, my liege,” returned + Richard, with a quiver in his lip. “Thou hast included me in thy meditated + wrong to Warwick; and had that wrong been done—” + </p> + <p> + “Peradventure it had made thee espouse Warwick’s quarrel?” + </p> + <p> + “Bluntly, yes!” exclaimed Richard, almost fiercely, and playing with his + dagger. “But” (he added, with a sudden change of voice) “I understand and + know thee better than the earl did or could. I know what in thee is but + thoughtless impulse, haste of passion, the habit kings form of forgetting + all things save the love or hate, the desire or anger, of a moment. Thou + hast told me thyself, and with tears, of thy offence; thou hast pardoned + my boy’s burst of anger; I have pardoned thy evil thought; thou hast told + me thyself that another face has succeeded to the brief empire of Anne’s + blue eye, and hast further pledged me thy kingly word, that if I can yet + compass the hand of a cousin dear to me from childhood, thou wilt confirm + the union.” + </p> + <p> + “It is true,” said Edward. “But if thou wed thy bride, keep her aloof from + the court,—nay, frown not, my boy, I mean simply that I would not + blush before my brother’s wife!” + </p> + <p> + Richard bowed low in order to conceal the expression of his face, and went + on without further notice of the explanation. “And all this considered, + Edward, I swear by Saint Paul, the holiest saint to thoughtful men, and by + Saint George, the noblest patron to high-born warriors, that thy crown and + thine honour are as dear to me as if they were mine own. Whatever sins + Richard of Gloucester may live to harbour and repent, no man shall ever + say of him that he was a recreant to the honour of his country [so Lord + Bacon observes of Richard, with that discrimination, even in the strongest + censure, of which profound judges of mankind are alone capable, that he + was “a king jealous of the honor of the English nation”], or slow to + defend the rights of his ancestors from the treason of a vassal or the + sword of a foreign foe. Therefore, I say again, if thou reject my honest + counsels; if thou suffer Warwick to unite with Lancaster and France; if + the ships of Louis bear to your shores an enemy, the might of whom your + reckless daring undervalues, foremost in the field in battle, nearest to + your side in exile, shall Richard Plantagenet be found!” These words, + being uttered with sincerity, and conveying a promise never forfeited, + were more impressive than the subtlest eloquence the wily and accomplished + Gloucester ever employed as the cloak to guile, and they so affected + Edward, that he threw his arms around his brother; and after one of those + bursts of emotion which were frequent in one whose feelings were never + deep and lasting, but easily aroused and warmly spoken, he declared + himself really to listen to and adopt all means which Richard’s art could + suggest for the better maintenance of their common weal and interests. + </p> + <p> + And then, with that wondrous, if somewhat too restless and over-refining + energy which belonged to him, Richard rapidly detailed the scheme of his + profound and dissimulating policy. His keen and intuitive insight into + human nature had shown him the stern necessity which, against their very + will, must unite Warwick with Margaret of Anjou. His conversation with + Montagu had left no doubt of that peril on his penetrating mind. He + foresaw that this union might be made durable and sacred by the marriage + of Anne and Prince Edward; and to defeat this alliance was his first + object, partly through Clarence, partly through Margaret herself. A + gentlewoman in the Duchess of Clarence’s train had been arrested on the + point of embarking to join her mistress. Richard had already seen and + conferred with this lady, whose ambition, duplicity, and talent for + intrigue were known to him. Having secured her by promises of the most + lavish dignities and rewards, he proposed that she should be permitted to + join the duchess with secret messages to Isabel and the duke, warning them + both that Warwick and Margaret would forget their past feud in present + sympathy, and that the rebellion against King Edward, instead of placing + them on the throne, would humble them to be subordinates and aliens to the + real profiters, the Lancastrians. [Comines, 3, c. 5; Hall; Hollinshed] He + foresaw what effect these warnings would have upon the vain duke and the + ambitious Isabel, whose character was known to him from childhood. He + startled the king by insisting upon sending, at the same time, a trusty + diplomatist to Margaret of Anjou, proffering to give the princess + Elizabeth (betrothed to Lord Montagu’s son) to the young Prince Edward. + [“Original Letters from Harleian Manuscripts.” Edited by Sir H. Ellis + (second series).] Thus, if the king, who had, as yet, no son, were to die, + Margaret’s son, in right of his wife, as well as in that of his own + descent, would peaceably ascend the throne. “Need I say that I mean not + this in sad and serious earnest?” observed Richard, interrupting the + astonished king. “I mean it but to amuse the Anjouite, and to deafen her + ears to any overtures from Warwick. If she listen, we gain time; that time + will inevitably renew irreconcilable quarrel between herself and the earl. + His hot temper and desire of revenge will not brook delay. He will land, + unsupported by Margaret and her partisans, and without any fixed principle + of action which can strengthen force by opinion.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right, Richard,” said Edward, whose faithless cunning + comprehended the more sagacious policy it could not originate. “All be it + as you will.” + </p> + <p> + “And in the mean while,” added Richard, “watch well, but anger not, + Montagu and the archbishop. It were dangerous to seem to distrust them + till proof be clear; it were dull to believe them true. I go at once to + fulfil my task.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0066" id="link2HCH0066"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. WARWICK AND HIS FAMILY IN EXILE. + </h2> + <p> + We now summon the reader on a longer if less classic journey than from + Thebes to Athens, and waft him on a rapid wing from Shene to Amboise. We + must suppose that the two emissaries of Gloucester have already arrived at + their several destinations,—the lady has reached Isabel, the envoy + Margaret. + </p> + <p> + In one of the apartments appropriated to the earl in the royal palace, + within the embrasure of a vast Gothic casement, sat Anne of Warwick; the + small wicket in the window was open, and gave a view of a wide and fair + garden, interspersed with thick bosquets and regular alleys, over which + the rich skies of the summer evening, a little before sunset, cast + alternate light and shadow. Towards this prospect the sweet face of the + Lady Anne was turned musingly. The riveted eye, the bended neck, the arms + reclining on the knee, the slender fingers interlaced,—gave to her + whole person the character of revery and repose. + </p> + <p> + In the same chamber were two other ladies; the one was pacing the floor + with slow but uneven steps, with lips moving from time to time, as if in + self-commune, with the brow contracted slightly: her form and face took + also the character of revery, but not of repose. + </p> + <p> + The third female (the gentle and lovely mother of the other two) was + seated, towards the centre of the room, before a small table, on which + rested one of those religious manuscripts, full of the moralities and the + marvels of cloister sanctity, which made so large a portion of the + literature of the monkish ages. But her eye rested not on the Gothic + letter and the rich blazon of the holy book. With all a mother’s fear and + all a mother’s fondness, it glanced from Isabel to Anne, from Anne to + Isabel, till at length in one of those soft voices, so rarely heard, which + makes even a stranger love the speaker, the fair countess said,— + </p> + <p> + “Come hither, my child Isabel; give me thy hand, and whisper me what hath + chafed thee.” + </p> + <p> + “My mother,” replied the duchess, “it would become me ill to have a secret + not known to thee, and yet, methinks, it would become me less to say aught + to provoke thine anger!” + </p> + <p> + “Anger, Isabel! Who ever knew anger for those they love?” + </p> + <p> + “Pardon me, my sweet mother,” said Isabel, relaxing her haughty brow, and + she approached and kissed her mother’s cheek. + </p> + <p> + The countess drew her gently to a seat by her side. + </p> + <p> + “And now tell me all,—unless, indeed, thy Clarence hath, in some + lover’s hasty mood, vexed thy affection; for of the household secrets even + a mother should not question the true wife.” + </p> + <p> + Isabel paused, and glanced significantly at Anne. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, see!” said the countess, smiling, though sadly, “she, too, hath + thoughts that she will not tell to me; but they seem not such as should + alarm my fears, as thine do. For the moment ere I spoke to thee, thy brow + frowned, and her lip smiled. She hears us not,—speak on.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it then true, my mother, that Margaret of Anjou is hastening hither? + And can it be possible that King Louis can persuade my lord and father to + meet, save in the field of battle, the arch-enemy of our House?” + </p> + <p> + “Ask the earl thyself, Isabel; Lord Warwick hath no concealment from his + children. Whatever he doth is ever wisest, best, and knightliest,—so, + at least, may his children always deem!” + </p> + <p> + Isabel’s colour changed and her eye flashed. But ere she could answer, the + arras was raised, and Lord Warwick entered. But no longer did the hero’s + mien and manner evince that cordial and tender cheerfulness which, in all + the storms of his changeful life, he had hitherto displayed when coming + from power and danger, from council or from camp, to man’s earthly + paradise,—a virtuous home. + </p> + <p> + Gloomy and absorbed, his very dress—which, at that day, the + Anglo-Norman deemed it a sin against self-dignity to neglect—betraying, + by its disorder, that thorough change of the whole mind, that terrible + internal revolution, which is made but in strong natures by the tyranny of + a great care or a great passion, the earl scarcely seemed to heed his + countess, who rose hastily, but stopped in the timid fear and reverence of + love at the sight of his stern aspect; he threw himself abruptly on a + seat, passed his hand over his face, and sighed heavily. + </p> + <p> + That sigh dispelled the fear of the wife, and made her alive only to her + privilege of the soother. She drew near, and placing herself on the green + rushes at his feet, took his hand and kissed it, but did not speak. + </p> + <p> + The earl’s eyes fell on the lovely face looking up to him through tears, + his brow softened, he drew his hand gently from hers, placed it on her + head, and said in a low voice,—“God and Our Lady bless thee, sweet + wife!” + </p> + <p> + Then, looking round, he saw Isabel watching him intently; and, rising at + once, he threw his arm round her waist, pressed her to his bosom, and + said, “My daughter, for thee and thine day and night have I striven and + planned in vain. I cannot reward thy husband as I would; I cannot give + thee, as I had hoped, a throne!” + </p> + <p> + “What title so dear to Isabel,” said the countess, “as that of Lord + Warwick’s daughter?” + </p> + <p> + Isabel remained cold and silent, and returned not the earl’s embrace. + </p> + <p> + Warwick was, happily, too absorbed in his own feelings to notice those of + his child. Moving away, he continued, as he paced the room (his habit in + emotion, which Isabel, who had many minute external traits in common with + her father, had unconsciously caught from him),— + </p> + <p> + “Till this morning I hoped still that my name and services, that + Clarence’s popular bearing and his birth of Plantagenet, would suffice to + summon the English people round our standard; that the false Edward would + be driven, on our landing, to fly the realm; and that, without change to + the dynasty of York, Clarence, as next male heir, would ascend the throne. + True, I saw all the obstacles, all the difficulties,—I was warned of + them before I left England; but still I hoped. Lord Oxford has arrived, he + has just left me. We have gone over the chart of the way before us, + weighed the worth of every name, for and against; and, alas! I cannot but + allow that all attempt to place the younger brother on the throne of the + elder would but lead to bootless slaughter and irretrievable defeat.” + </p> + <p> + “Wherefore think you so, my lord?” asked Isabel, in evident excitement. + “Your own retainers are sixty thousand,—an army larger than Edward, + and all his lords of yesterday, can bring into the field.” + </p> + <p> + “My child,” answered the earl, with that profound knowledge of his + countrymen which he had rather acquired from his English heart than from + any subtlety of intellect, “armies may gain a victory, but they do not + achieve a throne,—unless, at least, they enforce a slavery; and it + is not for me and for Clarence to be the violent conquerors of our + countrymen, but the regenerators of a free realm, corrupted by a false + man’s rule.” + </p> + <p> + “And what then,” exclaimed Isabel,—“what do you propose, my father? + Can it be possible that you can unite yourself with the abhorred + Lancastrians, with the savage Anjouite, who beheaded my grandsire, + Salisbury? Well do I remember your own words,—‘May God and Saint + George forget me, when I forget those gray and gory hairs!’” + </p> + <p> + Here Isabel was interrupted by a faint cry from Anne, who, unobserved by + the rest, and hitherto concealed from her father’s eye by the deep + embrasure of the window, had risen some moments before, and listened, with + breathless attention, to the conversation between Warwick and the duchess. + </p> + <p> + “It is not true, it is not true!” exclaimed Anne, passionately. “Margaret + disowns the inhuman deed.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou art right, Anne,” said Warwick; “though I guess not how thou didst + learn the error of a report so popularly believed that till of late I + never questioned its truth. King Louis assures me solemnly that that foul + act was done by the butcher Clifford, against Margaret’s knowledge, and, + when known, to her grief and anger.” + </p> + <p> + “And you, who call Edward false, can believe Louis true?” + </p> + <p> + “Cease, Isabel, cease!” said the countess. “Is it thus my child can + address my lord and husband? Forgive her, beloved Richard.” + </p> + <p> + “Such heat in Clarence’s wife misbeseems her not,” answered Warwick. “And + I can comprehend and pardon in my haughty Isabel a resentment which her + reason must at last subdue; for think not, Isabel, that it is without + dread struggle and fierce agony that I can contemplate peace and league + with mine ancient foe; but here two duties speak to me in voices not to be + denied: my honour and my hearth, as noble and as man, demand redress, and + the weal and glory of my country demand a ruler who does not degrade a + warrior, nor assail a virgin, nor corrupt a people by lewd pleasures, nor + exhaust a land by grinding imposts; and that honour shall be vindicated, + and that country shall be righted, no matter at what sacrifice of private + grief and pride.” + </p> + <p> + The words and the tone of the earl for a moment awed even Isabel; but + after a pause, she said suddenly, “And for this, then, Clarence hath + joined your quarrel and shared your exile?—for this,—that he + may place the eternal barrier of the Lancastrian line between himself and + the English throne?” + </p> + <p> + “I would fain hope,” answered the earl, calmly, “that Clarence will view + our hard position more charitably than thou. If he gain not all that I + could desire, should success crown our arms, he will, at least, gain much; + for often and ever did thy husband, Isabel, urge me to stern measures + against Edward, when I soothed him and restrained. Mort Dieu! how often + did he complain of slight and insult from Elizabeth and her minions, of + open affront from Edward, of parsimony to his wants as prince,—of a + life, in short, humbled and made bitter by all the indignity and the gall + which scornful power can inflict on dependent pride. If he gain not the + throne, he will gain, at least, the succession in thy right to the + baronies of Beauchamp, the mighty duchy, and the vast heritage of York, + the vice-royalty of Ireland. Never prince of the blood had wealth and + honours equal to those that shall await thy lord. For the rest, I drew him + not into my quarrel; long before would he have drawn me into his; nor doth + it become thee, Isabel, as child and as sister, to repent, if the husband + of my daughter felt as brave men feel, without calculation of gain and + profit, the insult offered to his lady’s House. But if here I overgauge + his chivalry and love to me and mine, or discontent his ambition and his + hopes, Mort Dieu! we hold him not a captive. Edward will hail his + overtures of peace; let him make terms with his brother, and return.” + </p> + <p> + “I will report to him what you say, my lord,” said Isabel, with cold + brevity and, bending her haughty head in formal reverence, she advanced to + the door. Anne sprang forward and caught her hand. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Isabel!” she whispered, “in our father’s sad and gloomy hour can you + leave him thus?” and the sweet lady burst into tears. + </p> + <p> + “Anne,” retorted Isabel, bitterly, “thy heart is Lancastrian; and what, + peradventure, grieves my father hath but joy for thee.” + </p> + <p> + Anne drew back, pale and trembling, and her sister swept from the room. + </p> + <p> + The earl, though he had not overheard the whispered sentences which passed + between his daughters, had watched them closely, and his lip quivered with + emotion as Isabel closed the door. + </p> + <p> + “Come hither, my Anne,” he said tenderly; “thou who hast thy mother’s + face, never hast a harsh thought for thy father.” + </p> + <p> + As Anne threw herself on Warwick’s breast, he continued, “And how camest + thou to learn that Margaret disowns a deed that, if done by her command, + would render my union with her cause a sacrilegious impiety to the dead?” + </p> + <p> + Anne coloured, and nestled her head still closer to her father’s bosom. + Her mother regarded her confusion and her silence with an anxious eye. + </p> + <p> + The wing of the palace in which the earl’s apartments were situated was + appropriated to himself and household, flanked to the left by an abutting + pile containing state-chambers, never used by the austere and thrifty + Louis, save on great occasions of pomp or revel; and, as we have before + observed, looking on a garden, which was generally solitary and deserted. + From this garden, while Anne yet strove for words to answer her father, + and the countess yet watched her embarrassment, suddenly came the soft + strain of a Provencal lute; while a low voice, rich, and modulated at once + by a deep feeling and an exquisite art that would have given effect to + even simpler words, breathed— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + THE LAY OF THE HEIR OF LANCASTER + + “His birthright but a father’s name, + A grandsire’s hero-sword, + He dwelt within the stranger’s land, + The friendless, homeless lord!” + + “Yet one dear hope, too dear to tell, + Consoled the exiled man; + The angels have their home in heaven + And gentle thoughts in Anne.” + </pre> + <p> + At that name the voice of the singer trembled, and paused a moment; the + earl, who at first had scarcely listened to what he deemed but the + ill-seasoned gallantry of one of the royal minstrels, started in proud + surprise, and Anne herself, tightening her clasp round her father’s neck, + burst into passionate sobs. The eye of the countess met that of her lord; + but she put her finger to her lips in sign to him to listen. The song was + resumed— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Recall the single sunny time, + In childhood’s April weather, + When he and thou, the boy and girl, + Roved hand in band together.” + + “When round thy young companion knelt + The princes of the isle; + And priest and people prayed their God, + On England’s heir to smile.” + </pre> + <p> + The earl uttered a half-stifled exclamation, but the minstrel heard not + the interruption, and continued,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Methinks the sun hath never smiled + Upon the exiled man, + Like that bright morning when the boy + Told all his soul to Anne.” + + “No; while his birthright but a name, + A grandsire’s hero—sword, + He would not woo the lofty maid + To love the banished lord.” + + “But when, with clarion, fife, and drum, + He claims and wins his own; + When o’er the deluge drifts his ark, + To rest upon a throne.” + + “Then, wilt thou deign to hear the hope + That blessed the exiled man, + When pining for his father’s crown + To deck the brows of Anne?” + </pre> + <p> + The song ceased, and there was silence within the chamber, broken but by + Anne’s low yet passionate weeping. The earl gently strove to disengage her + arms from his neck; but she, mistaking his intention, sank on her knees, + and covering her face with her hands, exclaimed,— + </p> + <p> + “Pardon! pardon! pardon him, if not me!” + </p> + <p> + “What have I to pardon? What hast thou concealed from me? Can I think that + thou hast met, in secret, one who—” + </p> + <p> + “In secret! Never, never, Father! This is the third time only that I have + heard his voice since we have been at Amboise, save when—save when—” + </p> + <p> + “Go on.” + </p> + <p> + “Save when King Louis presented him to me in the revel under the name of + the Count de F——, and he asked me if I could forgive his + mother for Lord Clifford’s crime.” + </p> + <p> + “It is, then, as the rhyme proclaimed; and it is Edward of Lancaster who + loves and woos the daughter of Lord Warwick!” + </p> + <p> + Something in her father’s voice made Anne remove her hands from her face, + and look up to him with a thrill of timid joy. Upon his brow, indeed, + frowned no anger, upon his lip smiled no scorn. At that moment all his + haughty grief at the curse of circumstance which drove him to his + hereditary foe had vanished. Though Montagu had obtained from Oxford some + glimpse of the desire which the more sagacious and temperate Lancastrians + already entertained for that alliance, and though Louis had already hinted + its expediency to the earl, yet, till now, Warwick himself had naturally + conceived that the prince shared the enmity of his mother, and that such a + union, however politic, was impossible; but now indeed there burst upon + him the full triumph of revenge and pride. Edward of York dared to woo + Anne to dishonour, Edward of Lancaster dared not even woo her as his wife + till his crown was won! To place upon the throne the very daughter the + ungrateful monarch had insulted; to make her he would have humbled not + only the instrument of his fall, but the successor of his purple; to unite + in one glorious strife the wrongs of the man and the pride of the father,—these + were the thoughts that sparkled in the eye of the king-maker, and flushed + with a fierce rapture the dark cheek, already hollowed by passion and + care. He raised his daughter from the floor, and placed her in her + mother’s arms, but still spoke not. + </p> + <p> + “This, then, was thy secret, Anne,” whispered the countess; “and I half + foreguessed it, when, last night, I knelt beside thy couch to pray, and + overheard thee murmur in thy dreams.” + </p> + <p> + “Sweet mother, thou forgivest me; but my father—ah, he speaks not. + One word! Father, Father, not even his love could console me if I angered + thee!” + </p> + <p> + The earl, who had remained rooted to the spot, his eyes shining + thoughtfully under his dark brows, and his hand slightly raised, as if + piercing into the future, and mapping out its airy realm, turned quickly,— + </p> + <p> + “I go to the heir of Lancaster; if this boy be bold and true, worthy of + England and of thee, we will change the sad ditty of that scrannel lute + into such a storm of trumpets as beseems the triumph of a conqueror and + the marriage of a prince!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0067" id="link2HCH0067"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. HOW THE HEIR OF LANCASTER MEETS THE KING-MAKER. + </h2> + <p> + In truth, the young prince, in obedience to a secret message from the + artful Louis, had repaired to the court of Amboise under the name of the + Count de F——. The French king had long before made himself + acquainted with Prince Edward’s romantic attachment to the earl’s + daughter, through the agent employed by Edward to transmit his portrait to + Anne at Rouen; and from him, probably, came to Oxford the suggestion which + that nobleman had hazarded to Montagu; and now that it became his policy + seriously and earnestly to espouse the cause of his kinswoman Margaret, he + saw all the advantage to his cold statecraft which could be drawn from a + boyish love. Louis had a well-founded fear of the warlike spirit and + military talents of Edward IV.; and this fear had induced him hitherto to + refrain from openly espousing the cause of the Lancastrians, though it did + not prevent his abetting such seditions and intrigues as could confine the + attention of the martial Plantagenet to the perils of his own realm. But + now that the breach between Warwick and the king had taken place; now that + the earl could no longer curb the desire of the Yorkist monarch to advance + his hereditary claims to the fairest provinces of France,—nay, + peradventure, to France itself,—while the defection of Lord Warwick + gave to the Lancastrians the first fair hope of success in urging their + own pretensions to the English throne, he bent all the powers of his + intellect and his will towards the restoration of a natural ally and the + downfall of a dangerous foe. But he knew that Margaret and her Lancastrian + favourers could not of themselves suffice to achieve a revolution,—that + they could only succeed under cover of the popularity and the power of + Warwick, while he perceived all the art it would require to make Margaret + forego her vindictive nature and long resentment, and to supple the pride + of the great earl into recognizing as a sovereign the woman who had + branded him as a traitor. + </p> + <p> + Long before Lord Oxford’s arrival, Louis, with all that address which + belonged to him, had gradually prepared the earl to familiarize himself to + the only alternative before him, save that, indeed, of powerless sense of + wrong and obscure and lasting exile. The French king looked with more + uneasiness to the scruples of Margaret; and to remove these, he trusted + less to his own skill than to her love for her only son. + </p> + <p> + His youth passed principally in Anjou—that court of minstrels—young + Edward’s gallant and ardent temper had become deeply imbued with the + southern poetry and romance. Perhaps the very feud between his House and + Lord Warwick’s, though both claimed their common descent from John of + Gaunt, had tended, by the contradictions in the human heart, to endear to + him the recollection of the gentle Anne. He obeyed with joy the summons of + Louis, repaired to the court, was presented to Anne as the Count de F——, + found himself recognized at the first glance (for his portrait still lay + upon her heart, as his remembrance in its core), and, twice before the + song we have recited, had ventured, agreeably to the sweet customs of + Anjou, to address the lady of his love under the shade of the starlit + summer copses. But on this last occasion, he had departed from his former + discretion; hitherto he had selected an hour of deeper night, and ventured + but beneath the lattice of the maiden’s chamber when the rest of the + palace was hushed in sleep. And the fearless declaration of his rank and + love now hazarded was prompted by one who contrived to turn to grave uses + the wildest whim of the minstrel, the most romantic enthusiasm of youth. + </p> + <p> + Louis had just learned from Oxford the result of his interview with + Warwick. And about the same time the French king had received a letter + from Margaret, announcing her departure from the castle of Verdun for + Tours, where she prayed him to meet her forthwith, and stating that she + had received from England tidings that might change all her schemes, and + more than ever forbid the possibility of a reconciliation with the Earl of + Warwick. + </p> + <p> + The king perceived the necessity of calling into immediate effect the aid + on which he had relied, in the presence and passion of the young prince. + He sought him at once; he found him in a remote part of the gardens, and + overheard him breathing to himself the lay he had just composed. + </p> + <p> + “Pasque Dieu!” said the king, laying his hand on the young man’s shoulder, + “if thou wilt but repeat that song where and when I bid thee, I promise + that before the month ends Lord Warwick shall pledge thee his daughter’s + hand; and before the year is closed thou shalt sit beside Lord Warwick’s + daughter in the halls of Westminster.” + </p> + <p> + And the royal troubadour took the counsel of the king. + </p> + <p> + The song had ceased; the minstrel emerged from the bosquets, and stood + upon the sward, as, from the postern of the palace, walked with a slow + step, a form from which it became him not, as prince or as lover, in peace + or in war, to shrink. The first stars had now risen; the light, though + serene, was pale and dim. The two men—the one advancing, the other + motionless—gazed on each other in grave silence. As Count de F——, + amidst the young nobles in the king’s train, the earl had scarcely noticed + the heir of England. He viewed him now with a different eye: in secret + complacency, for, with a soldier’s weakness, the soldier-baron valued men + too much for their outward seeming, he surveyed a figure already masculine + and stalwart, though still in the graceful symmetry of fair eighteen. + </p> + <p> + “A youth of a goodly presence,” muttered the earl, “with the dignity that + commands in peace, and the sinews that can strive against hardship and + death in war.” + </p> + <p> + He approached, and said calmly: “Sir minstrel, he who woos either fame or + beauty may love the lute, but should wield the sword. At least, so + methinks had the Fifth Henry said to him who boasts for his heritage the + sword of Agincourt.” + </p> + <p> + “O noble earl!” exclaimed the prince, touched by words far gentler than he + had dared to hope, despite his bold and steadfast mien, and giving way to + frank and graceful emotion, “O noble earl! since thou knowest me; since my + secret is told; since, in that secret, I have proclaimed a hope as dear to + me as a crown and dearer far than life, can I hope that thy rebuke but + veils thy favour, and that, under Lord Warwick’s eye, the grandson of + Henry V. shall approve himself worthy of the blood that kindles in his + veins?” + </p> + <p> + “Fair sir and prince,” returned the earl, whose hardy and generous nature + the emotion and fire of Edward warmed and charmed, “there are, alas! deep + memories of blood and wrong—the sad deeds and wrathful words of + party feud and civil war—between thy royal mother and myself; and + though we may unite now against a common foe, much I fear that the Lady + Margaret would brook ill a closer friendship, a nearer tie, than the + exigency of the hour between Richard Nevile and her son.” + </p> + <p> + “No, Sir Earl, let me hope you misthink her. Hot and impetuous, but not + mean and treacherous, the moment that she accepts the service of thine arm + she must forget that thou hast been her foe; and if I, as my father’s + heir, return to England, it is in the trust that a new era will commence. + Free from the passionate enmities of either faction, Yorkist and + Lancastrian are but Englishmen to me. Justice to all who serve us, pardon + for all who have opposed.” + </p> + <p> + The prince paused, and, even in the dim light, his kingly aspect gave + effect to his kingly words. “And if this resolve be such as you approve; + if you, great earl, be that which even your foes proclaim, a man whose + power depends less on lands and vassals—broad though the one, and + numerous though the other—than on well-known love for England, her + glory and her peace, it rests with you to bury forever in one grave the + feuds of Lancaster and York! What Yorkist who hath fought at Towton or St. + Albans under Lord Warwick’s standard, will lift sword against the husband + of Lord Warwick’s daughter? What Lancastrian will not forgive a Yorkist, + when Lord Warwick, the kinsman of Duke Richard, becomes father to the + Lancastrian heir, and bulwark to the Lancastrian throne? O Warwick, if not + for my sake, nor for the sake of full redress against the ingrate whom + thou repentest to have placed on my father’s throne, at least for the sake + of England, for the healing of her bleeding wounds, for the union of her + divided people, hear the grandson of Henry V., who sues to thee for thy + daughter’s hand!” + </p> + <p> + The royal wooer bent his knee as he spoke. The mighty subject saw and + prevented the impulse of the prince who had forgotten himself in the + lover; the hand which he caught he lifted to his lips, and the next + moment, in manly and soldierlike embrace, the prince’s young arm was + thrown over the broad shoulder of the king-maker. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0068" id="link2HCH0068"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. THE INTERVIEW OF EARL WARWICK AND QUEEN MARGARET. + </h2> + <p> + Louis hastened to meet Margaret at Tours; thither came also her father + Rene, her brother John of Calabria, Yolante her sister, and the Count of + Vaudemonte. The meeting between the queen and Rene was so touching as to + have drawn tears to the hard eyes of Louis XI.; but, that emotion over, + Margaret evinced how little affliction had humbled her high spirit, or + softened her angry passions: she interrupted Louis in every argument for + reconciliation with Warwick. “Not with honour to myself and to my son,” + she exclaimed, “can I pardon that cruel earl, the main cause of King + Henry’s downfall! in vain patch up a hollow peace between us,—a + peace of form and parchment! My spirit never can be contented with him, ne + pardon!” + </p> + <p> + For several days she maintained a language which betrayed the chief cause + of her own impolitic passions, that had lost her crown. Showing to Louis + the letter despatched to her, proffering the hand of the Lady Elizabeth to + her son, she asked if that were not a more profitable party [See, for this + curious passage of secret history, Sir H. Ellis’s “Original Letters from + the Harleian Manuscripts,” second series, vol. i., letter 42.], and if it + were necessary that she should forgive,—whether it were not more + queenly to treat with Edward than with a twofold rebel? + </p> + <p> + In fact, the queen would perhaps have fallen into Gloucester’s artful + snare, despite all the arguments and even the half-menaces [Louis would + have thrown over Margaret’s cause if Warwick had demanded it; he + instructed MM. de Concressault and du Plessis to assure the earl that he + would aid him to the utmost to reconquer England either for the Queen + Margaret or for any one else he chose (on pour qui il voudra): for that he + loved the earl better than Margaret or her son.—BRANTE, t. ix. 276.] + of the more penetrating Louis, but for a counteracting influence which + Richard had not reckoned upon. Prince Edward, who had lingered behind + Louis, arrived from Amboise, and his persuasions did more than all the + representations of the crafty king. The queen loved her son with that + intenseness which characterizes the one soft affection of violent natures. + Never had she yet opposed his most childish whim, and now he spoke with + the eloquence of one who put his heart and his life’s life into his words. + At last, reluctantly, she consented to an interview with Warwick. The + earl, accompanied by Oxford, arrived at Tours, and the two nobles were led + into the presence of Margaret by King Louis. + </p> + <p> + The reader will picture to himself a room darkened by thick curtains drawn + across the casement, for the proud woman wished not the earl to detect on + her face either the ravages of years or the emotions of offended pride. In + a throne chair, placed on the dais, sat the motionless queen, her hands + clasping, convulsively, the arms of the fauteuil, her features pale and + rigid; and behind the chair leaned the graceful figure of her son. The + person of the Lancastrian prince was little less remarkable than that of + his hostile namesake, but its character was distinctly different. + [“According to some of the French chroniclers, the Prince of Wales, who + was one of the handsomest and most accomplished princes in Europe, was + very desirous of becoming the husband of Anne Nevile,” etc.—Miss + STRICKLAND: Life of Margaret of Anjou.] Spare, like Henry V., almost to + the manly defect of leanness, his proportions were slight to those which + gave such portly majesty to the vast-chested Edward, but they evinced the + promise of almost equal strength,—the muscles hardened to iron by + early exercise in arms, the sap of youth never wasted by riot and debauch. + His short purple manteline, trimmed with ermine, was embroidered with his + grandfather’s favourite device, “the silver swan;” he wore on his breast + the badge of St. George; and the single ostrich plume, which made his + cognizance as Prince of Wales, waved over a fair and ample forehead, on + which were even then traced the lines of musing thought and high design; + his chestnut hair curled close to his noble head; his eye shone dark and + brilliant beneath the deep-set brow, which gives to the human countenance + such expression of energy and intellect,—all about him, in aspect + and mien, seemed to betoken a mind riper than his years, a masculine + simplicity of taste and bearing, the earnest and grave temperament mostly + allied in youth to pure and elevated desires, to an honourable and + chivalric soul. + </p> + <p> + Below the dais stood some of the tried and gallant gentlemen who had + braved exile, and tasted penury in their devotion to the House of + Lancaster, and who had now flocked once more round their queen, in the + hope of better days. There were the Dukes of Exeter and Somerset, their + very garments soiled and threadbare,—many a day had those great + lords hungered for the beggar’s crust! [Philip de Comines says he himself + had seen the Dukes of Exeter and Somerset in the Low Countries in as + wretched a plight as common beggars.] There stood Sir John Fortescue, the + patriarch authority of our laws, who had composed his famous treatise for + the benefit of the young prince, overfond of exercise with lance and + brand, and the recreation of knightly song. There were Jasper of Pembroke, + and Sir Henry Rous, and the Earl of Devon, and the Knight of Lytton, whose + House had followed, from sire to son, the fortunes of the Lancastrian + Rose; [Sir Robert de Lytton (whose grandfather had been Comptroller to the + Household of Henry IV., and Agister of the Forests allotted to Queen + Joan), was one of the most powerful knights of the time; and afterwards, + according to Perkin Warbeck, one of the ministers most trusted by Henry + VII. He was lord of Lytton, in Derbyshire (where his ancestors had been + settled since the Conquest), of Knebworth in Herts (the ancient seat and + manor of Plantagenet de Brotherton, Earl of Norfolk and Earl Marshal), of + Myndelesden and Langley, of Standyarn, Dene, and Brekesborne, in + Northamptonshire, and became in the reign of Henry VII. Privy Councillor, + Uuder-Treasurer, and Keeper of the great Wardrobe.] and, contrasting the + sober garments of the exiles, shone the jewels and cloth-of-gold that + decked the persons of the more prosperous foreigners, Ferri, Count of + Vaudemonte, Margaret’s brother, the Duke of Calabria, and the powerful + form of Sir Pierre de Breze, who had accompanied Margaret in her last + disastrous campaigns, with all the devotion of a chevalier for the lofty + lady adored in secret. [See, for the chivalrous devotion of this knight + (Seneschal of Normandy) to Margaret, Miss Strickland’s Life of that + queen.] + </p> + <p> + When the door opened, and gave to the eyes of those proud exiles the form + of their puissant enemy, they with difficulty suppressed the murmur of + their resentment, and their looks turned with sympathy and grief to the + hueless face of their queen. + </p> + <p> + The earl himself was troubled; his step was less firm, his crest less + haughty, his eye less serenely steadfast. + </p> + <p> + But beside him, in a dress more homely than that of the poorest exile + there, and in garb and in aspect, as he lives forever in the portraiture + of Victor Hugo and our own yet greater Scott, moved Louis, popularly + called “The Fell.” + </p> + <p> + “Madame and cousin,” said the king, “we present to you the man for whose + haute courage and dread fame we have such love and respect, that we value + him as much as any king, and would do as much for him as for man living + [Ellis: Original Letters, vol. i., letter 42, second series]; and with my + lord of Warwick, see also this noble earl of Oxford, who, though he may + have sided awhile with the enemies of your Highness, comes now to pray + your pardon, and to lay at your feet his sword.” + </p> + <p> + Lord Oxford (who had ever unwillingly acquiesced in the Yorkist dynasty), + more prompt than Warwick, here threw himself on his knees before Margaret, + and his tears fell on her hand, as he murmured “Pardon.” + </p> + <p> + “Rise, Sir John de Vere,” said the queen, glancing with a flashing eye + from Oxford to Lord Warwick. “Your pardon is right easy to purchase, for + well I know that you yielded but to the time,—you did not turn the + time against us; you and yours have suffered much for King Henry’s cause. + Rise, Sir Earl.” + </p> + <p> + “And,” said a voice, so deep and so solemn, that it hushed the very breath + of those who heard it,—“and has Margaret a pardon also for the man + who did more than all others to dethrone King Henry, and can do more than + all to restore his crown?” + </p> + <p> + “Ha!” cried’ Margaret, rising in her passion, and casting from her the + hand her son had placed upon her shoulder, “ha! Ownest thou thy wrongs, + proud lord? Comest thou at last to kneel at Queen Margaret’s feet? Look + round and behold her court,—some half-score brave and unhappy + gentlemen, driven from their hearths and homes, their heritage the prey of + knaves and varlets, their sovereign in a prison, their sovereign’s wife, + their sovereign’s son, persecuted and hunted from the soil! And comest + thou now to the forlorn majesty of sorrow to boast, ‘Such deeds were + mine?’” + </p> + <p> + “Mother and lady,” began the prince + </p> + <p> + “Madden me not, my son. Forgiveness is for the prosperous, not for + adversity and woe.” + </p> + <p> + “Hear me,” said the earl,—who, having once bowed his pride to the + interview, had steeled himself against the passion which, in his heart, he + somewhat despised as a mere woman’s burst of inconsiderate fury,—“for + I have this right to be heard,—that not one of these knights, your + lealest and noblest friends, can say of me that I ever stooped to gloss + mine acts, or palliate bold deeds with wily words. Dear to me as comrade + in arms, sacred to me as a father’s head, was Richard of York, mine uncle + by marriage with Lord Salisbury’s sister. I speak not now of his claims by + descent (for those even King Henry could not deny), but I maintain them, + even in your Grace’s presence, to be such as vindicate, from disloyalty + and treason, me and the many true and gallant men who upheld them through + danger, by field and scaffold. Error, it might be,—but the error of + men who believed themselves the defenders of a just cause. Nor did I, + Queen Margaret, lend myself wholly to my kinsman’s quarrel, nor share one + scheme that went to the dethronement of King Henry, until—pardon, if + I speak bluntly; it is my wont, and would be more so now, but for thy fair + face and woman’s form, which awe me more than if confronting the frown of + Coeur de Lion, or the First Great Edward—pardon me, I say, if I + speak bluntly, and aver that I was not King Henry’s foe until false + counsellors had planned my destruction, in body and goods, land and life. + In the midst of peace, at Coventry, my father and myself scarcely escaped + the knife of the murderer. [See Hall (236), who says that Margaret had + laid a snare for Salisbury and Warwick at Warwick, and “if they had not + suddenly departed, their life’s thread had been broken.”] In the streets + of London the very menials and hangmen employed in the service of your + Highness beset me unarmed [Hall, Fabyan]; a little time after and my name + was attainted by an illegal Parliament. [Parl. Rolls, 370; W. Wyr. 478.] + And not till after these things did Richard Duke of York ride to the hall + of Westminster, and lay his hand upon the throne; nor till after these + things did I and my father Salisbury say to each other, ‘The time has come + when neither peace nor honour can be found for us under King Henry’s + reign.’ Blame me if you will, Queen Margaret; reject me if you need not my + sword; but that which I did in the gone days was such as no nobleman so + outraged and despaired [Warwick’s phrase. See Sir H. Ellis’s “Original + Letters,” vol. i., second series.] would have forborne to do,—remembering + that England is not the heritage of the king alone, but that safety and + honour, and freedom and justice, are the rights of his Norman gentlemen + and his Saxon people. And rights are a mockery and a laughter if they do + not justify resistance, whensoever, and by whomsoever, they are invaded + and assailed.” + </p> + <p> + It had been with a violent effort that Margaret had refrained from + interrupting this address, which had, however, produced no inconsiderable + effect upon the knightly listeners around the dais. And now, as the earl + ceased, her indignation was arrested by dismay on seeing the young prince + suddenly leave his post and advance to the side of Warwick. + </p> + <p> + “Right well hast thou spoken, noble earl and cousin,—right well, + though right plainly. And I,” added the prince, “saving the presence of my + queen and mother,—I, the representative of my sovereign father, in + his name will pledge thee a king’s oblivion and pardon for the past, if + thou on thy side acquit my princely mother of all privity to the snares + against thy life and honour of which thou hast spoken, and give thy + knightly word to be henceforth leal to Lancaster. Perish all memories of + the past that can make walls between the souls of brave men.” + </p> + <p> + Till this moment, his arms folded in his gown, his thin, fox-like face + bent to the ground, Louis had listened, silent and undisturbed. He now + deemed it the moment to second the appeal of the prince. Passing his hand + hypocritically over his tearless eyes, the king turned to Margaret and + said,— + </p> + <p> + “Joyful hour! happy union! May Madame La Vierge and Monseigneur Saint + Martin sanctify and hallow the bond by which alone my beloved kinswoman + can regain her rights and roiaulme. Amen.” + </p> + <p> + Unheeding this pious ejaculation, her bosom heaving, her eyes wandering + from the earl to Edward, Margaret at last gave vent to her passion. + </p> + <p> + “And is it come to this, Prince Edward of Wales, that thy mother’s wrongs + are not thine? Standest thou side by side with my mortal foe, who, instead + of repenting treason, dares but to complain of injury? Am I fallen so low + that my voice to pardon or disdain is counted but as a sough of idle air! + God of my fathers, hear me! Willingly from my heart I tear the last + thought and care for the pomps of earth. Hateful to me a crown for which + the wearer must cringe to enemy and rebel! Away, Earl Warwick! Monstrous + and unnatural seems it to the wife of captive Henry to see thee by the + side of Henry’s son!” + </p> + <p> + Every eye turned in fear to the aspect of the earl, every ear listened for + the answer which might be expected from his well-known heat and pride,—an + answer to destroy forever the last hope of the Lancastrian line. But + whether it was the very consciousness of his power to raise or to crush + that fiery speaker, or those feelings natural to brave men, half of + chivalry, half contempt, which kept down the natural anger by thoughts of + the sex and sorrows of the Anjouite, or that the wonted irascibility of + his temper had melted into one steady and profound passion of revenge + against Edward of York, which absorbed all lesser and more trivial causes + of resentment,—the earl’s face, though pale as the dead, was unmoved + and calm, and, with a grave and melancholy smile, he answered,— + </p> + <p> + “More do I respect thee, O queen, for the hot words which show a truth + rarely heard from royal lips than hadst thou deigned to dissimulate the + forgiveness and kindly charity which sharp remembrance permits thee not to + feel! No, princely Margaret, not yet can there be frank amity between thee + and me! Nor do I boast the affection yon gallant gentlemen have displayed. + Frankly, as thou hast spoken, do I say, that the wrongs I have suffered + from another alone move me to allegiance to thyself! Let others serve thee + for love of Henry; reject not my service, given but for revenge on Edward,—as + much, henceforth, am I his foe as formerly his friend and maker! [Sir H. + Ellis: Original Letters, vol. i., second series.] And if, hereafter, on + the throne, thou shouldst remember and resent the former wars, at least + thou hast owed me no gratitude, and thou canst not grieve my heart and + seethe my brain, as the man whom I once loved better than a son! Thus, + from thy presence I depart, chafing not at thy scornful wrath; mindful, + young prince, but of thy just and gentle heart, and sure, in the calm of + my own soul (on which this much, at least, of our destiny is reflected as + on a glass), that when, high lady, thy colder sense returns to thee, thou + wilt see that the league between us must be made!—that thine ire as + woman must fade before thy duties as a another, thy affection as a wife, + and thy paramount and solemn obligations to the people thou hast ruled as + queen! In the dead of night thou shalt hear the voice of Henry in his + prison asking Margaret to set him free; the vision of thy son shall rise + before thee in his bloom and promise, to demand why his mother deprives + him of a crown; and crowds of pale peasants, grinded beneath tyrannous + exaction, and despairing fathers mourning for dishonoured children, shall + ask the Christian queen if God will sanction the unreasoning wrath which + rejects the only instrument that can redress her people.” + </p> + <p> + This said, the earl bowed his head and turned; but, at the first sign of + his departure, there was a general movement among the noble bystanders. + Impressed by the dignity of his bearing, by the greatness of his power, + and by the unquestionable truth that in rejecting him Margaret cast away + the heritage of her son, the exiles, with a common impulse, threw + themselves at the queen’s feet, and exclaimed, almost in the same words,— + </p> + <p> + “Grace! noble queen!