 CHAPTER 37 You have displaced the mirth, broke the good meeting, with most admiring disorder. It was afterwards remembered that during the banquets and rebels which occupied the remainder of this eventful day, the bearing of lester and of Barney were totally different from their usual demeanor. Sir Richard Barney had been held rather a man of counsel and of action than a votary of pleasure. Business, whether civil or military, seemed always to be his proper sphere. And while in festivals and rebels, although he well understood, had to trick them up and present them. His own part was that of a mere spectator. Or if he exercised his wit, it was in a rough, caustic and severe manner, rather as if he scoffed at the exhibition, and the guest, then shared the common pleasure. But upon the present day his character seemed changed. He mixed among the younger courtiers and ladies, and appeared for the moment to be actuated by a spirit of lighthearted gaity, which rendered him a match for the liveliest. This would look upon him as a man given up to graver and more ambitious pursuits. A bitter sneer and passer of sarcasms, at the expense of those who, taking life as they find it, were disposed to snatch at each past time it presents, now perceived with astonishment that his wit could carry as smooth an edge as their own. His laugh be as lively, and his brow as unclouded. By what art of damnable hypocrisy he could draw this veil of gaity over the black thoughts of one of the worst of human bosoms must remain unintelligible to all but his compiers, if any such ever existed. But he was a man of extraordinary powers, and those powers were unhappily dedicated in all their energy to the very worst of purposes. It was entirely different with Lester. Whoever habituated his mind usually was to play the part of a good courtier and a pure gay, vestiguous, and free from all care, but that of enhancing the pleasure of the moment, while his bosom internally throbbed with the pangs of unsatisfied ambition, jealousy, or resentment. His heart had now a yet more dreadful guest, whose workings could not be overshadowed or suppressed, and he might read in his vacant eye and troubled brow that his thoughts were far absent from the seams in which he was compelling himself to play a part. He looked moved and spoke as if by a succession of continued efforts, and it seemed as if his will, had in some degree lost the promptitude of command over the acute mind and goodly form of which it was the regent. His actions and gestures, instead of appearing the consequence of simple volition, seemed like those of an automaton, to wait the revolution of some internal machinery ere they could be performed, and his words fell from him piecemeal, interrupted as if he had first to think what he was to say, and then how it was to be said, and as if, after all, it was only by an effort of continued attention that he completed a sentence without forgetting both the one and the other. The singular effects which these distractions of mine produced upon the behavior and conversation of the most accomplished courtier of England, as they were visible to the lowest and dullest menial who approached his person, could not escape the notice of the most intelligent princess of the age, nor is there the least doubt that the alternate negligence and irregularity of his manner would have called down Elizabeth's severe displeasure on the Earl of Leicester, had it not occurred to her to account for it by supposing that the apprehension of that displeasure which she had expressed towards him with such vivacity that very morning was dwelling upon the spirits of her favorite, and, despite of his efforts to the contrary, distracted the usual graceful tenderer of his mean and the charms of his conversation. When this idea, so flattering to female vanity, had once obtained possession of her mind, it proved a full and satisfactory apology for the numerous errors and mistakes of the Earl of Leicester, and the watchful circle around observed with astonishment that, instead of resenting his repeated negligence and wanted even ordinary attention, although these were points on which she was usually extremely punctilious, the queen saw it on the contrary to afford him time and means to recollect himself, and dain to assist him in doing so, with an indulgence which seemed altogether inconsistent with her usual character. It was clear, however, that this could not last much longer, and that Elizabeth must finally put another in more severe construction on Leicester's uncourteous conduct, when the Earl was summoned by Barney to speak with him in a different apartment. After having had the message twice delivered to him, he rose and was about to withdraw, as it were, by instinct, then stopped and, turning round, entreated permission of the queen to absent himself for a brief space, upon matters of pressing importance. "'Go, my lord,' said the queen, "'we are aware our presence must occasion set in in unexpected occurrences, which require to be provided for on the instant. "'Yet, my lord, as you would have us believe our self, you are welcome and honored guest, we entreat you to think less of our good cheer and favor us with more of your good countenance than we have this day enjoyed. For whether prince or peasant be the guest, the welcome of the host will always be the better part of the entertainment. "'Go, my lord, and we trust to see you return with an unwrinkled brow, and those free thoughts which you are wanting to have at the disposal of your friends.' Lester only bowed low in answer to this rebuke, and retired. At the door of the apartment he was met by Barney, who eagerly drew him apart and whispered in his ear. "'All is well.' "'Has master seen her?' said the earl. "'He has, my lord, and as she would neither answer his queries nor allege any reason for her refusal. He will give full testimony that she labors under a mental disorder, and may be best committed to the charge of her friends. The opportunity is therefore free to remove her as we proposed.' "'But Tricillian,' said Lester.' "'He will not know of her departure for some time,' replied Barney. "'It shall take place this very evening, and to-morrow he shall be cared for.' "'No, by my soul,' answered Lester. "'I will take vengeance on him with my own hand.' "'You, my lord, and on so inconsiderable a man is Tricillian. "'No, my lord, he hath long wished to visit foreign parts. Trust him to me. I will take care he returns, not hither, to tell tales.' "'Not so, by heaven, Barney,' exclaimed Lester, "'inconsiderable, do you call an enemy that hath had power to wound me so deeply, that my whole afterlife must be one scene of remorse and misery?' "'No. Rather than forgo the right of doing my self-justice with my own hand on that accursed villain, I will unfold the whole truth at Elizabeth's footstool, and let her vengeance descend at once on them and on myself.' Barney saw, with great alarm, that his lord was wrought up to such a pitch of agitation, that if he gave not way to him he was perfectly capable of adopting the desperate resolution which he had announced, and which was instant ruin to all the schemes of ambition which Barney had formed for his patron and for himself. But the Earl's rage seemed at once uncontrollable and deeply concentrated, and while he spoke his eyes shot fire, his voice trembled with excessive passion, and the light foam stood on his lip. His confidant made a bold and successful effort to obtain the mastery of him, even in this hour of emotion. "'My lord,' he said, leading him to a mirror, behold your reflection in that glass, and think if these agitated features belong to one who, in a condition so extreme, is capable of forming a resolution for himself.' "'What, then, wouldest thou make me?' said Lester, struck at the change in his own physiognomy, though offended at the freedom with which Barney made the appeal. "'Am I to be thy ward, thy vassal? The property and subject of my servant?' "'No, my lord,' said Barney, firmly. "'But be master of yourself, and of your own passion. "'My lord, I, your born servant, am ashamed to see how poorly you bear yourself in the storm of fury. Go to Elizabeth's feet, confess your marriage, impede your wife and her paramour of adultery, and avow yourself amongst all your peers, the widdle who married a country girl, and was cousin by her and her book-looner gallant. "'Go, my lord, but first take farewell of Richard Barney, with all the benefits you ever conferred on him.' He served the noble, the lofty, the high-minded Lester, and was more proud of depending on him than he would be of commanding thousands. But the abject lord, who stoops to every adverse circumstance, whose judicious resolves are scattered, like chaff, before every wind of passion, him Richard Barney serves not. He is as much above him in constancy of mine as beneath him in rank and fortune.' Barney spoke thus, without hypocrisy, for though the firmness of his mind which he boasted was hardness and impenetrability, yet he really felt the ascendancy which he vaunted, while the interest which he actually felt in the fortunes of Lester gave unusual emotion to his voice and manner. Lester was overpowered by his assumed superiority. It seemed to the unfortunate Earl as if his last friend was about to abandon him. He stretched his hand towards Barney as he uttered the words, Do not leave me. What wouldest thou have me do? Be thyself, my noble master, said Barney, touching the Earl's hand with his lips, after having respectfully grasped it in his own. Be yourself, superior to those storms of passion which wreck in fewer minds. Are you the first who has been cousined in love? The first who, moveane and licentious woman, has cheated into an affection which she has afterwards scorned and misused. And will you suffer yourself to be driven frantic because you've not been wiser than the wisest men whom the world has seen? Let her be as if she had not been. Let her pass from your memory as unworthy of ever having held a place there. Let your strong resolve this morning, which I have both courage, zeal, and means enough to execute, be like the fiat of a superior being, a passionless act of justice. She hath deserved death. Let her die. While he was speaking, the Earl held his hand fast, compressed his lips hard, and frowned as if he labored to catch from Barney a portion of the cold, ruthless, and dispassionate firmness which he recommended. When he was silent, the Earl still continued to grasp his hand, and tell, with an effort at calm decision, he was able to articulate. Be it so, she dies. But one tear might be permitted. Not one, my lord. Interrupted Barney, who saw by the quivering eye and convulsed cheek of his patron, that he was about to give way to a burst of emotion. Not a tear. The time permits it not. Tresillian must be thought of. That indeed is a name, said the Earl, to convert tears into blood. Barney, I have thought on this, and I have determined. Neither in treaty nor argument shall move me. Tresillian shall be my own victim. It is madness, my lord. But you are too mighty for me to bar your way to your revenge. Yet resolve at least to choose fitting time and opportunity, and to forbear him, and tell these shall be found. Thou shalt order me in what thou wilt, said Lester. Only thwart me not in this. Then my lord, said Barney, I first request of you to lay aside the wild, suspected and half frenzy demeanor, which hath this day drawn the eyes of all the court upon you, and which but for the queen's partial indulgence, which she hath extended toward you, in a degree far beyond her nature, she had never given you the opportunity to atone for. Have I indeed been so negligent, said Lester, as one who awakes from a dream? I thought I had colored it well. But fear nothing, my mind is now eased. I am calm. My horoscope shall be fulfilled. And that it may be fulfilled, I will tax to the highest every faculty of my mind. Fear me not, I say, I will to the queen instantly. Not thine own looks and language shall be more impenetrable than mine. Has thou ought else to say? I must crave