—Grace for the great Lord Warwick!” + </p> + <p> + “My sister,” whispered John of Calabria, “thou art thy son’s ruin if the + earl depart!” + </p> + <p> + “Pasque Dieu! Vex not my kinswoman,—if she prefer a convent to a + throne, cross not the holy choice!” said the wily Louis, with a mocking + irony on his pinched lips. + </p> + <p> + The prince alone spoke not, but stood proudly on the same spot, gazing on + the earl, as he slowly moved to the door. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Edward! Edward, my son!” exclaimed the unhappy Margaret, “if for thy + sake—for thine—I must make the past a blank, speak thou for + me!” + </p> + <p> + “I have spoken,” said the prince, gently, “and thou didst chide me, noble + mother; yet I spoke, methinks, as Henry V. had done, if of a mighty enemy + he had had the power to make a noble friend.” + </p> + <p> + A short, convulsive sob was heard from the throne chair; and as suddenly + as it burst, it ceased. Queen Margaret rose, not a trace of that stormy + emotion upon the grand and marble beauty of her face. Her voice, + unnaturally calm, arrested the steps of the departing earl. + </p> + <p> + “Lord Warwick, defend this boy, restore his rights, release his sainted + father, and for years of anguish and of exile, Margaret of Anjou forgives + the champion of her son!” + </p> + <p> + In an instant Prince Edward was again by the earl’s side; a moment more, + and the earl’s proud knee bent in homage to the queen, joyful tears were + in the eyes of her friends and kindred, a triumphant smile on the lips of + Louis, and Margaret’s face, terrible in its stony and locked repose, was + raised above, as if asking the All-Merciful pardon—for the pardon + which the human sinner had bestowed! [Ellis: Original Letters from the + Harleian Manuscripts, letter 42.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0069" id="link2HCH0069"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. LOVE AND MARRIAGE—DOUBTS OF CONSCIENCE—DOMESTIC + JEALOUSY—AND HOUSEHOLD TREASON. + </h2> + <p> + The events that followed this tempestuous interview were such as the + position of the parties necessarily compelled. The craft of Louis, the + energy and love of Prince Edward, the representations of all her kindred + and friends, conquered, though not without repeated struggles, Margaret’s + repugnance to a nearer union between Warwick and her son. The earl did not + deign to appear personally in this matter. He left it, as became him, to + Louis and the prince, and finally received from them the proposals, which + ratified the league, and consummated the schemes of his revenge. + </p> + <p> + Upon the Very Cross [Miss Strickland observes upon this interview: “It + does not appear that Warwick mentioned the execution of his father, the + Earl of Salisbury, which is almost a confirmation of the statements of + those historians who deny that he was beheaded by Margaret.”] in St. + Mary’s Church of Angers, Lord Warwick swore without change to hold the + party of King Henry. Before the same sacred symbol, King Louis and his + brother, Duke of Guienne, robed in canvas, swore to sustain to their + utmost the Earl of Warwick in behalf of King Henry; and Margaret recorded + her oath “to treat the earl as true and faithful, and never for deeds past + to make him any reproach.” + </p> + <p> + Then were signed the articles of marriage between Prince Edward and the + Lady Anne,—the latter to remain with Margaret, but the marriage not + to be consummated “till Lord Warwick had entered England and regained the + realm, or most part, for King Henry,”—a condition which pleased the + earl, who desired to award his beloved daughter no less a dowry than a + crown. + </p> + <p> + An article far more important than all to the safety of the earl and to + the permanent success of the enterprise, was one that virtually took from + the fierce and unpopular Margaret the reins of government, by constituting + Prince Edward (whose qualities endeared him more and more to Warwick, and + were such as promised to command the respect and love of the people) sole + regent of all the realm, upon attaining his majority. For the Duke of + Clarence were reserved all the lands and dignities of the duchy of York, + the right to the succession of the throne to him and his posterity,—failing + male heirs to the Prince of Wales,—with a private pledge of the + viceroyalty of Ireland. + </p> + <p> + Margaret had attached to her consent one condition highly obnoxious to her + high-spirited son, and to which he was only reconciled by the arguments of + Warwick: she stipulated that he should not accompany the earl to England, + nor appear there till his father was proclaimed king. In this, no doubt, + she was guided by maternal fears, and by some undeclared suspicion, either + of the good faith of Warwick, or of his means to raise a sufficient army + to fulfil his promise. The brave prince wished to be himself foremost in + the battles fought in his right and for his cause. But the earl contended, + to the surprise and joy of Margaret, that it best behooved the prince’s + interests to enter England without one enemy in the field, leaving others + to clear his path, free himself from all the personal hate of hostile + factions, and without a drop of blood upon the sword of one heralded and + announced as the peace-maker and impartial reconciles of all feuds. So + then (these high conditions settled), in the presence of the Kings Rene + and Louis, of the Earl and Countess of Warwick, and in solemn state, at + Amboise, Edward of Lancaster plighted his marriage-troth to his beloved + and loving Anne. + </p> + <p> + It was deep night, and high revel in the Palace of Amboise crowned the + ceremonies of that memorable day. The Earl of Warwick stood alone in the + same chamber in which he had first discovered the secret of the young + Lancastrian. From the brilliant company, assembled in the halls of state, + he had stolen unperceived away, for his great heart was full to + overflowing. The part he had played for many days was over, and with it + the excitement and the fever. His schemes were crowned,—the + Lancastrians were won to his revenge; the king’s heir was the betrothed of + his favourite child; and the hour was visible in the distance, when, by + the retribution most to be desired, the father’s hand should lead that + child to the throne of him who would have degraded her to the dust. If + victory awaited his sanguine hopes, as father to his future queen, the + dignity and power of the earl became greater in the court of Lancaster + than, even in his palmiest day, amidst the minions of ungrateful York; the + sire of two lines,—if Anne’s posterity should fail, the crown would + pass to the sons of Isabel,—in either case from him (if successful + in his invasion) would descend the royalty of England. Ambition, pride, + revenge, might well exult in viewing the future, as mortal wisdom could + discern it. The House of Nevile never seemed brightened by a more glorious + star: and yet the earl was heavy and sad at heart. However he had + concealed it from the eyes of others, the haughty ire of Margaret must + have galled him in his deepest soul. And even as he had that day + contemplated the holy happiness in the face of Anne, a sharp pang had shot + through his breast. Were those the witnesses of fair-omened spousailles? + How different from the hearty greeting of his warrior-friends was the + measured courtesy of foes who had felt and fled before his sword! If aught + chanced to him in the hazard of the field, what thought for his child ever + could speak in pity from the hard and scornful eyes of the imperious + Anjouite? + </p> + <p> + The mist which till then had clouded his mind, or left visible to his gaze + but one stern idea of retribution, melted into air. He beheld the fearful + crisis to which his life had passed,—he had reached the eminence to + mourn the happy gardens left behind. Gone, forever gone, the old endearing + friendships, the sweet and manly remembrances of brave companionship and + early love! Who among those who had confronted war by his side for the + House of York would hasten to clasp his hand and hail his coming as the + captain of hated Lancaster? True, could he bow his honour to proclaim the + true cause of his desertion, the heart of every father would beat in + sympathy with his; but less than ever could the tale that vindicated his + name be told. How stoop to invoke malignant pity to the insult offered to + a future queen? Dark in his grave must rest the secret no words could + syllable, save by such vague and mysterious hint and comment as pass from + baseless gossip into dubious history. [Hall well explains the mystery + which wrapped the king’s insult to a female of the House of Warwick by the + simple sentence, “The certainty was not, for both their honours, openly + known!”] True, that in his change of party he was not, like Julian of + Spain, an apostate to his native land. He did not meditate the subversion + of his country by the foreign foe; it was but the substitution of one + English monarch for another,—a virtuous prince for a false and a + sanguinary king. True, that the change from rose to rose had been so + common amongst the greatest and the bravest, that even the most rigid + could scarcely censure what the age itself had sanctioned. But what other + man of his stormy day had been so conspicuous in the downfall of those he + was now as conspicuously to raise? What other man had Richard of York + taken so dearly to his heart, to what other man had the august father + said, “Protect my sons”? Before him seemed literally to rise the phantom + of that honoured prince, and with clay-cold lips to ask, “Art thou, of all + the world, the doomsman of my first-born?” A groan escaped the breast of + the self-tormentor; he fell on his knees and prayed: “Oh, pardon, thou + All-seeing!—plead for me, Divine Mother! if in this I have darkly + erred, taking my heart for my conscience, and mindful only of a selfish + wrong! Oh, surely, no! Had Richard of York himself lived to know what I + have suffered from his unworthy son,—causeless insult, broken faith, + public and unabashed dishonour; yea, pardoning, serving, loving on through + all, till, at the last, nothing less than the foulest taint that can light + upon ‘scutcheon and name was the cold, premeditated reward for untired + devotion,—surely, surely, Richard himself had said, ‘Thy honour at + last forbids all pardon!’” + </p> + <p> + Then, in that rapidity with which the human heart, once seizing upon + self-excuse, reviews, one after one, the fair apologies, the earl passed + from the injury to himself to the mal-government of his land, and muttered + over the thousand instances of cruelty and misrule which rose to his + remembrance,—forgetting, alas, or steeling himself to the memory, + that till Edward’s vices had assailed his own hearth and honour, he had + been contented with lamenting them, he had not ventured to chastise. At + length, calm and self-acquitted, he rose from his self-confession, and + leaning by the open casement, drank in the reviving and gentle balm of the + summer air. The state apartments he had left, formed as we have before + observed, an angle to the wing in which the chamber he had now retired to + was placed. They were brilliantly illumined, their windows opened to admit + the fresh, soft breeze of night; and he saw, as if by daylight, distinct + and gorgeous, in their gay dresses, the many revellers within. But one + group caught and riveted his eye. Close by the centre window he recognized + his gentle Anne, with downcast looks; he almost fancied he saw her blush, + as her young bridegroom, young and beautiful as herself, whispered love’s + flatteries in her ear. He saw farther on, but yet near, his own sweet + countess, and muttered, “After twenty years of marriage, may Anne be as + dear to him as thou art now to me!” And still he saw, or deemed he saw, + his lady’s eye, after resting with tender happiness on the young pair, + rove wistfully around, as if missing and searching for her partner in her + mother’s joy. But what form sweeps by with so haughty a majesty, then + pauses by the betrothed, addresses them not, but seems to regard them with + so fixed a watch? He knew by her ducal diadem, by the baudekin colours of + her robe, by her unmistakable air of pride, his daughter Isabel. He did + not distinguish the expression of her countenance, but an ominous thrill + passed through his heart; for the attitude itself had an expression, and + not that of a sister’s sympathy and love. He turned away his face with an + unquiet recollection of the altered mood of his discontented daughter. He + looked again: the duchess had passed on, lost amidst the confused + splendour of the revel. And high and rich swelled the merry music that + invited to the stately pavon. He gazed still; his lady had left her place, + the lovers too had vanished, and where they stood, stood now in close + conference his ancient enemies, Exeter and Somerset. The sudden change + from objects of love to those associated with hate had something which + touched one of those superstitions to which, in all ages, the heart, when + deeply stirred, is weakly sensitive. And again, forgetful of the revel, + the earl turned to the serener landscape of the grove and the moonlit + green sward, and mused and mused, till a soft arm thrown round him woke + his revery. For this had his lady left the revel. Divining, by the + instinct born of love, the gloom of her husband, she had stolen from pomp + and pleasure to his side. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, wherefore wouldst thou rob me,” said the countess, “of one hour of + thy presence, since so few hours remain; since, when the sun that succeeds + the morrow’s shines upon these walls, the night of thine absence will have + closed upon me?” + </p> + <p> + “And if that thought of parting, sad to me as thee, suffice not, belle + amie, to dim the revel,” answered the earl, “weetest thou not how ill the + grave and solemn thoughts of one who sees before him the emprise that + would change the dynasty of a realm can suit with the careless dance and + the wanton music? But not at that moment did I think of those mightier + cares; my thoughts were nearer home. Hast thou noted, sweet wife, the + silent gloom, the clouded brow of Isabel, since she learned that Anne was + to be the bride of the heir of Lancaster?” + </p> + <p> + The mother suppressed a sigh. “We must pardon, or glance lightly over, the + mood of one who loves her lord, and mourns for his baffled hopes! + Well-a-day! I grieve that she admits not even me to her confidence. Ever + with the favourite lady who lately joined her train,—methinks that + new friend gives less holy counsel than a mother!” + </p> + <p> + “Ha! and yet what counsels can Isabel listen to from a comparative + stranger? Even if Edward, or rather his cunning Elizabeth, had suborned + this waiting-woman, our daughter never could hearken, even in an hour of + anger, to the message from our dishonourer and our foe.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, but a flatterer often fosters by praising the erring thought. Isabel + hath something, dear lord, of thy high heart and courage; and ever from + childhood, her vaulting spirit, her very character of stately beauty, hath + given her a conviction of destiny and power loftier than those reserved + for our gentle Anne. Let us trust to time and forbearance, and hope that + the affection of the generous sister will subdue the jealousy of the + disappointed princess.” + </p> + <p> + “Pray Heaven, indeed, that it so prove! Isabel’s ascendancy over Clarence + is great, and might be dangerous. Would that she consented to remain in + France with thee and Anne! Her lord, at least, it seems I have convinced + and satisfied. Pleased at the vast fortunes before him, the toys of + viceregal power, his lighter nature reconciles itself to the loss of a + crown, which, I fear, it could never have upheld. For the more I have read + his qualities in our household intimacy, the more it seems that I could + scarcely have justified the imposing on England a king not worthy of so + great a people. He is young yet, but how different the youth of + Lancastrian Edward! In him what earnest and manly spirit! What heaven-born + views of the duties of a king! Oh, if there be a sin in the passion that + hath urged me on, let me, and me alone, atone! and may I be at least the + instrument to give to England a prince whose virtues shall compensate for + all!” + </p> + <p> + While yet the last word trembled upon the earl’s lips, a light flashed + along the floors, hitherto illumined but by the stars and the full moon. + And presently Isabel, in conference with the lady whom her mother had + referred to, passed into the room, on her way to her private chamber. The + countenance of this female diplomatist, whose talent for intrigue Philip + de Comines [Comines, iii. 5; Hall, Lingard, Hume, etc.] has commemorated, + but whose name, happily for her memory, history has concealed, was soft + and winning in its expression to the ordinary glance, though the sharpness + of the features, the thin compression of the lips, and the harsh dry + redness of the hair corresponded with the attributes which modern + physiognomical science truly or erringly assigns to a wily and treacherous + character. She bore a light in her hand, and its rays shone full on the + disturbed and agitated face of the duchess. Isabel perceived at once the + forms of her parents, and stopped short in some whispered conversation, + and uttered a cry almost of dismay. + </p> + <p> + “Thou leavest the revel betimes, fair daughter,” said the earl, examining + her countenance with an eye somewhat stern. + </p> + <p> + “My lady,” said the confidant, with a lowly reverence, “was anxious for + her babe.” + </p> + <p> + “Thy lady, good waiting-wench,” said Warwick, “needs not thy tongue to + address her father. Pass on.” + </p> + <p> + The gentlewoman bit her lips, but obeyed, and quitted the room. The earl + approached, and took Isabel’s hand,—it was cold as stone. + </p> + <p> + “My child,” said he, tenderly, “thou dost well to retire to rest; of late + thy cheek hath lost its bloom. But just now, for many causes, I was + wishing thee not to brave our perilous return to England; and now, I know + not whether it would make me the more uneasy, to fear for thy health if + absent or thy safety if with me!” + </p> + <p> + “My lord,” replied Isabel, coldly, “my duty calls me to my husband’s side, + and the more, since now it seems he dares the battle but reaps not its + rewards! Let Edward and Anne rest in safety, Clarence and Isabel go to + achieve the diadem and orb for others!” + </p> + <p> + “Be not bitter with thy father, girl; be not envious of thy sister!” said + the earl, in grave rebuke; then, softening his tone, he added, “The women + of a noble House should have no ambition of their own,—their glory + and their honour they should leave, unmurmuring, in the hands of men! + Mourn not if thy sister mounts the throne of him who would have branded + the very name to which thou and she were born!” + </p> + <p> + “I have made no reproach, my lord. Forgive me, I pray you, if I now + retire; I am so weary, and would fain have strength and health not to be a + burden to you when you depart.” + </p> + <p> + The duchess bowed with proud submission, and moved on. “Beware!” said the + earl, in a low voice. + </p> + <p> + “Beware!—and of what?” said Isabel, startled. + </p> + <p> + “Of thine own heart, Isabel. Ay, go to thine infant’s couch ere thou seek + thine own, and, before the sleep of innocence, calm thyself back to + womanhood.” + </p> + <p> + The duchess raised her head quickly, but habitual awe of her father + checked the angry answer; and kissing, with formal reverence, the hand the + countess extended to her, she left the room. She gained the chamber in + which was the cradle of her son, gorgeously canopied with silks, inwrought + with the blazoned arms of royal Clarence;—and beside the cradle sat + the confidant. + </p> + <p> + The duchess drew aside the drapery, and contemplated the rosy face of the + infant slumberer. + </p> + <p> + Then, turning to her confidant, she said,— + </p> + <p> + “Three months since, and I hoped my first-born would be a king! Away with + those vain mockeries of royal birth! How suit they the destined vassal of + the abhorred Lancastrian?” + </p> + <p> + “Sweet lady,” said the confidant, “did I not warn thee from the first that + this alliance, to the injury of my lord duke and this dear boy, was + already imminent? I had hoped thou mightst have prevailed with the earl!” + </p> + <p> + “He heeds me not, he cares not for me!” exclaimed Isabel; “his whole love + is for Anne,—Anne, who, without energy and pride, I scarcely have + looked on as my equal! And now to my younger sister I must bow my knee, + pleased if she deign to bid me hold the skirt of her queenly robe! Never,—no, + never!” + </p> + <p> + “Calm thyself; the courier must part this night. My Lord of Clarence is + already in his chamber; he waits but thine assent to write to Edward, that + he rejects not his loving messages.” + </p> + <p> + The duchess walked to and fro, in great disorder. “But to be thus secret + and false to my father?” + </p> + <p> + “Doth be merit that thou shouldst sacrifice thy child to him? Reflect! the + king has no son! The English barons acknowledge not in girls a sovereign; + [Miss Strickland (“Life of Elizabeth of York”) remarks, “How much Norman + prejudice in favour of Salic law had corrupted the common or + constitutional law of England regarding the succession!” The remark + involves a controversy.] and, with Edward on the throne, thy son is + heir-presumptive. Little chance that a male heir shall now be born to + Queen Elizabeth, while from Anne and her bridegroom a long line may + spring. Besides, no matter what parchment treaties may ordain, how can + Clarence and his offspring ever be regarded by a Lancastrian king but as + enemies to feed the prison or the block, when some false invention gives + the seemly pretext for extirpating the lawful race?” + </p> + <p> + “Cease, cease, cease!” cried Isabel, in terrible struggles with herself. + </p> + <p> + “Lady, the hour presses! And, reflect, a few lines are but words, to be + confirmed or retracted as occasion suits! If Lord Warwick succeed, and + King Edward lose his crown, ye can shape as ye best may your conduct to + the time. But if the earl lose the day, if again he be driven into exile, + a few words now release you and yours from everlasting banishment; restore + your boy to his natural heritage; deliver you from the insolence of the + Anjouite, who, methinks, even dared this very day to taunt your highness—” + </p> + <p> + “She did—she did! Oh that my father had been by to hear! She bade me + stand aside that Anne might pass,—‘not for the younger daughter of + Lord Warwick, but for the lady admitted into the royalty of Lancaster!’ + Elizabeth Woodville, at least, never dared this insolence!” + </p> + <p> + “And this Margaret the Duke of Clarence is to place on the throne which + your child yonder might otherwise aspire to mount!” + </p> + <p> + Isabel clasped her hands in mute passion. + </p> + <p> + “Hark!” said the confidant, throwing open the door— + </p> + <p> + And along the corridor came, in measured pomp, a stately procession, the + chamberlain in front, announcing “Her Highness the Princess of Wales;” and + Louis XI., leading the virgin bride (wife but in name and honour, till her + dowry of a kingdom was made secure) to her gentle rest. The ceremonial + pomp, the regal homage that attended the younger sister thus raised above + herself, completed in Isabel’s jealous heart the triumph of the Tempter. + Her face settled into hard resolve, and she passed at once from the + chamber into one near at hand, where the Duke of Clarence sat alone, the + rich wines of the livery, not untasted, before him, and the ink yet wet + upon a scroll he had just indited. + </p> + <p> + He turned his irresolute countenance to Isabel as she bent over him and + read the letter. It was to Edward; and after briefly warning him of the + meditated invasion, significantly added, “and if I may seem to share this + emprise, which, here and alone, I cannot resist, thou shalt find me still, + when the moment comes, thy affectionate brother and loyal subject.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Isabel,” said the duke, “thou knowest I have delayed this till the + last hour to please thee; for verily, lady mine, thy will is my sweetest + law. But now, if thy heart misgives thee—” + </p> + <p> + “It does, it does!” exclaimed the duchess, bursting into tears. + </p> + <p> + “If thy heart misgives thee,” continued Clarence, who with all his + weakness had much of the duplicity of his brothers, “why, let it pass. + Slavery to scornful Margaret, vassalage to thy sister’s spouse, triumph to + the House which both thou and I were taught from childhood to deem + accursed,—why, welcome all! so that Isabel does not weep, and our + boy reproach us not in the days to come!” + </p> + <p> + For all answer, Isabel, who had seized the letter, let it drop on the + table, pushed it, with averted face, towards the duke, and turned back to + the cradle of her child, whom she woke with her sobs, and who wailed its + shrill reply in infant petulance and terror, snatched from its slumber to + the arms of the remorseful mother. + </p> + <p> + A smile of half contemptuous joy passed over the thin lips of the + she-Judas, and, without speaking, she took her way to Clarence. He had + sealed and bound his letter, first adding these words, “My lady and + duchess, whatever her kin, has seen this letter, and approves it, for she + is more a friend to York than to the earl, now he has turned Lancastrian;” + and placed it in a small iron coffer. + </p> + <p> + He gave the coffer, curiously clasped and locked, to the gentlewoman, with + a significant glance—“Be quick, or she repents! The courier waits, + his steed saddled! The instant you give it, he departs,—he hath his + permit to pass the gates.” + </p> + <p> + “All is prepared; ere the clock strike, he is on his way.” The confidant + vanished; the duke sank in his chair, and rubbed his hands. + </p> + <p> + “Oho, father-in-law, thou deemest me too dull for a crown! I am not dull + enough for thy tool. I have had the wit, at least, to deceive thee, and to + hide resentment beneath a smiling brow! Dullard, thou to believe aught + less than the sovereignty of England could have bribed Clarence to thy + cause!” He turned to the table and complacently drained his goblet. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly, haggard and pale as a spectre, Isabel stood before him. + </p> + <p> + “I was mad—mad, George! The letter! the letter—it must not + go!” + </p> + <p> + At that moment the clock struck. + </p> + <p> + “Bel enfant,” said the duke, “it is too late!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0081" id="link2H_4_0081"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BOOK X. THE RETURN OF THE KING-MAKER. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0070" id="link2HCH0070"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. THE MAID’S HOPE, THE COURTIER’S LOVE, AND THE SAGE’S COMFORT. + </h2> + <h3> + Fair are thy fields, O England; fair the rural farm and the orchards in + which the blossoms have ripened into laughing fruits; and fairer than all, + O England, the faces of thy soft-eyed daughters! + </h3> + <p> + From the field where Sibyll and her father had wandered amidst the dead, + the dismal witnesses of war had vanished; and over the green pastures + roved the gentle flocks. And the farm to which Hastings had led the + wanderers looked upon that peaceful field through its leafy screen; and + there father and daughter had found a home. + </p> + <p> + It was a lovely summer evening; and Sibyll put aside the broidery frame, + at which, for the last hour, she had not worked, and gliding to the + lattice, looked wistfully along the winding lane. The room was in the + upper story, and was decorated with a care which the exterior of the house + little promised, and which almost approached to elegance. The fresh green + rushes that strewed the floor were intermingled with dried wild thyme and + other fragrant herbs. The bare walls were hung with serge of a bright and + cheerful blue; a rich carpet de cuir covered the oak table, on which lay + musical instruments, curiously inlaid, with a few manuscripts, chiefly of + English and Provencal poetry. The tabourets were covered with cushions of + Norwich worsted, in gay colours. All was simple, it is true, yet all + betokened a comfort—ay, a refinement, an evidence of wealth—very + rare in the houses even of the second order of nobility. + </p> + <p> + As Sibyll gazed, her face suddenly brightened; she uttered a joyous cry, + hurried from the room, descended the stairs, and passed her father, who + was seated without the porch, and seemingly plunged in one of his most + abstracted reveries. She kissed his brow (he heeded her not), bounded with + a light step over the sward of the orchard, and pausing by a wicket gate, + listened with throbbing heart to the advancing sound of a horse’s hoofs. + Nearer came the sound, and nearer. A cavalier appeared in sight, sprang + from his saddle, and, leaving his palfrey to find his way to the + well-known stable, sprang lightly over the little gate. + </p> + <p> + “And thou hast watched for me, Sibyll?” + </p> + <p> + The girl blushingly withdrew from the eager embrace, and said touchingly, + “My heart watcheth for thee alway. Oh, shall I thank or chide thee for so + much care? Thou wilt see how thy craftsmen have changed the rugged + homestead into the daintiest bower!” + </p> + <p> + “Alas! my Sibyll! would that it were worthier of thy beauty, and our + mutual troth! Blessings on thy trust and sweet patience; may the day soon + come when I may lead thee to a nobler home, and hear knight and baron envy + the bride of Hastings!” + </p> + <p> + “My own lord!” said Sibyll, with grateful tears in confiding eyes; but, + after a pause, she added timidly, “Does the king still bear so stern a + memory against so humble a subject?” + </p> + <p> + “The king is more wroth than before, since tidings of Lord Warwick’s + restless machinations in France have soured his temper. He cannot hear thy + name without threats against thy father as a secret adherent of Lancaster, + and accuseth thee of witching his chamberlain,—as, in truth, thou + hast. The Duchess of Bedford is more than ever under the influence of + Friar Bungey, to whose spells and charms, and not to our good swords, she + ascribes the marvellous flight of Warwick and the dispersion of our foes; + and the friar, methinks, has fostered and yet feeds Edward’s suspicions of + thy harmless father. The king chides himself for having suffered poor + Warner to depart unscathed, and even recalls the disastrous adventure of + the mechanical, and swears that from the first thy father was in + treasonable conspiracy with Margaret. Nay, sure I am, that if I dared to + wed thee while his anger lasts, he would condemn thee as a sorceress, and + give me up to the secret hate of my old foes the Woodvilles. But fie! be + not so appalled, my Sibyll; Edward’s passions, though fierce, are + changeful, and patience will reward us both.” + </p> + <p> + “Meanwhile, thou lovest me, Hastings!” said Sibyll, with great emotion. + “Oh, if thou knewest how I torment myself in thine absence! I see thee + surrounded by the fairest and the loftiest, and say to myself, ‘Is it + possible that he can remember me?’ But thou lovest me still—still—still, + and ever! Dost thou not?” + </p> + <p> + And Hastings said and swore. + </p> + <p> + “And the Lady Bonville?” asked Sibyll, trying to smile archly, but with + the faltering tone of jealous fear. + </p> + <p> + “I have not seen her for months,” replied the noble, with a slight change + of countenance. “She is at one of their western manors. They say her lord + is sorely ill; and the Lady Bonville is a devout hypocrite, and plays the + tender wife. But enough of such ancient and worn-out memories. Thy father—sorrows + he still for his Eureka? I can learn no trace of it.” + </p> + <p> + “See,” said Sibyll, recalled to her filial love, and pointing to Warner as + they now drew near the house, “see, he shapes another Eureka from his + thoughts!” + </p> + <p> + “How fares it, dear Warner?” asked the noble, taking the scholar’s hand. + </p> + <p> + “Ah,” cried the student, roused at the sight of his powerful protector, + “bringest thou tidings of IT? Thy cheerful eye tells me that—no—no—thy + face changes! They have destroyed it! Oh, that I could be young once + more!” + </p> + <p> + “What!” said the world-wise man, astonished. “If thou hadst another youth, + wouldst thou cherish the same delusion, and go again through a life of + hardship, persecution, and wrong?” + </p> + <p> + “My noble son,” said the philosopher, “for hours when I have felt the + wrong, the persecution, and the hardship, count the days and the nights + when I felt only the hope and the glory and the joy! God is kinder to us + all than man can know; for man looks only to the sorrow on the surface, + and sees not the consolation in the deeps of the unwitnessed soul.” + </p> + <p> + Sibyll had left Hastings by her father’s side, and tripped lightly to the + farther part of the house, inhabited by the rustic owners who supplied the + homely service, to order the evening banquet,—the happy banquet; for + hunger gives not such flavour to the viand, nor thirst such sparkle to the + wine, as the presence of a beloved guest. + </p> + <p> + And as the courtier seated himself on the rude settle under the + honeysuckles that wreathed the porch, a delicious calm stole over his + sated mind. The pure soul of the student, released a while from the + tyranny of an earthly pursuit,—the drudgery of a toil, that however + grand, still but ministered to human and material science,—had found + for its only other element the contemplation of more solemn and eternal + mysteries. Soaring naturally, as a bird freed from a golden cage, into the + realms of heaven, he began now, with earnest and spiritual eloquence, to + talk of the things and visions lately made familiar to his thoughts. + Mounting from philosophy to religion, he indulged in his large ideas upon + life and nature: of the stars that now came forth in heaven; of the laws + that gave harmony to the universe; of the evidence of a God in the + mechanism of creation; of the spark from central divinity, that, kindling + in a man’s soul, we call “genius;” of the eternal resurrection of the + dead, which makes the very principle of being, and types, in the leaf and + in the atom, the immortality of the great human race. He was sublimer, + that gray old man, hunted from the circle of his kind, in his words, than + ever is action in its deeds; for words can fathom truth, and deeds but + blunderingly and lamely seek it. + </p> + <p> + And the sad and gifted and erring intellect of Hastings, rapt from its + little ambition of the hour, had no answer when his heart asked, “What can + courts and a king’s smile give me in exchange for serene tranquillity and + devoted love?” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0071" id="link2HCH0071"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. THE MAN AWAKES IN THE SAGE, AND THE SHE-WOLF AGAIN HATH + TRACKED THE LAMB. + </h2> + <p> + From the night in which Hastings had saved from the knives of the + tymbesteres Sibyll and her father, his honour and chivalry had made him + their protector. The people of the farm (a widow and her children, with + the peasants in their employ) were kindly and simple folks. What safer + home for the wanderers than that to which Hastings had removed them? The + influence of Sibyll over his variable heart or fancy was renewed. Again + vows were interchanged and faith plighted. Anthony Woodville, Lord Rivers, + who, however gallant an enemy, was still more than ever, since Warwick’s + exile, a formidable one, and who shared his sister’s dislike to Hastings, + was naturally at that time in the fullest favour of King Edward, anxious + to atone for the brief disgrace his brother-in-law had suffered during the + later days of Warwick’s administration. And Hastings, offended by the + manners of the rival favourite, took one of the disgusts so frequent in + the life of a courtier, and, despite his office of chamberlain, absented + himself much from his sovereign’s company. Thus, in the reaction of his + mind, the influence of Sibyll was greater than it otherwise might have + been. His visits to the farm were regular and frequent. The widow believed + him nearly related to Sibyll, and suspected Warner to be some attainted + Lancastrian, compelled to hide in secret till his pardon was obtained; and + no scandal was attached to the noble’s visits, nor any surprise evinced at + his attentive care for all that could lend a grace to a temporary refuge + unfitting the quality of his supposed kindred. + </p> + <p> + And, in her entire confidence and reverential affection, Sibyll’s very + pride was rather soothed than wounded by obligations which were but proofs + of love, and to which plighted troth gave her a sweet right. As for + Warner, he had hitherto seemed to regard the great lord’s attentions only + as a tribute to his own science, and a testimony of the interest which a + statesman might naturally feel in the invention of a thing that might + benefit the realm. And Hastings had been delicate in the pretexts of his + visits. One time he called to relate the death of poor Madge, though he + kindly concealed the manner of it, which he had discovered, but which + opinion, if not law, forbade him to attempt to punish: drowning was but + the orthodox ordeal of a suspected witch, and it was not without many + scruples that the poor woman was interred in holy ground. The search for + the Eureka was a pretence that sufficed for countless visits; and then, + too, Hastings had counselled Adam to sell the ruined house, and undertaken + the negotiation; and the new comforts of their present residence, and the + expense of the maintenance, were laid to the account of the sale. Hastings + had begun to consider Adam Warner as utterly blind and passive to the + things that passed under his eyes; and his astonishment was great when, + the morning after the visit we have just recorded, Adam, suddenly lifting + his eyes, and seeing the guest whispering soft tales in Sibyll’s ear, rose + abruptly, approached the nobleman, took him gently by the arm, led him + into the garden, and thus addressed him,— + </p> + <p> + “Noble lord, you have been tender and generous in our misfortunes. The + poor Eureka is lost to me and the world forever. God’s will be done! + Methinks Heaven designs thereby to rouse me to the sense of nearer duties; + and I have a daughter whose name I adjure you not to sully, and whose + heart I pray you not to break. Come hither no more, my Lord Hastings.” + </p> + <p> + This speech, almost the only one which showed plain sense and judgment in + the affairs of this life that the man of genius had ever uttered, so + confounded Hastings, that he with difficulty recovered himself enough to + say,— + </p> + <p> + “My poor scholar, what hath so suddenly kindled suspicions which wrong thy + child and me?” + </p> + <p> + “Last eve, when we sat together, I saw your hand steal into hers, and + suddenly I remembered the day when I was young, and wooed her mother! And + last night I slept not, and sense and memory became active for my living + child, as they were wont to be only for the iron infant of my mind, and I + said to myself, ‘Lord Hastings is King Edward’s friend; and King Edward + spares not maiden honour. Lord Hastings is a mighty peer, and he will not + wed the dowerless and worse than nameless girl!’ Be merciful! Depart, + depart!” + </p> + <p> + “But,” exclaimed Hastings, “if I love thy sweet Sibyll in all honesty, if + I have plighted to her my troth—” + </p> + <p> + “Alas, alas!” groaned Adam. + </p> + <p> + “If I wait but my king’s permission to demand her wedded hand, couldst + thou forbid me the presence of my affianced?” + </p> + <p> + “She loves thee, then?” said Adam, in a tone of great anguish,—“she + loves thee,—speak!” + </p> + <p> + “It is my pride to think it.” + </p> + <p> + “Then go,—go at once; come back no more till thou hast wound up thy + courage to brave the sacrifice; no, not till the priest is ready at the + altar, not till the bridegroom can claim the bride. And as that time will + never come—never—never—leave me to whisper to the + breaking heart, ‘Courage; honour and virtue are left thee yet, and thy + mother from heaven looks down on a stainless child!’” + </p> + <p> + The resuscitation of the dead could scarcely have startled and awed the + courtier more than this abrupt development of life and passion and energy + in a man who had hitherto seemed to sleep in the folds of his thought, as + a chrysalis in its web. But as we have always seen that ever, when this + strange being woke from his ideal abstraction, he awoke to honour and + courage and truth, so now, whether, as he had said, the absence of the + Eureka left his mind to the sense of practical duties, or whether their + common suffering had more endeared to him his gentle companion, and + affection sharpened reason, Adam Warner became puissant and majestic in + his rights and sanctity of father,—greater in his homely household + character, than when, in his mania of inventor, and the sublime hunger of + aspiring genius, he had stolen to his daughter’s couch, and waked her with + the cry of “Gold!” + </p> + <p> + Before the force and power of Adam’s adjuration, his outstretched hand, + the anguish, yet authority, written on his face, all the art and + self-possession of the accomplished lover deserted him, as one + spell-bound. + </p> + <p> + He was literally without reply; till, suddenly, the sight of Sibyll, who, + surprised by this singular conference, but unsuspecting its nature, now + came from the house, relieved and nerved him; and his first impulse was + then, as ever, worthy and noble, such as showed, though dimly, how + glorious a creature he had been, if cast in a time and amidst a race which + could have fostered the impulse into habit. + </p> + <p> + “Brave old man!” he said, kissing the hand still raised in command, “thou + hast spoken as beseems thee; and my answer I will tell thy child.” Then + hurrying to the wondering Sibyll, he resumed: “Your father says well, that + not thus, dubious and in secret, should I visit the home blest by thy + beloved presence. I obey; I leave thee, Sibyll. I go to my king, as one + who hath served him long and truly, and claims his guerdon,—thee!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, my lord!” exclaimed Sibyll, in generous terror, “bethink thee well; + remember what thou saidst but last eve. This king so fierce, my name so + hated! No, no! leave me. Farewell forever, if it be right, as what thou + and my father say must be. But thy life, thy liberty, thy welfare,—they + are my happiness; thou hast no right to endanger them!” And she fell at + his knees. He raised and strained her to his heart; then resigning her to + her father’s arms, he said in a voice choked with emotion,— + </p> + <p> + “Not as peer and as knight, but as man, I claim my prerogative of home and + hearth. Let Edward frown, call back his gifts, banish me his court,—thou + art more worth than all! Look for me, sigh not, weep not, smile till we + meet again!” He left them with these words, hastened to the stall where + his steed stood, caparisoned it with his own hands, and rode with the + speed of one whom passion spurs and goads towards the Tower of London. + </p> + <p> + But as Sibyll started from her father’s arms, when she heard the departing + hoofs of her lover’s steed,—to listen and to listen for the last + sound that told of him,—a terrible apparition, ever ominous of woe + and horror, met her eye. On the other side of the orchard fence, which + concealed her figure, but not her well-known face, which peered above, + stood the tymbestere, Graul. A shriek of terror at this recognition burst + from Sibyll, as she threw herself again upon Adam’s breast; but when he + looked round to discover the cause of her alarm, Graul was gone. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0072" id="link2HCH0072"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. VIRTUOUS RESOLVES SUBMITTED TO THE TEST OF VANITY AND THE + WORLD. + </h2> + <p> + On reaching his own house, Hastings learned that the court was still at + Shene. He waited but till the retinue which his rank required were + equipped and ready, and reached the court, from which of late he had found + so many excuses to absent himself, before night. Edward was then at the + banquet, and Hastings was too experienced a courtier to disturb him at + such a time. In a mood unfit for companionship, he took his way to the + apartments usually reserved for him, when a gentleman met him by the way, + and apprised him, with great respect, that the Lord Scales and Rivers had + already appropriated those apartments to the principal waiting-lady of his + countess,—but that other chambers, if less commodious and spacious, + were at his command. + </p> + <p> + Hastings had not the superb and more than regal pride of Warwick and + Montagu; but this notice sensibly piqued and galled him. + </p> + <p> + “My apartments as Lord Chamberlain, as one of the captain-generals in the + king’s army, given to the waiting-lady of Sir Anthony Woodville’s wife! At + whose orders, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Her highness the queen’s; pardon me, my lord,” and the gentleman, looking + round, and sinking his voice, continued, “pardon me, her highness added, + ‘If my Lord Chamberlain returns not ere the week ends, he may find not + only the apartment, but the office, no longer free.’ My lord, we all love + you—forgive my zeal, and look well if you would guard your own.” + </p> + <p> + “Thanks, sir. Is my lord of Gloucester in the palace?” + </p> + <p> + “He is,—and in his chamber. He sits not long at the feast.” + </p> + <p> + “Oblige me by craving his grace’s permission to wait on him at leisure; I + attend his answer here.” + </p> + <p> + Leaning against the wall of the corridor, Hastings gave himself up to + other thoughts than those of love. So strong is habit, so powerful vanity + or ambition, once indulged, that this puny slight made a sudden revulsion + in the mind of the royal favourite; once more the agitated and brilliant + court life stirred and fevered him,—that life, so wearisome when + secure, became sweeter when imperilled. To counteract his foes, to humble + his rivals, to regain the king’s countenance, to baffle, with the easy art + of his skilful intellect, every hostile stratagem,—such were the + ideas that crossed and hurtled themselves, and Sibyll was forgotten. + </p> + <p> + The gentleman reappeared. “Prince Richard besought my lord’s presence with + loving welcome;” and to the duke’s apartment went Lord Hastings. Richard, + clad in a loose chamber robe, which concealed the defects of his shape, + rose from before a table covered with papers, and embraced Hastings with + cordial affection. + </p> + <p> + “Never more gladly hail to thee, dear William. I need thy wise counsels + with the king, and I have glad tidings for thine own ear.” + </p> + <p> + “Pardieu, my prince; the king, methinks, will scarce heed the counsels of + a dead man.” + </p> + <p> + “Dead?” + </p> + <p> + “Ay. At court it seems men are dead,—their rooms filled, their + places promised or bestowed,—if they come not, morn and night, to + convince the king that they are alive.” And Hastings, with constrained + gayety, repeated the information he had received. + </p> + <p> + “What would you, Hastings?” said the duke, shrugging his shoulders, but + with some latent meaning in his tone. “Lord Rivers were nought in himself; + but his lady is a mighty heiress, [Elizabeth secured to her brother, Sir + Anthony, the greatest heiress in the kingdom, in the daughter of Lord + Scales,—a wife, by the way, who is said to have been a mere child at + the time of the marriage.] and requires state, as she bestows pomp. Look + round, and tell me what man ever maintained himself in power without the + strong connections, the convenient dower, the acute, unseen, unsleeping + woman-influence of some noble wife? How can a poor man defend his repute, + his popular name, that airy but all puissant thing we call dignity or + station, against the pricks and stings of female intrigue and female + gossip? But he marries, and, lo, a host of fairy champions, who pinch the + rival lozels unawares: his wife hath her army of courtpie and jupon, to + array against the dames of his foes! Wherefore, my friend, while thou art + unwedded, think not to cope with Lord Rivers, who hath a wife with three + sisters, two aunts, and a score of she-cousins!” + </p> + <p> + “And if,” replied Hastings, more and more unquiet under the duke’s + truthful irony,—“if I were now to come to ask the king permission to + wed—” + </p> + <p> + “If thou wert, and the bride-elect were a lady with power and wealth and + manifold connections, and the practice of a court, thou wouldst be the + mightiest lord in the kingdom since Warwick’s exile.” + </p> + <p> + “And if she had but youth, beauty, and virtue?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, then, my Lord Hastings, pray thy patron saint for a war,—for in + peace thou wouldst be lost amongst the crowd. But truce to these jests; + for thou art not the man to prate of youth, virtue, and such like, in + sober earnest, amidst this work-day world, where nothing is young and + nothing virtuous;—and listen to grave matters.” + </p> + <p> + The duke then communicated to Hastings the last tidings received of the + machinations of Warwick. He was in high spirits; for those last tidings + but reported Margaret’s refusal to entertain the proposition of a nuptial + alliance with the earl, though, on the other hand, the Duke of Burgundy, + who was in constant correspondence with his spies, wrote word that Warwick + was collecting provisions, from his own means, for more than sixty + thousand men; and that, with Lancaster or without, the earl was prepared + to match his own family interest against the armies of Edward. + </p> + <p> + “And,” said Hastings, “if all his family joined with him, what foreign + king could be so formidable an invader? Maltravers and the Mowbrays, + Fauconberg, Westmoreland, Fitzhugh, Stanley, Bonville, Worcester—” + </p> + <p> + “But happily,” said Gloucester, “the Mowbrays have been allied also to the + queen’s sister; Worcester detests Warwick; Stanley always murmurs against + us, a sure sign that he will fight for us; and Bonville—I have in + view a trusty Yorkist to whom the retainers of that House shall be + assigned. But of that anon. What I now wish from thy wisdom is, to aid me + in rousing Edward from his lethargy; he laughs at his danger, and neither + communicates with his captains nor mans his coasts. His courage makes him + a dullard.” + </p> + <p> + After some further talk on these heads, and more detailed account of the + preparations which Gloucester deemed necessary to urge on the king, the + duke, then moving his chair nearer to Hastings, said with a smile,— + </p> + <p> + “And now, Hastings, to thyself: it seems that thou hast not heard the news + which reached us four days since. The Lord Bonville is dead,—died + three months ago at his manor house in Devon. [To those who have read the + “Paston Letters” it will not seem strange that in that day the death of a + nobleman at his country seat should be so long in reaching the metropolis,—the + ordinary purveyors of communication were the itinerant attendants of + fairs; and a father might be ignorant for months together of the death of + his son.] Thy Katherine is free, and in London. Well, man, where is thy + joy?” + </p> + <p> + “Time is, time was!” said Hastings, gloomily. “The day has passed when + this news could rejoice me.” + </p> + <p> + “Passed! nay, thy good stars themselves have fought for thee in delay. + Seven goodly manors swell the fair widow’s jointure; the noble dowry she + brought returns to her. Her very daughter will bring thee power. Young + Cecily Bonville [afterwards married to Dorset], the heiress, Lord Dorset + demands in betrothal. Thy wife will be mother-in-law to thy queen’s son; + on the other hand, she is already aunt to the Duchess of Clarence; and + George, be sure, sooner or later, will desert Warwick, and win his pardon. + Powerful connections, vast possessions, a lady of immaculate name and + surpassing beauty, and thy first love!