your signet-ring, said Barney gravely, in token of those of your servants whom I must employ, that I possess your full authority in commanding their aid. Lester drew off his signet-ring, which he commonly used, and gave it to Barney, with a haggard and stern expression of countenance, patting only in a low, half-whisper-tone, but with terrific emphasis, the words, what thou dost do quickly. Some anxiety and wonder took place, meanwhile, in the presence hall, at the prolonged absence of the noble lord of the castle, and great was the delight of his friends when they saw him enter, as a man from whose bosom, to all human-seeming, a weight of care had been just removed. Only did Lester, that day, redeem the pledge he had given to Barney, who soon saw himself no longer under the necessity of maintaining a character so different, from his own, as that which he had assumed in the earlier part of the day, and gradually relapsed into the same grave, shrewd, caustic observer of conversation and incident, which constituted his usual part in society. With Elizabeth Lester played his game, as one to whom her natural strength of talent and her weakness, in one or two particular points, were well known. He was too worried to exchange, on a sudden, the sullen personage, which he had played before he retired with Barney. But on approaching her, it seemed softened into a melancholy, which had a tension of tenderness in it, and which, in the course of conversing with Elizabeth, and as she dropped in compassion, one mark of favor after another, to console him, passed into a flow of affectionate gallantry, the most assiduous, the most delicate, the most insinuating, yet at the same time the most respectful, with which a queen was ever addressed by a subject. Elizabeth listened, as in a sort of enchantment. Her jealousy of power was lulled asleep. Her resolution to forsake all social or domestic ties, and dedicate herself exclusively to the care of her people, began to be shaken, and once more the star of deadly culminated in the court horizon. But Lester did not enjoy his triumph over nature and over conscience without its being embittered to him, not only by the internal rebellion of his feelings against the violence which he exercised over them, but by many accidental circumstances, which, in the course of the banquet, and during the subsequent amusements of the evening, jarred upon that nerve, the least vibration of which was agony. The courtiers were, for example, in the great hall, after having left the banqueting room, awaiting the appearance of a splinted mask, which was the expected entertainment of this evening. When the queen interrupted a wild career of wit, which the Earl of Lester was running against Lord Willoughby, Raleigh and some other courtiers by saying, We will impeach you of high treason, my lord, if you proceed in this attempt to slay us with laughter. And here comes the thing may make us all grave at his pleasure, our learned physician-masters, with news belike of our poor suppliant, Lady Barney. Nay, my lord, we will not have you leave us, for this being a dispute between smarred persons, we do not hold our own experience deep enough to decide thereon without good counsel. How now, masters, what thinkest thou of the runaway bride? The smile with which Lester had been speaking, when the queen interrupted him, remained arrested on his lips, as if it had been carved there by the chisel of Michelangelo or of Chantry. And he listened to the speech of the physician with the same immovable cast of countenance. The Lady Barney, gracious sovereign, said the court physician-masters, Is sullen, and would hold little conference with me touching the state of her health, talking wildly of being soon to plead her own cause before your own presence, and of answering no meaner person's inquiries. Now, the heavens for fend, said the queen, we have already suffered from the misconstructions and broils which seem to follow this poor, brain-sick lady wherever she comes. Think you not so, my lord! She added, appealing to Lester, with something in her look that indicated regret, even tenderly expressed, for their disagreement of that morning. Lester compelled himself to bow low. The utmost force he could exert was inadequate to the further effort of expressing in words his acquiescence in the queen's sentiment. You are vindictive, she said, my lord. But we will find time and place to punish you. But once more to the same trouble-myrth, this Lady Barney, what of her health-masters? She is sullen, madam, as I already said, replied masters, and refuses to answer in torogatories or be amenable to the authority of the medicineer. I can see her to be possessed with a delirium, which I inclined to term rather hypochondria and pernesis, and I think she were best cared for by her husband in his own house, and removed from all this bustle of pageants, which disturbs her weak brain with the most fantastic phantoms. She drops hints as if she were some great person in disguise, some countess or a princess, per chance. God help them, such are often the hallucinations of these infirm persons. Nathan, said the queen, away with her, with all speed. Let Barney care for her with fitting humanity, but let them rid the castle of her forthwith. She will think herself, Lady of all, I warrant you. It is pity so fair a form, however, should have an infirm understanding. What think you, my lord? It is pity indeed, said the earl, repeating the words like a task which was set him. But perhaps, said Elizabeth, you do not join with us in our opinion of her beauty, and indeed we have known men prefer a statelier and more Juno-like form to that drooping fragile one that hung its head like a broken lily. I, men are tyrants, my lord, who esteem the animation of the strife above the tribe of an unresisting conquest, and like sturdy champions, love best those women who can wage contest with them. I could think with you, Rutland, that give my lord of Lester such a piece of painted wax for a bride. He would have wished her dead near the end of the honeymoon. As she said this, she looked on Lester so expressively that, while his heart revolted against the egregious falsehood, he did himself so much violence as to reply in a whisper that Lester's love was more lowly than her majesty deemed, since it was settled where he could never command, but must ever obey. The queen blushed and bit him be silent, yet looked as if she expected that he would not obey her commands. But at that moment, the flourish of trumpets and kettle-drums from a high balcony, which overlooked the hall, announced the entrance of the maskers, and relieved Lester from the horrible state of constrain and dissimulation in which the result of his own duplicity had placed him. The mask which entered consisted of four separate bands, which followed each other at brief intervals, each consisting of six principal persons and as many torch-bearers, and each representing one of the various nations by which England had at different times been occupied. The Aboriginal Britons, who first entered, were ushered in by two ancient druids, whose hoary hair was crowned with a chocolate vogue, and who bore in their hands branches of mistletoe. The maskers who followed these venerable figures were succeeded by two bards, a raiding white and baring harps, which they occasionally touched, singing at the same time certain stanzas of an ancient hymn to Bellas, or the sun. The Aboriginal Britons had been selected from amongst the tallest and most robust young gentlemen in attendance on the court. Their masks were accommodated with long, shaggy beards and hair. Their vestments were of the hides of wolves and bears, while their legs, arms, and the upper parts of their bodies, being sheathed in flesh-colored silk, on which were traced in grotesque lines. Representations of the heavenly bodies and of animals and other terrestrial objects gave them the lively appearance of our painted ancestors, whose freedom was first trenched upon by the Romans. The sons of Rome, who came to civilize, as well as to conquer, were next produced before the princely assembly, and the manager of the rebels had correctly imitated the high crest and military habits of that celebrated people, accommodating them with the light, yet strong buckler, and the short two edge sword, the use of which had made them victors of the world. The Roman eagles were born before them by two standard bearers, who recited to him to Mars, and the classical warriors followed with the grave and haughty step of men who aspired at universal conquest. The third quadril represented the Saxons, clad in the bearskins, which they had brought with them from the German forests, and bearing in their hands the redoubtable battle-axes, which made such havoc among the natives of Britain. They were preceded by two scalds who chanted the praises of Odin. Last came the nightly Normans in their mail shirts and hoods of steel, with all the panoply of chivalry, and marshaled by two minstrels, who sang of war and ladies' love. These four bands entered the spacious hall with the utmost order, a short pause being made that the spectators might satisfy their curiosity as to each quadril before the appearance of the next. They then marched completely around the hall in order, the more fully to display themselves, regulating their steps to organs, shalms, haught boys, and virginals, the music of the Lord of Lester's household. At length the four quadrils of maskers, ranging their torch bears behind them, drew up in their several ranks on the two opposite sides of the hall, so that the Romans confronting the Britons and the Saxons, the Normans, seemed to look on each other with eyes of wonder, which presently appeared to kindle into anger, expressed by menacing gestures. At the burst of a strain of martial music from the gallery, the maskers drew their swords on all sides and advanced against each other in the measured steps of a sort of pyrrhic or military dance, clashing their swords against their adversary's shields and clattering them against their blades as they passed each other in the progress of the dance. It was a very pleasant spectacle to see how the various bands, preserving regularity amid motions which seemed to be totally irregular, mixed together and then disengaging themselves, resumed each their own original rank as the music varied. In this symbolic dance were represented the conflicts which had taken place among the various nations which had anciently inhabited Britain. At length, after many mazy evolutions which afforded great pleasure to the spectators, the sound of a loud voice trumpet was heard as if it blew for an instant battle or for victory won. The maskers instantly ceased their mimic strife and collecting themselves under their original leaders or presenters, for such was the appropriate phrase. Seemed to share the anxious expectation which the spectators experienced concerning what was next to appear. The doors of the hall were thrown wide and no less a person entered than the fiend-born Merlin dressed in a strange and mystical attire suited to his ambiguous birth and magical power. About him and behind him fluttered or gambled many extraordinary forms intended to represent the spirits who waited to do his powerful bidding, and so much to this part of the pageant interest the menials and others of the lower class than in the castle, that many of them forgot even the reverence due to the queen's presence, so far as to thrust themselves into the lower part of the hall. The Earl of Lester, seeing his officers had some difficulty to repel these intruders without more disturbance than was fitting where the queen was in presence, arose and went himself to the bottom of the hall. Elizabeth at the same time, with her usual feeling of the common people, requesting that they might be permitted to remain undisturbed to witness the pageant. Lester went under this pretext, but his real motive was to gain a moment to himself and to relieve his mind. Word but for one instant, from the dreadful task of hiding under the guise of gaiety and