—(thy hand trembles!)—thy + first love, thy sole love, and thy last!” + </p> + <p> + “Prince—Prince! forbear! Even if so—In brief, Katherine loves + me not!” + </p> + <p> + “Thou mistakest! I have seen her, and she loves thee not the less because + her virtue so long concealed the love.” Hastings uttered an exclamation of + passionate joy, but again his face darkened. + </p> + <p> + Gloucester watched him in silence; besides any motive suggested by the + affection he then sincerely bore to Hastings, policy might well interest + the duke in the securing to so loyal a Yorkist the hand and the wealth of + Lord Warwick’s sister; but, prudently not pressing the subject further, he + said, in an altered and careless voice, “Pardon me if I have presumed on + matters on which each man judges for himself. But as, despite all + obstacle, one day or other Anne Nevile shall be mine, it would have + delighted me to know a near connection in Lord Hastings. And now the hour + grows late, I prithee let Edward find thee in his chamber.” + </p> + <p> + When Hastings attended the king, he at once perceived that Edward’s manner + was changed to him. At first, he attributed the cause to the ill offices + of the queen and her brother; but the king soon betrayed the true source + of his altered humour. + </p> + <p> + “My lord,” he said abruptly, “I am no saint, as thou knowest; but there + are some ties, par amour, which, in my mind, become not knights and nobles + about a king’s person.” + </p> + <p> + “My liege, I arede you not.” + </p> + <p> + “Tush, William!” replied the king, more gently, “thou hast more than once + wearied me with application for the pardon of the nigromancer Warner,—the + whole court is scandalized at thy love for his daughter. Thou hast + absented thyself from thine office on poor pretexts! I know thee too well + not to be aware that love alone can make thee neglect thy king,—thy + time has been spent at the knees or in the arms of this young sorceress! + One word for all times,—he whom a witch snares cannot be a king’s + true servant! I ask of thee as a right, or as a grace, see this fair + ribaude no more! What, man, are there not ladies enough in merry England, + that thou shouldst undo thyself for so unchristian a fere?” + </p> + <p> + “My king! how can this poor maid have angered thee thus?” + </p> + <p> + “Knowest thou not”—began the king, sharply, and changing colour as + he eyed his favourite’s mournful astonishment,—“ah, well!” he + muttered to himself, “they have been discreet hitherto, but how long will + they be so? I am in time yet. It is enough,”—he added, aloud and + gravely—“it is enough that our learned [it will be remembered that + Edward himself was a man of no learning] Bungey holds her father as a most + pestilent wizard, whose spells are muttered for Lancaster and the rebel + Warwick; that the girl hath her father’s unholy gifts, and I lay my + command on thee, as liege king, and I pray thee, as loving friend, to see + no more either child or sire! Let this suffice—and now I will hear + thee on state matters.” + </p> + <p> + Whatever Hastings might feel, he saw that it was no time to venture + remonstrance with the king, and strove to collect his thoughts, and speak + indifferently on the high interests to which Edward invited him; but he + was so distracted and absent that he made but a sorry counsellor, and the + king, taking pity on him, dismissed his chamberlain for the night. + </p> + <p> + Sleep came not to the couch of Hastings; his acuteness perceived that + whatever Edward’s superstition, and he was a devout believer in + witchcraft, some more worldly motive actuated him in his resentment to + poor Sibyll. But as we need scarcely say that neither from the abstracted + Warner nor his innocent daughter had Hastings learned the true cause, he + wearied himself with vain conjectures, and knew not that Edward + involuntarily did homage to the superior chivalry of his gallant + favourite, when he dreaded that, above all men, Hastings should be made + aware of the guilty secret which the philosopher and his child could tell. + If Hastings gave his name and rank to Sibyll, how powerful a weight would + the tale of a witness now so obscure suddenly acquire! + </p> + <p> + Turning from the image of Sibyll, thus beset with thoughts of danger, + embarrassment, humiliation, disgrace, ruin, Lord Hastings recalled the + words of Gloucester; and the stately image of Katherine, surrounded with + every memory of early passion, every attribute of present ambition, rose + before him; and he slept at last, to dream not of Sibyll and the humble + orchard, but of Katherine in her maiden bloom, of the trysting-tree by the + halls of Middleham, of the broken ring, of the rapture and the woe of his + youth’s first high-placed love. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0073" id="link2HCH0073"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. THE STRIFE WHICH SIBYLL HAD COURTED, BETWEEN KATHERINE AND + HERSELF, COMMENCES IN SERIOUS EARNEST. + </h2> + <p> + Hastings felt relieved when, the next day, several couriers arrived with + tidings so important as to merge all considerations into those of state. A + secret messenger from the French court threw Gloucester into one of those + convulsive passions of rage, to which, with all his intellect and + dissimulation, he was sometimes subject, by the news of Anne’s betrothal + to Prince Edward; nor did the letter from Clarence to the king, attesting + the success of one of his schemes, comfort Richard for the failure of the + other. A letter from Burgundy confirmed the report of the spy, announced + Duke Charles’s intention of sending a fleet to prevent Warwick’s invasion, + and rated King Edward sharply for his supineness in not preparing suitably + against so formidable a foe. The gay and reckless presumption of Edward, + worthier of a knight-errant than a monarch, laughed at the word invasion. + “Pest on Burgundy’s ships! I only wish that the earl would land!” [Com, + iii. c. 5] he said to his council. None echoed the wish! But later in the + day came a third messenger with information that roused all Edward’s ire; + careless of each danger in the distance, he ever sprang into energy and + vengeance when a foe was already in the field. And the Lord Fitzhugh (the + young nobleman before seen among the rebels at Olney, and who had now + succeeded to the honours of his House) had suddenly risen in the North, at + the head of a formidable rebellion. No man had so large an experience in + the warfare of those districts, the temper of the people, and the + inclinations of the various towns and lordships as Montagu; he was the + natural chief to depute against the rebels. Some animated discussion took + place as to the dependence to be placed in the marquis at such a crisis; + but while the more wary held it safer, at all hazards, not to leave him + unemployed, and to command his services in an expedition that would remove + him from the neighbourhood of his brother, should the latter land, as was + expected, on the coast of Norfolk, Edward, with a blindness of conceit + that seems almost incredible, believed firmly in the infatuated loyalty of + the man whom he had slighted and impoverished, and whom, by his offer of + his daughter to the Lancastrian prince, he had yet more recently cozened + and deluded. Montagu was hastily summoned, and received orders to march at + once to the North, levy forces, and assume their command. The marquis + obeyed with fewer words than were natural to him, left the presence, + sprang on his horse, and as he rode from the palace, drew a letter from + his bosom. “Ah, Edward,” said he, setting his teeth, “so, after the solemn + betrothal of thy daughter to my son, thou wouldst have given her to thy + Lancastrian enemy. Coward, to bribe his peace! recreant, to belie thy + word! I thank thee for this news, Warwick; for without that injury I feel + I could never, when the hour came, have drawn sword against this faithless + man,—especially for Lancaster. Ay, tremble, thou who deridest all + truth and honour! He who himself betrays, cannot call vengeance treason!” + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, Edward departed, for further preparations, to the Tower of + London. New evidences of the mine beneath his feet here awaited the + incredulous king. On the door of St. Paul’s, of many of the metropolitan + churches, on the Standard at Chepe, and on London Bridge, during the past + night, had been affixed, none knew by whom, the celebrated proclamation, + signed by Warwick and Clarence (drawn up in the bold style of the earl), + announcing their speedy return, containing a brief and vigorous + description of the misrule of the realm, and their determination to reform + all evils and redress all wrongs. [See, for this proclamation, Ellis’s + “Original Letters,” vol. i., second series, letter 42.] Though the + proclamation named not the restoration of the Lancastrian line (doubtless + from regard for Henry’s safety), all men in the metropolis were already + aware of the formidable league between Margaret and Warwick. Yet, even + still, Edward smiled in contempt, for he had faith in the letter received + from Clarence, and felt assured that the moment the duke and the earl + landed, the former would betray his companion stealthily to the king; so, + despite all these exciting subjects of grave alarm, the nightly banquet at + the Tower was never merrier and more joyous. Hastings left the feast ere + it deepened into revel, and, absorbed in various and profound + contemplation, entered his apartment. He threw himself on a seat, and + leaned his face on his hands. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no, no!” he muttered; “now, in the hour when true greatness is most + seen, when prince and peer crowd around me for counsel, when noble, + knight, and squire crave permission to march in the troop of which + Hastings is the leader,—now I feel how impossible, how falsely fair, + the dream that I could forget all—all for a life of obscurity, for a + young girl’s love! Love! as if I had not felt its delusions to palling! + love, as if I could love again: or, if love—alas, it must be a light + reflected but from memory! And Katherine is free once more!” His eye fell + as he spoke, perhaps in shame and remorse that, feeling thus now, he had + felt so differently when he bade Sibyll smile till his return! + </p> + <p> + “It is the air of this accursed court which taints our best resolves!” he + murmured, as an apology for himself; but scarcely was the poor excuse + made, than the murmur broke into an exclamation of surprise and joy. A + letter lay before him; he recognized the hand of Katherine. What years had + passed since her writing had met his eye, since the lines that bade him + “farewell, and forget!” Those lines had been blotted with tears, and + these, as he tore open the silk that bound them—these, the trace of + tears, too, was on them! Yet they were but few, and in tremulous + characters. They ran thus:— + </p> + <p> + To-morrow, before noon, the Lord Hastings is prayed to visit one whose + life he hath saddened by the thought and the accusation that she hath + clouded and embittered his. KATHERINE DE BONVILLE. + </p> + <p> + Leaving Hastings to such meditations of fear or of hope as these lines + could call forth, we lead the reader to a room not very distant from his + own,—the room of the illustrious Friar Bungey. + </p> + <p> + The ex-tregetour was standing before the captured Eureka, and gazing on it + with an air of serio-comic despair and rage. We say the Eureka, as + comprising all the ingenious contrivances towards one single object + invented by its maker, a harmonious compound of many separate details; but + the iron creature no longer deserved that superb appellation, for its + various members were now disjointed and dislocated, and lay pell-mell in + multiform confusion. + </p> + <p> + By the side of the friar stood a female, enveloped in a long scarlet + mantle, with the hood partially drawn over the face, but still leaving + visible the hard, thin, villanous lips, the stern, sharp chin, and the jaw + resolute and solid as if hewed from stone. + </p> + <p> + “I tell thee, Graul,” said the friar, “that thou hast had far the best of + the bargain. I have put this diabolical contrivance to all manner of + shapes, and have muttered over it enough Latin to have charmed a monster + into civility. And the accursed thing, after nearly pinching off three + fingers, and scalding me with seething water, and spluttering and + sputtering enough to have terrified any man but Friar Bungey out of his + skin, is obstinatus ut mulum,—dogged as a mule; and was absolutely + good for nought, till I happily thought of separating this vessel from all + the rest of the gear, and it serves now for the boiling my eggs! But by + the soul of Father Merlin, whom the saints assoil, I need not have given + myself all this torment for a thing which, at best, does the work of a + farthing pipkin!” + </p> + <p> + “Quick, master; the hour is late! I must go while yet the troopers and + couriers and riders, hurrying to and fro, keep the gates from closing. + What wantest thou with Graul?” + </p> + <p> + “More reverence, child!” growled the friar. “What I want of thee is + briefly told, if thou hast the wit to serve me. This miserable Warner must + himself expound to me the uses and trick of his malignant contrivance. + Thou must find and bring him hither!” + </p> + <p> + “And if he will not expound?” + </p> + <p> + “The deputy governor of the Tower will lend me a stone dungeon, and, if + need be, the use of the brake to unlock the dotard’s tongue.” + </p> + <p> + “On what plea?” + </p> + <p> + “That Adam Warner is a wizard, in the pay of Lord Warwick, whom a more + mighty master like myself alone can duly examine and defeat.” + </p> + <p> + “And if I bring thee the sorcerer, what wilt thou teach me in return?” + </p> + <p> + “What desirest thou most?” + </p> + <p> + Graul mused, and said, “There is war in the wind. Graul follows the camp, + her trooper gets gold and booty. But the trooper is stronger than Graul; + and when the trooper sleeps it is with his knife by his side, and his + sleep is light and broken, for he has wicked dreams. Give me a potion to + make sleep deep, that his eyes may not open when Graul filches his gold, + and his hand may be too heavy to draw the knife from its sheath!” + </p> + <p> + “Immunda, detestabilis! thine own paramour!” + </p> + <p> + “He hath beat me with his bridle rein, he hath given a silver broad piece + to Grisell; Grisell hath sat on his knee; Graul never pardons!” + </p> + <p> + The friar, rogue as he was, shuddered. “I cannot help thee to murder, I + cannot give thee the potion; name some other reward.” + </p> + <p> + “I go—” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, nay, think, pause.” + </p> + <p> + “I know where Warner is hid. By this hour to-morrow night, I can place him + in thy power. Say the word, and pledge me the draught.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, well, mulier abominabilis!—that is, irresistible bonnibell. I + cannot give thee the potion; but I will teach thee an art which can make + sleep heavier than the anodyne, and which wastes not like the essence, but + strengthens by usage,—an art thou shalt have at thy fingers’ ends, + and which often draws from the sleeper the darkest secrets of his heart.” + [We have before said that animal magnetism was known to Bungey, and + familiar to the necromancers, or rather theurgists, of the Middle Ages.] + </p> + <p> + “It is magic,” said Graul, with joy. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, magic.” + </p> + <p> + “I will bring thee the wizard. But listen; he never stirs abroad, save + with his daughter. I must bring both.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, I want not the girl.” + </p> + <p> + “But I dare not throttle her, for a great lord loves her, who would find + out the deed and avenge it; and if she be left behind, she will go to the + lord, and the lord will discover what thou hast done with the wizard, and + thou wilt hang!” + </p> + <p> + “Never say ‘Hang’ to me, Graul: it is ill-mannered and ominous. Who is the + lord?” + </p> + <p> + “Hastings.” + </p> + <p> + “Pest!—and already he hath been searching for the thing yonder; and + I have brooded over it night and day, like a hen over a chalk egg,—only + that the egg does not snap off the hen’s claws, as that diabolism would + fain snap off my digits. But the war will carry Hastings away in its + whirlwind; and, in danger, the duchess is my slave, and will bear me + through all. So, thou mayst bring the girl; and strangle her not; for no + good ever comes of a murder,—unless, indeed, it be absolutely + necessary!” + </p> + <p> + “I know the men who will help me, bold ribauds, whom I will guerdon + myself; for I want not thy coins, but thy craft. When the curfew has + tolled, and the bat hunts the moth, we will bring thee the quarry—” + </p> + <p> + Graul turned; but as she gained the door, she stopped, and said abruptly, + throwing back her hood,— + </p> + <p> + “What age dost thou deem me?” + </p> + <p> + “Marry,” quoth the friar, “an’ I had not seen thee on thy mother’s knee + when she followed my stage of tregetour, I should have guessed thee for + thirty; but thou hast led too jolly a life to look still in the blossom. + Why speer’st thou the question?” + </p> + <p> + “Because when trooper and ribaud say to me, ‘Graul, thou art too worn and + too old to drink of our cup and sit in the lap, to follow the young fere + to the battle, and weave the blithe dance in the fair,’ I would depart + from my sisters, and have a hut of my own, and a black cat without a white + hair, and steal herbs by the new moon, and bones from the charnel, and + curse those whom I hate, and cleave the misty air on a besom, like Mother + Halkin of Edmonton. Ha, ha! Master, thou shalt present me then to the + Sabbat. Graul has the mettle for a bonny witch!” + </p> + <p> + The tymbestere vanished with a laugh. The friar muttered a paternoster for + once, perchance, devoutly, and after having again deliberately scanned the + disjecta membra of the Eureka, gravely took forth a duck’s egg from his + cupboard, and applied the master-agent of the machine which Warner hoped + was to change the face of the globe to the only practical utility it + possessed to the mountebank’s comprehension. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0074" id="link2HCH0074"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. THE MEETING OF HASTINGS AND KATHERINE. + </h2> + <p> + The next morning, while Edward was engaged in levying from his opulent + citizens all the loans he could extract, knowing that gold is the sinew of + war; while Worcester was manning the fortress of the Tower, in which the + queen, then near her confinement, was to reside during the campaign; while + Gloucester was writing commissions to captains and barons to raise men; + while Sir Anthony Lord Rivers was ordering improvements in his dainty + damasquine armour, and the whole Fortress Palatine was animated and alive + with the stir of the coming strife,—Lord Hastings escaped from the + bustle, and repaired to the house of Katherine. With what motive, with + what intentions, was not known clearly to himself,—perhaps, for + there was bitterness in his very love for Katherine, to enjoy the + retaliation due to his own wounded pride, and say to the idol of his + youth, as he had said to Gloucester, “Time is, time was;” perhaps with + some remembrance of the faith due to Sibyll, wakened up the more now that + Katherine seemed actually to escape from the ideal image into the real + woman,—to be easily wooed and won. But, certainly, Sibyll’s cause + was not wholly lost, though greatly shaken and endangered, when Lord + Hastings alighted at Lady Bonville’s gate; but his face gradually grew + paler, his mien less assured, as he drew nearer and nearer to the + apartment and the presence of the widowed Katherine. + </p> + <p> + She was seated alone, and in the same room in which he had last seen her. + Her deep mourning only served, by contrasting the pale and exquisite + clearness of her complexion, to enhance her beauty. Hastings bowed low, + and seated himself by her side in silence. + </p> + <p> + The Lady of Bonville eyed him for some moments with an unutterable + expression of melancholy and tenderness. All her pride seemed to have + gone; the very character of her face was changed: grave severity had + become soft timidity, and stately self-control was broken into the + unmistaken struggle of hope and fear. + </p> + <p> + “Hastings—William!” she said, in a gentle and low whisper, and at + the sound of that last name from those lips, the noble felt his veins + thrill and his heart throb. “If,” she continued, “the step I have taken + seems to thee unwomanly and too bold, know, at least, what was my design + and my excuse. There was a time” (and Katherine blushed) “when, thou + knowest well, that, had this hand been mine to bestow, it would have been + his who claimed the half of this ring.” And Katherine took from a small + crystal casket the well-remembered token. + </p> + <p> + “The broken ring foretold but the broken troth,” said Hastings, averting + his face. + </p> + <p> + “Thy conscience rebukes thy words,” replied Katherine, sadly; “I pledged + my faith, if thou couldst win my father’s word. What maid, and that maid a + Nevile, could so forget duty and honour as to pledge thee more? We were + severed. Pass—oh, pass over that time! My father loved me dearly; + but when did pride and ambition ever deign to take heed of the wild + fancies of a girl’s heart? Three suitors, wealthy lords, whose alliance + gave strength to my kindred in the day when their very lives depended on + their swords, were rivals for Earl Salisbury’s daughter. Earl Salisbury + bade his daughter choose. Thy great friend and my own kinsman, Duke + Richard of York, himself pleaded for thy rivals. He proved to me that my + disobedience—if, indeed, for the first time, a child of my House + could disobey its chief—would be an external barrier to thy fortune; + that while Salisbury was thy foe, he himself could not advance thy + valiancy and merit; that it was with me to forward thy ambition, though I + could not reward thy love; that from the hour I was another’s, my mighty + kinsmen themselves—for they were generous—would be the first + to aid the duke in thy career. Hastings, even then I would have prayed, at + least, to be the bride, not of man, but God. But I was trained—as + what noble demoiselle is not?—to submit wholly to a parent’s welfare + and his will. As a nun, I could but pray for the success of my father’s + cause; as a wife, I could bring to Salisbury and to York the retainers and + strongholds of a baron. I obeyed. Hear me on. Of the three suitors for my + hand, two were young and gallant,—women deemed them fair and comely; + and had my choice been one of these, thou mightest have deemed that a new + love had chased the old. Since choice was mine, I chose the man love could + not choose, and took this sad comfort to my heart, ‘He, the forsaken + Hastings, will see in my very choice that I was but the slave of duty, my + choice itself my penance.’” + </p> + <p> + Katherine paused, and tears dropped fast from her eyes. Hastings held his + hand over his countenance, and only by the heaving of his heart was his + emotion visible. Katherine resumed:— + </p> + <p> + “Once wedded, I knew what became a wife. We met again; and to thy first + disdain and anger (which it had been dishonour in me to soothe by one word + that said, ‘The wife remembers the maiden’s love’),—to these, thy + first emotions, succeeded the more cruel revenge, which would have changed + sorrow and struggle to remorse and shame. And then, then—weak woman + that I was!—I wrapped myself in scorn and pride. Nay, I felt deep + anger—was it unjust?—that thou couldst so misread and so repay + the heart which had nothing left save virtue to compensate for love. And + yet, yet, often when thou didst deem me most hard, most proof against + memory and feeling—But why relate the trial? Heaven supported me, + and if thou lovest me no longer, thou canst not despise me.” + </p> + <p> + At these last words Hastings was at her feet, bending over her hand, and + stifled by his emotions. Katherine gazed at him for a moment through her + own tears, and then resumed:— + </p> + <p> + “But thou hadst, as man, consolations no woman would desire or covet. And + oh, what grieved me most was, not—no, not the jealous, the wounded + vanity, but it was at least this self-accusation, this remorse—that—but + for one goading remembrance, of love returned and love forsaken,—thou + hadst never so descended from thy younger nature, never so trifled with + the solemn trust of TIME. Ah, when I have heard or seen or fancied one + fault in thy maturer manhood, unworthy of thy bright youth, anger of + myself has made me bitter and stern to thee; and if I taunted or chid or + vexed thy pride, how little didst thou know that through the too shrewish + humour spoke the too soft remembrance! For this—for this; and + believing that through all, alas! my image was not replaced, when my hand + was free, I was grateful that I might still—” (the lady’s pale cheek + grew brighter than the rose, her voice faltered, and became low and + indistinct)—“I might still think it mine to atone to thee for the + past. And if,” she added, with a sudden and generous energy, “if in this I + have bowed my pride, it is because by pride thou wert wounded; and now, at + last, thou hast a just revenge.” + </p> + <p> + O terrible rival for thee, lost Sibyll! Was it wonderful that, while that + head drooped upon his breast, while in that enchanted change which Love + the softener makes in lips long scornful, eyes long proud and cold, he + felt that Katherine Nevile—tender, gentle, frank without boldness, + lofty without arrogance—had replaced the austere dame of Bonville, + whom he half hated while he wooed,—oh, was it wonderful that the + soul of Hastings fled back to the old time, forgot the intervening vows + and more chill affections, and repeated only with passionate lips, + “Katherine, loved still, loved ever, mine, mine, at last!” + </p> + <p> + Then followed delicious silence, then vows, confessions, questions, + answers,—the thrilling interchange of hearts long divided, and now + rushing into one. And time rolled on, till Katherine, gently breaking from + her lover, said,— + </p> + <p> + “And now that thou hast the right to know and guide my projects, approve, + I pray thee, my present purpose. War awaits thee, and we must part a + while!” At these words her brow darkened and her lip quivered. “Oh, that I + should have lived to mourn the day when Lord Warwick, untrue to Salisbury + and to York, joined his arms with Lancaster and Margaret,—the day + when Katherine could blush for the brother she had deemed the glory of her + House! No, no” (she continued, as Hastings interrupted her with generous + excuses for the earl, and allusion to the known slights he had received),—“no, + no; make not his cause the worse by telling me that an unworthy pride, the + grudge of some thwart to his policy or power, has made him forget what was + due to the memory of his kinsman York, to the mangled corpse of his father + Salisbury. Thinkest thou that but for this I could—” She stopped, + but Hastings divined her thought, and guessed that, if spoken, it had run + thus: “That I could, even now, have received the homage of one who departs + to meet, with banner and clarion, my brother as his foe?” + </p> + <p> + The lovely sweetness of the late expression had gone from Katherine’s + face, and its aspect showed that her high and ancestral spirit had yielded + but to one passion. She pursued,— + </p> + <p> + “While this strife lasts, it becomes my widowhood and kindred position + with the earl to retire to the convent my mother founded. To-morrow I + depart.” + </p> + <p> + “Alas!” said Hastings, “thou speakest of the strife as if but a single + field. But Warwick returns not to these shores, nor bows himself to league + with Lancaster, for a chance hazardous and desperate, as Edward too rashly + deems it. It is in vain to deny that the earl is prepared for a grave and + lengthened war, and much I doubt whether Edward can resist his power; for + the idolatry of the very land will swell the ranks of so dread a rebel. + What if he succeed; what if we be driven into exile, as Henry’s friends + before us; what if the king-maker be the king-dethroner? Then, Katherine, + then once more thou wilt be at the best of thy hostile kindred, and once + more, dowered as thou art, and thy womanhood still in its richest bloom, + thy hand will be lost to Hastings.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, if that be all thy fear, take with thee this pledge,—that + Warwick’s treason to the House for which my father fell dissolves his + power over one driven to disown him as a brother,—knowing Earl + Salisbury, had he foreseen such disgrace, had disowned him as a son. And + if there be defeat and flight and exile, wherever thou wanderest, + Hastings, shall Katherine be found beside thee. Fare thee well, and Our + Lady shield thee! may thy lance be victorious against all foes,—save + one. Thou wilt forbear my—that is, the earl!” And Katherine, + softened at that thought, sobbed aloud. + </p> + <p> + “And come triumph or defeat, I have thy pledge?” said Hastings, soothing + her. + </p> + <p> + “See,” said Katherine, taking the broken ring from the casket; “now, for + the first time since I bore the name of Bonville, I lay this relic on my + heart; art thou answered?” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0075" id="link2HCH0075"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. HASTINGS LEARNS WHAT HAS BEFALLEN SIBYLL, REPAIRS TO THE KING, + AND ENCOUNTERS AN OLD RIVAL. + </h2> + <h3> + “It is destiny,” said Hastings to himself, when early the next morning he + was on his road to the farm—“it is destiny,—and who can resist + his fate?” + </h3> + <p> + “It is destiny!”—phrase of the weak human heart! “It is destiny!” + dark apology for every error! The strong and the virtuous admit no + destiny! On earth guides conscience, in heaven watches God. And destiny is + but the phantom we invoke to silence the one, to dethrone the other! + </p> + <p> + Hastings spared not his good steed. With great difficulty had he snatched + a brief respite from imperious business, to accomplish the last poor duty + now left to him to fulfil,—to confront the maid whose heart he had + seduced in vain, and say at length, honestly and firmly, “I cannot wed + thee. Forget me, and farewell.” + </p> + <p> + Doubtless his learned and ingenious mind conjured up softer words than + these, and more purfled periods wherein to dress the iron truth. But in + these two sentences the truth lay. He arrived at the farm, he entered the + house; he felt it as a reprieve that he met not the bounding step of the + welcoming Sibyll. He sat down in the humble chamber, and waited a while in + patience,—no voice was heard. The silence at length surprised and + alarmed him. He proceeded farther. He was met by the widowed owner of the + house, who was weeping; and her first greeting prepared him for what had + chanced. “Oh, my lord, you have come to tell me they are safe, they have + not fallen into the hands of their enemies,—the good gentleman, so + meek, the poor lady, so fair!” + </p> + <p> + Hastings stood aghast; a few sentences more explained all that he already + guessed. A strange man had arrived the evening before at the house, + praying Adam and his daughter to accompany him to the Lord Hastings, who + had been thrown from his horse, and was now in a cottage in the + neighbouring lane,—not hurt dangerously, but unable to be removed, + and who had urgent matters to communicate. Not questioning the truth of + this story, Adam and Sibyll had hurried forth, and returned no more. + Alarmed by their long absence, the widow, who at first received the + message from the stranger, went herself to the cottage, and found that the + story was a fable. Every search had since been made for Adam and his + daughter, but in vain. The widow, confirmed in her previous belief that + her lodgers had been attainted Lancastrians, could but suppose that they + had been thus betrayed to their enemies. Hastings heard this with a dismay + and remorse impossible to express. His only conjecture was that the king + had discovered their retreat, and taken this measure to break off the + intercourse he had so sternly denounced. Full of these ideas, he hastily + remounted, and stopped not till once more at the gates of the Tower. + Hastening to Edward’s closet, the moment he saw the king, he exclaimed, in + great emotion, “My liege, my liege, do not at this hour, when I have need + of my whole energy to serve thee, do not madden my brain, and palsy my + arm. This old man—the poor maid—Sibyll—Warner,—speak, + my liege—only tell me they are safe; promise me they shall go free, + and I swear to obey thee in all else! I will thank thee in the + battlefield!” + </p> + <p> + “Thou art mad, Hastings!” said the king, in great astonishment. “Hush!” + and he glanced significantly at a person who stood before several heaps of + gold, ranged upon a table in the recess of the room. “See,” he whispered, + “yonder is the goldsmith, who hath brought me a loan from himself and his + fellows! Pretty tales for the city thy folly will send abroad!” + </p> + <p> + But before Hastings could vent his impatient answer, this person, to + Edward’s still greater surprise, had advanced from his place, and + forgetting all ceremony, had seized Hastings by the hem of his surcoat, + exclaiming,— + </p> + <p> + “My lord, my lord, what new horror is this? Sibyll!—methought she + was worthless, and had fled to thee!” + </p> + <p> + “Ten thousand devils!” shouted the king, “am I ever to be tormented by + that damnable wizard and his witch child? And is it, Sir Peer and Sir + Goldsmith, in your king’s closet that ye come, the very eve before he + marches to battle, to speer and glower at each other like two madmen as ye + are?” + </p> + <p> + Neither peer nor goldsmith gave way, till the courtier, naturally + recovering himself the first, fell on his knee; and said, with firm though + profound respect: “Sire, if poor William Hastings has ever merited from + the king one kindly thought, one generous word, forgive now whatever may + displease thee in his passion or his suit, and tell him what prison + contains those whom it would forever dishonour his knighthood to know + punished and endangered but for his offence.” + </p> + <p> + “My lord,” answered the king, softened but still surprised, “think you + seriously that I, who but reluctantly in this lovely month leave my green + lawns of Shene to save a crown, could have been vexing my brain by + stratagems to seize a lass, whom I swear by Saint George I do not envy + thee in the least? If that does not suffice, incredulous dullard, why then + take my kingly word, never before passed for so slight an occasion, that I + know nothing whatsoever of thy damsel’s whereabout nor her pestilent + father’s,—where they abode of late, where they now be; and, what is + more, if any man has usurped his king’s right to imprison the king’s + subjects, find him out, and name his punishment. Art thou convinced?” + </p> + <p> + “I am, my liege,” said Hastings. + </p> + <p> + “But—” began the goldsmith. + </p> + <p> + “Holloa, you, too, sir! This is too much! We have condescended to answer + the man who arms three thousand retainers—” + </p> + <p> + “And I, please your Highness, bring you the gold to pay them,” said the + trader, bluntly. + </p> + <p> + The king bit his lip, and then burst into his usual merry laugh. + </p> + <p> + “Thou art in the right, Master Alwyn. Finish counting the pieces, and then + go and consult with my chamberlain,—he must off with the cock-crow; + but, since ye seem to understand each other, he shall make thee his + lieutenant of search, and I will sign any order he pleases for the + recovery of the lost wisdom and the stolen beauty. Go and calm thyself, + Hastings.” + </p> + <p> + “I will attend you presently, my lord,” said Alwyn, aside, “in your own + apartment.” + </p> + <p> + “Do so,” said Hastings; and, grateful for the king’s consideration, he + sought his rooms. There, indeed, Alwyn soon joined him, and learned from + the nobleman what filled him at once with joy and terror. Knowing that + Warner and Sibyll had left the Tower, he had surmised that the girl’s + virtue had at last succumbed; and it delighted him to hear from Lord + Hastings, whose word to men was never questionable, the solemn assurance + of her unstained chastity. But he trembled at this mysterious + disappearance, and knew not to whom to impute the snare, till the + penetration of Hastings suddenly alighted near, at least, to the clew. + “The Duchess of Bedford,” said he, “ever increasing in superstition as + danger increases, may have desired to refind so great a scholar and + reputed an astrologer and magician; if so, all is safe. On the other hand, + her favourite, the friar, ever bore a jealous grudge to poor Adam, and may + have sought to abstract him from her grace’s search; here there may be + molestation to Adam, but surely no danger to Sibyll. Hark ye, Alwyn, thou + lovest the maid more worthily, and—” Hastings stopped short; for + such is infirm human nature, that, though he had mentally resigned Sibyll + forever, he could not yet calmly face the thought of resigning her to a + rival. “Thou lovest her,” he renewed, more coldly, “and to thee, + therefore, I may safely trust the search which time and circumstance and a + soldier’s duty forbid to me. And believe—oh, believe that I say not + this from a passion which may move thy jealousy, but rather with a + brother’s holy love. If thou canst but see her safe, and lodged where no + danger nor wrong can find her, thou hast no friend in the wide world whose + service through life thou mayst command like mine.” + </p> + <p> + “My lord,” said Alwyn, dryly, “I want no friends! Young as I am, I have + lived long enough to see that friends follow fortune, but never make it! I + will find this poor maid and her honoured father, if I spend my last groat + on the search. Get me but such an order from the king as may place the law + at my control, and awe even her grace of Bedford,—and I promise the + rest!” + </p> + <p> + Hastings, much relieved, deigned to press the goldsmith’s reluctant hand; + and, leaving him alone for a few minutes, returned with a warrant from the + king, which seemed to Alwyn sufficiently precise and authoritative. The + goldsmith then departed, and first he sought the friar, but found him not + at home. Bungey had taken with him, as was his wont, the keys of his + mysterious apartment. Alwyn then hastened elsewhere, to secure those + experienced in such a search, and to head it in person. At the Tower, the + evening was passed in bustle and excitement,—the last preparations + for departure. The queen, who was then far advanced towards her + confinement, was, as we before said, to remain at the Tower, which was now + strongly manned. Roused from her wonted apathy by the imminent dangers + that awaited Edward, the night was passed by her in tears and prayers, by + him in the sound sleep of confident valour. The next morning departed for + the North the several leaders,—Gloucester, Rivers, Hastings, and the + king. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0076" id="link2HCH0076"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. THE LANDING OF LORD WARWICK, AND THE EVENTS THAT ENSUE + THEREON. + </h2> + <p> + And Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, “prepared such a greate navie as + lightly hath not been seene before gathered in manner of all nations, + which armie laie at the mouth of the Seyne ready to fight with the Earl of + Warwick, when he should set out of his harborowe.” [Hall, p. 282, ed. + 1809.] + </p> + <p> + But the winds fought for the Avenger. In the night came “a terrible + tempest,” which scattered the duke’s ships “one from another, so that two + of them were not in compagnie together in one place;” and when the tempest + had done its work, it passed away; and the gales were fair, and the heaven + was clear, when, the next day, the earl “halsed up the sayles,” and came + in sight of Dartmouth. + </p> + <p> + It was not with an army of foreign hirelings that Lord Warwick set forth + on his mighty enterprise. Scanty indeed were the troops he brought from + France,—for he had learned from England that “men so much daily and + hourely desired and wished so sore his arrival and return, that almost all + men were in harness, looking for his landyng.” [The popular feeling in + favour of the earl is described by Hall, with somewhat more eloquence and + vigour than are common with that homely chronicler: “The absence of the + Earle of Warwick made the common people daily more and more to long and + bee desirous to have the sight of him, and presently to behold his + personage. For they judged that the sunne was clerely taken from the world + when hee was absent. In such high estimation amongst the people was his + name, that neither no one manne they had in so much honour, neither no one + persone they so much praised, or to the clouds so highly extolled. What + shall I say? His only name sounded in every song, in the mouth of the + common people, and his persone [effigies] was represented with great + reverence when publique plaies or open triumphes should bee skewed or set + furthe abrode in the stretes,” etc. This lively passage, if not too highly + coloured, serves to show us the rude saturnalian kind of liberty that + existed, even under a king so vindictive as Edward IV. Though an + individual might be banged for the jest that he would make his son heir to + the crown (namely, the grocer’s shop, which bore that sign), yet no + tyranny could deal with the sentiment of the masses. In our own day it + would be less safe than in that to make public exhibition “in plaies and + triumphes” of sympathy with a man attainted as a traitor, and in open + rebellion to the crown.] As his ships neared the coast, and the banner of + the Ragged Staff, worked in gold, shone in the sun, the shores swarmed + with armed crowds, not to resist but to welcome. From cliff to cliff, wide + and far, blazed rejoicing bonfires; and from cliff to cliff, wide and far, + burst the shout, when, first of all his men, bareheaded, but, save the + burgonet, in complete mail, the popular hero leaped to shore. + </p> + <p> + “When the earl had taken land, he made a proclamation, in the name of King + Henry VI., upon high paynes commanding and charging all men apt or able to + bear armour, to prepare themselves to fight against Edward, Duke of York, + who had untruly usurped the croune and dignity of this realm.” [Hall, p. + 82.] + </p> + <p> + And where was Edward? Afar, following the forces of Fitzhugh and Robin of + Redesdale, who by artful retreat drew him farther and farther northward, + and left all the other quarters of the kingdom free to send their + thousands to the banners of Lancaster and Warwick. And even as the news of + the earl’s landing reached the king, it spread also through all the towns + of the North; and all the towns of the North were in “a great rore, and + made fires, and sang songs, crying, ‘King Henry! King Henry! a Warwicke! a + Warwicke!’” But his warlike and presumptuous spirit forsook not the chief + of that bloody and fatal race,—the line of the English Pelops,—“bespattered + with kindred gore.” [Aeschylus: Agamemnon] A messenger from Burgundy was + in his tent when the news reached him. “Back to the duke!” cried Edward; + “tell him to recollect his navy, guard the sea, scour the streams, that + the earl shall not escape, nor return to France; for the doings in + England, let me alone! I have ability and puissance to overcome all + enemies and rebels in mine own realm.” [Hall, p. 283.] + </p> + <p> + And therewith he raised his camp, abandoned the pursuit of Fitzhugh, + summoned Montagu to join him (it being now safer to hold the marquis near + him, and near the axe, if his loyalty became suspected), and marched on to + meet the earl. Nor did the earl tarry from the encounter. His army, + swelling as he passed, and as men read his proclamations to reform all + grievances and right all wrongs, he pressed on to meet the king, while + fast and fast upon Edward’s rear came the troops of Fitzhugh and Hilyard, + no longer flying but pursuing. The king was the more anxious to come up to + Warwick, inasmuch as he relied greatly upon the treachery of Clarence, + either secretly to betray or openly to desert the earl. And he knew that + if he did the latter on the eve of a battle, it could not fail morally to + weaken Warwick, and dishearten his army by fear that desertion should + prove, as it ever does, the most contagious disease that can afflict a + camp. It is probable, however, that the enthusiasm which had surrounded + the earl with volunteers so numerous had far exceeded the anticipations of + the inexperienced Clarence, and would have forbid him that opportunity of + betraying the earl. However this be, the rival armies drew nearer and + nearer. The king halted in his rapid march at a small village, and took up + his quarters in a fortified house, to which there was no access but by a + single bridge. [Sharon Turner, Comines.] Edward himself retired for a + short time to his couch, for he had need of all his strength in the battle + he foresaw; but scarce had he closed his eyes, when Alexander Carlile + [Hearne: Fragment], the serjeant of the royal minstrels, followed by + Hastings and Rivers (their jealousy laid at rest for a time in the sense + of their king’s danger), rushed into his room. + </p> + <p> + “Arm, sire, arm!—Lord Montagu has thrown off the mask, and rides + through thy troops, shouting ‘Long live King Henry!’” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, traitor!” cried the king, leaping from his bed. “From Warwick hate + was my due, but not from Montagu! Rivers, help to buckle on my mail. + Hastings, post my body-guard at the bridge. We will sell our lives dear.” + </p> + <p> + Hastings vanished. Edward had scarcely hurried on his helm, cuirass, and + greaves, when Gloucester entered, calm in the midst of peril. + </p> + <p> + “Your enemies are marching to seize you, brother. Hark! behind you rings + the cry, ‘A Fitzhugh! a Robin! death to the tyrant!’ Hark! in front, ‘A + Montagu! a Warwick! Long live King Henry!’ I come to redeem my word,—to + share your exile or your death. Choose either while there is yet time. Thy + choice is mine!” + </p> + <p> + And while he spoke, behind, before, came the various cries nearer and + nearer. The lion of March was in the toils. + </p> + <p> + “Now, my two-handed sword!” said Edward. “Gloucester, in this weapon learn + my choice!” + </p> + <p> + But now all the principal barons and captains, still true to the king + whose crown was already lost, flocked in a body to the chamber. They fell + on their knees, and with tears implored him to save himself for a happier + day. + </p> + <p> + “There is yet time to escape,” said D’Eyncourt, “to pass the bridge, to + gain the seaport! Think not that a soldier’s death will be left thee. + Numbers will suffice to encumber thine arm, to seize thy person. Live not + to be Warwick’s prisoner,—shown as a wild beast in its cage to the + hooting crowd!” + </p> + <p> + “If not on thyself,” exclaimed Rivers, “have pity on these loyal + gentlemen, and for the sake of their lives preserve thine own. What is + flight? Warwick fled!” + </p> + <p> + “True,—and returned!” added Gloucester. “You are right, my lords. + Come, sire, we must fly. Our rights fly not with us, but shall fight for + us in absence!” + </p> + <p> + The calm WILL of this strange and terrible boy had its effect upon Edward. + He suffered his brother to lead him from the chamber, grinding his teeth + in impotent rage. He mounted his horse, while Rivers held the stirrup, and + with some six or seven knights and earls rode to the bridge, already + occupied by Hastings and a small but determined guard. + </p> + <p> + “Come, Hastings,” said the king, with a ghastly smile,—“they tell us + we must fly!” + </p> + <p> + “True, sire, haste, haste! I stay but to deceive the enemy by feigning to + defend the pass, and to counsel, as I best may, the faithful soldiers we + leave behind.” + </p> + <p> + “Brave Hastings!” said Gloucester, pressing his hand, “you do well, and I + envy you the glory of this post. Come, sire.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay,” said the king, with a sudden and fierce cry, “we go,—but + at least slaughtering as we go. See! yon rascal troop! ride we through + their midst! Havock and revenge!” + </p> + <p> + He set spurs to his steed, galloped over the bridge, and before his + companions could join him, dashed alone into the very centre of the + advanced guard sent to invest the fortress, and while they were yet + shouting, “Where is the tyrant, where is Edward?” + </p> + <p> + “Here!” answered a voice of thunder,—“here, rebels and faytors, in + your ranks!” + </p> + <p> + This sudden and appalling reply, even more than the sweep of the gigantic + sword, before which were riven sallet and mail as the woodman’s axe rives + the fagot, created amongst the enemy that singular panic, which in those + ages often scattered numbers before the arm and the name of one. They + recoiled in confusion and dismay. Many actually threw down their arms and + fled. Through a path broad and clear amidst the forest of pikes, + Gloucester and the captains followed the flashing track of the king, over + the corpses, headless or limbless, that he felled as he rode. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, with a truer chivalry, Hastings, taking advantage of the sortie + which confused and delayed the enemy, summoned such of the loyal as were + left in the fortress, advised them, as the only chance of life, to affect + submission to Warwick; but when the time came, to remember their old + allegiance, [Sharon Turner, vol. iii. 280.] and promising that he would + not desert them, save with life, till their safety was pledged by the foe, + reclosed his visor, and rode back to the front of the bridge. + </p> + <p> + And now the king and his comrades had cut their way through all barrier, + but the enemy still wavered and lagged, till suddenly the cry of “Robin of + Redesdale!” was heard, and sword in hand, Hilyard, followed by a troop of + horse, dashed to the head of the besiegers, and, learning the king’s + escape, rode off in pursuit. His brief presence and sharp rebuke + reanimated the falterers, and in a few minutes they gained the bridge. + </p> + <p> + “Halt, sirs,” cried Hastings; “I would offer capitulation to your leader! + Who is he?” + </p> + <p> + A knight on horseback advanced from the rest. Hastings lowered the point + of his sword. + </p> + <p> + “Sir, we yield this fortress to your hands upon one condition,—our + men yonder are willing to submit, and shout with you for Henry VI. Pledge + me your word that you and your soldiers spare their lives and do them no + wrong, and we depart.” + </p> + <p> + “And if I pledge it not?” said the knight. + </p> + <p> + “Then for every warrior who guards this bridge count ten dead men amongst + your ranks.” + </p> + <p> + “Do your worst,—our bloods are up! We want life for life! revenge + for the subjects butchered by your tyrant chief! Charge! to the attack! + charge! pike and bill!” The knight spurred on, the Lancastrians followed, + and the knight reeled from his horse into the moat below, felled by the + sword of Hastings. + </p> + <p> + For several minutes the pass was so gallantly defended that the strife + seemed uncertain, though fearfully unequal, when Lord Montagu himself, + hearing what had befallen, galloped to the spot, threw down his truncheon, + cried “Hold!” and the slaughter ceased. To this nobleman Hastings repeated + the terms he had proposed. + </p> + <p> + “And,” said Montagu, turning with anger to the Lancastrians, who formed a + detachment of Fitzhugh’s force—“can Englishmen insist upon + butchering Englishmen? Rather thank we Lord Hastings that he would spare + good King Henry so many subjects’ lives! The terms are granted, my lord; + and your own life also, and those of your friends around you, vainly brave + in a wrong cause. Depart!” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Montagu,” said Hastings, touched, and in a whisper, “what pity that + so gallant a gentleman should leave a rebel’s blot upon his scutcheon!” + </p> + <p> + “When chiefs and suzerains are false and perjured, Lord Hastings,” + answered Montagu, “to obey them is not loyalty, but serfdom; and revolt is + not disloyalty, but a freeman’s duty. One day thou mayst know that truth, + but too late.” [It was in the midst of his own conspiracy against Richard + of Gloucester that the head of Lord Hastings fell.] + </p> + <p> + Hastings made no reply, waved his hand to his fellow-defenders of the + bridge, and, followed by them, went slowly and deliberately on, till clear + of the murmuring and sullen foe; then putting spurs to their steeds, these + faithful warriors rode fast to rejoin their king; overtook Hilyard on the + way, and after a fierce skirmish, a blow from Hastings unhorsed and + unhelmed the stalwart Robin, and left him so stunned as to check further + pursuit. They at last reached the king, and gaining, with him and his + party, the town of Lynn, happily found one English and two Dutch vessels + on the point of sailing. Without other raiment than the mail they wore, + without money, the men a few hours before hailed as sovereign or as peers + fled from their native land as outcasts and paupers. New dangers beset + them on the sea: the ships of the Easterlings, at war both with France and + England, bore down upon their vessels. At the risk of drowning they ran + ashore near Alcmaer. The large ships of the Easterlings followed as far as + the low water would permit, “intendeing at the fludde to have obtained + their prey.” [Hall.] In this extremity, the lord of the province (Louis of + Grauthuse) came aboard their vessels, protected the fugitives from the + Easterlings, conducted them to the Hague, and apprised the Duke of + Burgundy how his brother-in-law had lost his throne. Then were verified + Lord Warwick’s predictions of the faith of Burgundy! The duke for whose + alliance Edward had dishonoured the man to whom he owed his crown, so + feared the victorious earl, that “he had rather have heard of King + Edward’s death than of his discomfiture;” [Hall, p. 279] and his first + thought was to send an embassy to the king-maker, praying the amity and + alliance of the restored dynasty. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0077" id="link2HCH0077"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. WHAT BEFELL ADAM WARNER AND SIBYLL WHEN MADE SUBJECT TO THE + GREAT FRIAR BUNGEY. + </h2> + <p> + We must now return to the Tower of London,—not, indeed, to its + lordly halls and gilded chambers, but to the room of Friar Bungey. We must + go back somewhat in time; and on the day following the departure of the + king and his lords, conjure up in that strangely furnished apartment the + form of the burly friar, standing before the disorganized Eureka, with + Adam Warner by his side. + </p> + <p> + Graul, as we have seen, had kept her word, and Sibyll and her father, + having fallen into the snare, were suddenly gagged, bound, led through + by-paths to a solitary hut, where a covered wagon was in waiting, and + finally, at nightfall, conducted to the Tower. The friar, whom his own + repute, jolly affability, and favour with the Duchess of Bedford made a + considerable person with the authorities of the place, had already + obtained from the deputy-governor an order to lodge two persons, whom his + zeal for the king sought to convict of necromantic practices in favour of + the rebellion, in the cells set apart for such unhappy captives. Thither + the prisoners were conducted. The friar did not object to their allocation + in contiguous cells; and the jailer deemed him mighty kind and charitable, + when he ordered that they might be well served and fed till their + examination. + </p> + <p> + He did not venture, however, to summon his captives till the departure of + the king, when the Tower was in fact at the disposition of his powerful + patroness, and when he thought he might stretch his authority as far as he + pleased, unquestioned and unchid. + </p> + <p> + Now, therefore, on the day succeeding Edward’s departure, Adam Warner was + brought from his cell, and led to the chamber where the triumphant friar + received him in majestic state. The moment Warner entered, he caught sight + of the chaos to which his Eureka was resolved, and uttering a cry of + mingled grief and joy, sprang forward to greet his profaned treasure. The + friar motioned away the jailer (whispering him to wait without), and they + were left alone. Bungey listened with curious and puzzled attention to + poor Adam’s broken interjections of lamentation and anger, and at last, + clapping him roughly on the back, said,— + </p> + <p> + “Thou knowest the secret of this magical and ugly device: but in thy hands + it leads only to ruin and perdition. Tell me that secret, and in my hands + it shall turn to honour and profit. Porkey verbey! I am a man of few + words. Do this, and thou shalt go free with thy daughter, and I will + protect thee, and give thee moneys, and my fatherly blessing; refuse to do + it, and thou shalt go from thy snug cell into a black dungeon full of + newts and rats, where thou shalt rot till thy nails are like birds’ + talons, and thy skin shrivelled up into mummy, and covered with hair like + Nebuchadnezzar!” + </p> + <p> + “Miserable varlet! Give thee my secret, give thee my fame, my life! Never! + I scorn and spit at thy malice!” + </p> + <p> + The friar’s face grew convulsed with rage. “Wretch!” he roared forth, + “darest thou unslip thy hound-like malignity upon great Bungey? Knowest + thou not that he could bid the walls open and close upon thee; that he + could set yon serpents to coil round thy limbs, and yon lizard to gnaw out + thine entrails? Despise not my mercy, and descend to plain sense. What + good didst thou ever reap from thy engine? Why shouldst thou lose liberty—nay, + life—if I will, for a thing that has cursed thee with man’s horror + and hate?” + </p> + <p> + “Art thou Christian and friar to ask me why? Were not Christians + themselves hunted by wild beasts, and burned at the stake, and boiled in + the caldron for their belief? Knave, whatever is holiest men ever + persecute. Read thy Bible!” + </p> + <p> + “Read the Bible!” exclaimed Bungey, in pious horror at such a proposition. + “Ah, blasphemer, now I have thee! Thou art a heretic and Lollard. Hollo, + there!” + </p> + <p> + The friar stamped his foot, the door opened; but to his astonishment and + dismay appeared, not the grim jailer, but the Duchess of Bedford herself, + preceded by Nicholas Alwyn. “I told your Grace truly—see, lady!” + cried the goldsmith. “Vile impostor, where hast thou hidden this wise + man’s daughter?” + </p> + <p> + The friar turned his dull, bead-like eyes in vacant consternation from + Nicholas to Adam, from Adam to the duchess. “Sir friar,” said Jacquetta, + mildly—for she wished to conciliate the rival seers—“what + means this over-zealous violation of law? Is it true, as Master Alwyn + affirms, that thou hast stolen away and seducted this venerable sage and + his daughter,—a maid I deemed worthy of a post in my own household?” + </p> + <p> + “Daughter and lady,” said the friar, sullenly, “this ill faytor, I have + reason to know, has been practising spells for Lord Warwick and the enemy. + I did but summon him hither that my art might undo his charms; and as for + his daughter, it seemed more merciful to let her attend him than to leave + her alone and unfriended; specially,” added the friar with a grin, “since + the poor lord she hath witched is gone to the wars.” + </p> + <p> + “It is true, then, wretch, that thou or thy caitiffs have dared to lay + hands on a maiden of birth and blood!” exclaimed Alwyn. “Tremble!—see, + here, the warrant signed by the king, offering a reward for thy detection, + empowering me to give thee up to the laws. By Saint Dunstan, but for thy + friar’s frock, thou shouldst hang!” + </p> + <p> + “Tut, tut, Master Goldsmith,” said the duchess, haughtily, “lower thy + tone. This holy man is under my protection, and his fault was but + over-zeal. What were this sage’s devices and spells?” + </p> + <p> + “Marry,” said the friar, “that is what your Grace just hindereth my + knowing. But he cannot deny that he is a pestilent astrologer, and sends + word to the rebels what hours are lucky or fatal for battle and assault.” + </p> + <p> + “Ha!” said the duchess, “he is an astrologer! true, and came nearer to the + alchemist’s truth than any multiplier that ever served me! My own + astrologer is just dead,—why died he at such a time? Peace, peace! + be there peace between two so learned men. Forgive thy brother, Master + Warner!” Adam had hitherto disdained all participation in this dialogue. + In fact, he had returned to the Eureka, and was silently examining if any + loss of the vital parts had occurred in its melancholy dismemberment. But + now he turned round and said, “Lady, leave the lore of the stars to their + great Maker. I forgive this man, and thank your Grace for your justice. I + claim these poor fragments, and crave your leave to suffer me to depart + with my device and my child.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no!” said the duchess, seizing his hand. “Hist! whatever Lord Warwick + paid thee, I will double. No time now for alchemy; but for the horoscope, + it is the veriest season. I name thee my special astrologer.” + </p> + <p> + “Accept, accept,” whispered Alwyn; “for your daughter’s sake—for + your own—nay, for the Eureka’s!” + </p> + <p> + Adam bowed his head, and groaned forth, “But I go not hence—no, not + a foot—unless this goes with me. Cruel wretch, how he hath deformed + it!” + </p> + <p> + “And now,” cried Alwyn, eagerly, “this wronged and unhappy maiden?” + </p> + <p> + “Go! be it thine to release and bring her to our presence, good Alwyn,” + said the duchess; “she shall lodge with her father, and receive all + honour. Follow me, Master Warner.” + </p> + <p> + No sooner, however, did the friar perceive that Alwyn had gone in search + of the jailer, than he arrested the steps of the duchess, and said, with + the air of a much-injured man,— + </p> + <p> + “May it please your Grace to remember that unless the greater magician + have all power and aid in thwarting the lesser, the lesser can prevail; + and therefore, if your Grace finds, when too late, that Lord Warwick’s or + Lord Fitzhugh’s arms prosper, that woe and disaster befall the king, say + not it was the fault of Friar Bungey! Such things may be. Nathless I shall + still sweat and watch and toil; and if, despite your unhappy favour and + encouragement to this hostile sorcerer, the king should beat his enemies, + why, then, Friar Bungey is not so powerless as your Grace holds him. I + have said—Porkey verbey!—Figilabo et conabo—et + perspirabo—et hungerabo—pro vos et vestros, Amen!” + </p> + <p> + The duchess was struck by this eloquent appeal; but more and more + convinced of the dread science of Adam by the evident apprehensions of the + redoubted Bungey, and firmly persuaded that she could bribe or induce the + former to turn a science that would otherwise be hostile into salutary + account, she contented herself with a few words of conciliation and + compliment, and summoning the attendants who had followed her, bade them + take up the various members of the Eureka (for Adam clearly demonstrated + that he would not depart without them) and conducted the philosopher to a + lofty chamber, fitted up for the defunct astrologer. + </p> + <p> + Hither, in a short time, Alwyn had the happiness of leading Sibyll, and + witnessing the delighted reunion of the child and father. And then, after + he had learned the brief details of their abduction, he related how, + baffled in all attempt to trace their clew, he had convinced himself that + either the duchess or Bungey was the author of the snare, returned to the + Tower, shown the king’s warrant, learned that an old man and a young + female had indeed been admitted into the fortress, and hurried at once to + the duchess, who, surprised at his narration and complaint, and anxious to + regain the services of Warner, had accompanied him at once to the friar. + </p> + <p> + “And though,” added the goldsmith, “I could indeed procure you lodgings + more welcome to ye elsewhere, yet it is well to win the friendship of the + duchess, and royalty is ever an ill foe. How came ye to quit the palace?” + </p> + <p> + Sibyll changed countenance, and her father answered gravely, “We incurred + the king’s displeasure, and the excuse was the popular hatred of me and + the Eureka.” + </p> + <p> + “Heaven made the people, and the devil makes three-fourths of what is + popular!” bluntly said the man of the middle class, ever against both + extremes. + </p> + <p> + “And how,” asked Sibyll, “how, honoured and true friend, didst thou obtain + the king’s warrant, and learn the snare into which we had fallen?” + </p> + <p> + This time it was Alwyn who changed countenance. He mused a moment, and + then frankly answering, “Thou must thank Lord Hastings,” gave the + explanation already known to the reader. + </p> + <p> + But the grateful tears this relation called forth from Sibyll, her clasped + hands, her evident emotion of delight and love, so pained poor Alwyn, that + he rose abruptly and took his leave. + </p> + <p> + And now the Eureka was a luxury as peremptorily forbid to the astrologer + as it had been to the alchemist! Again the true science was despised, and + the false cultivated and honoured. Condemned to calculations which no man + (however wise) in that age held altogether delusive, and which yet Adam + Warner studied with very qualified belief, it happened by some of those + coincidences, which have from time to time appeared to confirm the + credulous in judicial astrology, that Adam’s predictions became fulfilled. + The duchess was prepared for the first tidings that Edward’s foes fled + before him. She was next prepared for the very day in which Warwick + landed; and then her respect for the astrologer became strangely mingled + with suspicion and terror, when she found that he proceeded to foretell + but ominous and evil events; and when at last, still in corroboration of + the unhappily too faithful horoscope, came the news of the king’s flight, + and the earl’s march upon London, she fled to Friar Bungey in dismay. And + Friar Bungey said,— + </p> + <p> + “Did I not warn you, daughter? Had you suffered me to—” + </p> + <p> + “True, true!” interrupted the duchess. “Now take, hang, rack, drown, or + burn your horrible rival, if you will, but undo the charm, and save us + from the earl!” + </p> + <p> + The friar’s eyes twinkled, but to the first thought of spite and vengeance + succeeded another: if he who had made the famous waxen effigies of the + Earl of Warwick were now to be found guilty of some atrocious and positive + violence upon Master Adam Warner, might not the earl be glad of so good an + excuse to put an end to Himself? + </p> + <p> + “Daughter,” said the friar, at that reflection, and shaking his head + mysteriously and sadly, “daughter, it is too late.” + </p> + <p> + The duchess in great despair flew to the queen. Hitherto she had concealed + from her royal daughter the employment she had given to Adam; for + Elizabeth, who had herself suffered from the popular belief in Jacquetta’s + sorceries, had of late earnestly besought her to lay aside all practices + that could be called into question. Now, however, when she confessed to + the agitated and distracted queen the retaining of Adam Warner, and his + fatal predictions, Elizabeth, who, from discretion and pride, had + carefully hidden from her mother (too vehement to keep a secret) that + offence in the king, the memory of which had made Warner peculiarly + obnoxious to him, exclaimed,— + </p> + <p> + “Unhappy mother, thou hast employed the very man my fated husband would + the most carefully have banished from the palace, the very man who could + blast his name.” + </p> + <p> + The duchess was aghast and thunderstricken. + </p> + <p> + “If ever I forsake Friar Bungey again!” she muttered; “OH, THE GREAT MAN!” + </p> + <p> + But events which demand a detailed recital now rapidly pressing on, gave + the duchess not even the time to seek further explanation of Elizabeth’s + words, much less to determine the doubt that rose in her enlightened mind + whether Adam’s spells might not be yet unravelled by the timely execution + of the sorcerer! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0078" id="link2HCH0078"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. THE DELIBERATIONS OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL, WHILE LORD WARWICK + MARCHES UPON LONDON. + </h2> + <p> + It was a clear and bright day in the first week of October, 1470, when the + various scouts employed by the mayor and council of London came back to + the Guild, at which that worshipful corporation were assembled,—their + steeds blown and jaded, themselves panting and breathless,—to + announce the rapid march of the Earl of Warwick. The lord mayor of that + year, Richard Lee, grocer and citizen, sat in the venerable hall in a huge + leather chair, over which a pall of velvet had been thrown in haste, clad + in his robes of state, and surrounded by his aldermen and the magnates of + the city. To the personal love which the greater part of the body bore to + the young and courteous king was added the terror which the corporation + justly entertained of the Lancastrian faction. They remembered the + dreadful excesses which Margaret had permitted to her army in the year + 1461,—what time, to use the expression of the old historian, “the + wealth of London looked pale;” and how grudgingly she had been restrained + from condemning her revolted metropolis to the horrors of sack and + pillage. And the bearing of this august representation of the trade and + power of London was not, at the first, unworthy of the high influence it + had obtained. The agitation and disorder of the hour had introduced into + the assembly several of the more active and accredited citizens not of + right belonging to it; but they sat, in silent discipline and order, on + long benches beyond the table crowded by the corporate officers. Foremost + among these, and remarkable by the firmness and intelligence of his + countenance, and the earnest self-possession with which he listened to his + seniors, was Nicholas Alwyn, summoned to the council from his great + influence with the apprentices and younger freemen of the city. + </p> + <p> + As the last scout announced his news and was gravely dismissed, the lord + mayor rose; and being, perhaps, a better educated man than many of the + haughtiest barons, and having more at stake than most of them, his manner + and language had a dignity and earnestness which might have reflected + honour on the higher court of parliament. + </p> + <p> + “Brethren and citizens,” he said, with the decided brevity of one who felt + it no time for many words, “in two hours we shall hear the clarions of + Lord Warwick at our gates; in two hours we shall be summoned to give + entrance to an army assembled in the name of King Henry. I have done my + duty,—I have manned the walls, I have marshalled what soldiers we + can command, I have sent to the deputy-governor of the Tower—” + </p> + <p> + “And what answer gives he, my lord mayor?” interrupted Humfrey Heyford. + </p> + <p> + “None to depend upon. He answers that Edward IV., in abdicating the + kingdom, has left him no power to resist; and that between force and + force, king and king, might makes right.” + </p> + <p> + A deep breath, like a groan, went through the assembly. + </p> + <p> + Up rose Master John Stokton, the mercer. He rose, trembling from limb to + limb. + </p> + <p> + “Worshipful my lord mayor,” said he, “it seems to me that our first duty + is to look to our own selves!” + </p> + <p> + Despite the gravity of the emergence, a laugh burst forth, and was at once + silenced at this frank avowal. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” continued the mercer, turning round, and striking the table with + his fist, in the action of a nervous man—“yes; for King Edward has + set us the example. A stout and a dauntless champion, whose whole youth + has been war, King Edward has fled from the kingdom. King Edward takes + care of himself,—it is our duty to do the same!” + </p> + <p> + Strange though it may seem, this homely selfishness went at once through + the assembly like a flash of conviction. There was a burst of applause, + and, as it ceased, the sullen explosion of a bombard (or cannon) from the + city wall announced that the warder had caught the first glimpse of the + approaching army. + </p> + <p> + Master Stokton started as if the shot had gone near to himself, and + dropped at once into his seat, ejaculating, “The Lord have mercy upon us!” + There was a pause of a moment, and then several of the corporation rose + simultaneously. The mayor, preserving his dignity, fixed on the sheriff. + </p> + <p> + “Few words, my lord, and I have done,” said Richard Gardyner—“there + is no fighting without men. The troops at the Tower are not to be counted + on. The populace are all with Lord Warwick, even though he brought the + devil at his back. If you hold out, look to rape and plunder before sunset + to-morrow. If ye yield, go forth in a body, and the earl is not the man to + suffer one Englishman to be injured in life or health who once trusts to + his good faith. My say is said.” + </p> + <p> + “Worshipful my lord,” said a thin, cadaverous alderman, who rose next, + “this is a judgment of the Lord and His saints. The Lollards and heretics + have been too much suffered to run at large, and the wrath of Heaven is + upon us.” + </p> + <p> + An impatient murmuring attested the unwillingness of the larger part of + the audience to listen further; but an approving buzz from the elder + citizens announced that the fanaticism was not without its favourers. Thus + stimulated and encouraged, the orator continued; and concluded an + harangue, interrupted more stormily than all that had preceded, by an + exhortation to leave the city to its fate, and to march in a body to the + New Prison, draw forth five suspected Lollards, and burn them at + Smithfield, in order to appease the Almighty and divert the tempest! + </p> + <p> + This subject of controversy once started might have delayed the audience + till the ragged staves of the Warwickers drove them forth from their hall, + but for the sagacity and promptitude of the mayor. + </p> + <p> + “Brethren,” he said, “it matters not to me whether the counsel suggested + be good or bad, in the main; but this have I heard,—there is small + safety in death-bed repentance. It is too late now to do, through fear of + the devil, what we omitted to do through zeal for the Church. The sole + question is, ‘Fight or make terms.’ Ye say we lack men; verily, yes, while + no leaders are found! Walworth, my predecessor, saved London from Wat + Tyler. Men were wanting then till the mayor and his fellow-citizens + marched forth to Mile End. It may be the same now. Agree to fight, and + we’ll try it. What say you, Nicholas Alwyn?—you know the temper of + our young men.” + </p> + <p> + Thus called upon, Alwyn rose, and such was the good name he had already + acquired, that every murmur hushed into eager silence. + </p> + <p> + “My lord mayor,” he said, “there is a proverb in my country which says, + ‘Fish swim best that’s bred in the sea;’ which means, I take it, that men + do best what they are trained for! Lord Warwick and his men are trained + for fighting. Few of the fish about London Bridge are bred in that sea. + Cry, ‘London to the rescue!’—put on hauberk and helm, and you will + have crowns enough to crack around you. What follows?—Master Stokton + hath said it: pillage and rape for the city, gibbet and cord for mayor and + aldermen. Do I say this, loving the House of Lancaster? No; as Heaven + shall judge me, I think that the policy King Edward hath chosen, and which + costs him his crown to-day, ought to make the House of York dear to + burgess and trader. He hath sought to break up the iron rule of the great + barons,—and never peace to England till that be done. He has failed; + but for a day. He has yielded for a time; so must we. ‘There’s a time to + squint, and a time to look even.’ I advise that we march out to the earl, + that we make honourable terms for the city, that we take advantage of one + faction to gain what we have not gained with the other; that we fight for + our profit, not with swords, where we shall be worsted, but in council and + parliament, by speech and petition. New power is ever gentle and douce. + What matters to us York or Lancaster?—all we want is good laws. Get + the best we can from Lancaster, and when King Edward returns, as return he + will, let him bid higher than Henry for our love. Worshipful my lords and + brethren, while barons and knaves go to loggerheads, honest men get their + own. Time grows under us like grass. York and Lancaster may pull down each + other,—and what is left? Why, three things that thrive in all + weather,—London, industry; and the people! We have fallen on a rough + time. Well, what says the proverb? ‘Boil stones in butter, and you may sup + the broth.’ I have done.” + </p> + <p> + This characteristic harangue, which was fortunate enough to accord with + the selfishness of each one, and yet give the manly excuse of sound sense + and wise policy to all, was the more decisive in its effect, inasmuch as + the young Alwyn, from his own determined courage, and his avowed distaste + to the Lancaster faction, had been expected to favour warlike counsels. + The mayor himself, who was faithfully and personally attached to Edward, + with a deep sigh gave way to the feeling of the assembly. And the + resolution being once come to, Henry Lee was the first to give it whatever + advantage could be derived from prompt and speedy action. + </p> + <p> + “Go we forth at once,” said he,—“go, as becomes us, in our robes of + state, and with the insignia of the city. Never be it said that the + guardians of the city of London could neither defend with spirit, nor make + terms with honour. We give entrance to Lord Warwick. Well, then, it must + be our own free act. Come! Officers of our court, advance.” + </p> + <p> + “Stay a bit, stay a bit,” whispered Stokton, digging sharp claws into + Alwyn’s arm; “let them go first,—a word with you, cunning Nick,—a + word.” + </p> + <p> + Master Stokton, despite the tremor of his nerves, was a man of such wealth + and substance, that Alwyn might well take the request, thus familiarly + made, as a compliment not to be received discourteously; moreover, he had + his own reasons for hanging back from a procession which his rank in the + city did not require him to join. + </p> + <p> + While, therefore, the mayor and the other dignitaries left the hall with + as much state and order as if not going to meet an invading army, but to + join a holiday festival, Nicholas and Stokton lingered behind. + </p> + <p> + “Master Alwyn,” said Stokton, then, with a sly wink of his eye, “you have + this day done yourself great credit; you will rise, I have my eye on you! + I have a daughter, I have a daughter! Aha! a lad like you may come to + great things!” + </p> + <p> + “I am much bounden to you, Master Stokton,” returned Alwyn, somewhat + abstractedly; “but what’s your will?” + </p> + <p> + “My will!—hum, I say, Nicholas, what’s your advice? Quite right not + to go to blows. Odds costards! that mayor is a very tiger! But don’t you + think it would be wiser not to join this procession? Edward IV., an’ he + ever come back, has a long memory. He deals at my ware, too,—a good + customer at a mercer’s; and, Lord! how much money he owes the city!—hum!—I + would not seem ungrateful.” + </p> + <p> + “But if you go not out with the rest, there be other mercers who will have + King Henry’s countenance and favour; and it is easy to see that a new + court will make vast consumption in mercery.” + </p> + <p> + Master Stokton looked puzzled. + </p> + <p> + “That were a hugeous pity, good Nicholas; and, certes, there is Wat Smith, + in Eastgate, who would cheat that good King Henry, poor man! which were a + shame to the city; but, on the other hand, the Yorkists mostly pay on the + nail (except King Edward, God save him!), and the Lancastrians are as poor + as mice. Moreover, King Henry is a meek man, and does not avenge; King + Edward, a hot and a stern man, and may call it treason to go with the Red + Rose! I wish I knew how to decide! I have a daughter, an only daughter,—a + buxom lass, and well dowered. I would I had a sharp son-in-law to advise + me!” + </p> + <p> + “Master Stokton, in one word, then, he never goes far wrong who can run + with the hare and hunt with the hounds. Good-day to you, I have business + elsewhere.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, Nicholas rather hastily shook off the mercer’s quivering + fingers, and hastened out of the hall. + </p> + <p> + “Verily,” murmured the disconsolate Stokton, “run with the hare, quotha!—that + is, go with King Edward; but hunt with the hounds,—that is, go with + King Henry. Odds costards; it’s not so easily done by a plain man not bred + in the North. I’d best go—home, and do nothing!” + </p> + <p> + With that, musing and bewildered, the poor man sneaked out, and was soon + lost amidst the murmuring, gathering, and swaying crowds, many amongst + which were as much perplexed as himself. + </p> + <p> + In the mean while, with his cloak muffled carefully round his face, and + with a long, stealthy, gliding stride, Alwyn made his way through the + streets, gained the river, entered a boat in waiting for him, and arrived + at last at the palace of the Tower. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0079" id="link2HCH0079"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY OF THE EARL—THE ROYAL CAPTIVE IN THE + TOWER—THE MEETING BETWEEN KING-MAKER AND KING. + </h2> + <p> + All in the chambers of the metropolitan fortress exhibited the greatest + confusion and dismay. The sentinels, it is true, were still at their + posts, men-at-arms at the outworks, the bombards were loaded, the flag of + Edward IV. still waved aloft from the battlements; but the officers of the + fortress and the captains of its soldiery were, some assembled in the old + hall, pale with fear, and wrangling with each other; some had fled, none + knew whither; some had gone avowedly and openly to join the invading army. + </p> + <p> + Through this tumultuous and feeble force, Nicholas Alwyn was conducted by + a single faithful servitor of the queen’s (by whom he was expected); and + one glance of his quick eye, as he passed along, convinced him of the + justice of his counsels. He arrived at last, by a long and winding stair, + at one of the loftiest chambers, in one of the loftiest towers, usually + appropriated to the subordinate officers of the household. + </p> + <p> + And there, standing by the open casement, commanding some extended view of + the noisy and crowded scene beyond, both on stream and land, he saw the + queen of the fugitive monarch. By her side was the Lady Scrope, her most + familiar friend and confidant, her three infant children, Elizabeth, Mary, + and Cicely, grouped round her knees, playing with each other, and + unconscious of the terrors of the times; and apart from the rest stood the + Duchess of Bedford, conferring eagerly with Friar Bungey, whom she had + summoned in haste, to know if his art could not yet prevail over enemies + merely mortal. + </p> + <p> + The servitor announced Alwyn, and retired; the queen turned—“What + news, Master Alwyn? Quick! What tidings from the lord mayor?” + </p> + <p> + “Gracious my queen and lady,” said Alwyn, falling on his knees, “you have + but one course to pursue. Below yon casement lies your barge, to the right + see the round gray tower of Westminster Sanctuary; you have time yet, and + but time!” + </p> + <p> + The old Duchess of Bedford turned her sharp, bright, gray eyes from the + pale and trembling friar to the goldsmith, but was silent. The queen stood + aghast. “Mean you,” she faltered, at last, “that the city of London + forsakes the king? Shame on the cravens!” + </p> + <p> + “Not cravens, my lady and queen,” said Alwyn, rising. “He must have iron + nails that scratches a bear,—and the white bear above all. The king + has fled, the barons have fled, the soldiers have fled, the captains have + fled,—the citizens of London alone fly not; but there is nothing + save life and property left to guard.” + </p> + <p> + “Is this thy boasted influence with the commons and youths of the city?” + </p> + <p> + “My humble influence, may it please your Grace (I say it now openly, and I + will say it a year hence, when King Edward will hold his court in these + halls once again), my influence, such as it is, has been used to save + lives which resistance would waste in vain. Alack, alack! ‘No gaping + against an oven,’ gracious lady! Your barge is below. Again I say there is + yet time,—when the bell tolls the next hour that time will be past!” + </p> + <p> + “Then Jesu defend these children!” said Elizabeth, bending over her + infants, and weeping bitterly; “I will go!” + </p> + <p> + “Hold!” said the Duchess of Bedford, “men desert us, but do the spirits + also forsake us?—Speak, friar! canst thou yet do aught for us?—and + if not, thinkest thou it is the right hour to yield and fly?” + </p> + <p> + “Daughter,” said the friar, whose terror might have moved pity, “as I said + before, thank yourself. This Warner, this—in short, the lesser + magician hath been aided and cockered to countervail the greater, as I + forewarned. Fly! run! fly! Verily and indeed it is the prosperest of all + times to save ourselves; and the stars and the book and my familiar all + call out, ‘Off and away!’” + </p> + <p> + “‘Fore heaven!” exclaimed Alwyn, who had hitherto been dumb with + astonishment at this singular interlude, “sith he who hath shipped the + devil must make the best of him, thou art for once an honest man and a + wise counsellor. Hark! the second gun! The earl is at the gates of the + city!” + </p> + <p> + The queen lingered no longer; she caught her youngest child in her arms; + the Lady Scrope followed with the two others. “Come, follow, quick, Master + Alwyn,” said the duchess, who, now that she was compelled to abandon the + world of prediction and soothsaying, became thoroughly the sagacious, + plotting, ready woman of this life; “come, your face and name will be of + service to us, an’ we meet with obstruction.” + </p> + <p> + Before Alwyn could reply, the door was thrown abruptly open, and several + of the officers of the household rushed pell-mell into the royal presence. + </p> + <p> + “Gracious queen!” cried many voices at once, each with a different + sentence of fear and warning, “fly! We cannot depend on the soldiers; the + populace are up,—they shout for King Henry; Dr. Godard is preaching + against you at St. Paul’s Cross; Sir Geoffrey Gates has come out of the + sanctuary, and with him all the miscreants and outlaws; the mayor is now + with the rebels! Fly! the sanctuary, the sanctuary!” + </p> + <p> + “And who amongst you is of highest rank?” asked the duchess, calmly; for + Elizabeth, completely overwhelmed, seemed incapable of speech or movement. + </p> + <p> + “I, Giles de Malvoisin, knight banneret,” said an old warrior armed + cap-a-pie, who had fought in France under the hero Talbot. + </p> + <p> + “Then, sir,” said the duchess, with majesty, “to your hands I confide the + eldest daughter of your king. Lead on!—we follow you. Elizabeth, + lean on me.” + </p> + <p> + With this, supporting Elizabeth, and leading her second grandchild, the + duchess left the chamber. + </p> + <p> + The friar followed amidst the crowd, for well he knew that if the soldiers + of Warwick once caught hold of him, he had fared about as happily as the + fox amidst the dogs; and Alwyn, forgotten in the general confusion, + hastened to Adam’s chamber. + </p> + <p> + The old man, blessing any cause that induced his patroness to dispense + with his astrological labours and restored him to the care of his Eureka, + was calmly and quietly employed in repairing the mischief effected by the + bungling friar; and Sibyll, who at the first alarm had flown to his + retreat, joyfully hailed the entrance of the friendly goldsmith. + </p> + <p> + Alwyn was indeed perplexed what to advise, for the principal sanctuary + would, no doubt, be crowded by ruffians of the worst character; and the + better lodgments which that place, a little town in itself, [the Sanctuary + of Westminster was fortified] contained, be already preoccupied by the + Yorkists of rank; and the smaller sanctuaries were still more liable to + the same objection. Moreover, if Adam should be recognized by any of the + rabble that would meet them by the way, his fate, by the summary malice of + a mob, was certain. After all, the Tower would be free from the populace; + and as soon as, by a few rapid questions, Alwyn learned from Sibyll that + she had reason to hope her father would find protection with Lord Warwick, + and called to mind that Marmaduke Nevile was necessarily in the earl’s + train, he advised them to remain quiet and concealed in their apartments, + and promised to see and provide for them the moment the Tower was yielded + up to the new government. + </p> + <p> + The counsel suited both Sibyll and Warner. Indeed, the philosopher could + not very easily have been induced to separate himself again from the + beloved Eureka; and Sibyll was more occupied at that hour with thoughts + and prayers for the beloved Hastings,—afar, a wanderer and an exile,—than + with the turbulent events amidst which her lot was cast. + </p> + <p> + In the storms of a revolution which convulsed a kingdom and hurled to the + dust a throne, Love saw but a single object, Science but its tranquil + toil. Beyond the realm of men lies ever with its joy and sorrow, its + vicissitude and change, the domain of the human heart. In the revolution, + the toy of the scholar was restored to him; in the revolution, the maiden + mourned her lover. In the movement of the mass, each unit hath its + separate passion. The blast that rocks the trees shakes a different world + in every leaf. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0080" id="link2HCH0080"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. THE TOWER IN COMMOTION. + </h2> + <p> + On quitting the Tower, Alwyn regained the boat, and took his way to the + city; and here, whatever credit that worthy and excellent personage may + lose in certain eyes, his historian is bound to confess that his anxiety + for Sibyll did not entirely distract his attention from interest or + ambition. To become the head of his class, to rise to the first honours of + his beloved city of London, had become to Nicholas Alwyn a hope and + aspiration which made as much a part of his being as glory to a warrior, + power to a king, a Eureka to a scholar; and, though more mechanically than + with any sordid calculation or self-seeking, Nicholas Alwyn repaired to + his ware in the Chepe. The streets, when he landed, already presented a + different appearance from the disorder and tumult noticeable when he had + before passed them. The citizens now had decided what course to adopt; and + though the shops, or rather booths, were carefully closed, streamers of + silk, cloth of arras and gold, were hung from the upper casements; the + balconies were crowded with holiday gazers; the fickle populace (the same + herd that had hooted the meek Henry when led to the Tower) were now + shouting, “A Warwick!” “A Clarence!” and pouring throng after throng, to + gaze upon the army, which, with the mayor and aldermen, had already + entered the city. Having seen to the security of his costly goods, and + praised his apprentices duly for their care of his interests, and their + abstinence from joining the crowd, Nicholas then repaired to the upper + story of his house, and set forth from his casements and balcony the + richest stuffs he possessed. However, there was his own shrewd, sarcastic + smile on his firm lips, as he said to his apprentices, “When these are + done with, lay them carefully by against Edward of York’s re-entry.” + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, preceded by trumpets, drums, and heralds, the Earl of Warwick + and his royal son-in-law rode into the shouting city. Behind came the + litter of the Duchess of Clarence, attended by the Earl of Oxford, Lord + Fitzhugh, the Lords Stanley and Shrewsbury, Sir Robert de Lytton, and a + princely cortege of knights, squires, and nobles; while, file upon file, + rank upon rank, followed the long march of the unresisted armament. + </p> + <p> + Warwick, clad in complete armour of Milan steel,—save the helmet, + which was borne behind him by his squire,—mounted on his own noble + Saladin, preserved upon a countenance so well suited to command the + admiration of a populace the same character as heretofore of manly majesty + and lofty frankness. But to a nearer and more searching gaze than was + likely to be bent upon him in such an hour, the dark, deep traces of care, + anxiety, and passion might have been detected in the lines which now + thickly intersected the forehead, once so smooth and furrowless; and his + kingly eye, not looking, as of old, right forward as he moved, cast + unquiet, searching glances about him and around, as he bowed his bare head + from side to side of the welcoming thousands. + </p> + <p> + A far greater change, to outward appearance, was visible in the fair young + face of the Duke of Clarence. His complexion, usually sanguine and + blooming, like his elder brother’s, was now little less pale than that of + Richard. A sullen, moody, discontented expression, which not all the + heartiness of the greetings he received could dispel, contrasted forcibly + with the good-humoured, laughing recklessness, which had once drawn a “God + bless him!” from all on whom rested his light-blue joyous eye. He was + unarmed, save by a corselet richly embossed with gold. His short manteline + of crimson velvet, his hosen of white cloth laced with gold, and his low + horseman’s boots of Spanish leather curiously carved and broidered, with + long golden spurs; his plumed and jewelled cap; his white charger with + housings enriched with pearls and blazing with cloth-of-gold; his broad + collar of precious stones, with the order of St. George; his general’s + truncheon raised aloft, and his Plantagenet banner borne by the herald + over his royal head, caught the eyes of the crowd only the more to rivet + them on an aspect ill fitting the triumph of a bloodless victory. At his + left hand, where the breadth of the streets permitted, rode Henry Lee, the + mayor, uttering no word, unless appealed to, and then answering but with + chilling reverence and dry monosyllables. + </p> + <p> + A narrow winding in the streets, which left Warwick and Clarence alone + side by side, gave the former the opportunity he had desired. + </p> + <p> + “How, prince and son,” he said in a hollow whisper, “is it with this brow + of care that thou saddenest our conquest, and enterest the capital we gain + without a blow?” + </p> + <p> + “By Saint George!” answered Clarence, sullenly, and in the same tone, + “thinkest thou it chafes not the son of Richard of York, after such toils + and bloodshed, to minister to the dethronement of his kin and the + restoration of the foe of his race?” + </p> + <p> + “Thou shouldst have thought of that before,” returned Warwick, but with + sadness and pity in the reproach. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, before Edward of Lancaster was made my lord and brother,” retorted + Clarence, bitterly. + </p> + <p> + “Hush!” said the earl, “and calm thy brow. Not thus didst thou speak at + Amboise; either thou wert then less frank or more generous. But regrets + are vain: we have raised the whirlwind, and must rule it.” + </p> + <p> + And with that, in the action of a man who would escape his own thoughts, + Warwick made his black steed demivolte; and the crowd shouted again the + louder at the earl’s gallant horsemanship, and Clarence’s dazzling collar + of jewels. + </p> + <p> + While thus the procession of the victors, the nominal object of all this + mighty and sudden revolution—of this stir and uproar, of these + shining arms and flaunting banners, of this heaven or hell in the deep + passions of men—still remained in his prison-chamber of the Tower, a + true type of the thing factions contend for; absent, insignificant, + unheeded, and, save by a few of the leaders and fanatical priests, + absolutely forgotten! + </p> + <p> + To this solitary chamber we are now transported; yet solitary is a word of + doubtful propriety; for though the royal captive was alone, so far as the + human species make up a man’s companionship and solace, though the + faithful gentlemen, Manning, Bedle, and Allerton, had, on the news of + Warwick’s landing, been thrust from his chamber, and were now in the ranks + of his new and strange defenders, yet power and jealousy had not left his + captivity all forsaken. There was still the starling in its cage, and the + fat, asthmatic spaniel still wagged its tail at the sound of its master’s + voice, or the rustle of his long gown. And still from the ivory crucifix + gleamed the sad and holy face of the God, present alway, and who, by faith + and patience, linketh evermore grief to joy,—but earth to heaven. + </p> + <p> + The august prisoner had not been so utterly cut off from all knowledge of + the outer life as to be ignorant of some unwonted and important stir in + the fortress and the city. The squire who had brought him his morning meal + had been so agitated as to excite the captive’s attention, and had then + owned that the Earl of Warwick had proclaimed Henry king, and was on his + march to London. But neither the squire nor any of the officers of the + Tower dared release the illustrious captive, or even remove him as yet to + the state apartments vacated by Elizabeth. They knew not what might be the + pleasure of the stout earl or the Duke of Clarence, and feared + over-officiousness might be their worst crime. But naturally imagining + that Henry’s first command, at the new position of things, might be for + liberty, and perplexed whether to yield or refuse, they absented + themselves from his summons, and left the whole tower in which he was + placed actually deserted. + </p> + <p> + From his casement the king could see, however, the commotion, and the + crowds upon the wharf and river, with the gleam of arms and banners; and + hear the sounds of “A Warwick!” “A Clarence!” “Long live good Henry VI.!” + A strange combination of names, which disturbed and amazed him much! But + by degrees the unwonted excitement of perplexity and surprise settled back + into the calm serenity of his most gentle mind and temper. That trust in + an all-directing Providence, to which he had schooled himself, had (if we + may so say with reverence) driven his beautiful soul into the opposite + error, so fatal to the affairs of life,—the error that deadens and + benumbs the energy of free will and the noble alertness of active duty. + Why strain and strive for the things of this world? God would order all + for the best. Alas! God hath placed us in this world, each, from king to + peasant, with nerves and hearts and blood and passions to struggle with + our kind; and, no matter how heavenly the goal, to labour with the million + in the race! + </p> + <p> + “Forsooth,” murmured the king, as, his hands clasped behind him, he paced + slowly to and fro the floor, “this ill world seemeth but a feather, blown + about by the winds, and never to be at rest. Hark! Warwick and King Henry,—the + lion and the lamb! Alack, and we are fallen on no Paradise, where such + union were not a miracle! Foolish bird!”—and with a pitying smile + upon that face whose holy sweetness might have disarmed a fiend, he paused + before the cage and contemplated his fellow-captive—“foolish bird, + the uneasiness and turmoil without have reached even to thee. Thou beatest + thy wings against the wires, thou turnest thy bright eyes to mine + restlessly. Why? Pantest thou to be free, silly one, that the hawk may + swoop on its defenceless prey? Better, perhaps, the cage for thee, and the + prison for thy master. Well, out if thou wilt! Here at least thou art + safe!” and opening the cage, the starling flew to his bosom, and nestled + there, with its small clear voice mimicking the human sound,— + </p> + <p> + “Poor Henry, poor Henry! Wicked men, poor Henry!” + </p> + <p> + The king bowed his meek head over his favourite, and the fat spaniel, + jealous of the monopolized caress, came waddling towards its master, with + a fond whine, and looked up at him with eyes that expressed more of faith + and love than Edward of York, the ever wooing and ever wooed, had read in + the gaze of woman. + </p> + <p> + With those companions, and with thoughts growing more and more composed + and rapt from all that had roused and vexed his interest in the forenoon, + Henry remained till the hour had long passed for his evening meal. + Surprised at last by a negligence which (to do his jailers justice) had + never before occurred, and finding no response to his hand-bell, no + attendant in the anteroom, the outer doors locked as usual, but the + sentinel’s tread in the court below hushed and still, a cold thrill for a + moment shot through his blood.