gallantry, the lacerating tanges of shame, anger, remorse, and thirst for vengeance. He imposed silence by his look and signed upon the vulgar crowd at the lower end of the apartment. But instead of instantly returning to wait on her majesty, he wrapped his cloak around him and, mixing with the crowd, stood in some degree an undistinguished spectator of the progress of the mask. Merlin having entered and advanced into the midst of the hall, summoned the presenters of the contending bands around him by a wave of his magical rod, and announced to them, in a poetical speech, that the Isle of Britain was now commanded by a royal maiden, to whom it was the will of fate, that they should all do homage, and request of her to pronounce on the various pretensions which each set forth to be esteemed the preeminent stock from which the present natives, the happy subjects of that angelical princess, derived their lineage. In obedience to this mandate, the bands, each moving to solemn music, passed in succession before Elizabeth, doing her as they passed, each after the fashion of the people whom they represented, the lowest and most devotional homage, which she returned with the same gracious courtesy that had marked her whole conduct since she came to Kenilworth. The presenters of the several masks or quadrils then alleged, each in behalf of his own troop, the reasons which they had for claiming preeminence over the rest, and when they had been all heard in turn, she returned them this gracious answer, that she was sorry she was not better qualified to decide upon the doubtful question which had been propounded to her by the direction of the famous Merlin, but that it seemed to her that no single one of these celebrated nations could claim preeminence over the others, as having most contributed to form the Englishmen of her own time, who unquestionably derived from each of them some worthy attribute of his character. Thus, she said, the Englishmen had from the ancient Britain his bold and tameless spirit of freedom, from the Roman his disciplined courage and war, with his love of letters and civilization and time of peace, from the Saxon his wise and equitable laws, and from the chivalrous Norman his love of honor and courtesy, with his generous desire for glory. Merlin answered with readiness that it did indeed require that so many choice qualities should meet in the English, as might render them in some measure the muster of the perfections of other nations. Since that alone could render them in some degree deserving of the blessings they enjoyed under the reign of England's Elizabeth. The music then sounded, and the quadrils, together with Merlin and his assistants, have begun to remove from the crowded hall, when Lester, who was, as we have mentioned, stationed for the moment near the bottom of the hall, and consequently engaged in some degree in the crowd, felt himself pulled by the cloak, while the voice whispered in his ear, My Lord, I do desire some instant conference with you. End Chapter 37 CHAPTER 38 How is it with me, when every noise appalls me? I desire some conference with you. The words were simple in themselves, but Lord Lester was in that alarmed and feverish state of mind, when the most ordinary occurrences seemed fraught with alarming import, and he turned hastily round to survey the person by whom they had been spoken. There was nothing remarkable in the speaker's appearance, which consisted of a black silk doublet and short mantle, with a black fizzard on his face, for it appeared he had been among the crowd of masks, who had thronged into the hall, in the retinue of Merlin, though we did not wear any of the extravagant disguises by which most of them were distinguished. Who are you, or what do you want with me? said Lester, not without betraying by his accents the hurried state of his spirits. No evil, my Lord, answered the mask, but much good in honor, if you will rightly understand my purpose, but I must speak with you more privately. I can speak with no nameless stranger, answered Lester, dreading he knew not precisely what, from the request of the stranger, and those who are known to me must seek another and a fitter time to ask an interview. He would have hurried away, but the mask still detained him. Those who talk to your lordship of what your own honor demands have a right over your time, whatever occupations you may lay aside in order to indulge them. How, my honor, who dare impeach it? said Lester. Your own conduct alone can furnish grounds for accusing it, my lord, and it is that topic on which I would speak with you. You are insolent, said Lester, and have used a hospitable license of the time, which prevents me from having you punished. I demand your name. Edmund Tressylian of Cornwall answered the mask. My tongue has been bound by a promise for four and twenty hours. The space is past. I now speak, and do your lordship the justice to address myself first to you. The thrill of astonishment, which had penetrated to Lester's very heart, and hearing that name pronounced by the voice of the man he most tested, and by whom he had conceived himself so deeply injured, at first rendered him immovable, but instantly gave way to such a thirst for revenge, as the pilgrim in the desert feels for the water-brooks. He had but sense and self-government enough left to prevent his stabbing to the heart, the audacious villain, who after the ruin he had brought upon him, dared with such unmoved assurance, thus to practice upon him further. Determined to suppress for the moment every symptom of agitation, in order to perceive the full scope of Tressylian's purpose, as well as to secure his own vengeance, he answered in tone so altered by restrained passion, as scarce to be intelligible, and what does master Edmund Tressylian require at my hand? Justice, my lord, answered Tressylian, calmly but firmly. Justice, said Lester, all men are entitled to. You, master Tressylian, are peculiarly so, and be assured you shall have it. I expect nothing less from your nobleness, answered Tressylian, but time presses, and I must speak with you to-night. May I wait on you in your chamber? No, answered Lester sternly, not under a roof, and that roof mine own. We will meet under the free cope of heaven. You are discomposed or displeased, my lord, replied Tressylian, yet there is no occasion for distemperature. The place is equal to me, so you allow me one-half hour of your time uninterrupted. A shorter time will I trust, suffice, answered Lester. Meet me in the presence when the queen is retired to her chamber. Enough, said Tressylian, and withdrew, while a sort of rapture seemed for the moment to occupy the mind of Lester. Heaven, he said, is at last favorable to me, and as put within my reach, the wretch who has branded me with this deep ignominy. Who is inflicted on me this cruel agony? I will blame fate no more, since I am afforded the means of tracing the wiles, by which he means still further to practice on me, and then of at once convicting and punishing his villainy. To my task, to my task, I will not sink under it now, since midnight, at farthest, will bring me vengeance. While these reflections thronged through Lester's mind, he again made his way amid the obsequious crowd, which divided to give him passage, and resumed his place, envied and admired, beside the person of his sovereign. But could the bosom of him, thus admired and envied, have been laid open before the inhabitants of that crowded hall, with all its stark thoughts of guilty ambition, blighted affection, deep vengeance, and conscious sense of meditated cruelty, crossing each other like specters in the circle of some foul enchantress, which of them from the most ambitious noble in the courtly circle, down to the most wretched menial, who lived by shifting of trenchers, would have desired to change characters with the favorite of Elizabeth and the Lord of Kenilworth. New tortures awaited him as soon as he had rejoined Elizabeth. You come in time, my lord, she said, to decide a dispute between us ladies. Here has Sir Richard Barney asked our permission to depart from the castle with his infirm lady, having as he tells us your lordship's consent to his absence, so he can obtain ours. Cercertes, we have no will to withhold him from the affection and charge of this poor young person. But you are to know that Sir Richard Barney hath this day shown himself so much captivated with these ladies of ours, that here is our Duchess of Rutland, says he will carry his poor and sane wife no farther than the lake, plunge her in to tenant the crystal palaces that the enchanted nymph told us of, and return a jolly widower to dry his tears and to make up the loss among our train. How say you, my lord? We have seen Barney under two or three different guises. You know what are his proper attributes. Think you he is capable of playing his lady such a knave's trick. Lester was confounded, but the danger was urgent, and a reply absolutely necessary. The ladies, he said, think too lightly of one of their own sacks, in supposing she could deserve such a fate, or too ill of ours to think it could be inflicted upon an innocent female. Hear him, my ladies, said Elizabeth. Like all his sacks, he would excuse their cruelty by imputing fickleness to us. Say not us, madam, replied the Earl. We say that meaner women, like the lesser lights of heaven, have revolutions and phases, but who shall impute mutability to the sun, or to Elizabeth. The discourse presently afterwards assumed a less perilous tendency, and Lester continued to support his part in it with spirit, at whatever expense of mental agony. So pleasing did it seem to Elizabeth that the castle bell had sounded midnight ere she retired from the company, a circumstance unusual in her quiet and regular habits of disposing of time. Her departure was, of course, the signal for breaking up the company, who dispersed to their several places of repose, to dream over the pastimes of the day, or to anticipate those of the morrow. The unfortunate lord of the castle and founder of the Proud Festival retired to far different thoughts. His direction to the valet who attended him was to send Barney instantly to his apartment. The messenger returned after some delay, and informed him that an hour had elapsed since Richard Barney had left the castle by the poster and gate with three other persons, one of whom was transported in a horse litter. How came he to leave the castle after the watch was set? said Lester. I thought he went not till daybreak. He gave satisfactory reasons, as I understand, said the domestic, to the guard, and, as I hear, showed your lordship's signet. True, true, said the Earl, yet he has been hasty. Do any of his attendants remain behind? Michael Lamborne, my lord, said the valet, was not to be found when Sir Richard Barney departed, and his master was much incensed at his absence. I saw him but now saddling his horse to gallop after his master. Bid him come hither instantly, said Lester. I have a message to his master. The servant left the apartment, and Lester traversed it for some time in deep meditation. Barney is overzealous, he said, overpressing. He loves me, I think, but he hath his own ends to serve, and he is inexorable in pursuit of them. If I rise, he rises, and he hath shown himself already but too eager to rid me of this obstacle, which seems to stand betwixt me and sovereignty. Yet I will not stoop to bear this disgrace. She shall be punished, but it shall be more advisedly. I already feel, even in anticipation, that overhaste would light the flames of hell in my bosom. No, one victim is enough at once, and that victim already waits me. He ceased upon riding materials, and hastily traced these words. Sir Richard Barney, we have resolved to defer the matter entrusted to your care, and strictly command you to proceed no further in relation to our countess and tell our further order. We also command your instant return to Kenilworth, as soon as you have safely bestowed that with which you are entrusted. But if the safe placing of your present charge shall entertain you longer