—“Was he left for hunger to do its + silent work?” Slowly he bent his way from the outer rooms back to his + chamber; and, as he passed the casement again, he heard, though far in the + distance, through the dim air of the deepening twilight, the cry of “Long + live King Henry!” + </p> + <p> + This devotion without, this neglect within, was a wondrous contrast! + Meanwhile the spaniel, with that instinct of fidelity which divines the + wants of the master, had moved snuffling and smelling round and round the + chambers, till it stopped and scratched at a cupboard in the anteroom, and + then with a joyful bark flew back to the king, and taking the hem of his + gown between its teeth, led him towards the spot it had discovered; and + there, in truth, a few of those small cakes, usually served up for the + night’s livery, had been carelessly left. They sufficed for the day’s + food, and the king, the dog, and the starling shared them peacefully + together. This done, Henry carefully replaced his bird in its cage, bade + the dog creep to the hearth and lie still; passed on to his little + oratory, with the relics of cross and saint strewed around the solemn + image,—and in prayer forgot the world! Meanwhile darkness set in: + the streets had grown deserted, save where in some nooks and by-lanes + gathered groups of the soldiery; but for the most part the discipline in + which Warwick held his army had dismissed those stern loiterers to the + various quarters provided for them, and little remained to remind the + peaceful citizens that a throne had been uprooted, and a revolution + consummated, that eventful day. + </p> + <p> + It was at this time that a tall man, closely wrapped in his large + horseman’s cloak, passed alone through the streets and gained the Tower. + At the sound of his voice by the great gate, the sentinel started in + alarm; a few moments more, and all left to guard the fortress were + gathered round him. From these he singled out one of the squires who + usually attended Henry, and bade him light his steps to the king’s + chamber. As in that chamber Henry rose from his knees, he saw the broad + red light of a torch flickering under the chinks of the threshold; he + heard the slow tread of approaching footsteps; the spaniel uttered a low + growl, its eyes sparkling; the door opened, and the torch borne behind by + the squire, and raised aloft so that its glare threw a broad light over + the whole chamber, brought into full view the dark and haughty countenance + of the Earl of Warwick. + </p> + <p> + The squire, at a gesture from the earl, lighted the sconces on the wall, + the tapers on the table, and quickly vanished. King-maker and king were + alone! At the first sight of Warwick, Henry had turned pale, and receded a + few paces, with one hand uplifted in adjuration or command, while with the + other he veiled his eyes,—whether that this startled movement came + from the weakness of bodily nerves, much shattered by sickness and + confinement, or from the sudden emotions called forth by the aspect of one + who had wrought him calamities so dire. But the craven’s terror in the + presence of a living foe was, with all his meekness, all his holy + abhorrence of wrath and warfare, as unknown to that royal heart as to the + high blood of his hero-sire. And so, after a brief pause, and a thought + that took the shape of prayer, not for safety from peril, but for grace to + forgive the past, Henry VI. advanced to Warwick, who still stood dumb by + the threshold, combating with his own mingled and turbulent emotions of + pride and shame, and said, in a voice majestic even from its very + mildness,— + </p> + <p> + “What tale of new woe and evil hath the Earl of Salisbury and Warwick come + to announce to the poor captive who was once a king?” + </p> + <p> + “Forgive me! Forgiveness, Henry, my lord,—forgiveness!” exclaimed + Warwick, falling on his knee. The meek reproach; the touching words; the + mien and visage altered, since last beheld, from manhood into age; the + gray hairs and bended form of the king, went at once to that proud heart; + and as the earl bent over the wan, thin hand resigned to his lips, a tear + upon its surface out-sparkled all the jewels that it wore. + </p> + <p> + “Yet no,” continued the earl (impatient, as proud men are, to hurry from + repentance to atonement, for the one is of humiliation and the other of + pride),—“yet no, my liege, not now do I crave thy pardon. No; but + when begirt, in the halls of thine ancestors, with the peers of England, + the victorious banner of Saint George waving above the throne which thy + servant hath rebuilt,—then, when the trumpets are sounding thy + rights without the answer of a foe; then, when from shore to shore of fair + England the shout of thy people echoes to the vault of heaven,—then + will Warwick kneel again to King Henry, and sue for the pardon he hath not + ignobly won! + </p> + <p> + “Alack, sir,” said the king, with accents of mournful yet half-reproving + kindness, “it was not amidst trump and banners that the Son of God set + mankind the exemplar and pattern of charity to foes. When thy hand struck + the spurs from my heel, when thou didst parade me through the booting + crowd to this solitary cell, then, Warwick, I forgave thee, and prayed to + Heaven for pardon for thee, if thou didst wrong me,—for myself, if a + king’s fault had deserved a subject’s harshness. Rise, Sir Earl; our God + is a jealous God, and the attitude of worship is for Him alone.” + </p> + <p> + Warwick rose from his knee; and the king, perceiving and compassionating + the struggle which shook the strong man’s breast, laid his hand on the + earl’s shoulder, and said, “Peace be with thee!—thou hast done me no + real harm. I have been as happy in these walls as in the green parks of + Windsor; happier than in the halls of state or in the midst of wrangling + armies. What tidings now?” + </p> + <p> + “My liege, is it possible that you know not that Edward is a fugitive and + a beggar, and that Heaven hath permitted me to avenge at once your + injuries and my own? This day, without a blow, I have regained your city + of London; its streets are manned with my army. From the council of peers + and warriors and prelates assembled at my house, I have stolen hither + alone and in secret, that I might be the first to hail your Grace’s + restoration to the throne of Henry V.” + </p> + <p> + The king’s face so little changed at this intelligence, that its calm + sadness almost enraged the impetuous Warwick, and with difficulty he + restrained from giving utterance to the thought, “He is not worthy of a + throne who cares so little to possess it!” + </p> + <p> + “Well-a-day!” said Henry, sighing, “Heaven then hath sore trials yet in + store for mine old age! Tray, Tray!” and stooping, he gently patted his + dog, who kept watch at his feet, still glaring suspiciously at Warwick, + “we are both too old for the chase now!—Will you be seated, my + lord?” + </p> + <p> + “Trust me,” said the earl, as he obeyed the command, having first set + chair and footstool for the king, who listened to him with downcast eyes + and his head drooping on his bosom—“trust me, your later days, my + liege, will be free from the storms of your youth. All chance of Edward’s + hostility is expired. Your alliance, though I seem boastful so to speak,—your + alliance with one in whom the people can confide for some skill in war, + and some more profound experience of the habits and tempers of your + subjects than your former councillors could possess, will leave your + honoured leisure free for the holy meditations it affects; and your glory, + as your safety, shall be the care of men who can awe this rebellious + world.” + </p> + <p> + “Alliance!” said the king, who had caught but that one word; “of what + speakest thou, Sir Earl?” + </p> + <p> + “These missives will explain all, my liege; this letter from my lady the + Queen Margaret, and this from your gracious son, the Prince of Wales.” + </p> + <p> + “Edward! my Edward!” exclaimed the king, with a father’s burst of emotion. + “Thou hast seen him, then,—bears he his health well, is he of cheer + and heart?” + </p> + <p> + “He is strong and fair, and full of promise, and brave as his grandsire’s + sword.” + </p> + <p> + “And knows he—knows he well—that we all are the potter’s clay + in the hands of God?” + </p> + <p> + “My liege,” said Warwick, embarrassed, “he has as much devotion as befits + a Christian knight and a goodly prince.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah,” sighed the king, “ye men of arms have strange thoughts on these + matters;” and cutting the silk of the letters, he turned from the warrior. + Shading his face with his hand, the earl darted his keen glance on the + features of the king, as, drawing near to the table, the latter read the + communications which announced his new connection with his ancient foe. + </p> + <p> + But Henry was at first so affected by the sight of Margaret’s well-known + hand, that he thrice put down her letter and wiped the moisture from his + eyes. + </p> + <p> + “My poor Margaret, how thou hast suffered!” he murmured; “these very + characters are less firm and bold than they were. Well, well!” and at last + he betook himself resolutely to the task. Once or twice his countenance + changed, and he uttered an exclamation of surprise. But the proposition of + a marriage between Prince Edward and the Lady Anne did not revolt his + forgiving mind, as it had the haughty and stern temper of his consort. And + when he had concluded his son’s epistle, full of the ardour of his love + and the spirit of his youth, the king passed his left hand over his brow, + and then extending his right to Warwick, said, in accents which trembled + with emotion, “Serve my son, since he is thine, too; give peace to this + distracted kingdom, repair my errors, press not hard upon those who + contend against us, and Jesu and His saints will bless this bond!” + </p> + <p> + The earl’s object, perhaps, in seeking a meeting with Henry so private and + unwitnessed, had been that none, not even his brother, might hearken to + the reproaches he anticipated to receive, or say hereafter that he heard + Warwick, returned as victor and avenger to his native land, descend, in + the hour of triumph, to extenuation and excuse. So affronted, imperilled, + or to use his own strong word, “so despaired,” had he been in the former + rule of Henry, that his intellect, which, however vigorous in his calmer + moods, was liable to be obscured and dulled by his passions, had half + confounded the gentle king with his ferocious wife and stern councillors, + and he had thought he never could have humbled himself to the man, even so + far as knighthood’s submission to Margaret’s sex had allowed him to the + woman. But the sweetness of Henry’s manners and disposition, the + saint-like dignity which he had manifested throughout this painful + interview, and the touching grace and trustful generosity of his last + words,—words which consummated the earl’s large projects of ambition + and revenge,—had that effect upon Warwick which the preaching of + some holy man, dwelling upon the patient sanctity of the Saviour, had of + old on a grim Crusader, all incapable himself of practising such meek + excellence, and yet all moved and penetrated by its loveliness in another; + and, like such Crusader, the representation of all mildest and most + forgiving singularly stirred up in the warrior’s mind images precisely the + reverse,—images of armed valour and stern vindication, as if where + the Cross was planted sprang from the earth the standard and the + war-horse! + </p> + <p> + “Perish your foes! May war and storm scatter them as the chaff! My liege, + my royal master,” continued the earl, in a deep, low, faltering voice, + “why knew I not thy holy and princely heart before? Why stood so many + between Warwick’s devotion and a king so worthy to command it? How poor, + beside thy great-hearted fortitude and thy Christian heroism, seems the + savage valour of false Edward! Shame upon one who can betray the trust + thou hast placed in him! Never will I!—Never! I swear it! No! though + all England desert thee, I will stand alone with my breast of mail before + thy throne! Oh, would that my triumph had been less peaceful and less + bloodless! would that a hundred battlefields were yet left to prove how + deeply—deeply in his heart of hearts—Warwick feels the + forgiveness of his king!” + </p> + <p> + “Not so, not so, not so! not battlefields, Warwick!” said Henry. “Ask not + to serve the king by shedding one subject’s blood.” + </p> + <p> + “Your pious will be obeyed!” replied Warwick. “We will see if mercy can + effect in others what thy pardon effects in me. And now, my liege, no + longer must these walls confine thee. The chambers of the palace await + their sovereign. What ho, there!” and going to the door he threw it open, + and agreeably to the orders he had given below, all the officers left in + the fortress stood crowded together in the small anteroom, bareheaded, + with tapers in their hands, to conduct the monarch to the halls of his + conquered foe. + </p> + <p> + At the sudden sight of the earl, these men, struck involuntarily and at + once by the grandeur of his person and his animated aspect, burst forth + with the rude retainer’s cry, “A Warwick! a Warwick!” + </p> + <p> + “Silence!” thundered the earl’s deep voice. “Who names the subject in the + sovereign’s presence? Behold your king!” The men, abashed by the reproof, + bowed their heads and sank on their knees, as Warwick took a taper from + the table, to lead the way from the prison. + </p> + <p> + Then Henry turned slowly, and gazed with a lingering eye upon the walls + which even sorrow and solitude had endeared. The little oratory, the + crucifix, the relics, the embers burning low on the hearth, the rude + time-piece,—all took to his thoughtful eye an almost human aspect of + melancholy and omen; and the bird, roused, whether by the glare of the + lights, or the recent shout of the men, opened its bright eyes, and + fluttering restlessly to and fro, shrilled out its favourite sentence, + “Poor Henry! poor Henry!—wicked men!—who would be a king?” + </p> + <p> + “Thou hearest it, Warwick?” said Henry, shaking his head. + </p> + <p> + “Could an eagle speak, it would have another cry than the starling,” + returned the earl, with a proud smile. + </p> + <p> + “Why, look you,” said the king, once more releasing the bird, which + settled on his wrist, “the eagle had broken his heart in the narrow cage, + the eagle had been no comforter for a captive; it is these gentler ones + that love and soothe us best in our adversities. Tray, Tray, fawn not now, + sirrah, or I shall think thou hast been false in thy fondness heretofore! + Cousin, I attend you.” + </p> + <p> + And with his bird on his wrist, his dog at his heels, Henry VI. followed + the earl to the illuminated hall of Edward, where the table was spread for + the royal repast, and where his old friends, Manning, Bedle, and Allerton, + stood weeping for joy; while from the gallery raised aloft, the musicians + gave forth the rough and stirring melody which had gradually fallen out of + usage, but which was once the Norman’s national air, and which the warlike + Margaret of Anjou had retaught her minstrels,—“THE BATTLE HYMN OF + ROLLO.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0093" id="link2H_4_0093"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BOOK XI. THE NEW POSITION OF THE KING-MAKER + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0081" id="link2HCH0081"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. WHEREIN MASTER ADAM WARNER IS NOTABLY COMMENDED AND ADVANCED—AND + GREATNESS SAYS TO WISDOM, “THY DESTINY BE MINE, AMEN.” + </h2> + <p> + The Chronicles inform us, that two or three days after the entrance of + Warwick and Clarence,—namely, on the 6th of October,—those two + leaders, accompanied by the Lords Shrewsbury, Stanley, and a numerous and + noble train, visited the Tower in formal state, and escorted the king, + robed in blue velvet, the crown on his head, to public thanksgivings at + St. Paul’s, and thence to the Bishop’s Palace, [not to the Palace at + Westminster, as some historians, preferring the French to the English + authorities, have asserted,—that palace was out of repair] where he + continued chiefly to reside. + </p> + <p> + The proclamation that announced the change of dynasty was received with + apparent acquiescence through the length and breadth of the kingdom, and + the restoration of the Lancastrian line seemed yet the more firm and solid + by the magnanimous forbearance of Warwick and his councils. Not one + execution that could be termed the act of a private revenge stained with + blood the second reign of the peaceful Henry. One only head fell on the + scaffold,—that of the Earl of Worcester. [Lord Warwick himself did + not sit in judgment on Worcester. He was tried and condemned by Lord + Oxford. Though some old offences in his Irish government were alleged + against him, the cruelties which rendered him so odious were of recent + date. He had (as we before took occasion to relate) impaled twenty persons + after Warwick’s flight into France. The “Warkworth Chronicle” says, “He + was ever afterwardes greatly behated among the people for this disordynate + dethe that he used, contrary to the laws of the lande.”] This solitary + execution, which was regarded by all classes as a due concession to + justice, only yet more illustrated the general mildness of the new rule. + </p> + <p> + It was in the earliest days of this sudden restoration that Alwyn found + the occasion to serve his friends in the Tower. Warwick was eager to + conciliate all the citizens, who, whether frankly or grudgingly, had + supported his cause; and, amongst these, he was soon informed of the part + taken in the Guildhall by the rising goldsmith. He sent for Alwyn to his + house in Warwick-lane, and after complimenting him on his advance in life + and repute, since Nicholas had waited on him with baubles for his embassy + to France, he offered him the special rank of goldsmith to the king. + </p> + <p> + The wary, yet honest, trader paused a moment in some embarrassment before + he answered,— + </p> + <p> + “My good lord, you are noble and gracious eno’ to understand and forgive + me when I say that I have had, in the upstart of my fortunes, the + countenance of the late King Edward and his queen; and though the public + weal made me advise my fellow-citizens not to resist your entry, I would + not, at least, have it said that my desertion had benefited my private + fortunes.” + </p> + <p> + Warwick coloured, and his lip curled. “Tush, man, assume not virtues which + do not exist amongst the sons of trade, nor, much I trow, amongst the sons + of Adam. I read thy mind. Thou thinkest it unsafe openly to commit thyself + to the new state. Fear not,—we are firm.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, my lord,” returned Alwyn, “it is not so. But there are many better + citizens than I, who remember that the Yorkists were ever friends to + commerce. And you will find that only by great tenderness to our crafts + you can win the heart of London, though you have passed its gates.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall be just to all men,” answered the earl, dryly; “but if the + flat-caps are false, there are eno’ of bonnets of steel to watch over the + Red Rose!” + </p> + <p> + “You are said, my lord,” returned Alwyn, bluntly, “to love the barons, the + knights, the gentry, the yeomen, and the peasants, but to despise the + traders,—I fear me that report in this is true.” + </p> + <p> + “I love not the trader spirit, man,—the spirit that cheats, and + cringes, and haggles, and splits straws for pence, and roasts eggs by + other men’s blazing rafters. Edward of York, forsooth, was a great trader! + It was a sorry hour for England when such as ye, Nick Alwyn, left your + green villages for loom and booth. But thus far have I spoken to you as a + brave fellow, and of the north countree. I have no time to waste on words. + Wilt thou accept mine offer, or name another boon in my power? The man who + hath served me wrongs me,—till I have served him again!” + </p> + <p> + “My lord, yes; I will name such a boon,—safety, and, if you will, + some grace and honour, to a learned scholar now in the Tower, one Adam + Warner, whom—” + </p> + <p> + “Now in the Tower! Adam Warner! And wanting a friend, I no more an exile! + That is my affair, not thine. Grace, honour,—ay, to his heart’s + content. And his noble daughter? Mort Dieu! she shall choose her + bridegroom among the best of England. Is she, too, in the fortress?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Alwyn, briefly, not liking the last part of the earl’s speech. + </p> + <p> + The earl rang the bell on his table. “Send hither Sir Marmaduke Nevile.” + </p> + <p> + Alwyn saw his former rival enter, and heard the earl commission him to + accompany, with a fitting train, his own litter to the Tower. “And you, + Alwyn, go with your foster-brother, and pray Master Warner and his + daughter to be my guests for their own pleasure. Come hither, my rude + Northman,—come. I see I shall have many secret foes in this city: + wilt not thou at least be Warwick’s open friend?” + </p> + <p> + Alwyn found it hard to resist the charm of the earl’s manner and voice; + but, convinced in his own mind that the age was against Warwick, and that + commerce and London would be little advantaged by the earl’s rule, the + trading spirit prevailed in his breast. + </p> + <p> + “Gracious my lord,” he said, bending his knee in no servile homage, “he + who befriends my order, commands me.” + </p> + <p> + The proud noble bit his lip, and with a silent wave of his hand dismissed + the foster-brothers. + </p> + <p> + “Thou art but a churl at best, Nick,” said Marmaduke, as the door closed + on the young men. “Many a baron would have sold his father’s hall for such + words from the earl’s lip.” + </p> + <p> + “Let barons sell their free conduct for fair words. I keep myself + unshackled to join that cause which best fills the market and reforms the + law. But tell me, I pray thee, Sir Knight, what makes Warner and his + daughter so dear to your lord?” + </p> + <p> + “What! know you not?—and has she not told you?—Ah, what was I + about to say?” + </p> + <p> + “Can there be a secret between the earl and the scholar?” asked Alwyn, in + wonder. + </p> + <p> + “If there be, it is our place to respect it,” returned the Nevile, + adjusting his manteline; “and now we must command the litter.” + </p> + <p> + In spite of all the more urgent and harassing affairs that pressed upon + him, the earl found an early time to attend to his guests. His welcome to + Sibyll was more than courteous,—it was paternal. As she approached + him, timidly and with a downcast eye, he advanced, placed his hand upon + her head,— + </p> + <p> + “The Holy Mother ever have thee in her charge, child!—This is a + father’s kiss, young mistress,” added the earl, pressing his lips to her + forehead; “and in this kiss, remember that I pledge to thee care for thy + fortunes, honour for thy name, my heart to do thee service, my arm to + shield from wrong! Brave scholar, thy lot has become interwoven with my + own. Prosperous is now my destiny,—my destiny be thine! Amen!” + </p> + <p> + He turned then to Warner, and without further reference to a past which so + galled his proud spirit, he made the scholar explain to him the nature of + his labours. In the mind of every man who has passed much of his life in + successful action, there is a certain, if we may so say, untaught + mathesis,—but especially among those who have been bred to the art + of war. A great soldier is a great mechanic, a great mathematician, though + he may know it not; and Warwick, therefore, better than many a scholar + comprehended the principle upon which Adam founded his experiments. But + though he caught also a glimpse of the vast results which such experiments + in themselves were calculated to effect, his strong common-sense perceived + yet more clearly that the time was not ripe for such startling inventions. + </p> + <p> + “My friend,” he said, “I comprehend thee passably. It is clear to me, that + if thou canst succeed in making the elements do the work of man with equal + precision, but with far greater force and rapidity, thou must multiply + eventually, and, by multiplying, cheapen, all the products of industry; + that thou must give to this country the market of the world; and that + thine would be the true alchemy that turneth all to gold.” + </p> + <p> + “Mighty intellect, thou graspest the truth!” exclaimed Adam. + </p> + <p> + “But,” pursued the earl, with a mixture of prejudice and judgment, “grant + thee success to the full, and thou wouldst turn this bold land of yeomanry + and manhood into one community of griping traders and sickly artisans. + Mort Dieu! we are over-commerced as it is,—the bow is already + deserted for the ell-measure. The town populations are ever the most + worthless in war. England is begirt with mailed foes; and if by one + process she were to accumulate treasure and lose soldiers, she would but + tempt invasion and emasculate defenders. Verily, I avise and implore thee + to turn thy wit and scholarship to a manlier occupation!” + </p> + <p> + “My life knows no other object; kill my labour and thou destroyest me,” + said Adam, in a voice of gloomy despair. Alas, it seemed that, whatever + the changes of power, no change could better the hopes of science in an + age of iron! Warwick was moved. “Well,” he said, after a pause, “be happy + in thine own way. I will do my best at least to protect thee. To-morrow + resume thy labours; but this day, at least, thou must feast with me.” + </p> + <p> + And at his banquet that day, among the knights and barons, and the abbots + and the warriors, Adam sat on the dais near the earl, and Sibyll at “the + mess” of the ladies of the Duchess of Clarence. And ere the feast broke + up, Warwick thus addressed his company:— + </p> + <p> + “My friends, though I, and most of us reared in the lap of war, have + little other clerkship than sufficed our bold fathers before us, yet in + the free towns of Italy and the Rhine,—yea, and in France, under her + politic king,—we may see that a day is dawning wherein new knowledge + will teach many marvels to our wiser sons. Wherefore it is good that a + State should foster men who devote laborious nights and weary days to the + advancement of arts and letters, for the glory of our common land. A + worthy gentleman, now at this board, hath deeply meditated contrivances + which may make our English artisans excel the Flemish loons, who now + fatten upon our industry to the impoverishment of the realm. And, above + all, he also purposes to complete an invention which may render our + ship-craft the most notable in Europe. Of this I say no more at present; + but I commend our guest, Master Adam Warner, to your good service, and + pray you especially, worshipful sirs of the Church now present, to shield + his good name from that charge which most paineth and endangereth honest + men. For ye wot well that the commons, from ignorance, would impute all to + witchcraft that passeth their understanding. Not,” added the earl, + crossing himself, “that witchcraft does not horribly infect the land, and + hath been largely practised by Jacquetta of Bedford, and her confederates, + Bungey and others. But our cause needeth no such aid; and all that Master + Warner purposes is in behalf of the people, and in conformity with Holy + Church. So this wassail to his health and House.” + </p> + <p> + This characteristic address being received with respect, though with less + applause than usually greeted the speeches of the great earl, Warwick + added, in a softer and more earnest tone, “And in the fair demoiselle, his + daughter, I pray you to acknowledge the dear friend of my beloved lady and + child, Anne, Princess of Wales; and for the sake of her highness and in + her name, I arrogate to myself a share with Master Warner in this young + donzell’s guardianship and charge. Know ye, my gallant gentles and fair + squires, that he who can succeed in achieving, either by leal love or by + bold deeds, as best befit a wooer, the grace of my young ward, shall claim + from my hands a knight’s fee, with as much of my best land as a bull’s + hide can cover; and when heaven shall grant safe passage to the Princess + Anne and her noble spouse, we will hold at Smithfield a tourney in honor + of Saint George and our ladies, wherein, pardie, I myself would be sorely + tempted to provoke my jealous countess, and break a lance for the fame of + the demoiselle whose fair face is married to a noble heart.” + </p> + <p> + That evening, in the galliard, many an admiring eye turned to Sibyll, and + many a young gallant, recalling the earl’s words, sighed to win her grace. + There had been a time when such honour and such homage would have, indeed, + been welcome; but now ONE saw them not, and they were valueless. All that, + in her earlier girlhood, Sibyll’s ambition had coveted, when musing on the + brilliant world, seemed now well-nigh fulfilled,—her father + protected by the first noble of the land, and that not with the degrading + condescension of the Duchess of Bedford, but as Power alone should protect + Genius, honoured while it honours; her gentle birth recognized; her + position elevated; fair fortunes smiling after such rude trials; and all + won without servility or abasement. But her ambition having once exhausted + itself in a diviner passion, all excitement seemed poor and spiritless + compared to the lonely waiting at the humble farm for the voice and step + of Hastings. Nay, but for her father’s sake, she could almost have loathed + the pleasure and the pomp, and the admiration and the homage, which seemed + to insult the reverses of the wandering exile. + </p> + <p> + The earl had designed to place Sibyll among Isabel’s ladies, but the + haughty air of the duchess chilled the poor girl; and pleading the excuse + that her father’s health required her constant attendance, she prayed + permission to rest with Warner wherever he might be lodged. Adam himself, + now that the Duchess of Bedford and Friar Bungey were no longer in the + Tower, entreated permission to return to the place where he had worked the + most successfully upon the beloved Eureka; and, as the Tower seemed a + safer residence than any private home could be, from popular prejudice and + assault, Warwick kindly offered apartments, far more commodious than they + had yet occupied, to be appropriated to the father and daughter. Several + attendants were assigned to them, and never was man of letters or science + more honoured now than the poor scholar who, till then, had been so + persecuted and despised. + </p> + <p> + Who shall tell Adam’s serene delight? Alchemy and astrology at rest, no + imperious duchess, no hateful Bungey, his free mind left to its congenial + labours! And Sibyll, when they met, strove to wear a cheerful brow, + praying him only never to speak to her of Hastings. The good old man, + relapsing into his wonted mechanical existence, hoped she had forgotten a + girl’s evanescent fancy. + </p> + <p> + But the peculiar distinction showed by the earl to Warner confirmed the + reports circulated by Bungey,—“that he was, indeed, a fearful + nigromancer, who had much helped the earl in his emprise.” The earl’s + address to his guests in behalf both of Warner and Sibyll, the high state + accorded to the student, reached even the Sanctuary; for the fugitives + there easily contrived to learn all the gossip of the city. Judge of the + effect the tale produced upon the envious Bungey! judge of the + representations it enabled him to make to the credulous duchess! It was + clear now to Jacquetta as the sun in noonday that Warwick rewarded the + evil-predicting astrologer for much dark and secret service, which Bungey, + had she listened to him, might have frustrated; and she promised the friar + that, if ever again she had the power, Warner and the Eureka should be + placed at his sole mercy and discretion. + </p> + <p> + The friar himself, however, growing very weary of the dulness of the + Sanctuary, and covetous of the advantages enjoyed by Adam, began to + meditate acquiescence in the fashion of the day, and a transfer of his + allegiance to the party in power. Emboldened by the clemency of the + victors, learning that no rewards for his own apprehension had been + offered, hoping that the stout earl would forget or forgive the old + offence of the waxen effigies, and aware of the comparative security his + friar’s gown and cowl afforded him, he resolved one day to venture forth + from his retreat. He even flattered himself that he could cajole Adam—whom + he really believed the possessor of some high and weird secrets, but whom + otherwise he despised as a very weak creature—into forgiving his + past brutalities, and soliciting the earl to take him into favour. + </p> + <p> + At dusk, then, and by the aid of one of the subalterns of the Tower, whom + he had formerly made his friend, the friar got admittance into Warner’s + chamber. Now it so chanced that Adam, having his own superstitions, had + lately taken it into his head that all the various disasters which had + befallen the Eureka, together with all the little blemishes and defects + that yet marred its construction, were owing to the want of the diamond + bathed in the mystic moonbeams, which his German authority had long so + emphatically prescribed; and now that a monthly stipend far exceeding his + wants was at his disposal, and that it became him to do all possible + honour to the earl’s patronage, he resolved that the diamond should be no + longer absent from the operations it was to influence. He obtained one of + passable size and sparkle, exposed it the due number of nights to the new + moon, and had already prepared its place in the Eureka, and was + contemplating it with solemn joy, when Bungey entered. + </p> + <p> + “Mighty brother,” said the friar, bowing to the ground, “be merciful as + thou art strong! Verily thou hast proved thyself the magician, and I but a + poor wretch in comparison,—for lo! thou art rich and honoured, and I + poor and proscribed. Deign to forgive thine enemy, and take him as thy + slave by right of conquest. Oh, Cogsbones! oh, Gemini! what a jewel thou + hast got!” + </p> + <p> + “Depart! thou disturbest me,” said Adam, oblivious, in his absorption, of + the exact reasons for his repugnance, but feeling indistinctly that + something very loathsome and hateful was at his elbow; and, as he spoke, + he fitted the diamond into its socket. + </p> + <p> + “What! a jewel, a diamond—in the—in the—in the—MECHANICAL!” + faltered the friar, in profound astonishment, his mouth watering at the + sight. If the Eureka were to be envied before, how much more enviable now. + “If ever I get thee again, O ugly talisman,” he muttered to himself, “I + shall know where to look for something better than a pot to boil eggs.” + </p> + <p> + “Depart, I say!” repeated Adam, turning round at last, and shuddering as + he now clearly recognized the friar, and recalled his malignity. “Darest + thou molest me still?” + </p> + <p> + The friar abjectly fell on his knees, and, after a long exordium of + penitent excuses, entreated the scholar to intercede in his favour with + the earl. + </p> + <p> + “I want not all thy honours and advancement, great Adam, I want only to + serve thee, trim thy furnace, and hand thee thy tools, and work out my + apprenticeship under thee, master. As for the earl, he will listen to + thee, I know, if thou tellest him that I had the trust of his foe, the + duchess; that I can give him all her closest secrets; that I—” + </p> + <p> + “Avaunt! Thou art worse than I deemed thee, wretch! Cruel and ignorant I + knew thee,—and now mean and perfidious! I work with thee! I commend + to the earl a living disgrace to the name of scholar! Never! If thou + wantest bread and alms, those I can give, as a Christian gives to want; + but trust and honour, and learned repute and noble toils, those are not + for the impostor and the traitor. There, there, there!” And he ran to the + closet, took out a handful of small coins, thrust them into the friar’s + hands, and, pushing him to the door, called to the servants to see his + visitor to the gates. The friar turned round with a scowl. He did not dare + to utter a threat, but he vowed a vow in his soul, and went his way. + </p> + <p> + It chanced, some days after this, that Adam, in one of his musing rambles + about the precincts of the Tower, which (since it was not then inhabited + as a palace) was all free to his rare and desultory wanderings, came by + some workmen employed in repairing a bombard; and as whatever was of + mechanical art always woke his interest, he paused, and pointed out to + them a very simple improvement which would necessarily tend to make the + balls go farther and more direct to their object. The principal workman, + struck with his remarks, ran to one of the officers of the Tower; the + officer came to listen to the learned man, and then went to the earl of + Warwick to declare that Master Warner had the most wonderful comprehension + of military mechanism. The earl sent for Warner, seized at once upon the + very simple truth he suggested as to the proper width of the bore, and + holding him in higher esteem than he had ever done before, placed some new + cannon he was constructing under his superintendence. As this care + occupied but little of his time, Warner was glad to show gratitude to the + earl, looking upon the destructive engines as mechanical contrivances, and + wholly unconscious of the new terror he gave to his name. + </p> + <p> + Soon did the indignant and conscience-stricken Duchess of Bedford hear, in + the Sanctuary, that the fell wizard she had saved from the clutches of + Bungey was preparing the most dreadful, infallible, and murtherous + instruments of war against the possible return of her son-in-law! + </p> + <p> + Leaving Adam to his dreams, and his toils, and his horrible reputation, we + return to the world upon the surface,—the Life of Action. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0082" id="link2HCH0082"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. THE PROSPERITY OF THE OUTER SHOW—THE CARES OF THE INNER + MAN. + </h2> + <p> + The position of the king-maker was, to a superficial observer, such as + might gratify to the utmost the ambition and the pride of man. He had + driven from the land one of the most gorgeous princes and one of the + boldest warriors that ever sat upon a throne. He had changed a dynasty + without a blow. In the alliances of his daughters, whatever chanced, it + seemed certain that by one or the other his posterity would be the kings + of England. + </p> + <p> + The easiness of his victory appeared to prove of itself that the hearts of + the people were with him; and the parliament that he hastened to summon + confirmed by law the revolution achieved by a bloodless sword. [Lingard, + Hume, etc.] + </p> + <p> + Nor was there aught abroad which menaced disturbance to the peace at home. + Letters from the Countess of Warwick and Lady Anne announced their + triumphant entry at Paris, where Margaret of Anjou was received with + honours never before rendered but to a queen of France. + </p> + <p> + A solemn embassy, meanwhile, was preparing to proceed from Paris to London + to congratulate Henry, and establish a permanent treaty of peace and + commerce, [Rymer, xi., 682-690] while Charles of Burgundy himself (the + only ally left to Edward) supplicated for the continuance of amicable + relations with England, stating that they were formed with the country, + not with any special person who might wear the crown; [Hume, Comines] and + forbade his subjects by proclamation to join any enterprise for the + recovery of his throne which Edward might attempt. + </p> + <p> + The conduct of Warwick, whom the parliament had declared, conjointly with + Clarence, protector of the realm during the minority of the Prince of + Wales, was worthy of the triumph he had obtained. He exhibited now a + greater genius for government than he had yet displayed; for all his + passions were nerved to the utmost, to consummate his victory and sharpen + his faculties. He united mildness towards the defeated faction with a + firmness which repelled all attempt at insurrection. [Habington.] + </p> + <p> + In contrast to the splendour that surrounded his daughter Anne, all + accounts spoke of the humiliation to which Charles subjected the exiled + king; and in the Sanctuary, amidst homicides and felons, the wife of the + earl’s defeated foe gave birth to a male child, baptized and christened + (says the chronicler) “as the son of a common man.” For the Avenger and + his children were regal authority and gorgeous pomp, for the fugitive and + his offspring were the bread of the exile, or the refuge of the outlaw. + </p> + <p> + But still the earl’s prosperity was hollow, the statue of brass stood on + limbs of clay. The position of a man with the name of subject, but the + authority of king, was an unpopular anomaly in England. In the principal + trading-towns had been long growing up that animosity towards the + aristocracy of which Henry VII. availed himself to raise a despotism (and + which, even in our day, causes the main disputes of faction); but the + recent revolution was one in which the towns had had no share. It was a + revolution made by the representative of the barons and his followers. It + was connected with no advancement of the middle class; it seemed to the + men of commerce but the violence of a turbulent and disappointed nobility. + The very name given to Warwick’s supporters was unpopular in the towns. + They were not called the Lancastrians, or the friends of King Henry,—they + were styled then, and still are so, by the old chronicler, “The Lord’s + Party.” Most of whatever was still feudal—the haughtiest of the + magnates, the rudest of the yeomanry, the most warlike of the knights—gave + to Warwick the sanction of their allegiance; and this sanction was + displeasing to the intelligence of the towns. + </p> + <p> + Classes in all times have a keen instinct of their own class-interests. + The revolution which the earl had effected was the triumph of aristocracy; + its natural results would tend to strengthen certainly the moral, and + probably the constitutional, power already possessed by that martial + order. The new parliament was their creature, Henry VI. was a cipher, his + son a boy with unknown character, and according to vulgar scandal, of + doubtful legitimacy, seemingly bound hand and foot in the trammels of the + archbaron’s mighty House; the earl himself had never scrupled to evince a + distaste to the change in society which was slowly converting an + agricultural into a trading population. + </p> + <p> + It may be observed, too, that a middle class as rarely unites itself with + the idols of the populace as with the chiefs of a seignorie. The brute + attachment of the peasants and the mobs to the gorgeous and lavish earl + seemed to the burgesses the sign of a barbaric clanship, opposed to that + advance in civilization towards which they half unconsciously struggled. + </p> + <p> + And here we must rapidly glance at what, as far as a statesman may + foresee, would have been the probable result of Warwick’s ascendancy, if + durable and effectual. If attached, by prejudice and birth, to the + aristocracy, he was yet by reputation and habit attached also to the + popular party,—that party more popular than the middle class,—the + majority, the masses. His whole life had been one struggle against + despotism in the crown. Though far from entertaining such schemes as in + similar circumstances might have occurred to the deep sagacity of an + Italian patrician for the interest of his order, no doubt his policy would + have tended to this one aim,—the limitation of the monarchy by the + strength of an aristocracy endeared to the agricultural population, owing + to that population its own powers of defence, with the wants and + grievances of that population thoroughly familiar, and willing to satisfy + the one and redress the other: in short, the great baron would have + secured and promoted liberty according to the notions of a seigneur and a + Norman, by making the king but the first nobleman of the realm. Had the + policy lasted long enough to succeed, the subsequent despotism, which + changed a limited into an absolute monarchy under the Tudors, would have + been prevented, with all the sanguinary reaction in which the Stuarts were + the sufferers. The earl’s family, and his own “large father-like heart,” + had ever been opposed to religious persecution; and timely toleration to + the Lollards might have prevented the long-delayed revenge of their + posterity, the Puritans. Gradually, perhaps, might the system he + represented (of the whole consequences of which he was unconscious) have + changed monarchic into aristocratic government, resting, however, upon + broad and popular institutions; but no doubt, also, the middle, or rather + the commercial class, with all the blessings that attend their power, + would have risen much more slowly than when made as they were already, + partially under Edward IV., and more systematically under Henry VIL, the + instrument for destroying feudal aristocracy, and thereby establishing for + a long and fearful interval the arbitrary rule of the single tyrant. + Warwick’s dislike to the commercial biases of Edward was, in fact, not a + patrician prejudice alone. It required no great sagacity to perceive that + Edward had designed to raise up a class that, though powerful when + employed against the barons, would long be impotent against the + encroachments of the crown; and the earl viewed that class not only as + foes to his own order, but as tools for the destruction of the ancient + liberties. + </p> + <p> + Without presuming to decide which policy, upon the whole, would have been + the happier for England,—the one that based a despotism on the + middle class, or the one that founded an aristocracy upon popular + affection,—it was clear to the more enlightened burgesses of the + great towns, that between Edward of York and the Earl of Warwick a vast + principle was at stake, and the commercial king seemed to them a more + natural ally than the feudal baron; and equally clear it is to us, now, + that the true spirit of the age fought for the false Edward, and against + the honest earl. + </p> + <p> + Warwick did not, however, apprehend any serious results from the passive + distaste of the trading towns. His martial spirit led him to despise the + least martial part of the population. He knew that the towns would not + rise in arms so long as their charters were respected; and that slow, + undermining hostility which exists only in opinion, his intellect, so + vigorous in immediate dangers, was not far-sighted enough to comprehend. + More direct cause for apprehension would there have been to a suspicious + mind in the demeanour of the earl’s colleague in the Protectorate,—the + Duke of Clarence. It was obviously Warwick’s policy to satisfy this weak + but ambitious person. The duke was, as before agreed, declared heir to the + vast possessions of the House of York. He was invested with the + Lieutenancy of Ireland, but delayed his departure to his government till + the arrival of the Prince of Wales. The personal honours accorded him in + the mean while were those due to a sovereign; but still the duke’s brow + was moody, though, if the earl noticed it, Clarence rallied into seeming + cheerfulness, and reiterated pledges of faith and friendship. + </p> + <p> + The manner of Isabel to her father was varying and uncertain: at one time + hard and cold; at another, as if in the reaction of secret remorse, she + would throw herself into his arms, and pray him, weepingly, to forgive her + wayward humours. But the curse of the earl’s position was that which he + had foreseen before quitting Amboise, and which, more or less, attends + upon those who from whatever cause suddenly desert the party with which + all their associations, whether of fame or friendship, have been + interwoven. His vengeance against one had comprehended many still dear to + him. He was not only separated from his old companions in arms, but he had + driven their most eminent into exile. He stood alone amongst men whom the + habits of an active life had indissolubly connected, in his mind, with + recollections of wrath and wrong. Amidst that princely company which + begirt him, he hailed no familiar face. Even many of those who most + detested Edward (or rather the Woodvilles) recoiled from so startling a + desertion to the Lancastrian foe. It was a heavy blow to a heart already + bruised and sore, when the fiery Raoul de Fulke, who had so idolized + Warwick, that, despite his own high lineage, he had worn his badge upon + his breast, sought him at the dead of night, and thus said,— + </p> + <p> + “Lord of Salisbury and Warwick, I once offered to serve thee as a vassal, + if thou wouldst wrestle with lewd Edward for the crown which only a manly + brow should wear; and hadst thou now returned, as Henry of Lancaster + returned of old, to gripe the sceptre of the Norman with a conqueror’s + hand, I had been the first to cry, ‘Long live King Richard, namesake and + emulator of Coeur de Lion!’ But to place upon the throne yon monk-puppet, + and to call on brave hearts to worship a patterer of aves and a counter of + beads; to fix the succession of England in the adulterous offspring of + Margaret, the butcher-harlot [One of the greatest obstacles to the cause + of the Red Rose was the popular belief that the young prince was not + Henry’s son. Had that belief not been widely spread and firmly maintained, + the lords who arbitrated between Henry VI. and Richard Duke of York, in + October, 1460, could scarcely have come to the resolution to set aside the + Prince of Wales altogether, to accord Henry the crown for his life, and + declare the Duke of York his heir. Ten years previously (in November, + 1450), before the young prince was born or thought of, and the proposition + was really just and reasonable, it was moved in the House of Commons to + declare Richard Duke of York next heir to Henry; which, at least, by + birthright, he certainly was; but the motion met with little favour and + the mover was sent to the Tower.]; to give the power of the realm to the + men against whom thou thyself hast often led me to strive with lance and + battle-axe, is to open a path which leads but to dishonour, and thither + Raoul de Fulke follows not even the steps of the Lord of Warwick. + Interrupt me not! speak not! As thou to Edward, so I now to thee, forswear + allegiance, and I bid thee farewell forever!” + </p> + <p> + “I pardon thee,” answered Warwick; “and if ever thou art wronged as I have + been, thy heart will avenge me. Go!” But when this haughty visitor was + gone, the earl covered his face with his hands, and groaned aloud. A + defection perhaps even more severely felt came next. Katherine de Bonville + had been the earl’s favourite sister; he wrote to her at the convent to + which she had retired, praying her affectionately to come to London, “and + cheer his vexed spirit, and learn the true cause, not to be told by + letter, which had moved him to things once farthest from his thought.” The + messenger came back, the letter unopened; for Katherine had left the + convent, and fled into Burgundy, distrustful, as it seemed to Warwick, of + her own brother. The nature of this lion-hearted man was, as we have seen, + singularly kindly, frank, and affectionate; and now in the most critical, + the most anxious, the most tortured period of his life, confidence and + affection were forbidden to him. What had he not given for one hour of the + soothing company of his wife, the only being in the world to whom his + pride could have communicated the grief of his heart, or the doubts of his + conscience! Alas! never on earth should he hear that soft voice again! + Anne, too, the gentle, childlike Anne, was afar; but she was happy,—a + basker in the brief sunshine, and blind to the darkening clouds. His elder + child, with her changeful moods, added but to his disquiet and + unhappiness. Next to Edward, Warwick of all the House of York had loved + Clarence, though a closer and more domestic intimacy had weakened the + affection by lessening the esteem. But looking further into the future, he + now saw in this alliance the seeds of many a rankling sorrow. The nearer + Anne and her spouse to power and fame, the more bitter the jealousy of + Clarence and his wife. Thus, in the very connections which seemed most to + strengthen his House, lay all which must destroy the hallowed unity and + peace of family and home. + </p> + <p> + The Archbishop of York had prudently taken no part whatever in the + measures that had changed the dynasty. He came now to reap the fruits; did + homage to Henry VI., received the Chancellor’s seals, and recommenced + intrigues for the Cardinal’s hat. But between the bold warrior and the + wily priest there could be but little of the endearment of brotherly + confidence and love. With Montagu alone could the earl confer in + cordiality and unreserve; and their similar position, and certain points + of agreement in their characters, now more clearly brought out and + manifest, served to make their friendship for each other firmer and more + tender, in the estrangement of all other ties, than ever it had been + before. But the marquis was soon compelled to depart from London, to his + post as warden of the northern marches; for Warwick had not the rash + presumption of Edward, and neglected no precaution against the return of + the dethroned king. + </p> + <p> + So there, alone, in pomp and in power, vengeance consummated, ambition + gratified, but love denied; with an aching heart and a fearless front; + amidst old foes made prosperous, and old friends alienated and ruined, + stood the king-maker! and, day by day, the untimely streaks of gray showed + more and more amidst the raven curls of the strong man. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0083" id="link2HCH0083"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. FURTHER VIEWS INTO THE HEART OF MAN, AND THE CONDITIONS OF + POWER. + </h2> + <p> + But woe to any man who is called to power with exaggerated expectations of + his ability to do good! Woe to the man whom the populace have esteemed a + popular champion, and who is suddenly made the guardian of law! The + Commons of England had not bewailed the exile of the good earl simply for + love of his groaning table and admiration of his huge battle-axe,—it + was not merely either in pity, or from fame, that his “name had sounded in + every song,” and that, to use the strong expression of the chronicler, the + people “judged that the sun was clearly taken from the world when he was + absent.” + </p> + <p> + They knew him as one who had ever sought to correct the abuses of power, + to repair the wrongs of the poor; who even in war had forbidden his + knights to slay the common men. He was regarded, therefore, as a reformer; + and wonderful indeed were the things, proportioned to his fame and his + popularity, which he was expected to accomplish; and his thorough + knowledge of the English character, and experience of every class,—especially + the lowest as the highest,—conjoined with the vigour of his robust + understanding, unquestionably enabled him from the very first to put a + stop to the lawless violences which had disgraced the rule of Edward. The + infamous spoliations of the royal purveyors ceased; the robber-like + excesses of the ruder barons and gentry were severely punished; the + country felt that a strong hand held the reins of power. But what is + justice when men ask miracles? The peasant and mechanic were astonished + that wages were not doubled, that bread was not to be had for asking, that + the disparities of life remained the same,—the rich still rich, the + poor still poor. In the first days of the revolution, Sir Geoffrey Gates, + the freebooter, little comprehending the earl’s merciful policy, and + anxious naturally to turn a victory into its accustomed fruit of rapine + and pillage, placed himself at the head of an armed mob, marched from Kent + to the suburbs of London, and, joined by some of the miscreants from the + different Sanctuaries, burned and pillaged, ravished and slew. The earl + quelled this insurrection with spirit and ease; [Hall, Habington] and + great was the praise he received thereby. But all-pervading is the + sympathy the poor feel for the poor. And when even the refuse of the + populace once felt the sword of Warwick, some portion of the popular + enthusiasm must have silently deserted him. + </p> + <p> + Robert Hilyard, who had borne so large a share in the restoration of the + Lancastrians, now fixed his home in the metropolis; and anxious as ever to + turn the current to the popular profit, he saw with rage and + disappointment that as yet no party but the nobles had really triumphed. + He had longed to achieve a revolution that might be called the People’s; + and he had abetted one that was called “the Lord’s doing.” The affection + he had felt for Warwick arose principally from his regarding him as an + instrument to prepare society for the more democratic changes he panted to + effect; and, lo! he himself had been the instrument to strengthen the + aristocracy. Society resettled after the storm, the noble retained his + armies, the demagogue had lost his mobs! Although through England were + scattered the principles which were ultimately to destroy feudalism, to + humble the fierce barons into silken lords, to reform the Church, to ripen + into a commonwealth through the representative system,—the + principles were but in the germ; and when Hilyard mingled with the traders + or the artisans of London, and sought to form a party which might + comprehend something of steady policy and definite object, he found + himself regarded as a visionary fanatic by some, as a dangerous dare-devil + by the rest. Strange to say, Warwick was the only man who listened to him + with attention; the man behind the age and the man before the age ever + have some inch of ground in common both desired to increase liberty; both + honestly and ardently loved the masses; but each in the spirit of his + order,—Warwick defended freedom as against the throne, Hilyard as + against the barons. Still, notwithstanding their differences, each was so + convinced of the integrity of the other,—that it wanted only a foe + in the field to unite them as before. The natural ally of the popular + baron was the leader of the populace. + </p> + <p> + Some minor, but still serious, griefs added to the embarrassment of the + earl’s position. Margaret’s jealousy had bound him to defer all rewards to + lords and others, and encumbered with a provisional council all great acts + of government, all grants of offices, lands, or benefits. [Sharon Turner] + And who knows not the expectations of men after a successful revolution? + The royal exchequer was so empty that even the ordinary household was + suspended; [See Ellis: Original Letters from Harleian Manuscripts, second + series, vol. i., letter 42.] and as ready money was then prodigiously + scarce, the mighty revenues of Warwick barely sufficed to pay the expenses + of the expedition which, at his own cost, had restored the Lancastrian + line. Hard position, both to generosity and to prudence, to put off and + apologize to just claims and valiant service! + </p> + <p> + With intense, wearying, tortured anxiety, did the earl await the coming of + Margaret and her son. The conditions imposed on him in their absence + crippled all his resources. Several even of the Lancastrian nobles held + aloof, while they saw no authority but Warwick’s. Above all, he relied + upon the effect that the young Prince of Wales’s presence, his beauty, his + graciousness, his frank spirit—mild as his fathers, bold as his + grandsire’s—would create upon all that inert and neutral mass of the + public, the affection of which, once gained, makes the solid strength of a + government. The very appearance of that prince would at once dispel the + slander on his birth. His resemblance to his heroic grandfather would + suffice to win him all the hearts by which, in absence, he was regarded as + a stranger, a dubious alien. How often did the earl groan forth, “If the + prince were but here, all were won!” Henry was worse than a cipher,—he + was an eternal embarrassment. His good intentions, his scrupulous piety, + made him ever ready to interfere. The Church had got hold of him already, + and prompted him to issue proclamations against the disguised Lollards, + which would have lost him at one stroke half his subjects. This Warwick + prevented, to the great discontent of the honest prince. The moment + required all the prestige that an imposing presence and a splendid court + could bestow. And Henry, glad of the poverty of his exchequer, deemed it a + sin to make a parade of earthly glory. “Heaven will punish me again,” said + he, meekly, “if, just delivered from a dungeon, I gild my unworthy self + with all the vanities of perishable power.” + </p> + <p> + There was not a department which the chill of this poor king’s virtue did + not somewhat benumb. The gay youths, who had revelled in the alluring + court of Edward IV., heard, with disdainful mockery, the grave lectures of + Henry on the length of their lovelocks and the beakers of their shoes. The + brave warriors presented to him for praise were entertained with homilies + on the guilt of war. Even poor Adam was molested and invaded by Henry’s + pious apprehensions that he was seeking, by vain knowledge, to be superior + to the will of Providence. + </p> + <p> + Yet, albeit perpetually irritating and chafing the impetuous spirit of the + earl, the earl, strange to say, loved the king more and more. This perfect + innocence, this absence from guile and self-seeking, in the midst of an + age never excelled for fraud, falsehood, and selfish simulation, moved + Warwick’s admiration as well as pity. Whatever contrasted Edward IV. had a + charm for him. He schooled his hot temper, and softened his deep voice, in + that holy presence; and the intimate persuasion of the hollowness of all + worldly greatness, which worldly greatness itself had forced upon the + earl’s mind, made something congenial between the meek saint and the fiery + warrior. For the hundredth time groaned Warwick, as he quitted Henry’s + presence,— + </p> + <p> + “Would that my gallant son-in-law were come! His spirit will soon learn + how to govern; then Warwick may be needed no more! I am weary, sore weary + of the task of ruling men!” + </p> + <p> + “Holy Saint Thomas!” bluntly exclaimed Marmaduke, to whom these sad words + were said,—“whenever you visit the king you come back—pardon + me, my lord—half unmanned. He would make a monk of you!” + </p> + <p> + “Ah,” said Warwick, thoughtfully, “there have been greater marvels than + that. Our boldest fathers often died the meekest shavelings. An’ I had + ruled this realm as long as Henry,—nay, an’ this same life I lead + now were to continue two years, with its broil and fever,—I could + well conceive the sweetness of the cloister and repose. How sets the wind? + Against them still! against them still! I cannot bear this suspense!” + </p> + <p> + The winds had ever seemed malignant to Margaret of Anjou, but never more + than now. So long a continuance of stormy and adverse weather was never + known in the memory of man; and we believe that it has scarcely its + parallel in history. + </p> + <p> + The earl’s promise to restore King Henry was fulfilled in October. From + November to the following April, Margaret, with the young and royal pair, + and the Countess of Warwick, lay at the seaside, waiting for a wind. + [Fabyan, 502.] Thrice, in defiance of all warnings from the mariners of + Harfleur, did she put to sea, and thrice was she driven back on the coast + of Normandy, her ships much damaged. Her friends protested that this + malice of the elements was caused by sorcery, [Hall, Warkworth Chronicle]—a + belief which gained ground in England, exhilarated the Duchess of Bedford, + and gave new fame to Bungey, who arrogated all the merit, and whose + weather wisdom, indeed, had here borne out his predictions. Many besought + Margaret not to tempt Providence, not to trust the sea; but the queen was + firm to her purpose, and her son laughed at omens,—yet still the + vessels could only leave the harbour to be driven back upon the land. + </p> + <p> + Day after day the first question of Warwick, when the sun rose, was, “How + sets the wind?” Night after night, ere he retired to rest, “Ill sets the + wind!” sighed the earl. The gales that forbade the coming of the royal + party sped to the unwilling lingerers courier after courier, envoy after + envoy; and at length Warwick, unable to bear the sickening suspense at + distance, went himself to Dover [Hall], and from its white cliffs looked, + hour by hour, for the sails which were to bear “Lancaster and its + fortunes.” The actual watch grew more intolerable than the distant + expectation, and the earl sorrowfully departed to his castle of Warwick, + at which Isabel and Clarence then were. Alas! where the old smile of home? + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0084" id="link2HCH0084"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. THE RETURN OF EDWARD OF YORK. + </h2> + <p> + And the winds still blew, and the storm was on the tide, and Margaret came + not when, in the gusty month of March, the fishermen of the Humber beheld + a single ship, without flag or pennon, and sorely stripped and rivelled by + adverse blasts, gallantly struggling towards the shore. The vessel was not + of English build, and resembled in its bulk and fashion those employed by + the Easterlings in their trade, half merchantman, half war-ship. + </p> + <p> + The villagers of Ravenspur,—the creek of which the vessel now + rapidly made to,—imagining that it was some trading craft in + distress, grouped round the banks, and some put out their boats: But the + vessel held on its way, and, as the water was swelled by the tide, and + unusually deep, silently cast anchor close ashore, a quarter of a mile + from the crowd. + </p> + <p> + The first who leaped on land was a knight of lofty stature, and in + complete armour richly inlaid with gold arabesques. To him succeeded + another, also in mail, and, though well guilt and fair proportioned, of + less imposing presence. And then, one by one, the womb of the dark ship + gave forth a number of armed soldiers, infinitely larger than it could + have been supposed to contain, till the knight who first landed stood the + centre of a group of five hundred men. Then were lowered from the vessel, + barbed and caparisoned, some five score horses; and, finally, the sailors + and rowers, armed but with steel caps and short swords, came on shore, + till not a man was left on board. + </p> + <p> + “Now praise,” said the chief knight, “to God and Saint George that we have + escaped the water! and not with invisible winds but with bodily foes must + our war be waged.” + </p> + <p> + “Beau sire,” cried one knight, who had debarked immediately after the + speaker, and who seemed, from his bearing and equipment, of higher rank + than those that followed, “beau sire, this is a slight army to reconquer a + king’s realm! Pray Heaven that our bold companions have also escaped the + deep!” + </p> + <p> + “Why, verily, we are not eno’ at the best, to spare one man,” said the + chief knight, gayly, “but, lo! we are not without welcomers.” And he + pointed to the crowd of villagers who now slowly neared the warlike group, + but halting at a little distance, continued to gaze at them in some + anxiety and alarm. + </p> + <p> + “Ho there! good fellows!” cried the leader, striding towards the throng, + “what name give you to this village?” + </p> + <p> + “Ravenspur, please your worship,” answered one of the peasants. + </p> + <p> + “Ravenspur, hear you that, lords and friends? Accept the omen! On this + spot landed from exile Henry of Bolingbroke, known afterwards in our + annals as King Henry IV.! Bare is the soil of corn and of trees,—it + disdains meaner fruit; it grows kings! Hark!” The sound of a bugle was + heard at a little distance, and in a few moments a troop of about a + hundred men were seen rising above an undulation in the ground, and as the + two bands recognized each other, a shout of joy was given and returned. + </p> + <p> + As this new reinforcement advanced, the peasantry and fishermen, attracted + by curiosity and encouraged by the peaceable demeanour of the debarkers, + drew nearer, and mingled with the first comers. + </p> + <p> + “What manner of men be ye, and what want ye?” asked one of the bystanders, + who seemed of better nurturing than the rest, and who, indeed, was a small + franklin. + </p> + <p> + No answer was returned by those he more immediately addressed; but the + chief knight heard the question, and suddenly unbuckling his helmet, and + giving it to one of those beside him, he turned to the crowd a countenance + of singular beauty at once animated and majestic, and said in a loud + voice, “We are Englishmen, like you, and we come here to claim our rights. + Ye seem tall fellows and honest.—Standard bearer, unfurl our flag!” + And as the ensign suddenly displayed the device of a sun in a field azure, + the chief continued, “March under this banner, and for every day ye serve, + ye shall have a month’s hire.” + </p> + <p> + “Marry!” quoth the franklin, with a suspicious, sinister look, “these be + big words. And who are you, Sir Knight, who would levy men in King Henry’s + kingdom?” + </p> + <p> + “Your knees, fellows!” cried the second knight. “Behold your true liege + and suzerain, Edward IV.! Long live King Edward!” + </p> + <p> + The soldiers caught up the cry, and it was re-echoed lustily by the + smaller detachment that now reached the spot; but no answer came from the + crowd. They looked at each other in dismay, and retreated rapidly from + their place amongst the troops. In fact, the whole of the neighbouring + district was devoted to Warwick, and many of the peasantry about had + joined the former rising under Sir John Coniers. The franklin alone + retreated not with the rest; he was a bluff, plain, bold fellow, with good + English blood in his veins. And when the shout ceased, he said shortly, + “We hereabouts know no king but King Henry. We fear you would impose upon + us. We cannot believe that a great lord like him you call Edward IV. would + land with a handful of men to encounter the armies of Lord Warwick. We + forewarn you to get into your ship and go back as fast as ye came, for the + stomach of England is sick of brawls and blows; and what ye devise is + treason!” + </p> + <p> + Forth from the new detachment stepped a youth of small stature, not in + armour, and with many a weather-stain on his gorgeous dress. He laid his + hand upon the franklin’s shoulder. “Honest and plain-dealing fellow,” said + he, “you are right: pardon the foolish outburst of these brave men, who + cannot forget as yet that their chief has worn the crown. We come back not + to disturb this realm, nor to effect aught against King Henry, whom the + saints have favoured. No, by Saint Paul, we come but back to claim our + lands unjustly forfeit. My noble brother here is not king of England, + since the people will it not, but he is Duke of York, and he will be + contented if assured of the style and lands our father left him. For me, + called Richard of Gloucester, I ask nothing but leave to spend my manhood + where I have spent my youth, under the eyes of my renowned godfather, + Richard Nevile, Earl of Warwick. So report of us. Whither leads yon road?” + </p> + <p> + “To York,” said the franklin, softened, despite his judgment, by the + irresistible suavity of the voice that addressed him. + </p> + <p> + “Thither will we go, my lord duke and brother, with your leave,” said + Prince Richard, “peaceably and as petitioners. God save ye, friends and + countrymen, pray for us, that King Henry and the parliament may do us + justice. We are not over rich now, but better times may come. Largess!” + and filling both hands with coins from his gipsire, he tossed the bounty + among the peasants. + </p> + <p> + “Mille tonnere! What means he with this humble talk of King Henry and the + parliament?” whispered Edward to the Lord Say, while the crowd scrambled + for the largess, and Richard smilingly mingled amongst them, and conferred + with the franklin. + </p> + <p> + “Let him alone, I pray you, my liege; I guess his wise design. And now for + our ships. What orders for the master?” + </p> + <p> + “For the other vessels, let them sail or anchor as they list. But for the + bark that has borne Edward king of England to the land of his ancestors + there is no return!” + </p> + <p> + The royal adventurer then beckoned the Flemish master of the ship, who, + with every sailor aboard, had debarked, and the loose dresses of the + mariners made a strong contrast to the mail of the warriors with whom they + mingled. + </p> + <p> + “Friend,” said Edward, in French, “thou hast said that thou wilt share my + fortunes, and that thy good fellows are no less free of courage and leal + in trust.” + </p> + <p> + “It is so, sire. Not a man who has gazed on thy face, and heard thy voice, + but longs to serve one on whose brow Nature has written king.” + </p> + <p> + “And trust me,” said Edward, “no prince of my blood shall be dearer to me + than you and yours, my friends in danger and in need. And sith it be so, + the ship that hath borne such hearts and such hopes should, in sooth, know + no meaner freight. Is all prepared?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sire, as you ordered. The train is laid for the brennen.” + </p> + <p> + “Up, then, with the fiery signal, and let it tell, from cliff to cliff, + from town to town, that Edward the Plantagenet, once returned to England, + leaves it but for the grave!” + </p> + <p> + The master bowed, and smiled grimly. The sailors, who had been prepared + for the burning, arranged before between the master and the prince, and + whose careless hearts Edward had thoroughly won to his person and his + cause, followed the former towards the ship, and stood silently grouped + around the shore. The soldiers, less informed, gazed idly on, and Richard + now regained Edward’s side. + </p> + <p> + “Reflect,” he said, as he drew him apart, “that, when on this spot landed + Henry of Bolingbroke, he gave not out that he was marching to the throne + of Richard II. He professed but to claim his duchy,—and men were + influenced by justice, till they became agents of ambition. This be your + policy; with two thousand men you are but Duke of York; with ten thousand + men you are King of England! In passing hither, I met with many, and + sounding the temper of the district, I find it not ripe to share your + hazard. The world soon ripens when it hath to hail success!” + </p> + <p> + “O young boy’s smooth face! O old man’s deep brain!” said Edward, + admiringly, “what a king hadst thou made!” A sudden flush passed over the + prince’s pale cheek, and, ere it died away, a flaming torch was hurled + aloft in the air; it fell whirling into the ship—a moment, and a + loud crash; a moment, and a mighty blaze! Up sprung from the deck, along + the sails, the sheeted fire,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “A giant beard of flame.” [Aeschylus: Agamemnon, 314] +</pre> + <p> + It reddened the coast, the skies, from far and near; it glowed on the + faces and the steel of the scanty army; it was seen, miles away, by the + warders of many a castle manned with the troops of Lancaster; it brought + the steed from the stall, the courier to the selle; it sped, as of old the + beacon fire that announced to Clytemnestra the return of the Argive king. + From post to post rode the fiery news, till it reached Lord Warwick in his + hall, King Henry in his palace, Elizabeth in her sanctuary. The iron step + of the dauntless Edward was once more pressed upon the soil of England. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0085" id="link2HCH0085"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. THE PROGRESS OF THE PLANTAGENET. + </h2> + <p> + A few words suffice to explain the formidable arrival we have just + announced. Though the Duke of Burgundy had by public proclamation + forbidden his subjects to aid the exiled Edward, yet, whether moved by the + entreaties of his wife, or wearied by the remonstrances of his + brother-in-law, he at length privately gave the dethroned monarch fifty + thousand florins to find troops for himself, and secretly hired Flemish + and Dutch vessels to convey him to England. [Comines, Hall, Lingard, S. + Turner] But so small was the force to which the bold Edward trusted his + fortunes, that it almost seemed as if Burgundy sent him forth to his + destruction. He sailed from the coast of Zealand; the winds, if less + unmanageable than those that blew off the seaport where Margaret and her + armament awaited a favouring breeze, were still adverse. Scared from the + coast of Norfolk by the vigilance of Warwick and Oxford, who had filled + that district with armed men, storm and tempest drove him at last to + Humber Head, where we have seen him land, and whence we pursue his steps. + </p> + <p> + The little band set out upon its march, and halted for the night at a + small village two miles inland. Some of the men were then sent out on + horseback for news of the other vessels, that bore the remnant of the + invading force. These had, fortunately, effected a landing in various + places; and, before daybreak, Anthony Woodville, and the rest of the + troops, had joined the leader of an enterprise that seemed but the + rashness of despair, for its utmost force, including the few sailors + allured to the adventurer’s standard, was about two thousand men. [Fifteen + hundred, according to the Croyland historian.] Close and anxious was the + consultation then held. Each of the several detachments reported alike of + the sullen indifference of the population, which each had sought to excite + in favour of Edward. Light riders [Hall] were despatched in various + directions, still further to sound the neighbourhood. All returned ere + noon, some bruised and maltreated by the stones and staves of the rustics, + and not a voice had been heard to echo the cry, “Long live King Edward!” + The profound sagacity of Gloucester’s guileful counsel was then + unanimously recognized. Richard despatched a secret letter to Clarence; + and it was resolved immediately to proceed to York, and to publish + everywhere along the road that the fugitive had returned but to claim his + private heritage, and remonstrate with the parliament which had awarded + the duchy of York to Clarence, his younger brother. + </p> + <p> + “Such a power,” saith the Chronicle, “hath justice ever among men, that + all, moved by mercy or compassion, began either to favour or not to resist + him.” And so, wearing the Lancastrian Prince of Wales’s cognizance of the + ostrich feather, crying out as they marched, “Long live King Henry!” the + hardy liars, four days after their debarkation, arrived at the gates of + York. + </p> + <p> + Here, not till after much delay and negotiation, Edward was admitted only + as Duke of York, and upon condition that he would swear to be a faithful + and loyal servant to King Henry; and at the gate by which he was to enter, + Edward actually took that oath, “a priest being by to say Mass in the Mass + tyme, receiving the body of our blessed Saviour!” [Hall.] + </p> + <p> + Edward tarried not long in York; he pushed forward. Two great nobles + guarded those districts,—Montagu and the Earl of Northumberland, to + whom Edward had restored his lands and titles, and who, on condition of + retaining them, had re-entered the service of Lancaster. This last, a true + server of the times, who had sided with all parties, now judged it + discreet to remain neutral. [This is the most favourable interpretation of + his conduct: according to some he was in correspondence with Edward, who + showed his letters.] But Edward must pass within a few miles of Pontefract + castle, where Montagu lay with a force that could destroy him at a blow. + Edward was prepared for the assault, but trusted to deceive the marquis, + as he had deceived the citizens of York,—the more for the strong + personal love Montagu had ever shown him. If not, he was prepared equally + to die in the field rather than eat again the bitter bread of the exile. + But to his inconceivable joy and astonishment, Montagu, like + Northumberland, lay idle and supine. Edward and his little troop threaded + safely the formidable pass. Alas! Montagu had that day received a formal + order from the Duke of Clarence, as co-protector of the realm, [Our + historians have puzzled their brains in ingenious conjectures of the cause + of Montagu’s fatal supineness at this juncture, and have passed over the + only probable solution of the mystery, which is to be found simply enough + stated thus in Stowe’s Chronicle: “The Marquess Montacute would have + fought with King Edward, but that he had received letters from the Duke of + Clarence that he should not fight till hee came.” This explanation is + borne out by the Warkworth Chronicler and others, who, in an evident + mistake of the person addressed, state that Clarence wrote word to Warwick + not to fight till he came. Clarence could not have written so to Warwick, + who, according to all authorities, was mustering his troops near London, + and not in the way to fight Edward; nor could Clarence have had authority + to issue such commands to his colleague, nor would his colleague have + attended to them, since we have the amplest testimony that Warwick was + urging all his captains to attack Edward at once. The duke’s order was, + therefore, clearly addressed to Montagu.] to suffer Edward to march on, + provided his force was small, and he had taken the oaths to Henry, and + assumed but the title of Duke of York,—“for your brother the earl + hath had compunctious visitings, and would fain forgive what hath passed, + for my father’s sake, and unite all factions by Edward’s voluntary + abdication of the throne; at all hazards, I am on my way northward, and + you will not fight till I come.” The marquis,—who knew the + conscientious doubts which Warwick had entertained in his darker hours, + who had no right to disobey the co-protector, who knew no reason to + suspect Lord Warwick’s son-in-law, and who, moreover, was by no means + anxious to be, himself, the executioner of Edward, whom he had once so + truly loved,—though a little marvelling at Warwick’s softness, yet + did not discredit the letter, and the less regarded the free passage he + left to the returned exiles, from contempt for the smallness of their + numbers, and his persuasion that if the earl saw fit to alter his + counsels, Edward was still more in his power the farther he advanced + amidst a hostile population, and towards the armies which the Lords Exeter + and Oxford were already mustering. + </p> + <p> + But that free passage was everything to Edward! It made men think that + Montagu, as well as Northumberland, favoured his enterprise; that the + hazard was less rash and hopeless than it had seemed; that Edward counted + upon finding his most powerful allies among those falsely supposed to be + his enemies. The popularity Edward had artfully acquired amongst the + captains of Warwick’s own troops, on the march to Middleham, now bestead + him. Many of them were knights and gentlemen residing in the very + districts through which he passed. They did not join him, but they did not + oppose. Then rapidly flocked to “the Sun of York,” first the adventurers + and condottieri who in civil war adopt any side for pay; next came the + disappointed, the ambitious, and the needy. The hesitating began to + resolve, the neutral to take a part. From the state of petitioners + supplicating a pardon, every league the Yorkists marched advanced them to + the dignity of assertors of a cause. Doncaster first, then Nottingham, + then Leicester,—true to the town spirit we have before described,—opened + their gates to the trader prince. + </p> + <p> + Oxford and Exeter reached Newark with their force. Edward marched on them + at once. Deceived as to his numbers, they took panic and fled. When once + the foe flies, friends ever start up from the very earth! Hereditary + partisans—gentlemen, knights, and nobles—now flocked fast + round the adventurer. Then came Lovell and Cromwell and D’Eyncourt, ever + true to York; and Stanley, never true to any cause. Then came the brave + knights Parr and Norris and De Burgh; and no less than three thousand + retainers belonging to Lord Hastings—the new man—obeyed the + summons of his couriers and joined their chief at Leicester. + </p> + <p> + Edward of March, who had landed at Ravenspur with a handful of brigands, + now saw a king’s army under his banner. [The perplexity and confusion + which involve the annals of this period may be guessed by this,—that + two historians, eminent for research (Lingard and Sharon Turner), differ + so widely as to the numbers who had now joined Edward, that Lingard + asserts that at Nottingham he was at the head of fifty or sixty thousand + men; and Turner gives him, at the most, between six and seven thousand. + The latter seems nearer to the truth. We must here regret that Turner’s + partiality to the House of York induces him to slur over Edward’s + detestable perjury at York, and to accumulate all rhetorical arts to + command admiration for his progress,—to the prejudice of the + salutary moral horror we ought to feel for the atrocious perfidy and + violation of oath to which he owed the first impunity that secured the + after triumph.] Then the audacious perjurer threw away the mask; then, + forth went—not the prayer of the attainted Duke of York—but + the proclamation of the indignant king. England now beheld two sovereigns, + equal in their armies. It was no longer a rebellion to be crushed; it was + a dynasty to be decided. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0086" id="link2HCH0086"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. LORD WARWICK, WITH THE FOE IN THE FIELD AND THE TRAITOR AT THE + HEARTH. + </h2> + <p> + Every precaution which human wisdom could foresee had Lord Warwick taken + to guard against invasion, or to crush it at the onset. [Hall.] All the + coasts on which it was most probable Edward would land had been strongly + guarded. And if the Humber had been left without regular troops, it was + because prudence might calculate that the very spot where Edward did land + was the very last he would have selected,—unless guided by fate to + his destruction,—in the midst of an unfriendly population, and in + face of the armies of Northumberland and of Montagu. The moment the earl + heard of Edward’s reception at York,—far from the weakness which the + false Clarence (already in correspondence with Gloucester) imputed to him,—he + despatched to Montagu, by Marmaduke Nevile, peremptory orders to intercept + Edward’s path, and give him battle before he could advance farther towards + the centre of the island. We shall explain presently why this messenger + did not reach the marquis. But Clarence was some hours before him in his + intelligence and his measures. + </p> + <p> + When the earl next heard that Edward had passed Pontefract with impunity, + and had reached Doncaster, he flew first to London, to arrange for its + defence; consigned the care of Henry to the Archbishop of York, mustered a + force already quartered in the neighbourhood of the metropolis, and then + marched rapidly back towards Coventry, where he had left Clarence with + seven thousand men; while he despatched new messengers to Montagu and + Northumberland, severely rebuking the former for his supineness, and + ordering him to march in all haste to attack Edward in the rear. The + earl’s activity, promptitude, all-provident generalship, form a mournful + contrast to the errors, the pusillanimity, and the treachery of others, + which hitherto, as we have seen, made all his wisest schemes abortive. + Despite Clarence’s sullenness, Warwick had discovered no reason, as yet, + to doubt his good faith. The oath he had taken—not only to Henry in + London, but to Warwick at Amboise—had been the strongest which can + bind man to man. If the duke had not gained all he had hoped, he had still + much to lose and much to dread by desertion to Edward. He had been the + loudest in bold assertions when he heard of the invasion; and above all, + Isabel, whose influence over Clarence at that time the earl overrated, + had, at the tidings of so imminent a danger to her father, forgot all her + displeasure and recovered all her tenderness. + </p> + <p> + During Warwick’s brief absence, Isabel had indeed exerted her utmost power + to repair her former wrongs, and induce Clarence to be faithful to his + oath. Although her inconsistency and irresolution had much weakened her + influence with the duke, for natures like his are governed but by the + ascendancy of a steady and tranquil will, yet still she so far prevailed, + that the duke had despatched to Richard a secret courier, informing him + that he had finally resolved not to desert his father-in-law. + </p> + <p> + This letter reached Gloucester as the invaders were on their march to + Coventry, before the strong walls of which the Duke of Clarence lay + encamped. Richard, after some intent and silent reflection, beckoned to + him his familiar Catesby. + </p> + <p> + “Marmaduke Nevile, whom our scouts seized on his way to Pontefract, is + safe, and in the rear?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my lord; prisoners but encumber us; shall I give orders to the + provost to end his captivity?” + </p> + <p> + “Ever ready, Catesby!” said the duke, with a fell smile. “No; hark ye, + Clarence vacillates. If he hold firm to Warwick, and the two forces fight + honestly against us, we are lost; on the other hand, if Clarence join us, + his defection will bring not only the men he commands, all of whom are the + retainers of the York lands and duchy, and therefore free from peculiar + bias to the earl, and easily lured back to their proper chief; but it will + set an example that will create such distrust and panic amongst the enemy, + and give such hope of fresh desertions to our own men, as will open to us + the keys of the metropolis. But Clarence, I say, vacillates; look you, + here is his letter from Amboise to King Edward; see, his duchess, + Warwick’s very daughter, approves the promise it contains! If this letter + reach Warwick, and Clarence knows it is in his hand, George will have no + option but to join us. He will never dare to face the earl, his pledge to + Edward once revealed—” + </p> + <p> + “Most true; a very legal subtlety, my lord,” said the lawyer Catesby, + admiringly. + </p> + <p> + “You can serve us in this. Fall back; join Sir Marmaduke; affect to + sympathize with him; affect to side with the earl; affect to make terms + for Warwick’s amity and favour; affect to betray us; affect to have stolen + this letter. Give it to young Nevile, artfully effect his escape, as if + against our knowledge, and commend him to lose not an hour—a moment—in + gaining the earl, and giving him so important a forewarning of the + meditated treason of his son-in-law.” + </p> + <p> + “I will do all,—I comprehend; but how will the duke learn in time + that the letter is on its way to Warwick?” + </p> + <p> + “I will seek the duke in his own tent.” + </p> + <p> + “And how shall I effect Sir Marmaduke’s escape?” + </p> + <p> + “Send hither the officer who guards the prisoner; I will give him orders + to obey thee in all things.” + </p> + <p> + The invaders marched on. The earl, meanwhile, had reached Warwick, + hastened thence to throw himself into the stronger fortifications of the + neighbouring Coventry, without the walls of which Clarence was still + encamped; Edward advanced on the town of Warwick thus vacated; and + Richard, at night, rode along to the camp of Clarence. [Hall, and others.] + </p> + <p> + The next day, the earl was employed in giving orders to his lieutenants to + march forth, join the troops of his son-in-law, who were a mile from the + walls, and advance upon Edward, who had that morning quitted Warwick town, + when suddenly Sir Marmaduke Nevile rushed into his presence, and, + faltering out, “Beware, beware!” placed in his hands the fatal letter + which Clarence had despatched from Amboise. + </p> + <p> + Never did blow more ruthless fall upon man’s heart! Clarence’s perfidy—that + might be disdained; but the closing lines, which revealed a daughter’s + treachery—words cannot express the father’s anguish. + </p> + <p> + The letter dropped from his hand, a stupor seized his senses, and, ere yet + recovered, pale men hurried into his presence to relate how, amidst joyous + trumpets and streaming banners, Richard of Gloucester had led the Duke of + Clarence to the brotherly embrace of Edward. [Hall. The chronicler adds: + “It was no marvell that the Duke of Clarence with so small persuasion and + less exhorting turned from the Earl of Warwick’s party, for, as you have + heard before, this marchandise was laboured, conducted, and concluded by a + damsell, when the duke was in the French court, to the earl’s utter + confusion.” Hume makes a notable mistake in deferring the date of + Clarence’s desertion to the battle of Barnet.] + </p> + <p> + Breaking from these messengers of evil news, that could not now surprise, + the earl strode on, alone, to his daughter’s chamber. + </p> + <p> + He placed the letter in her hands, and folding his arms said, “What sayest + thou of this, Isabel of Clarence?” The terror, the shame, the remorse, + that seized upon the wretched lady, the death-like lips, the suppressed + shriek, the momentary torpor, succeeded by the impulse which made her fall + at her father’s feet and clasp his knees,—told the earl, if he had + before doubted, that the letter lied not; that Isabel had known and + sanctioned its contents. + </p> + <p> + He gazed on her (as she grovelled at his feet) with a look that her eyes + did well to shun. + </p> + <p> + “Curse me not! curse me not!” cried Isabel, awed by his very silence. “It + was but a brief frenzy. Evil counsel, evil passion! I was maddened that my + boy had lost a crown. I repented, I repented! Clarence shall yet be true. + He hath promised it, vowed it to me; hath written to Gloucester to retract + all,—to—” + </p> + <p> + “Woman! Clarence is in Edward’s camp!” + </p> + <p> + Isabel started to her feet, and uttered a shriek so wild and despairing, + that at least it gave to her father’s lacerated heart the miserable solace + of believing the last treason had not been shared. A softer expression—one + of pity, if not of pardon—stole over his dark face. + </p> + <p> + “I curse thee not,” he said; “I rebuke thee not. Thy sin hath its own + penance. Ill omen broods on the hearth of the household traitor! Never + more shalt thou see holy love in a husband’s smile. His kiss shall have + the taint of Judas. From his arms thou shalt start with horror, as from + those of thy wronged father’s betrayer,—perchance his deathsman! Ill + omen broods on the cradle of the child for whom a mother’s ambition was + but a daughter’s perfidy. Woe to thee, wife and mother! Even my + forgiveness cannot avert thy doom!” + </p> + <p> + “Kill me! kill me!” exclaimed Isabel, springing towards him; but seeing + his face averted, his arms folded on his breast,—that noble breast, + never again her shelter,—she fell lifeless on the floor. [As our + narrative does not embrace the future fate of the Duchess of Clarence, the + reader will pardon us if we remind him that her first-born (who bore his + illustrious grandfather’s title of Earl of Warwick) was cast into prison + on the accession of Henry VII., and afterwards beheaded by that king. By + birth, he was the rightful heir to the throne. The ill-fated Isabel died + young (five years after the date at which our tale has arrived). One of + her female attendants was tried and executed on the charge of having + poisoned her. Clarence lost no time in seeking to supply her place. He + solicited the hand of Mary of Burgundy, sole daughter and heir of Charles + the Bold. Edward’s jealousy and fear forbade him to listen to an alliance + that might, as Lingard observes, enable Clarence “to employ the power of + Burgundy to win the crown of England;” and hence arose those dissensions + which ended in the secret murder of the perjured duke.] + </p> + <p> + The earl looked round, to see that none were by to witness his weakness, + took her gently in his arms, laid her on her couch, and, bending over her + a moment, prayed to God to pardon her. + </p> + <p> + He then hastily left the room, ordered her handmaids and her litter, and + while she was yet unconscious, the gates of the town opened, and forth + through the arch went the closed and curtained vehicle which bore the + ill-fated duchess to the new home her husband had made with her father’s + foe! The earl watched it from the casement of his tower, and said to + himself,— + </p> + <p> + “I had been unmanned, had I known her within the same walls. Now forever I + dismiss her memory and her crime. Treachery hath done its worst, and my + soul is proof against all storms!” + </p> + <p> + At night came messengers from Clarence and Edward, who had returned to + Warwick town, with offers of pardon to the earl, with promises of favour, + power, and grace. To Edward the earl deigned no answer; to the messenger + of Clarence he gave this: “Tell thy master I had liefer be always like + myself than like a false and a perjured duke, and that I am determined + never to leave the war till I have lost mine own life, or utterly + extinguished and put down my foes.” [Hall.] + </p> + <p> + After this terrible defection, neither his remaining forces, nor the panic + amongst them which the duke’s desertion had occasioned, nor the mighty + interests involved in the success of his arms, nor the irretrievable + advantage which even an engagement of equivocal result with the earl in + person would give to Edward, justified Warwick in gratifying the + anticipations of the enemy,—that his valour and wrath would urge him + into immediate and imprudent battle. + </p> + <p> + Edward, after the vain bravado of marching up to the walls of Coventry, + moved on towards London. Thither the earl sent Marmaduke, enjoining the + Archbishop of York and the lord mayor but to hold out the city for three + days, and he would come to their aid with such a force as would insure + lasting triumph. For, indeed, already were hurrying to his banner Montagu, + burning to retrieve his error, Oxford and Exeter, recovered from, and + chafing at, their past alarm. Thither his nephew, Fitzhugh, led the earl’s + own clansmen of Middleham; thither were spurring Somerset from the west, + [Most historians state that Somerset was then in London; but Sharon Turner + quotes “Harleian Manuscripts,” 38, to show that he had left the metropolis + “to raise an army from the western counties,” and ranks him amongst the + generals at the battle of Barnet.] and Sir Thomas Dymoke from + Lincolnshire, and the Knight of Lytton, with his hardy retainers, from the + Peak. Bold Hilyard waited not far from London, with a host of mingled + yeomen and bravos, reduced, as before, to discipline under his own sturdy + energies and the military craft of Sir John Coniers. If London would but + hold out till these forces could unite, Edward’s destruction was still + inevitable. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0100" id="link2H_4_0100"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BOOK XII. THE BATTLE OF BARNET. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0087" id="link2HCH0087"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. A KING IN HIS CITY HOPES TO RECOVER HIS REALM—A WOMAN IN + HER CHAMBER FEARS TO FORFEIT HER OWN. + </h2> + <p> + Edward and his army reached St. Alban’s. Great commotion, great joy, were + in the Sanctuary of Westminster! The Jerusalem Chamber, therein, was made + the high council-hall of the friends of York. Great commotion, great + terror, were in the city of London. Timid Master Stokton had been elected + mayor; horribly frightened either to side with an Edward or a Henry, timid + Master Stokton feigned or fell ill. Sir Thomas Cook, a wealthy and + influential citizen, and a member of the House of Commons, had been + appointed deputy in his stead. Sir Thomas Cook took fright also, and ran + away. [Fabyan.] The power of the city thus fell into the hands of + Ureswick, the Recorder, a zealous Yorkist. Great commotion, great scorn, + were in the breasts of the populace, as the Archbishop of York, hoping + thereby to rekindle their loyalty, placed King Henry on horseback, and + paraded him through the streets from Chepeside to Walbrook, from Walbrook + to St. Paul’s; for the news of Edward’s arrival, and the sudden agitation + and excitement it produced on his enfeebled frame, had brought upon the + poor king one of the epileptic attacks to which he had been subject from + childhood, and which made the cause of his frequent imbecility; and, just + recovered from such a fit,—his eyes vacant, his face haggard, his + head drooping,—the spectacle of such an antagonist to the vigorous + Edward moved only pity in the few and ridicule in the many. Two thousand + Yorkist gentlemen were in the various Sanctuaries; aided and headed by the + Earl of Essex, they came forth armed and clamorous, scouring the streets, + and shouting, “King Edward!” with impunity. Edward’s popularity in London + was heightened amongst the merchants by prudent reminiscences of the vast + debts he had incurred, which his victory only could ever enable him to + repay to his good citizens. [Comines.] The women, always, in such a + movement, active partisans, and useful, deserted their hearths to canvass + all strong arms and stout hearts for the handsome woman-lover. [Comines.] + The Yorkist Archbishop of Canterbury did his best with the ecclesiastics, + the Yorkist Recorder his best with the flat-caps. Alwyn, true to his + anti-feudal principles, animated all the young freemen to support the + merchant-king, the favourer of commerce, the man of his age! The city + authorities began to yield to their own and the general metropolitan + predilections. But still the Archbishop of York had six thousand soldiers + at his disposal, and London could be yet saved to Warwick, if the prelate + acted with energy and zeal and good faith. That such was his first + intention is clear, from his appeal to the public loyalty in King Henry’s + procession; but when he perceived how little effect that pageant had + produced; when, on re-entering the Bishop of London’s palace, he saw + before him the guileless, helpless puppet of contending factions, gasping + for breath, scarcely able to articulate, the heartless prelate turned + away, with a muttered ejaculation of contempt. + </p> + <p> + “Clarence had not deserted,” said he to himself, “unless he saw greater + profit with King Edward!” And then he began to commune with himself, and + to commune with his brother-prelate of Canterbury; and in the midst of all + this commune arrived Catesby, charged with messages to the archbishop from + Edward,—messages full of promise and affection on the one hand, of + menace and revenge upon the other. Brief: Warwick’s cup of bitterness had + not yet been filled; that night the archbishop and the mayor of London + met, and the Tower was surrendered to Edward’s friends. The next day + Edward and his army entered, amidst the shouts of the populace; rode to + St. Paul’s, where the archbishop [Sharon Turner. It is a comfort to think + that this archbishop was, two years afterwards, first robbed, and then + imprisoned, by Edward IV.; nor did he recover his liberty till a few weeks + before his death, in 1476 (five years subsequently to the battle of + Barnet).] met him, leading Henry by the hand, again a captive; thence + Edward proceeded to Westminster Abbey, and, fresh from his atrocious + perjury at York, offered thanksgiving for its success. The Sanctuary + yielded up its royal fugitives, and, in joy and in pomp, Edward led his + wife and her new-born babe, with Jacquetta and his elder children, to + Baynard’s Castle. + </p> + <p> + The next morning (the third day), true to his promise, Warwick marched + towards London with the mighty armament he had now collected. Treason had + done its worst,—the metropolis was surrendered, and King Henry in + the Tower. + </p> + <p> + “These things considered,” says the Chronicler, “the earl saw that all + calculations of necessity were brought to this end,—that they must + now be committed to the hazard and chance of one battle.” [Hall.] He + halted, therefore, at St. Alban’s, to rest his troops; and marching thence + towards Barnet, pitched his tents on the upland ground, then called the + Heath or Chase of Gladsmoor, and waited the coming foe. + </p> + <p> + Nor did Edward linger long from that stern meeting. Entering London on the + 11th of April, he prepared to quit it on the 13th. Besides the force he + had brought with him, he had now recruits in his partisans from the + Sanctuaries and other hiding-places in the metropolis, while London + furnished him, from her high-spirited youths, a gallant troop of bow and + bill men, whom Alwyn had enlisted, and to whom Edward willingly appointed, + as captain, Alwyn himself,—who had atoned for his submission to + Henry’s restoration by such signal activity on behalf of the young king, + whom he associated with the interests of his class, and the weal of the + great commercial city, which some years afterwards rewarded his affection + by electing him to her chief magistracy. [Nicholas Alwyn, the + representative of that generation which aided the commercial and + anti-feudal policy of Edward IV. and Richard III., and welcomed its + consummation under their Tudor successor, rose to be Lord Mayor of London + in the fifteenth year of the reign of Henry VII.