than we think for, we command you in that case to send back our signet ring by a trustee and speedy messenger, we having present need of the same. And requiring your strict obedience in these things, and commending you to God's keeping, we rest your assured good friend and master, our Lester, given at our castle of Kenilworth, the 10th of July, in the year of Salvation, 1575. As Lester had finished and sealed this mandate, Michael Lamborn, booted up to Midthye, having his riding cloak girded around him with a broad belt, and a felt cap on his head, like that of a courier, entered his apartment ushered in by the valet. What is thy capacity of service? said the Earl. Glory to your lordship's master of the horse, answered Lamborn, with his customary assurance. Tie up thy saucy tongue, sir, said Lester, the jest that may suit service your barney's presence, suit not mine. How soon will thou overtake thy master? In one hour's riding, my lord, if man and horse hold good, said Lamborn, with an instant alteration of demeanor, from an approach to familiarity to the deepest respect. Earl measured him with his eye from top to toe. I have heard of thee, he said. Men say thou art a prompt fellow in thy service, but too much given to brawling, and to wassel, to be trusted with things of moment. My lord, said Lamborn, I have been soldier, sailor, traveler, and adventurer, and these are all trades in which men enjoy today, because they have no surety of tomorrow. But though I may misuse my own leisure, I have never neglected the duty I owe my master. See that it be so, in this instance, said Lester, and it shall do thee good. Deliver this letter speedily and carefully into sir Richard Barney's hands. Does my commission reach no further, said Lamborn? No, answered Lester. But it deeply concerns me that it be carefully as well as hastily executed. I will spare neither care nor horse-flush, answered Lamborn, and immediately took his leave. So this is the end of my private audience, from which I hope so much, he muttered to himself, as he went through the long gallery and down the back staircase. Cogs bones. I thought that Earl had wanted a cast of mine-office and some secret intrigue, and it all ends in carrying a letter. Well, his pleasure shall be done, however, and as his lordship well says, it may do me good another time. The child must creep ere he walk, and so must your infant courtier. I will have a look into this letter, however, which he had sealed so sloth and like. Having accomplished this, he clapped his hands together in ecstasy, exclaiming, The Countess, the Countess, I have the secret that shall make or mar me. But come forth, Baird, he added, leading his horse into the courtyard, for your flanks and my spurs must be presently acquainted. Lamborn mounted accordingly, and left the castle by the poster-gate, where his free passage was permitted, in consequence of a message to that effect left by Sir Richard Barney. As soon as Lamborn and the valet had left the apartment, Lester proceeded to change his dress for a very plain one. Through his mantle round him, and taken a lamp in his hand, went by the private passage of communication to a small secret poster-door, which opened into the courtyard, near to the entrance of the pleasant. His reflections were of a more calm and determined character than they had been at any late period, and he endeavored to claim, even in his own eyes, the character of a man more sinned against than sinning. I have suffered the deepest injury. Such was the tenor of his meditations. Yet I have restricted the instant revenge, which was my power, and have limited it, to that which is manly and noble, which held the union which this false woman has this day disgraced, remain an abiding fetter on me, to check me in the noble career to which my destinies invite me. No, there are other means of disengaging such ties, without unloosing the cords of life. In the sight of God I am no longer bound by the union she is broken. Kingdoms shall divide us, oceans roll betwixt us, and their waves, whose abysses have swallowed whole navies, shall be the sole depositories of the deadly mystery. By such a train of argument did Lester labor to reconcile his conscience to the prosecution of plans of vengeance so hastily adopted, and his schemes of ambition, which had become so woven in with every purpose and action of his life, that he wasn't capable of the effort of relinquishing them until his revenge appeared to him to wear a face of justice and even of generous moderation. In this mood the vindictive and ambitious Earl entered the superb precincts of the pleasant, then loomed by the full moon. The broad yellow light was reflected on all sides from the white freestone, of which the pavement, value straits, and architectural ornaments of the place were constructed. And not a single fleecy cloud was visible in the Azure sky, so that the scene was nearly as light as if the sun had but just left the horizon. The numerous statues of white marble glimmered in the pale light, like so many sheeted ghosts, just arisen from their supple cures. And the fountains threw their jets into the air, as if they sought that their water should be brightened by the moon beams, ere they fell down again upon their basins in the showers of sparkling silver. The day had been sultry and the gentle night breeze, which sighed along the terrace of the pleasant, raised not a deeper breath than the fan in the hand of youthful beauty. The bird of summer night had built many a nest in the bowers of the adjacent garden, and the tenants now indemnified themselves for silence, during the day by a full chorus of their own unrivaled warblings, now joyous, now pathetic, now united, now responsive to each other, as if to express their delight in the placid and delicious scene to which they poured their melody. Musing on matters far different from the fall of waters, the gleam of moonlight, or the song of the nightingale, the stately lester walked slowly from the one end of the terrace to the other, his cloak wrapped around him