—FABYAN.] + </p> + <p> + It was on that very day, the 13th of April, some hours before the + departure of the York army, that Lord Hastings entered the Tower, to give + orders relative to the removal of the unhappy Henry, whom Edward had + resolved to take with him on his march. + </p> + <p> + And as he had so ordered and was about to return, Alwyn, emerging from one + of the interior courts, approached him in much agitation, and said thus: + “Pardon me, my lord, if in so grave an hour I recall your attention to one + you may haply have forgotten.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, the poor maiden; but you told me, in the hurried words that we have + already interchanged, that she was safe and well.” + </p> + <p> + “Safe, my lord,—not well. Oh, hear me. I depart to battle for your + cause and your king’s. A gentleman in your train has advised me that you + are married to a noble dame in the foreign land. If so, this girl whom I + have loved so long and truly may yet forget you, may yet be mine. Oh, give + me that hope to make me a braver soldier.” + </p> + <p> + “But,” said Hastings, embarrassed, and with a changing countenance, “but + time presses, and I know not where the demoiselle—” + </p> + <p> + “She is here,” interrupted Alwyn; “here, within these walls, in yonder + courtyard. I have just left her. You, whom she loves, forgot her! I, whom + she disdains, remembered. I went to see to her safety, to counsel her to + rest here for the present, whatever betides; and at every word I said, she + broke in upon me with but one name,—that name was thine! And when + stung, and in the impulse of the moment, I exclaimed, ‘He deserves not + this devotion. They tell me, Sibyll, that Lord Hastings has found a wife + in exile.’ Oh, that look! that cry! they haunt me still. ‘Prove it, prove + it, Alwyn,’ she cried. ‘And—’ I interrupted, ‘and thou couldst yet, + for thy father’s sake, be true wife to me?’” + </p> + <p> + “Her answer, Alwyn?” + </p> + <p> + “It was this, ‘For my father’s sake only, then, could I live on; and—’ + her sobs stopped her speech, till she cried again, ‘I believe it not! thou + hast deceived me. Only from his lips will I hear the sentence.’ Go to her, + manfully and frankly, as becomes you, high lord,—go! It Is but a + single sentence thou hast to say, and thy heart will be the lighter, and + thine arm the stronger for those honest words.” + </p> + <p> + Hastings pulled his cap over his brow, and stood a moment as if in + reflection; he then said, “Show me the way; thou art right. It is due to + her and to thee; and as by this hour to-morrow my soul may stand before + the Judgment-seat, that poor child’s pardon may take one sin from the + large account.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0088" id="link2HCH0088"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. SHARP IS THE KISS OF THE FALCON’S BEAR. + </h2> + <p> + Hastings stood in the presence of the girl to whom he had pledged his + truth. They were alone; but in the next chamber might be heard the + peculiar sound made by the mechanism of the Eureka. Happy and lifeless + mechanism, which moves, and toils, and strives on, to change the destiny + of millions, but hath neither ear nor eye, nor sense nor heart,—the + avenues of pain to man! She had—yes, literally—she had + recognized her lover’s step upon the stair, she had awakened at once from + that dull and icy lethargy with which the words of Alwyn had chained life + and soul. She sprang forward as Hastings entered; she threw herself in + delirious joy upon his bosom. “Thou art come, thou art! It is not true, + not true. Heaven bless thee! thou art come!” But sudden as the movement + was the recoil. Drawing herself back, she gazed steadily on his face, and + said, “Lord Hastings, they tell me thy hand is another’s. Is it true?” + </p> + <p> + “Hear me!” answered the nobleman. “When first I—” + </p> + <p> + “O God! O God! he answers not, he falters! Speak! Is it true?” + </p> + <p> + “It is true. I am wedded to another.” + </p> + <p> + Sibyll did not fall to the ground, nor faint, nor give vent to noisy + passion. But the rich colour, which before had been varying and fitful, + deserted her cheek, and left it of an ashen whiteness; the lips, too, grew + tightly compressed, and her small fingers, interlaced, were clasped with + strained and convulsive energy, so that the quivering of the very arms was + perceptible. In all else she seemed composed, as she said, “I thank you, + my lord, for the simple truth; no more is needed. Heaven bless you and + yours! Farewell!” + </p> + <p> + “Stay! you shall—you must hear me on. Thou knowest how dearly in + youth I loved Katherine Nevile. In manhood the memory of that love haunted + me, but beneath thy sweet smile I deemed it at last effaced; I left thee + to seek the king, and demand his assent to our union. I speak not of + obstacles that then arose; in the midst of them I learned Katherine was + lone and widowed,—was free. At her own summons I sought her + presence, and learned that she had loved me ever,—loved me still. + The intoxication of my early dream returned; reverse and exile followed + close; Katherine left her state, her fortunes, her native land, and + followed the banished man; and so memory and gratitude and destiny + concurred, and the mistress of my youth became my wife. None other could + have replaced thy image; none other have made me forget the faith I + pledged thee. The thought of thee has still pursued me,—will pursue + me to the last. I dare not say now that I love thee still, but yet—” + He paused, but rapidly resumed, “Enough, enough! dear art thou to me, and + honoured,—dearer, more honoured than a sister. Thank Heaven, at + least, and thine own virtue, my falsehood leaves thee pure and stainless. + Thy hand may yet bless a worthier man. If our cause triumphs, thy + fortunes, thy father’s fate, shall be my fondest care. Never, never will + my sleep be sweet, and my conscience laid to rest, till I hear thee say, + as honoured wife—perchance, as blessed and blessing mother—‘False + one, I am happy!’” + </p> + <p> + A cold smile, at these last words, flitted over the girl’s face,—the + smile of a broken heart; but it vanished, and with that strange mixture of + sweetness and pride,—mild and forgiving, yet still spirited and + firm,—which belonged to her character, she nerved herself to the + last and saddest effort to preserve dignity and conceal despair. “Farther + words, my lord, are idle; I am rightly punished for a proud folly. Let not + woman love above her state. Think no more of my destiny.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” interrupted the remorseful lord, “thy destiny must haunt me till + thou hast chosen one with a better right to protect thee.” + </p> + <p> + At the repetition of that implied desire to transfer her also to another, + a noble indignation came to mar the calm for which she had hitherto not + vainly struggled. “Oh, man!” she exclaimed, with passion, “does thy deceit + give me the right to deceive another? I—I wed!—I—I—vow + at the altar—a love dead, dead forever—dead as my own heart! + Why dost thou mock me with the hollow phrase, ‘Thou art pure and + stainless?’ Is the virginity of the soul still left? Do the tears I have + shed for thee; doth the thrill of my heart when I heard thy voice; doth + the plighted kiss that burns, burns now into my brow, and on my lips,—do + these, these leave me free to carry to a new affection the cinders and + ashes of a soul thou hast ravaged and deflowered? Oh, coarse and rude + belief of men, that naught is lost if the mere form be pure! The freshness + of the first feelings, the bloom of the sinless thought, the sigh, the + blush of the devotion—never, never felt but once! these, these make + the true dower a maiden should bring to the hearth to which she comes as + wife. Oh, taunt! Oh, insult! to speak to me of happiness, of the altar! + Thou never knewest, lord, how I really loved thee!” And for the first + time, a violent gush of tears came to relieve her heart. + </p> + <p> + Hastings was almost equally overcome. Well experienced as he was in those + partings when maids reproach and gallants pray for pardon, but still sigh, + “Farewell,”—he had now no words to answer that burst of + uncontrollable agony; and he felt at once humbled and relieved, when + Sibyll again, with one of those struggles which exhaust years of life, and + almost leave us callous to all after-trial, pressed back the scalding + tears, and said, with unnatural sweetness: “Pardon me, my lord, I meant + not to reproach; the words escaped me,—think of them no more. I + would fain, at least, part from you now as I had once hoped to part from + you at the last hour of life,—without one memory of bitterness and + anger, so that my conscience, whatever its other griefs, might say, ‘My + lips never belied my heart, my words never pained him!’ And now then, Lord + Hastings, in all charity, we part. Farewell forever, and forever! Thou + hast wedded one who loves thee, doubtless, as tenderly as I had done. Ah, + cherish that affection! There are times even in thy career when a little + love is sweeter than much fame. If thou thinkest I have aught to pardon + thee, now with my whole heart I pray, as while life is mine that prayer + shall be murmured, ‘Heaven forgive this man, as I do! Heaven make his home + the home of peace, and breathe into those now near and dear to him, the + love and the faith that I once—‘” She stopped, for the words choked + her, and, hiding her face, held out her hand, in sign of charity and of + farewell. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, if I dared pray like thee,” murmured Hastings, pressing his lips upon + that burning hand, “how should I weary Heaven to repair, by countless + blessings, the wrong which I have done thee! And Heaven will—oh, it + surely will!” He pressed the hand to his heart, dropped it, and was gone. + </p> + <p> + In the courtyard he was accosted by Alwyn— + </p> + <p> + “Thou hast been frank, my lord?” + </p> + <p> + “I have.” + </p> + <p> + “And she bears it, and—” + </p> + <p> + “See how she forgives, and how I suffer!” said Hastings, turning his face + towards his rival; and Alwyn saw that the tears were rolling down his + cheeks—“Question me no more.” There was a long silence. They quitted + the precincts of the Tower, and were at the river-side. Hastings, waving + his hand to Alwyn, was about to enter the boat which was to bear him to + the war council assembled at Baynard’s Castle, when the trader stopped + him, and said anxiously,— + </p> + <p> + “Think you not, for the present, the Tower is the safest asylum for Sibyll + and her father? If we fail and Warwick returns, they are protected by the + earl; if we triumph, thou wilt insure their safety from all foes?” + </p> + <p> + “Surely; in either case, their present home is the most secure.” + </p> + <p> + The two men then parted. And not long afterwards, Hastings, who led the + on-guard, was on his way towards Barnet; with him also went the foot + volunteers under Alwyn. The army of York was on its march. Gloucester, to + whose vigilance and energy were left the final preparations, was + necessarily the last of the generals to quit the city. And suddenly, while + his steed was at the gate of Baynard’s Castle, he entered, armed + cap-a-pie, into the chamber where the Duchess of Bedford sat with her + grandchildren. + </p> + <p> + “Madame,” said he, “I have a grace to demand from you, which will, + methinks, not be displeasing. My lieutenants report to me that an alarm + has spread amongst my men,—a religious horror of some fearful + bombards and guns which have been devised by a sorcerer in Lord Warwick’s + pay. Your famous Friar Bungey has been piously amongst them, promising, + however, that the mists which now creep over the earth shall last through + the night and the early morrow; and if he deceive us not, we may post our + men so as to elude the hostile artillery. But, sith the friar is so noted + and influential, and sith there is a strong fancy that the winds which + have driven back Margaret obeyed his charm, the soldiers clamour out for + him to attend us, and, on the very field itself, counteract the spells of + the Lancastrian nigromancer. The good friar, more accustomed to fight with + fiends than men, is daunted, and resists. As much may depend on his + showing us good will, and making our fellows suppose we have the best of + the witchcraft, I pray you to command his attendance, and cheer up his + courage. He waits without.” + </p> + <p> + “A most notable, a most wise advice, beloved Richard!” cried the duchess. + “Friar Bungey is, indeed, a potent man. I will win him at once to your + will;” and the duchess hurried from the room. + </p> + <p> + The friar’s bodily fears, quieted at last by assurances that he should be + posted in a place of perfect safety during the battle, and his avarice + excited by promises of the amplest rewards, he consented to accompany the + troops, upon one stipulation,—namely, that the atrocious wizard, who + had so often baffled his best spells,—the very wizard who had + superintended the accursed bombards, and predicted Edward’s previous + defeat and flight (together with the diabolical invention, in which all + the malice and strength of his sorcery were centred),—might, + according to Jacquetta’s former promise, be delivered forthwith to his + mercy, and accompany him to the very spot where he was to dispel and + counteract the Lancastrian nigromancer’s enchantments. The duchess, too + glad to purchase the friar’s acquiescence on such cheap terms, and to + whose superstitious horror for Adam’s lore in the black art was now added + a purely political motive for desiring him to be made away with,—inasmuch + as in the Sanctuary she had at last extorted from Elizabeth the dark + secret which might make him a very dangerous witness against the interests + and honour of Edward,—readily and joyfully consented to this + proposition. + </p> + <p> + A strong guard was at once despatched to the Tower with the friar himself, + followed by a covered wagon, which was to serve for conveyance to Bungey + and his victim. + </p> + <p> + In the mean while, Sibyll, after remaining for some time in the chamber + which Hastings had abandoned to her solitary woe, had passed to the room + in which her father held mute commune with his Eureka. + </p> + <p> + The machine was now thoroughly completed,—improved and perfected, to + the utmost art the inventor ever could attain. Thinking that the prejudice + against it might have arisen from its uncouth appearance, the poor + philosopher had sought now to give it a gracious and imposing appearance. + He had painted and gilt it with his own hands; it looked bright and gaudy + in its gay hues; its outward form was worthy of the precious and + propitious jewel which lay hidden in its centre. + </p> + <p> + “See, child, see!” said Adam; “is it not beautiful and comely?” + </p> + <p> + “My dear father, yes!” answered the poor girl, as still she sought to + smile; then, after a short silence, she continued, “Father, of late, + methinks, I have too much forgotten thee; pardon me, if so. Henceforth, I + have no care in life but thee; henceforth let me ever, when thou toilest, + come and sit by thy side. I would not be alone,—I dare not! Father, + Father! God shield thy harmless life! I have nothing to love under heaven + but thee!” + </p> + <p> + The good man turned wistfully, and raised, with tremulous hands, the sad + face that had pressed itself on his bosom. Gazing thereon mournfully, he + said, “Some new grief hath chanced to thee, my child. Methought I heard + another voice besides thine in yonder room. Ah, has Lord Hastings—” + </p> + <p> + “Father, spare me! Thou wert too right; thou didst judge too wisely. Lord + Hastings is wedded to another! But see, I can smile still, I am calm. My + heart will not break so long as it hath thee to love and pray for!” + </p> + <p> + She wound her arms round him as she spoke, and he roused himself from his + world out of earth again. Though he could bring no comfort, there was + something, at least, to the forlorn one, in his words of love, in his + tears of pity. + </p> + <p> + They sat down together, side by side, as the evening darkened,—the + Eureka forgotten in the hour of its perfection! They noted not the torches + which flashed below, reddened at intervals the walls of their chamber, and + gave a glow to the gay gilding and bright hues of the gaudy model. Yet + those torches flickered round the litter that was to convey Henry the + Peaceful to the battlefield, which was to decide the dynasty of his realm! + The torches vanished, and forth from the dark fortress went the captive + king. + </p> + <p> + Night succeeded to eve, when again the red glare shot upward on the + Eureka, playing with fantastic smile on its quaint aspect. Steps and + voices, and the clatter of arms, sounded in the yard, on the stairs, in + the adjoining chamber; and suddenly the door was flung open, and, followed + by some half score soldiers, strode in the terrible friar. + </p> + <p> + “Aha, Master Adam! who is the greater nigromancer now? Seize him! Away! + And help you, Master Sergeant, to bear this piece of the foul fiend’s + cunning devising. Ho, ho! see you how it is tricked out and furbished up,—all + for the battle, I warrant ye!” + </p> + <p> + The soldiers had already seized upon Adam, who, stupefied by astonishment + rather than fear, uttered no sound, and attempted no struggle. But it was + in vain they sought to tear from him Sibyll’s clinging and protecting + arms. A supernatural strength, inspired by a kind of superstition that no + harm could chance to him while she was by, animated her slight form; and + fierce though the soldiers were, they shrunk from actual and brutal + violence to one thus young and fair. Those small hands clung so firmly, + that it seemed that nothing but the edge of the sword could sever the + child’s clasp from the father’s neck. + </p> + <p> + “Harm him not, harm him at your peril, friar!” she cried, with flashing + eyes. “Tear him from me, and if King Edward win the day, Lord Hastings + shall have thy life; if Lord Warwick, thy days are numbered, too. Beware, + and avaunt!” + </p> + <p> + The friar was startled. He had forgotten Lord Hastings in the zest of his + revenge. He feared that, if Sibyll were left behind, the tale she might + tell would indeed bring on him a powerful foe in the daughter’s lover; on + the other hand, should Lord Warwick get the better, what vengeance would + await her appeal to the great protector of her father! He resolved, + therefore, on the instant, to take Sibyll as well as her father; and if + the fortune of the day allowed him to rid himself of Warner, a good + occasion might equally occur to dispose forever of the testimony of + Sibyll. He had already formed a cunning calculation in desiring Warner’s + company; for while, should Edward triumph, the sacrifice of the hated + Warner was resolved upon, yet, should the earl get the better, he could + make a merit to Warner that he (the friar) had not only spared, but saved, + his life, in making him his companion. It was in harmony with this double + policy that the friar mildly answered to Sibyll,— + </p> + <p> + “Tusk, my daughter! Perhaps if your father be true to King Edward, and aid + my skill instead of obstructing it, he may be none the worse for the + journey he must take; and if thou likest to go with him, there’s room in + the vehicle, and the more the merrier. Harm them not, soldiers; no doubt + they will follow quietly.” + </p> + <p> + As he said this, the men, after first crossing themselves, had already + hoisted up the Eureka; and when Adam saw it borne from the room, he + instinctively followed the bearers. Sibyll, relieved by the thought that, + for weal or for woe, she should, at least, share her father’s fate, and + scarce foreboding much positive danger from the party which contained + Hastings and Alwyn, attempted no further remonstrance. + </p> + <p> + The Eureka was placed in the enormous vehicle,—it served as a + barrier between the friar and his prisoners. + </p> + <p> + The friar himself, as soon as the wagon was in motion, addressed himself + civilly enough to his fellow-travellers, and assured them there was + nothing to fear, unless Adam thought fit to disturb his incantations. The + captives answered not his address, but nestled close to each other, + interchanging, at intervals, words of comfort, and recoiling as far as + possible from the ex-tregetour, who, having taken with him a more + congenial companion in the shape of a great leathern bottle, finally sunk + into the silent and complacent doze which usually rewards the libations to + the Bromian god. + </p> + <p> + The vehicle, with many other baggage-wagons in the rear of the army in + that memorable night-march, moved mournfully on; the night continued + wrapped in fog and mist, agreeably to the weatherwise predictions of the + friar. The rumbling groan of the vehicle, the tramp of the soldiers, the + dull rattle of their arms, with now and then the neigh of some knight’s + steed in the distance, were the only sounds that broke the silence, till + once, as they neared their destination, Sibyll started from her father’s + bosom, and shudderingly thought she recognized the hoarse chant and the + tinkling bells of the ominous tymbesteres. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0089" id="link2HCH0089"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. A PAUSE. + </h2> + <p> + In the profound darkness of the night and the thick fog, Edward had + stationed his men at a venture upon the heath at Gladsmoor, [Edward “had + the greater number of men.”—HALL, p. 296.] and hastily environed the + camp with palisades and trenches. He had intended to have rested + immediately in front of the foe, but, in the darkness, mistook the extent + of the hostile line; and his men were ranged only opposite to the left + side of the earl’s force (towards Hadley), leaving the right unopposed. + Most fortunate for Edward was this mistake; for Warwick’s artillery, and + the new and deadly bombards he had constructed, were placed on the right + of the earl’s army; and the provident earl, naturally supposing Edward’s + left was there opposed to him, ordered his gunners to cannonade all night. + Edward, “as the flashes of the guns illumined by fits the gloom of + midnight, saw the advantage of his unintentional error; and to prevent + Warwick from discovering it, reiterated his orders for the most profound + silence.” [Sharon Turner.] Thus even his very blunders favoured Edward + more than the wisest precautions had served his fated foe. + </p> + <p> + Raw, cold, and dismal dawned the morning of the fourteenth of April, the + Easter Sabbath. In the fortunes of that day were involved those of all the + persons who hitherto, in the course of this narrative, may have seemed to + move in separate orbits from the fiery star of Warwick. Now, in this + crowning hour, the vast and gigantic destiny of the great earl + comprehended all upon which its darkness or its light had fallen: not only + the luxurious Edward, the perjured Clarence, the haughty Margaret, her + gallant son, the gentle Anne, the remorseful Isabel, the dark guile of + Gloucester, the rising fortunes of the gifted Hastings,—but on the + hazard of that die rested the hopes of Hilyard, and the interests of the + trader Alwyn, and the permanence of that frank, chivalric, hardy, still + half Norman race, of which Nicholas Alwyn and his Saxon class were the + rival antagonistic principle, and Marmaduke Nevile the ordinary type. + Dragged inexorably into the whirlpool of that mighty fate were even the + very lives of the simple Scholar, of his obscure and devoted child. Here, + into this gory ocean, all scattered rivulets and streams had hastened to + merge at last. + </p> + <p> + But grander and more awful than all individual interests were those + assigned to the fortunes of this battle, so memorable in the English + annals,—the ruin or triumph of a dynasty; the fall of that warlike + baronage, of which Richard Nevile was the personation, the crowning + flower, the greatest representative and the last,—associated with + memories of turbulence and excess, it is true, but with the proudest and + grandest achievements in our early history; with all such liberty as had + been yet achieved since the Norman Conquest; with all such glory as had + made the island famous,—here with Runnymede, and there with Cressy; + the rise of a crafty, plotting, imperious Despotism, based upon the + growing sympathy of craftsmen and traders, and ripening on the one hand to + the Tudor tyranny, the Republican reaction under the Stuarts, the slavery, + and the civil war, but on the other hand to the concentration of all the + vigour and life of genius into a single and strong government, the graces, + the arts, the letters of a polished court, the freedom, the energy, the + resources of a commercial population destined to rise above the tyranny at + which it had first connived, and give to the emancipated Saxon the markets + of the world. Upon the victory of that day all these contending interests, + this vast alternative in the future, swayed and trembled. Out, then, upon + that vulgar craving of those who comprehend neither the vast truths of + life nor the grandeur of ideal art, and who ask from poet or narrator the + poor and petty morality of “Poetical Justice,”—a justice existing + not in our work-day world; a justice existing not in the sombre page of + history; a justice existing not in the loftier conceptions of men whose + genius has grappled with the enigmas which art and poetry only can + foreshadow and divine,—unknown to us in the street and the market, + unknown to us on the scaffold of the patriot or amidst the flames of the + martyr, unknown to us in the Lear and the Hamlet, in the Agamemnon and the + Prometheus. Millions upon millions, ages upon ages, are entered but as + items in the vast account in which the recording angel sums up the + unerring justice of God to man. + </p> + <p> + Raw, cold, and dismal dawned the morning of the fourteenth of April. And + on that very day Margaret and her son, and the wife and daughter of Lord + Warwick, landed, at last, on the shores of England. [Margaret landed at + Weymouth; Lady Warwick, at Portsmouth.] Come they for joy or for woe, for + victory or despair? The issue of this day’s fight on the heath of + Gladsmoor will decide. Prank thy halls, O Westminster, for the triumph of + the Lancastrian king,—or open thou, O Grave, to receive the + saint-like Henry and his noble son. The king-maker goes before ye, + saint-like father and noble son, to prepare your thrones amongst the + living or your mansions amongst the dead! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0090" id="link2HCH0090"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. THE BATTLE. + </h2> + <p> + Raw, cold, and dismal dawned the morning of the fourteenth of April. The + heavy mist still covered both armies, but their hum and stir was already + heard through the gloaming,—the neighing of steeds, and the clangour + of mail. Occasionally a movement of either force made dim forms, seeming + gigantic through the vapour, indistinctly visible to the antagonistic + army; and there was something ghastly and unearthlike in these ominous + shapes, suddenly seen, and suddenly vanishing, amidst the sullen + atmosphere. By this time, Warwick had discovered the mistake of his + gunners; for, to the right of the earl, the silence of the Yorkists was + still unbroken, while abruptly, from the thick gloom to the left, broke + the hoarse mutter and low growl of the awakening war. Not a moment was + lost by the earl in repairing the error of the night: his artillery + wheeled rapidly from the right wing, and, sudden as a storm of lightning, + the fire from the cannon flashed through the dun and heavy vapour, and, + not far from the very spot where Hastings was marshalling the wing + intrusted to his command, made a deep chasm in the serried ranks. Death + had begun his feast! + </p> + <p> + At that moment, however, from the centre of the Yorkist army, arose, + scarcely drowned by the explosion, that deep-toned shout of enthusiasm, + which he who has once heard it, coming, as it were, from the one heart of + an armed multitude, will ever recall as the most kindling and glorious + sound which ever quickened the pulse and thrilled the blood,—for + along that part of the army now rode King Edward. His mail was polished as + a mirror, but otherwise unadorned, resembling that which now invests his + effigies at the Tower, [The suit of armour, however, which the visitor to + the Royal Armoury is expected to believe King Edward could have worn, is + infinitely too small for such credulity. Edward’s height was six feet two + inches.] and the housings of his steed were spangled with silver suns, for + the silver sun was the cognizance on all his banners. His head was bare, + and through the hazy atmosphere the gold of his rich locks seemed + literally to shine. Followed by his body squire, with his helm and lance, + and the lords in his immediate staff, his truncheon in his hand, he passed + slowly along the steady line, till, halting where he deemed his voice + could be farthest heard, he reined in, and lifting his hand, the shout of + the soldiery was hushed; though still, while he spoke, from Warwick’s + archers came the arrowy shower, and still the gloom was pierced and the + hush interrupted by the flash and the roar of the bombards. + </p> + <p> + “Englishmen and friends,” said the martial chief, “to bold deeds go but + few words. Before you is the foe! From Ravenspur to London I have marched, + treason flying from my sword, loyalty gathering to my standard. With but + two thousand men, on the fourteenth of March, I entered England; on the + fourteenth of April, fifty thousand is my muster roll. Who shall say, + then, that I am not king, when one month mans a monarch’s army from his + subjects’ love? And well know ye, now, that my cause is yours and + England’s! Those against us are men who would rule in despite of law,—barons + whom I gorged with favours, and who would reduce this fair realm of King, + Lords, and Commons to be the appanage and property of one man’s + measureless ambition,—the park, forsooth, the homestead to Lord + Warwick’s private house! Ye gentlemen and knights of England, let them and + their rabble prosper, and your properties will be despoiled, your lives + insecure, all law struck dead. What differs Richard of Warwick from Jack + Cade, save that if his name is nobler, so is his treason greater? + Commoners and soldiers of England, freemen, however humble, what do these + rebel lords (who would rule in the name of Lancaster) desire? To reduce + you to villeins and to bondsmen, as your forefathers were to them. Ye owe + freedom from the barons to the just laws of my sires, your kings. + Gentlemen and knights, commoners and soldiers, Edward IV. upon his throne + will not profit by a victory more than you. This is no war of dainty + chivalry,—it is a war of true men against false. No quarter! Spare + not either knight or hilding. Warwick, forsooth, will not smite the + Commons. Truly not,—the rabble are his friends! I say to you—” + and Edward, pausing in the excitement and sanguinary fury of his tiger + nature,—the soldiers, heated like himself to the thirst of blood, + saw his eyes sparkle, and his teeth gnash, as he added in a deeper and + lower, but not less audible voice, “I say to you, SLAY ALL! [Hall.] What + heel spares the viper’s brood?” + </p> + <p> + “We will! we will!” was the horrid answer, which came hissing and muttered + forth from morion and cap of steel. + </p> + <p> + “Hark! to their bombards!” resumed Edward. “The enemy would fight from + afar, for they excel us in their archers and gunners. Upon them, then, + hand to hand, and man to man! Advance banners, sound trumpets! Sir Oliver, + my bassinet! Soldiers, if my standard falls, look for the plume upon your + king’s helmet! Charge!” + </p> + <p> + Then, with a shout wilder and louder than before, on through the hail of + the arrows, on through the glare of the bombards, rather with a rush than + in a march, advanced Edward’s centre against the array of Somerset; but + from a part of the encampment where the circumvallation seemed strongest, + a small body of men moved not with the general body. + </p> + <p> + To the left of the churchyard of Hadley, at this day, the visitor may + notice a low wall; on the other side of that wall is a garden, then but a + rude eminence on Gladsmoor Heath. On that spot a troop in complete armour, + upon destriers pawing impatiently, surrounded a man upon a sorry palfrey, + and in a gown of blue,—the colour of royalty and of servitude; that + man was Henry the Sixth. In the same space stood Friar Bungey, his foot on + the Eureka, muttering incantations, that the mists he had foretold, [Lest + the reader should suppose that the importance of Friar Bungey upon this + bloody day has been exaggerated by the narrator, we must cite the + testimony of sober Allerman Fabyan: “Of the mists and other impediments + which fell upon the lords’ party, by reason of the incantations wrought by + Friar Bungey, as the fame went, me list not to write.”] and which had + protected the Yorkists from the midnight guns, might yet last, to the + confusion of the foe. And near him, under a gaunt, leafless tree, a rope + round his neck, was Adam Warner, Sibyl still faithful to his side, nor + shuddering at the arrows and the guns, her whole fear concentrated upon + the sole life for which her own was prized. Upon this eminence, then, + these lookers-on stood aloof. And the meek ears of Henry heard through the + fog the inexplicable, sullen, jarring clash,—steel had met steel. + </p> + <p> + “Holy Father!” exclaimed the kingly saint, “and this is the Easter + Sabbath, Thy most solemn day of peace!” + </p> + <p> + “Be silent,” thundered the friar; “thou disturbest my spells. Barabbarara, + Santhinoa, Foggibus increscebo, confusio inimicis, Garabbora, vapor et + mistes!” + </p> + <p> + We must now rapidly survey the dispositions of the army under Warwick. In + the right wing, the command was entrusted to the Earl of Oxford and the + Marquis of Montagu. The former, who led the cavalry of that division, was + stationed in the van; the latter, according to his usual habit—surrounded + by a strong body-guard of knights and a prodigious number of squires as + aides-de-camp—remained at the rear, and directed thence by his + orders the general movement. In this wing the greater number were + Lancastrian, jealous of Warwick, and only consenting to the generalship of + Montagu because shared by their favourite hero, Oxford. In the mid-space + lay the chief strength of the bowmen, with a goodly number of pikes and + bills, under the Duke of Somerset; and this division also was principally + Lancastrian, and shared the jealousy of Oxford’s soldiery. The left wing, + composed for the most part of Warwick’s yeomanry and retainers, was + commanded by the Duke of Exeter, conjointly with the earl himself. Both + armies kept a considerable body in reserve, and Warwick, besides this + resource, had selected from his own retainers a band of picked archers, + whom he had skilfully placed in the outskirts of a wood that then + stretched from Wrotham Park to the column that now commemorates the battle + of Barnet, on the high northern road. He had guarded these last-mentioned + archers (where exposed in front to Edward’s horsemen) by strong tall + barricades, leaving only such an opening as would allow one horseman at a + time to pass, and defending by a formidable line of pikes this narrow + opening left for communication, and to admit to a place of refuge in case + of need. These dispositions made, and ere yet Edward had advanced on + Somerset, the earl rode to the front of the wing under his special + command, and, agreeably to the custom of the time, observed by his royal + foe, harangued the troops. Here were placed those who loved him as a + father, and venerated him as something superior to mortal man; here the + retainers who had grown up with him from his childhood, who had followed + him to his first fields of war, who had lived under the shelter of his + many castles, and fed, in that rude equality of a more primeval age which + he loved still to maintain, at his lavish board. And now Lord Warwick’s + coal-black steed halted, motionless in the van. His squire behind bore his + helmet, overshadowed by the eagle of Monthermer, the outstretched wings of + which spread wide into sable plumes; and as the earl’s noble face turned + full and calm upon the bristling lines, there arose not the vulgar uproar + that greeted the aspect of the young Edward. By one of those strange + sympathies which pass through multitudes, and seize them with a common + feeling, the whole body of those adoring vassals became suddenly aware of + the change which a year had made in the face of their chief and father. + They saw the gray flakes in his Jove-like curls, the furrows in that lofty + brow, the hollows in that bronzed and manly visage, which had seemed to + their rude admiration to wear the stamp of the twofold Divinity,—Beneficence + and Valour. A thrill of tenderness and awe shot through the veins of every + one, tears of devotion rushed into many a hardy eye. No! there was not the + ruthless captain addressing his hireling butchers; it was the chief and + father rallying gratitude and love and reverence to the crisis of his + stormy fate. + </p> + <p> + “My friends, my followers, and my children,” said the earl, “the field we + have entered is one from which there is no retreat; here must your leader + conquer or here die. It is not a parchment pedigree, it is not a name + derived from the ashes of dead men, that make the only charter of a king. + We Englishmen were but slaves, if, in giving crown and sceptre to a mortal + like ourselves, we asked not in return the kingly virtues. Beset of old by + evil counsellors, the reign of Henry VI. was obscured, and the weal of the + realm endangered. Mine own wrongs seemed to me great, but the disasters of + my country not less. I deemed that in the race of York, England would know + a wiser and happier rule. What was, in this, mine error, ye partly know. A + prince dissolved in luxurious vices, a nobility degraded by minions and + blood-suckers, a people plundered by purveyors, and a land disturbed by + brawl and riot. But ye know not all: God makes man’s hearth man’s altar: + our hearths were polluted, our wives and daughters were viewed as harlots, + and lechery ruled the realm. A king’s word should be fast as the pillars + of the world. What man ever trusted Edward and was not deceived? Even now + the unknightly liar stands in arms with the weight of perjury on his soul. + In his father’s town of York, ye know that he took, three short weeks + since, solemn oath of fealty to King Henry. And now King Henry is his + captive, and King Henry’s holy crown upon his traitor’s head. ‘Traitors’ + calls he Us? What name, then, rank enough for him? Edward gave the promise + of a brave man, and I served him. He proved a base, a false, a licentious, + and a cruel king, and I forsook him; may all free hearts in all free lands + so serve kings when they become tyrants! Ye fight against a cruel and + atrocious usurper, whose bold hand cannot sanctify a black heart; ye fight + not only for King Henry, the meek and the godly,—ye fight not for + him alone, but for his young and princely son, the grandchild of Henry of + Agincourt, who, old men tell me, has that hero’s face, and who, I know, + has that hero’s frank and royal and noble soul; ye fight for the freedom + of your land, for the honour of your women, for what is better than any + king’s cause,—for justice and mercy, for truth and manhood’s virtues + against corruption in the laws, slaughter by the scaffold, falsehood in a + ruler’s lips, and shameless harlotry in the councils of ruthless power. + The order I have ever given in war I give now; we war against the leaders + of evil, not against the hapless tools; we war against our oppressors, not + against our misguided brethren. Strike down every plumed crest, but when + the strife is over, spare every common man! Hark! while I speak, I hear + the march of your foe! Up standards!—blow trumpets! And now, as I + brace my bassinet, may God grant us all a glorious victory, or a glorious + grave! On, my merry men! show these London loons the stout hearts of + Warwickshire and Yorkshire. On, my merry men! A Warwick! A Warwick!” + </p> + <p> + As he ended, he swung lightly over his head the terrible battle-axe which + had smitten down, as the grass before the reaper, the chivalry of many a + field; and ere the last blast of the trumpets died, the troops of Warwick + and of Gloucester met, and mingled hand to hand. + </p> + <p> + Although the earl had, on discovering the position of the enemy, moved + some of his artillery from his right wing, yet there still lay the great + number and strength of his force. And there, therefore, Montagu, rolling + troop on troop to the aid of Oxford, pressed so overpoweringly upon the + soldiers under Hastings, that the battle very soon wore a most + unfavourable aspect for the Yorkists. It seemed, indeed, that the success + which had always hitherto attended the military movements of Montagu was + destined for a crowning triumph. Stationed, as we have said, in the rear, + with his light-armed squires, upon fleet steeds, around him, he moved the + springs of the battle with the calm sagacity which at that moment no chief + in either army possessed. Hastings was thoroughly outflanked, and though + his men fought with great valour, they could not resist the weight of + superior numbers. + </p> + <p> + In the midst of the carnage in the centre, Edward reined in his steed as + he heard the cry of victory in the gale. + </p> + <p> + “By Heaven!” he exclaimed, “our men at the left are cravens! they fly! + they fly!—Ride to Lord Hastings, Sir Humphrey Bourchier, bid him + defile hither what men are left him; and now, ere our fellows are well + aware what hath chanced yonder, charge we, knights and gentlemen, on, on!—break + Somerset’s line; on, on, to the heart of the rebel earl!” + </p> + <p> + Then, visor closed, lance in rest, Edward and his cavalry dashed through + the archers and billmen of Somerset; clad in complete mail, impervious to + the weapons of the infantry, they slaughtered as they rode, and their way + was marked by corpses and streams of blood. Fiercest and fellest of all + was Edward himself; when his lance shivered, and he drew his knotty mace + from its sling by his saddlebow, woe to all who attempted to stop his + path. Vain alike steel helmet or leathern cap, jerkin or coat of mail. In + vain Somerset threw himself into the melee. The instant Edward and his + cavalry had made a path through the lines for his foot-soldiery, the + fortunes of the day were half retrieved. It was no rapid passage, pierced + and reclosed, that he desired to effect,—it was the wedge in the oak + of war. There, rooted in the very midst of Somerset’s troops, doubling on + each side, passing on but to return again, where helm could be crashed and + man overthrown, the mighty strength of Edward widened the breach more and + more, till faster and faster poured in his bands, and the centre of + Warwick’s army seemed to reel and whirl round the broadening gap through + its ranks, as the waves round some chasm in a maelstrom. + </p> + <p> + But in the interval, the hard-pressed troops commanded by Hastings were + scattered and dispersed; driven from the field, they fled in numbers + through the town of Barnet; many halted not till they reached London, + where they spread the news of the earl’s victory and Edward’s ruin. + [Sharon Turner.] + </p> + <p> + Through the mist, Friar Bungey discerned the fugitive Yorkists under + Hastings, and heard their cries of despair; through the mist, Sibyll saw, + close beneath the intrenchments which protected the space on which they + stood, an armed horseman with the well-known crest of Hastings on his + helmet, and, with lifted visor, calling his men to the return, in the loud + voice of rage and scorn. And then she herself sprang forwards, and + forgetting his past cruelty in his present danger, cried his name,—weak + cry, lost in the roar of war! But the friar, now fearing he had taken the + wrong side, began to turn from his spells, to address the most abject + apologies to Adam, to assure him that he would have been slaughtered at + the Tower but for the friar’s interruption; and that the rope round his + neck was but an insignificant ceremony due to the prejudices of the + soldiers. “Alas, Great Man,” he concluded, “I see still that thou art + mightier than I am; thy charms, though silent, are more potent than mine, + though my lungs crack beneath them! Confusio Inimicis Taralorolu, I mean + no harm to the earl. Garrabora, mistes et nubes!—Lord, what will + become of me!” + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, Hastings—with a small body of horse, who being composed + of knights and squires, specially singled out for the sword, fought with + the pride of disdainful gentlemen, and the fury of desperate soldiers—finding + it impossible to lure back the fugitives, hewed their own way through + Oxford’s ranks to the centre, where they brought fresh aid to the terrible + arm of Edward. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0091" id="link2HCH0091"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. THE BATTLE. + </h2> + <p> + The mist still continued so thick that Montagu was unable to discern the + general prospects of the field; but, calm and resolute in his post, amidst + the arrows which whirled round him, and often struck, blunted, against his + Milan mail, the marquis received the reports of his aides-de-camp (may + that modern word be pardoned?) as one after one they emerged through the + fog to his side. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” he said, as one of these messengers now spurred to the spot, “we + have beaten off Hastings and his hirelings; but I see not ‘the Silver + Star’ of Lord Oxford’s banner.” [The Silver Star of the De Veres had its + origin in a tradition that one of their ancestors, when fighting in the + Holy Land, saw a falling star descend upon his shield. Fatal to men nobler + even than the De Veres was that silver falling star.] + </p> + <p> + “Lord Oxford, my lord, has followed the enemy he routed to the farthest + verge of the heath.” + </p> + <p> + “Saints help us! Is Oxford thus headstrong? He will ruin all if he be + decoyed from the field! Ride back, sir! Yet hold!”—as another of the + aides-de-camp appeared. “What news from Lord Warwick’s wing?” + </p> + <p> + “Sore beset, bold marquis. Gloucester’s line seems countless; it already + outflanks the earl. The duke himself seems inspired by hell! Twice has his + slight arm braved even the earl’s battle-axe, which spared the boy but + smote to the dust his comrades!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, and what of the centre, sir?” as a third form now arrived. + </p> + <p> + “There rages Edward in person. He hath pierced into the midst. But + Somerset still holds on gallantly!” Montagu turned to the first + aide-de-camp. + </p> + <p> + “Ride, sir! Quick! This to Oxford—No pursuit! Bid him haste, with + all his men, to the left wing, and smite Gloucester in the rear. Ride, + ride, for life and victory! If he come but in time the day is ours!” + [Fabyan.] + </p> + <p> + The aide-de-camp darted off, and the mist swallowed up horse and horseman. + </p> + <p> + “Sound trumpets to the return!” said the marquis. Then, after a moment’s + musing, “Though Oxford hath drawn off our main force of cavalry, we have + still some stout lances left; and Warwick must be strengthened. On to the + earl! Laissez aller! A Montagu! a Montagu!” And lance in rest, the marquis + and the knights immediately around him, and hitherto not personally + engaged, descended the hillock at a hand-gallop, and were met by a troop + outnumbering their own, and commanded by the Lords D’Eyncourt and Say. + </p> + <p> + At this time Warwick was indeed in the same danger that had routed the + troops of Hastings; for, by a similar position, the strength of the + hostile numbers being arrayed with Gloucester, the duke’s troops had + almost entirely surrounded him [Sharon Turner]; and Gloucester himself + wondrously approved the trust that had consigned to his stripling arm the + flower of the Yorkist army. Through the mists the blood-red manteline he + wore over his mail, the grinning teeth of the boar’s head which crested + his helmet, flashed and gleamed wherever his presence was most needed to + encourage the flagging or spur on the fierce. And there seemed to both + armies something ghastly and preternatural in the savage strength of this + small slight figure thus startlingly caparisoned, and which was heard + evermore uttering its sharp war-cry, “Gloucester to the onslaught! Down + with the rebels, down!” + </p> + <p> + Nor did this daring personage disdain, in the midst of his fury, to + increase the effect of valour by the art of a brain that never ceased to + scheme on the follies of mankind. “See, see!” he cried, as he shot + meteor-like from rank to rank, “see, these are no natural vapours! Yonder + the mighty friar, who delayed the sails of Margaret, chants his spells to + the Powers that ride the gale. Fear not the bombards,—their + enchanted balls swerve from the brave! The dark legions of Air fight for + us! For the hour is come when the fiend shall rend his prey!” And + fiendlike seemed the form thus screeching forth its predictions from under + the grim head-gear; and then darting and disappearing amidst the sea of + pikes, cleaving its path of blood! + </p> + <p> + But still the untiring might of Warwick defied the press of numbers that + swept round him tide upon tide. Through the mist, his black armour, black + plume, black steed, gloomed forth like one thundercloud in the midst of a + dismal heaven. The noble charger bore along that mighty rider, animating, + guiding all, with as much ease and lightness as the racer bears its puny + weight; the steed itself was scarce less terrible to encounter than the + sweep of the rider’s axe. Protected from arrow and lance by a coat of + steel, the long chaffron, or pike, which projected from its barbed frontal + dropped with gore as it scoured along. No line of men, however serried, + could resist the charge of that horse and horseman. And vain even + Gloucester’s dauntless presence and thrilling battle-cry, when the stout + earl was seen looming through the vapour, and his cheerful shout was + heard, “My merry men, fight on!” + </p> + <p> + For a third time, Gloucester, spurring forth from his recoiling and + shrinking followers, bending low over his saddle-bow, covered by his + shield, and with the tenth lance (his favourite weapon, because the one in + which skill best supplied strength) he had borne that day, launched + himself upon the vast bulk of his tremendous foe. With that dogged energy, + that rapid calculation, which made the basis of his character, and which + ever clove through all obstacles at the one that, if destroyed, destroyed + the rest,—in that, his first great battle, as in his last at + Bosworth, he singled out the leader, and rushed upon the giant as the + mastiff on the horns and dewlap of the bull. Warwick, in the broad space + which his arm had made around him in the carnage, reined in as he saw the + foe and recognized the grisly cognizance and scarlet mantle of his godson. + And even in that moment, with all his heated blood and his remembered + wrong and his imminent peril, his generous and lion heart felt a glow of + admiration at the valour of the boy he had trained to arms,—of the + son of the beloved York. “His father little thought,” muttered the earl, + “that that arm should win glory against his old friend’s life!” And as the + half-uttered word died on his lips, the well-poised lance of Gloucester + struck full upon his bassinet, and, despite the earl’s horsemanship and + his strength, made him reel in his saddle, while the prince shot by, and + suddenly wheeling round, cast away the shivered lance, and assailed him + sword in hand. + </p> + <p> + “Back, Richard! boy, back!” said the earl, in a voice that sounded hollow + through his helmet; “it is not against thee that my wrongs call for blood,—pass + on!” + </p> + <p> + “Not so, Lord Warwick,” answered Richard, in a sobered and almost solemn + voice, dropping for the moment the point of his sword, and raising his + visor, that he might be the better heard,—“on the field of battle + all memories sweet in peace must die! Saint Paul be my judge, that even in + this hour I love you well; but I love renown and glory more. On the edge + of my sword sit power and royalty, and what high souls prize most,—ambition; + these would nerve me against my own brother’s breast, were that breast my + barrier to an illustrious future. Thou hast given thy daughter to another! + I smite the father to regain my bride. Lay on, and spare not!—for he + who hates thee most would prove not so fell a foe as the man who sees his + fortunes made or marred, his love crushed or yet crowned, as this day’s + battle closes in triumph or defeat. REBEL, DEFEND THYSELF!” + </p> + <p> + No time was left for further speech; for as Richard’s sword descended, two + of Gloucester’s followers, Parr and Milwater by name, dashed from the + halting lines at the distance, and bore down to their young prince’s aid. + At the same moment, Sir Marmaduke Nevile and the Lord Fitzhugh spurred + from the opposite line; and thus encouraged, the band on either side came + boldly forward, and the melee grew fierce and general. But still Richard’s + sword singled out the earl, and still the earl, parrying his blows, dealt + his own upon meaner heads. Crushed by one sweep of the axe fell Milwater + to the earth; down, as again it swung on high, fell Sir Humphrey + Bourchier, who had just arrived to Gloucester with messages from Edward, + never uttered in the world below. Before Marmaduke’s lance fell Sir Thomas + Parr; and these three corpses making a barrier between Gloucester and the + earl, the duke turned fiercely upon Marmaduke, while the earl, wheeling + round, charged into the midst of the hostile line, which scattered to the + right and left. + </p> + <p> + “On! my merry men, on!” rang once more through the heavy air. “They give + way, the London tailors,—on!” and on dashed, with their joyous cry, + the merry men of Yorkshire and Warwick, the warrior yeomen! Separated thus + from his great foe, Gloucester, after unhorsing Marmaduke, galloped off to + sustain that part of his following which began to waver and retreat before + the rush of Warwick and his chivalry. + </p> + <p> + This, in truth, was the regiment recruited from the loyalty of London; and + little accustomed, we trow, were the worthy heroes of Cockaigne to the + discipline of arms, nor trained to that stubborn resistance which makes, + under skilful leaders, the English peasants the most enduring soldiery + that the world has known since the day when the Roman sentinel perished + amidst the falling columns and lava floods [at Pompeii], rather than, + though society itself dissolved, forsake his post unbidden. “Saint Thomas + defend us!” muttered a worthy tailor, who in the flush of his valour, when + safe in the Chepe, had consented to bear the rank of lieutenant; “it is + not reasonable to expect men of pith and substance to be crushed into + jellies and carved into subtleties by horse-hoofs and pole-axes. Right + about face! Fly!”—and throwing down his sword and shield, the + lieutenant fairly took to his heels as he saw the charging column, headed + by the raven steed of Warwick, come giant-like through the fog. The terror + of one man is contagious, and the Londoners actually turned their backs, + when Nicholas Alwyn cried, in his shrill voice and northern accent, “Out + on you! What will the girls say of us in East-gate and the Chepe? Hurrah + for the bold hearts of London! Round me, stout ‘prentices! let the boys + shame the men! This shaft for Cockaigne!” And as the troop turned + irresolute, and Alwyn’s arrow left his bow, they saw a horseman by the + side of Warwick reel in his saddle and fall at once to the earth; and so + great evidently was the rank of the fallen man that even Warwick reined + in, and the charge halted midway in its career. It was no less a person + than the Duke of Exeter whom Alwyn’s shaft had disabled for the field. + This incident, coupled with the hearty address of the stout goldsmith, + served to reanimate the flaggers, and Gloucester, by a circuitous route, + reaching their line a moment after, they dressed their ranks, and a flight + of arrows followed their loud “Hurrah for London Town!” + </p> + <p> + But the charge of Warwick had only halted, and (while the wounded Exeter + was borne back by his squires to the rear) it dashed into the midst of the + Londoners, threw their whole line into confusion, and drove them, despite + all the efforts of Gloucester, far back along the plain. This well-timed + exploit served to extricate the earl from the main danger of his position; + and, hastening to improve his advantage, he sent forthwith to command the + reserved forces under Lord St. John, the Knight of Lytton, Sir John + Coniers, Dymoke, and Robert Hilyard, to bear down to his aid. + </p> + <p> + At this time Edward had succeeded, after a most stubborn fight, in + effecting a terrible breach through Somerset’s wing; and the fog continued + still so dense and mirk, that his foe itself—for Somerset had + prudently drawn back to re-form his disordered squadron—seemed + vanished from the field. Halting now, as through the dim atmosphere came + from different quarters the many battle-cries of that feudal-day, by which + alone he could well estimate the strength or weakness of those in the + distance, his calmer genius as a general cooled, for a time, his + individual ferocity of knight and soldier. He took his helmet from his + brow to listen with greater certainty; and the lords and riders round him + were well content to take breath and pause from the weary slaughter. + </p> + <p> + The cry of “Gloucester to the onslaught!” was heard no more. Feebler and + feebler, scatteringly as it were, and here and there, the note had changed + into “Gloucester to the rescue!” + </p> + <p> + Farther off rose, mingled and blent together, the opposing shouts, “A + Montagu! a Montagu! Strike for D’Eyncourt and King Edward!”—“A Say! + A Say!” + </p> + <p> + “Ha!” said Edward, thoughtfully, “bold Gloucester fails, Montagu is + bearing on to Warwick’s aid, Say and D’Eyncourt stop his path. Our doom + looks dark! Ride, Hastings,—ride; retrieve thy laurels, and bring up + the reserve under Clarence. But hark ye, leave not his side,—he may + desert again! Ho! ho! Again, ‘Gloucester to the rescue!’ Ah, how lustily + sounds the cry of ‘Warwick!’ By the flaming sword of Saint Michael, we + will slacken that haughty shout, or be evermore dumb ourself, ere the day + be an hour nearer to the eternal judgment!” + </p> + <p> + Deliberately Edward rebraced his helm, and settled himself in his saddle, + and with his knights riding close each to each, that they might not lose + themselves in the darkness, regained his infantry, and led them on to the + quarter where the war now raged fiercest, round the black steed of Warwick + and the blood-red manteline of the fiery Richard. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0092" id="link2HCH0092"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. THE BATTLE. + </h2> + <p> + It was now scarcely eight in the morning, though the battle had endured + three hours; and, as yet, victory so inclined to the earl that nought but + some dire mischance could turn the scale. Montagu had cut his way to + Warwick; Somerset had re-established his array. The fresh vigour brought + by the earl’s reserve had well-nigh completed his advantage over + Gloucester’s wing. The new infantry under Hilyard, the unexhausted riders + under Sir John Coniers and his knightly compeers, were dealing fearful + havoc, as they cleared the plain; and Gloucester, fighting inch by inch, + no longer outnumbering but outnumbered, was driven nearer and nearer + towards the town, when suddenly a pale, sickly, and ghostlike ray of + sunshine, rather resembling the watery gleam of a waning moon than the + radiance of the Lord of Light, broke through the mists, and showed to the + earl’s eager troops the banner and badges of a new array hurrying to the + spot. “Behold,” cried the young Lord Fitzhugh, “the standard and the badge + of the Usurper,—a silver sun! Edward himself is delivered into our + hands! Upon them, bill and pike, lance and brand, shaft and bolt! Upon + them, and crown the day!” + </p> + <p> + The same fatal error was shared by Hilyard, as he caught sight of the + advancing troop, with their silvery cognizance. He gave the word, and + every arrow left its string. At the same moment, as both horse and foot + assailed the fancied foe, the momentary beam vanished from the heaven, the + two forces mingled in the sullen mists, when, after a brief conflict, a + sudden and horrible cry of “Treason! Treason!” resounded from either band. + The shining star of Oxford, returning from the pursuit, had been mistaken + for Edward’s cognizance of the sun. [Cont. Croyl., 555; Fabyan, Habington, + Hume, S. Turner.] Friend was slaughtering friend, and when the error was + detected, each believed the other had deserted to the foe. In vain, here + Montagu and Warwick, and there Oxford and his captains, sought to dispel + the confusion, and unite those whose blood had been fired against each + other. While yet in doubt, confusion, and dismay, rushed full into the + centre Edward of York himself, with his knights and riders; and his + tossing banners, scarcely even yet distinguished from Oxford’s starry + ensigns, added to the general incertitude and panic. Loud in the midst + rose Edward’s trumpet voice, while through the midst, like one crest of + foam upon a roaring sea, danced his plume of snow. Hark! again, again—near + and nearer—the tramp of steeds, the clash of steel, the whiz and + hiss of arrows, the shout of “Hastings to the onslaught!” Fresh, and + panting for glory and for blood, came on King Edward’s large reserve; from + all the scattered parts of the field spurred the Yorkist knights, where + the uproar, so much mightier than before, told them that the crisis of the + war was come. Thither, as vultures to the carcass, they flocked and + wheeled; thither D’Eyncourt and Lovell, and Cromwell’s bloody sword, and + Say’s knotted mace; and thither, again rallying his late half-beaten + myrmidons, the grim Gloucester, his helmet bruised and dinted, but the + boar’s teeth still gnashing wrath and horror from the grisly crest. But + direst and most hateful of all in the eyes of the yet undaunted earl, + thither, plainly visible, riding scarcely a yard before him, with the + cognizance of Clare wrought on his gay mantle, and in all the pomp and + bravery of a holiday suit, came the perjured Clarence. Conflict now it + could scarce be called: as well might the Dane have rolled back the sea + from his footstool, as Warwick and his disordered troop (often and aye, + dazzled here by Oxford’s star, there by Edward’s sun, dealing random blows + against each other) have resisted the general whirl and torrent of the + surrounding foe. To add to the rout, Somerset and the on-guard of his wing + had been marching towards the earl at the very time that the cry of + “treason” had struck their ears, and Edward’s charge was made; these men, + nearly all Lancastrians, and ever doubting Montagu, if not Warwick, with + the example of Clarence and the Archbishop of York fresh before them, lost + heart at once,—Somerset himself headed the flight of his force. + </p> + <p> + “All is lost!” said Montagu, as side by side with Warwick the brothers + fronted the foe, and for one moment stayed the rush. + </p> + <p> + “Not yet,” returned the earl; “a band of my northern archers still guard + yon wood; I know them,—they will fight to the last gasp! Thither, + then, with what men we may. You so marshal our soldiers, and I will make + good the retreat. Where is Sir Marmaduke Nevile?” + </p> + <p> + “Here!” + </p> + <p> + “Horsed again, young cousin! I give thee a perilous commission. Take the + path down the hill; the mists thicken in the hollows, and may hide thee. + Overtake Somerset; he hath fled westward, and tell him, from me, if he can + yet rally but one troop of horse—but one—and charge Edward + suddenly in the rear, he will yet redeem all. If he refuse, the ruin of + his king and the slaughter of the brave men he deserts be on his head! + Swift, a tout bride, Marmaduke. Yet one word,” added the earl, in a + whisper,—“if you fail with Somerset, come not back, make to the + Sanctuary. You are too young to die, cousin! Away! keep to the hollows of + the chase.” + </p> + <p> + As the knight vanished, Warwick turned to his comrades “Bold nephew + Fitzhugh, and ye brave riders round me,—so we are fifty knights! + Haste thou, Montagu, to the wood! the wood!” + </p> + <p> + So noble in that hero age was the Individual MAN, even amidst the + multitudes massed by war, that history vies with romance in showing how + far a single sword could redress the scale of war. While Montagu, with + rapid dexterity, and a voice yet promising victory, drew back the remnant + of the lines, and in serried order retreated to the outskirts of the wood, + Warwick and his band of knights protected the movement from the countless + horsemen who darted forth from Edward’s swarming and momently thickening + ranks. Now dividing and charging singly, now rejoining, and breast to + breast, they served to divert and perplex and harass the eager enemy. And + never in all his wars, in all the former might of his indomitable arm, had + Warwick so excelled the martial chivalry of his age, as in that eventful + and crowning hour. Thrice almost alone he penetrated into the very centre + of Edward’s body-guard, literally felling to the earth all before him. + Then perished by his battle-axe Lord Cromwell and the redoubted Lord of + Say; then, no longer sparing even the old affection, Gloucester was hurled + to the ground. The last time he penetrated even to Edward himself, smiting + down the king’s standard-bearer, unhorsing Hastings, who threw himself on + his path; and Edward, setting his teeth in stern joy as he saw him, rose + in his stirrups, and for a moment the mace of the king, the axe of the + earl, met as thunder encounters thunder; but then a hundred knights rushed + into the rescue, and robbed the baffled avenger of his prey. Thus charging + and retreating, driving back with each charge farther and farther the + mighty multitude hounding on to the lion’s death, this great chief and his + devoted knights, though terribly reduced in number, succeeded at last in + covering Montagu’s skilful retreat; and when they gained the outskirts of + the wood, and dashed through the narrow opening between the barricades, + the Yorkshire archers approved their lord’s trust, and, shouting, as to a + marriage feast, hailed his coming. + </p> + <p> + But few, alas! of his fellow-horsemen had survived that marvellous + enterprise of valour and despair. Of the fifty knights who had shared its + perils, eleven only gained the wood; and, though in this number the most + eminent (save Sir John Coniers, either slain or fled) might be found, + their horses, more exposed than themselves, were for the most part wounded + and unfit for further service. At this time the sun again, and suddenly as + before, broke forth,—not now with a feeble glimmer, but a broad and + almost a cheerful beam, which sufficed to give a fuller view than the day + had yet afforded of the state and prospects of the field. + </p> + <p> + To the right and to the left, what remained of the cavalry of Warwick were + seen flying fast,—gone the lances of Oxford, the bills of Somerset. + Exeter, pierced by the shaft of Alwyn, was lying cold and insensible, + remote from the contest, and deserted even by his squires. + </p> + <p> + In front of the archers and such men as Montagu had saved from the sword, + halted the immense and murmuring multitude of Edward, their thousand + banners glittering in the sudden sun; for, as Edward beheld the last + wrecks of his foe, stationed near the covert, his desire of consummating + victory and revenge made him cautious, and, fearing an ambush, he had + abruptly halted. + </p> + <p> + When the scanty followers of the earl thus beheld the immense force + arrayed for their destruction, and saw the extent of their danger, and + their loss,—here the handful, there the multitude,—a + simultaneous exclamation of terror and dismay broke from their ranks. + </p> + <p> + “Children!” cried Warwick, “droop not! Henry at Agincourt had worse odds + than we!” + </p> + <p> + But the murmur among the archers, the lealest part of the earl’s + retainers, continued, till there stepped forth their captain, a gray old + man, but still sinewy and unbent, the iron relic of a hundred battles. + </p> + <p> + “Back to your men, Mark Forester!” said the earl, sternly. + </p> + <p> + The old man obeyed not. He came on to Warwick, and fell on his knees + beside his stirrup. + </p> + <p> + “Fly, my lord! escape is possible for you and your riders. Fly through the + wood, we will screen your path with our bodies. Your children, father of + your followers, your children of Middleham, ask no better fate than to die + for you! Is it not so?” and the old man, rising, turned to those in + hearing. They answered by a general acclamation. + </p> + <p> + “Mark Forester speaks well,” said Montagu. “On you depends the last hope + of Lancaster. We may yet join Oxford and Somerset! This way through the + wood,—come!” and he laid his hand on the earl’s rein. + </p> + <p> + “Knights and sirs,” said the earl, dismounting, and partially raising his + visor as he turned to the horsemen, “let those who will, fly with Lord + Montagu! Let those who, in a just cause, never despair of victory, nor, + even at the worst, fear to face their Maker, fresh from the glorious death + of heroes, dismount with me!” Every knight sprang from his steed, Montagu + the first. “Comrades!” continued the earl, then addressing the retainers, + “when the children fight for a father’s honour, the father flies not from + the peril into which he has drawn the children. What to me were life, + stained by the blood of mine own beloved retainers, basely deserted by + their chief? Edward has proclaimed that he will spare none. Fool! he gives + us, then, the superhuman mightiness of despair! To your bows!—one + shaft—if it pierce the joints of the tyrant’s mail—one shaft + may scatter yon army to the winds! Sir Marmaduke has gone to rally noble + Somerset and his riders; if we make good our defence one little hour, the + foe may be yet smitten in the rear, and the day retrieved! Courage and + heart then!” Here the earl lifted his visor to the farthest bar, and + showed his cheerful face—“Is this the face of a man who thinks all + hope is gone?” + </p> + <p> + In this interval, the sudden sunshine revealed to King Henry, where he + stood, the dispersion of his friends. To the rear of the palisades, which + protected the spot where he was placed, already grouped “the lookers-on + and no fighters,” as the chronicler [Fabyan] words it, who, as the guns + slackened, ventured forth to learn the news, and who now, filling the + churchyard of Hadley, strove hard to catch a peep of Henry the saint, or + of Bungey the sorcerer. Mingled with these gleamed the robes of the + tymbesteres, pressing nearer and nearer to the barriers, as wolves, in the + instinct of blood, come nearer and nearer round the circling watch-fire of + some northern travellers. At this time the friar, turning to one of the + guards who stood near him, said, “The mists are needed no more now; King + Edward hath got the day, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “Certes, great master,” quoth the guard, “nothing now lacks to the king’s + triumph except the death of the earl.” + </p> + <p> + “Infamous nigromancer, hear that!” cried Bungey to Adam. “What now avail + thy bombards and thy talisman! Hark yet—tell me the secret of the + last,—of the damnable engine under my feet, and I may spare thy + life.” + </p> + <p> + Adam shrugged his shoulders in impatient disdain. “Unless I gave thee my + science, my secret were profitless to thee. Villain and numskull, do thy + worst.” + </p> + <p> + The friar made a sign to a soldier who stood behind Adam, and the soldier + silently drew the end of the rope which girded the scholar’s neck round a + bough of the leafless tree. “Hold!” whispered the friar, “not till I give + the word. The earl may recover himself yet,” he added to himself; and + therewith he began once more to vociferate his incantations. Meanwhile the + eyes of Sibyll had turned for a moment from her father; for the burst of + sunshine, lighting up the valley below, had suddenly given to her eyes, in + the distance, the gable-ends of the old farmhouse, with the wintry + orchard,—no longer, alas! smiling with starry blossoms. Far remote + from the battlefield was that abode of peace,—that once happy home, + where she had watched the coming of the false one! + </p> + <p> + Loftier and holier were the thoughts of the fated king. He had turned his + face from the field, and his eyes were fixed upon the tower of the church + behind. And while he so gazed, the knoll from the belfry began solemnly to + chime. It was now near the hour of the Sabbath prayers, and amidst horror + and carnage, still the holy custom was not suspended. + </p> + <p> + “Hark!” said the king, mournfully, “that chime summons many a soul to + God!” + </p> + <p> + While thus the scene on the eminence of Hadley, Edward, surrounded by + Hastings, Gloucester, and his principal captains, took advantage of the + unexpected sunshine to scan the foe and its position, with the eye of his + intuitive genius for all that can slaughter man. “This day,” he said, + “brings no victory, assures no crown, if Warwick escape alive. To you, + Lovell and Ratcliffe, I intrust two hundred knights,—your sole care + the head of the rebel earl!” + </p> + <p> + “And Montagu?” said Ratcliffe. + </p> + <p> + “Montagu? Nay, poor Montagu, I loved him as well once as my own mother’s + son; and Montagu,” he muttered to himself, “I never wronged, and therefore + him I can forgive. Spare the marquis.—I mislike that wood; they must + have more force within than that handful on the skirts betrays. Come + hither, D’Eyncourt.” + </p> + <p> + And a few minutes afterwards, Warwick and his men saw two parties of horse + leave the main body, one for the right hand, one the left, followed by + long detachments of pikes, which they protected; and then the central + array marched slowly and steadily on towards the scanty foe. The design + was obvious,—to surround on all sides the enemy, driven to its last + desperate bay. But Montagu and his brother had not been idle in the + breathing-pause; they had planted the greater portion of the archers + skilfully among the trees. They had placed their pikemen on the verge of + the barricades made by sharp stakes and fallen timber, and where their + rampart was unguarded by the pass which had been left free for the + horsemen, Hilyard and his stoutest fellows took their post, filling the + gap with breasts of iron. + </p> + <p> + And now, as with horns and clarions, with a sea of plumes and spears and + pennons, the multitudinous deathsmen came on, Warwick, towering in the + front, not one feather on his eagle crest despoiled or shorn, stood, + dismounted, his visor still raised, by his renowned steed. Some of the men + had by Warwick’s order removed the mail from the destrier’s breast; and + the noble animal, relieved from the weight, seemed as unexhausted as its + rider; save where the champed foam had bespecked its glossy hide, not a + hair was turned; and the on-guard of the Yorkists heard its fiery snort as + they moved slowly on. This figure of horse and horseman stood prominently + forth amidst the little band. And Lovell, riding by Ratcliffe’s side, + whispered, “Beshrew me, I would rather King Edward had asked for mine own + head than that gallant earl’s!” + </p> + <p> + “Tush, youth,” said the inexorable Ratcliffe, “I care not of what steps + the ladder of mine ambition may be made!” + </p> + <p> + While they were thus speaking, Warwick, turning to Montagu and his + knights, said,— + </p> + <p> + “Our sole hope is in the courage of our men. And, as at Towton, when I + gave the throne to yon false man, I slew, with my own hand, my noble + Malech, to show that on that spot I would win or die, and by that + sacrifice so fired the soldiers, that we turned the day, so now—oh, + gentlemen, in another hour ye would jeer me, for my hand fails: this hand + that the poor beast hath so often fed from! Saladin, last of thy race, + serve me now in death as in life. Not for my sake, oh noblest steed that + ever bore a knight,—not for mine this offering!” + </p> + <p> + He kissed the destrier on his frontal, and Saladin, as if conscious of the + coming blow, bent his proud crest humbly, and licked his lord’s steel-clad + hand. So associated together had been horse and horseman, that had it been + a human sacrifice, the bystanders could not have been more moved. And + when, covering the charger’s eyes with one hand, the earl’s dagger + descended, bright and rapid, a groan went through the ranks. But the + effect was unspeakable! The men knew at once that to them, and them alone, + their lord intrusted his fortunes and his life; they were nerved to more + than mortal daring. No escape for Warwick—why, then, in Warwick’s + person they lived and died! Upon foe as upon friend, the sacrifice + produced all that could tend to strengthen the last refuge of despair. + Even Edward, where he rode in the van, beheld and knew the meaning of the + deed. Victorious Towton rushed back upon his memory with a thrill of + strange terror and remorse. + </p> + <p> + “He will die as he has lived,” said Gloucester, with admiration. “If I + live for such a field, God grant me such a death!” + </p> + <p> + As the words left the duke’s lips, and Warwick, one foot on his dumb + friend’s corpse, gave the mandate, a murderous discharge from the archers + in the covert rattled against the line of the Yorkists, and the foe, still + advancing, stepped over a hundred corpses to the conflict. Despite the + vast preponderance of numbers, the skill of Warwick’s archers, the + strength of his position, the obstacle to the cavalry made by the + barricades, rendered the attack perilous in the extreme. + </p> + <p> + But the orders of Edward were prompt and vigorous. He cared not for the + waste of life, and as one rank fell, another rushed on. High before the + barricades stood Montagu, Warwick, and the rest of that indomitable + chivalry, the flower of the ancient Norman heroism. As idly beat the waves + upon a rock as the ranks of Edward upon that serried front of steel. The + sun still shone in heaven, and still Edward’s conquest was unassured. Nay, + if Marmaduke could yet bring back the troops of Somerset upon the rear of + the foe, Montagu and the earl felt that the victory might be for them. And + often the earl paused, to hearken for the cry of “Somerset” on the gale, + and often Montagu raised his visor to look for the banners and the spears + of the Lancastrian duke. And ever, as the earl listened and Montagu + scanned the field, larger and larger seemed to spread the armament of + Edward. The regiment which boasted the stubborn energy of Alwyn was now in + movement, and, encouraged by the young Saxon’s hardihood, the Londoners + marched on, unawed by the massacre of their predecessors. But Alwyn, + avoiding the quarter defended by the knights, defiled a little towards the + left, where his quick eye, inured to the northern fogs, had detected the + weakness of the barricade in the spot where Hilyard was stationed; and + this pass Alwyn (discarding the bow) resolved to attempt at the point of + the pike, the weapon answering to our modern bayonet. The first rush which + he headed was so impetuous as to effect an entry. The weight of the + numbers behind urged on the foremost, and Hilyard had not sufficient space + for the sweep of the two-handed sword which had done good work that day. + While here the conflict became fierce and doubtful, the right wing led by + D’Eyncourt had pierced the wood, and, surprised to discover no ambush, + fell upon the archers in the rear. The scene was now inexpressibly + terrific; cries and groans, and the ineffable roar and yell of human + passion, resounded demonlike through the shade of the leafless trees. And + at this moment, the provident and rapid generalship of Edward had moved up + one of his heavy bombards. Warwick and Montagu and most of the knights + were called from the barricades to aid the archers thus assailed behind; + but an instant before that defence was shattered into air by the explosion + of the bombard. In another minute horse and foot rushed through the + opening. And amidst all the din was heard the voice of Edward, “Strike, + and spare not; we win the day!” “We win the day! victory! victory!” + repeated the troops behind. Rank caught the sound from rank, and file from + file; it reached the captive Henry, and he paused in prayer; it reached + the ruthless friar, and he gave the sign to the hireling at his shoulder; + it reached the priest as he entered, unmoved, the church of Hadley. And + the bell, changing its note into a quicker and sweeter chime, invited the + living to prepare for death, and the soul to rise above the cruelty and + the falsehood, and the pleasure and the pomp, and the wisdom and the glory + of the world! And suddenly, as the chime ceased, there was heard, from the + eminence hard by, a shriek of agony,—a female shriek,—drowned + by the roar of a bombard in the field below. + </p> + <p> + On pressed the Yorkists through the pass forced by Alwyn. “Yield thee, + stout fellow,” said the bold trader to Hilyard, whose dogged energy, + resembling his own, moved his admiration, and in whom, by the accent in + which Robin called his men, he recognized a north-countryman; “yield, and + I will see that thou goest safe in life and limb. Look round, ye are + beaten.” + </p> + <p> + “Fool!” answered Hilyard, setting his teeth, “the People are never + beaten!” And as the words left his lips, the shot from the recharged + bombard shattered him piecemeal. + </p> + <p> + “On for London and the crown!” cried Alwyn,—“the citizens are the + People!” + </p> + <p> + At this time, through the general crowd of the Yorkists, Ratcliffe and + Lovell, at the head of their appointed knights, galloped forward to + accomplish their crowning mission. + </p> + <p> + Behind the column which still commemorates “the great battle” of that day, + stretches now a trilateral patch of pasture-land, which faces a small + house. At that time this space was rough forest-ground, and where now, in + the hedge, rise two small trees, types of the diminutive offspring of our + niggard and ignoble civilization, rose then two huge oaks, coeval with the + warriors of the Norman Conquest. They grew close together; yet, though + their roots interlaced, though their branches mingled, one had not taken + nourishment from the other. They stood, equal in height and grandeur, the + twin giants of the wood. Before these trees, whose ample trunks protected + them from the falchions in the rear, Warwick and Montagu took their last + post. In front rose, literally, mounds of the slain, whether of foe or + friend; for round the two brothers to the last had gathered the brunt of + war, and they towered now, almost solitary in valour’s sublime despair, + amidst the wrecks of battle and against the irresistible march of fate. As + side by side they had gained this spot, and the vulgar assailants drew + back, leaving the bodies of the dead their last defence from death, they + turned their visors to each other, as for one latest farewell on earth. + </p> + <p> + “Forgive me, Richard,” said Montagu,—“forgive me thy death; had I + not so blindly believed in Clarence’s fatal order, the savage Edward had + never passed alive through the pass of Pontefract.” + </p> + <p> + “Blame not thyself,” replied Warwick. “We are but the instruments of a + wiser Will. God assoil thee, brother mine. We leave this world to tyranny + and vice. Christ receive our souls!” + </p> + <p> + For a moment their hands clasped, and then all was grim silence. + </p> + <p> + Wide and far, behind and before, in the gleam of the sun, stretched the + victorious armament, and that breathing-pause sufficed to show the + grandeur of their resistance,—the grandest of all spectacles, even + in its hopeless extremity,—the defiance of brave hearts to the brute + force of the many. Where they stood they were visible to thousands, but + not a man stirred against them. The memory of Warwick’s past achievements, + the consciousness of his feats that day, all the splendour of his fortunes + and his name, made the mean fear to strike, and the brave ashamed to + murder! The gallant D’Eyncourt sprang from his steed, and advanced to the + spot. His followers did the same. + </p> + <p> + “Yield, my lords, yield! Ye have done all that men could do!” + </p> + <p> + “Yield, Montagu,” whispered Warwick. “Edward can harm not thee. Life has + sweets; so they say, at least.” + </p> + <p> + “Not with power and glory gone.—We yield not, Sir Knight,” answered + the marquis, in a calm tone. + </p> + <p> + “Then die, and make room for the new men whom ye so have scorned!” + exclaimed a fierce voice; and Ratcliffe, who had neared the spot, + dismounted and hallooed on his bloodhounds. + </p> + <p> + Seven points might the shadow have traversed on the dial, and, before + Warwick’s axe and Montagu’s sword, seven souls had gone to judgment. In + that brief crisis, amidst the general torpor and stupefaction and awe of + the bystanders, round one little spot centred still a war. + </p> + <p> + But numbers rushed on numbers, as the fury of conflict urged on the + lukewarm. Montagu was beaten to his knee, Warwick covered him with his + body; a hundred axes resounded on the earl’s stooping casque, a hundred + blades gleamed round the joints of his harness. A simultaneous cry was + heard; over the mounds of the slain, through the press into the shadow of + the oaks, dashed Gloucester’s charger. The conflict had ceased, the + executioners stood mute in a half-circle. Side by side, axe and sword + still griped in their iron hands, lay Montagu and Warwick. + </p> + <p> + The young duke, his visor raised, contemplated the fallen foes in silence. + Then dismounting, he unbraced with his own hand the earl’s helmet. Revived + for a moment by the air, the hero’s eyes unclosed, his lips moved, he + raised, with a feeble effort, the gory battle-axe, and the armed crowd + recoiled in terror. But the earl’s soul, dimly conscious, and about to + part, had escaped from that scene of strife, its later thoughts of wrath + and vengeance, to more gentle memories, to such memories as fade the last + from true and manly hearts! + </p> + <p> + “Wife! child!” murmured the earl, indistinctly. “Anne! Anne! Dear ones, + God comfort ye!” And with these words the breath went, the head fell + heavily on its mother earth, the face set, calm and undistorted, as the + face of a soldier should be, when a brave death has been worthy of a brave + life. + </p> + <p> + “So,” muttered the dark and musing Gloucester, unconscious of the throng, + “so perishes the Race of Iron. Low lies the last baron who could control + the throne and command the people. The Age of Force expires with + knighthood and deeds of arms. And over this dead great man I see the New + Cycle dawn. Happy, henceforth, he who can plot and scheme, and fawn and + smile!” Waking with a start from his revery, the splendid dissimulator + said, as in sad reproof, “Ye have been over hasty, knights and gentlemen. + The House of York is mighty enough to have spared such noble foes. Sound + trumpets! Fall in file! Way, there,—way! King Edward comes. Long + live the king!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0093" id="link2HCH0093"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. THE LAST PILGRIMS IN THE LONG PROCESSION TO THE COMMON + BOURNE. + </h2> + <p> + The king and his royal brothers, immediately after the victory, rode back + to London to announce their triumph. The foot-soldiers still stayed behind + to recruit themselves after the sore fatigue. And towards the eminence by + Hadley church, the peasants and villagers of the district had pressed in + awe and in wonder; for on that spot had Henry (now sadly led back to a + prison, never again to unclose to his living form) stood to watch the + destruction of the host gathered in his name; and to that spot the corpses + of Warwick and Montagu were removed, while a bier was prepared to convey + their remains to London; [The bodies of Montagu and the earl were + exhibited bareheaded at St. Paul’s church for three days, “that no + pretence of their being alive might stir up any rebellion afterwards;... + they were then carried down to the Priory of Bisham, in Berkshire, where + among their ancestors by the mother’s side (the Earls of Salisbury), the + two unquiet brothers rest in one tomb.... The large river of their blood, + divided now into many streams, runs so small, they are hardly observed as + they flow by.” (Habington’s “Life of Edward IV.,” one of the most eloquent + compositions in the language, though incorrect as a history).—“Sic + transit gloria mundi.”] and on that spot had the renowned friar conjured + the mists, exorcised the enchanted guns, and defeated the horrible + machinations of the Lancastrian wizard. + </p> + <p> + And towards the spot, and through the crowd, a young Yorkist captain + passed with a prisoner he had captured, and whom he was leading to the + tent of the Lord Hastings, the only one of the commanders from whom mercy + might be hoped, and who had tarried behind the king and his royal brothers + to make preparations for the removal of the mighty dead. + </p> + <p> + “Keep close to me, Sir Marmaduke,” said the Yorkist; “we must look to + Hastings to appease the king: and, if he hope not to win your pardon, he + may, at least, after such a victory, aid one foe to fly.” + </p> + <p> + “Care not for me, Alwyn,” said the knight; “when Somerset was deaf save to + his own fears, I came back to die by my chieftain’s side, alas, too late! + too late! Better now death than life! What kin, kith, ambition, love, were + to other men was Lord Warwick’s smile to me!” + </p> + <p> + Alwyn kindly respected his prisoner’s honest emotion, and took advantage + of it to lead him away from the spot where he saw knights and warriors + thickest grouped, in soldier-like awe and sadness, round the + Hero-Brothers. He pushed through a humbler crowd of peasants and citizens, + and women with babes at their breast; and suddenly saw a troop of + timbrel-women dancing round a leafless tree, and chanting some wild but + mirthful and joyous doggerel. + </p> + <p> + “What obscene and ill-seasoned revelry is this?” said the trader to a + gaping yeoman. + </p> + <p> + “They are but dancing, poor girls, round the wicked wizard whom Friar + Bungey caused to be strangled, and his witch daughter.” + </p> + <p> + A chill foreboding seized upon Alwyn: he darted forward, scattering + peasant and tymbestere with his yet bloody sword. His feet stumbled + against some broken fragments; it was the poor Eureka, shattered, at last, + for the sake of the diamond! Valueless to the great friar, since the + science of the owner could not pass to his executioner,—valueless + the mechanism and the invention, the labour and the genius; but the + superstition and the folly and the delusion had their value, and the + impostor who destroyed the engine clutched the jewel! + </p> + <p> + From the leafless tree was suspended the dead body of a man; beneath, lay + a female, dead too; but whether by the hand of man or the mercy of Heaven, + there was no sign to tell. Scholar and Child, Knowledge and Innocence, + alike were cold; the grim Age had devoured them, as it devours ever those + before, as behind, its march, and confounds, in one common doom, the too + guileless and the too wise! + </p> + <p> + “Why crowd ye thus, knaves?” said a commanding voice. + </p> + <p> + “Ha, Lord Hastings! approach! behold!” exclaimed Alwyn. + </p> + <p> + “Ha, ha!” shouted Graul, as she led her sisters from the spot, wheeling, + and screaming, and tossing up their timbrels, “ha! the witch and her + lover! Ha, ha! Foul is fair! Ha, ha! Witchcraft and death go together, as + thou mayest learn at the last, sleek wooer.” + </p> + <p> + And, peradventure, when, long years afterwards, accusations of witchcraft, + wantonness, and treason resounded in the ears of Hastings, and, at the + signal of Gloucester, rushed in the armed doomsman, those ominous words + echoed back upon his soul! + </p> + <p> + At that very hour the gates of the Tower were thrown open to the + multitude. Fresh from his victory, Edward and his brothers had gone to + render thanksgivings at St. Paul’s (they were devout, those three + Plantagenets!), thence to Baynard’s Castle, to escort the queen and her + children once more to the Tower. And, now, the sound of trumpets stilled + the joyous uproar of the multitude, for in the balcony of the casement + that looked towards the chapel the herald had just announced that King + Edward would show himself to the people. On every inch of the courtyard, + climbing up wall and palisade, soldier, citizen, thief, harlot, age, + childhood, all the various conditions and epochs of multiform life, + swayed, clung, murmured, moved, jostled, trampled,—the beings of the + little hour! + </p> + <p> + High from the battlements against the weltering beam floated Edward’s + conquering flag,—a sun shining to the sun. Again, and a third time, + rang the trumpets, and on the balcony, his crown upon his head, but his + form still sheathed in armour, stood the king. What mattered to the crowd + his falseness and his perfidy, his licentiousness and cruelty? All vices + ever vanish in success! Hurrah for King Edward! THE MAN OF THE AGE suited + the age, had valour for its war and cunning for its peace, and the + sympathy of the age was with him! So there stood the king; at his right + hand, Elizabeth, with her infant boy (the heir of England) in her arms, + the proud face of the duchess seen over the queen’s shoulder. By + Elizabeth’s side was the Duke of Gloucester, leaning on his sword, and at + the left of Edward, the perjured Clarence bowed his fair head to the + joyous throng! At the sight of the victorious king, of the lovely queen, + and, above all, of the young male heir, who promised length of days to the + line of York, the crowd burst forth with a hearty cry, “Long live the king + and the king’s son!” Mechanically Elizabeth turned her moistened eyes from + Edward to Edward’s brother, and suddenly, as with a mother’s prophetic + instinct, clasped her infant closer to her bosom, when she caught the + glittering and fatal eye of Richard, Duke of Gloucester (York’s young hero + of the day, Warwick’s grim avenger in the future), fixed upon that + harmless life, destined to interpose a feeble obstacle between the + ambition of a ruthless intellect and the heritage of the English throne! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_NOTE" id="link2H_NOTE"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NOTES. + </h2> + <p> + I. The badge of the Bear and Ragged Staff was so celebrated in the + fifteenth century, that the following extract from a letter addressed by + Mr. Courthope, Rouge Croix, to the author, will no doubt interest the + reader, and the author is happy in the opportunity afforded of expressing + his acknowledgments for the courteous attention with which Mr. Courthope + has honoured his inquiries:— + </p> + <p> + “COLLEGE OF ARMS. As regards the badge of Richard Nevile, Earl of Warwick,—namely, + the Bear and Staff,—I agree with you, certainly, as to the + probability of his having sometimes used the whole badge, and sometimes + the Staff only, which accords precisely with the way in which the Bear and + Staff are set forth in the Rous Roll to the early earls (Warwick) before + the Conquest. We there find them figured with the Staff upon their shields + and the Bear at their feet, and the Staff alone is introduced as a + quartering upon their shields. + </p> + <p> + “The story of the origin of these badges is as follows: + </p> + <p> + “Arth, or Arthgal, is reputed to have been the first Earl of Warwick, and + being one of the knights of King Arthur’s Round Table, it behooved him to + have a cognizance; and Arth or Narth signifying in British the same as + Ursus in Latin, he took the Bear for such cognizance. His successor, + Morvidus, Earl of Warwick, in single combat, overcame a mighty giant (who + had encountered him with a tree pulled up from the root, the boughs of + which had been torn from it), and in token of his success assumed the + Ragged Staff. You will thus see that the origins of the two were + different, which would render the bearing of them separately not unlikely, + and you will likewise infer that both came through the Beauchamps. I do + not find the Ragged Staff ever attributed to the Neviles before the match + with Beauchamp. + </p> + <p> + “As regards the crest or cognizance of Nevile, the Pied Bull has been the + cognizance of that family from a very early time, and the Bull’s head, its + crest, and both the one and the other may have been used by the + king-maker, and by his brother, the Marquis Montagu; the said Bull appears + at the feet of Richard Nevile in the Rous Roll, accompanied by the Eagle + of Monthermer; the crests on either side of him are those of Montagu and + Nevile. Besides these two crests, both of which the Marquis Montagu may + have used, he certainly did use the Gryphon, issuant out of a ducal + coronet, as this appears alone for his crest, on his garter plate, as a + crest for Montagu, he having given the arms of that family precedence over + his paternal coat of Nevile; the king-maker, likewise, upon his seal, + gives the precedence to Montagu and Monthermer, and they alone appear upon + his shield.” + </p> + <p> + II. Hume, Rapin, and Carte, all dismiss the story of Edward’s actual + imprisonment at Middleham, while Lingard, Sharon Turner, and others, adopt + it implicitly. And yet, though Lingard has successfully grappled with some + of Hume’s objections, he has left others wholly unanswered. Hume states + that no such fact is mentioned in Edward’s subsequent proclamation against + Clarence and Warwick. Lingard answers, after correcting an immaterial + error in Hume’s dates, “that the proclamation ought not to have mentioned + it, because it was confined to the enumeration of offences only committed + after the general amnesty in 1469;” and then, surely with some + inconsistency, quotes the attainder of Clarence many years afterwards, in + which the king enumerates it among his offences, “as jeopardyng the king’s + royal estate, person, and life, in strait warde, putting him thereby from + all his libertye after procuring great commotions.” But it is clear that + if the amnesty hindered Edward from charging Warwick with this + imprisonment only one year after it was granted, it would, a fortiori, + hinder him from charging Clarence with it nine years after. Most probable + is it that this article of accusation does not refer to any imprisonment, + real or supposed, at Middleham, in 1469, but to Clarence’s invasion of + England in 1470, when Edward’s state, person, and life were jeopardized by + his narrow escape from the fortified house, where he might fairly be + called “in straite warde;” especially as the words, “after procuring great + commotions,” could not apply to the date of the supposed detention in + Middleham, when, instead of procuring commotions, Clarence had helped + Warwick to allay them, but do properly apply to his subsequent rebellion + in 1470. Finally, Edward’s charges against his brother, as Lingard himself + has observed elsewhere, are not proofs, and that king never scrupled at + any falsehood to serve his turn. Nothing, in short, can be more improbable + than this tale of Edward’s captivity,—there was no object in it. At + the very time it is said to have taken place, Warwick is absolutely + engaged in warfare against the king’s foes. The moment Edward leaves + Middleham, instead of escaping to London, he goes carelessly and openly to + York, to judge and execute the very captain of the rebels whom Warwick has + subdued, and in the very midst of Warwick’s armies! Far from appearing to + harbour the natural resentment so vindictive a king must have felt (had so + great an indignity been offered to him), almost immediately after he + leaves York, he takes the Nevile family into greater power than ever, + confers new dignities upon Warwick, and betroths his eldest daughter to + Warwick’s nephew. On the whole, then, perhaps some such view of the king’s + visit to Middleham which has been taken in this narrative, may be + considered not the least probable compromise of the disputed and + contradictory evidence on the subject. + </p> + <p> + THE END. <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Last Of The Barons, Complete, by +Edward Bulwer-Lytton + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LAST OF THE BARONS, COMPLETE *** + +***** This file should be named 7727-h.htm or 7727-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/7/7/2/7727/ + +Produced by Tapio Riikonen and David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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