and his sword under his arm, without seeing anything resembling the human form. I'd been fooled by my own generosity, he said, if I have suffered the villain to escape me. I, perhaps to go to the rescue of the adulterous, who is so poorly guarded. These were his thoughts, which were instantly dispelled when, turning to look back towards the entrance, he saw a human form advancing slowly from the portico, and darkening the various objects with the shadow, as passing them successively, in its approach towards him. Shall I strike, or I again hear his detested voice, was Lester's thought, as he grasped the hilt of the sorn. But no, I will see what way his bio-practice tends. I will watch, disgusting as it is, the coils and mazes of the loathsome snake, ere I put forth my strength and crush him. His hand quitted the sword-hilt, and he advanced, slowly towards Treselyan, collecting, for their meeting, all the self-possession he could command, until they came front to front with each other. Treselyan made a profound reverence, to which the ear applied with the haughty inclination of the head, and the words, you sought secret conference with me, sir, I am here, and attentive. My lord, said Treselyan, I am so earnest in that which I have to say, and so desire to find a patient, nay, a favorable hearing, that I was stooped to exculpate myself from whatever might prejudice your lordship against me. You think me your enemy? Have I not some apparent cause? answered Lester, perceiving that Treselyan paused for a reply. You do me wrong, my lord, I am a friend, but neither a dependent nor partisan of the Earl of Sussex, whom courtiers call your rival, and it is some considerable time since I cease to consider either courts or court intrigues as suited to my temper or genius. No doubts, sir, answered Lester, there are other occupations more worthy as scholar, and for such the world holds, Master Treselyan. Love has his intrigues, as well as ambition. I perceive, my lord, replied Treselyan, you give much weight to my early attachment for the unfortunate young person of whom I am about to speak. I perhaps think I am prosecuting her cause out of rivalry more than the sense of justice. No matter for my thought, sir, said the Earl, perceived, you have as yet spoken of yourself only, an important and worthy subject out this, but which perhaps does not altogether so deeply concern me that I should postpone my repose to hear it. Spare me further prelude, sir, and speak to the purpose, if indeed you have ought to say that concerns me. When you have done, I, in my turn, have something to communicate. I will speak, then, without further prelude, my lord, answered Treselyan. Having to say that which, as it concerns your lordship's honor, I am confident you will not think your time wasted in listening to you. I have to request an account from your lordship of the unhappy Amy Robesart, whose history is too well known to you. I regret deeply that I did not at once take this course and make yourself judge between me and the villain by whom she is injured. My lord, she extricated herself from an unlawful and most perilous state of confinement, trusting to the effects of her own remonstrance upon her and worthy husband, and extorted from me a promise that I would not interfere in her behalf until she had used her own efforts to have her rights acknowledged by him. Ha! said Lester, remember you to whom you speak. I speak of her and worthy husband, my lord, repeated Treselyan, and my respect can find no softer language. The unhappy young woman is withdrawn from my knowledge and sequestered in some secret place at this castle. If she be not transferred to some place of seclusion, better fitted for bad designs. This must be performed, my lord. I speak it as authorized by her father, and this ill-fated marriage must be avowged and proved in the queen's presence, and the lady placed without restraint at her own free disposal, and permit me to say it concerns no one's honor that these most just demands of mine should be complied with, so much as it does that of your lordship. The rule stood as if he had been petrified at the extreme coolness with which the man, whom he considered as having injured him so deeply, pleaded the cause of his criminal paramour, as if she had been an innocent woman, and he a disinterested advocate. Nor was his wonder-lesson by the work with which Treselyan seemed to demand for her the rank and situation which she had disgraced, and the advantages of which she was doubtless to share with the lover, who advocated her cause with such effrontery. Treselyan had been silent for more than a minute ere the earl recovered from the excess of his astonishment, and considering the prepossessions with which his mind was occupied, there is little wonder that his passion gained the mastery of every other consideration. I have heard you, master Treselyan, said he. Without interruption, and I bless God that my ears were never before made to tingle by the words of so frontless a villain. The task of chastising you is fitter for the hangman's scourge than the sword of a nobleman, but yet, villain, draw and defend myself. As he spoke the last words he dropped his mantle on the ground, struck Treselyan smartly with his sheath sword, and instantly, drawing his rapier, put himself into a posture of assault. The vehement fury of his language at first filled Treselyan in his turn with surprise equal to what Lester had felt when he addressed him. But astonishment gave place to resentment when the unmerited insults of his language were followed by a blow which immediately put to flight every thought save that of instant combat. Lester's sword was instantly drawn, and though perhaps somewhat inferior to Lester in the use of the weapon, he understood it well enough to maintain the contest with great spirit. The rather that of the two, he was for the time the more cool, since he could not help imputing Lester's conduct either to actual frenzy or to the influence of some strong delusion. The recounter had continued for several minutes, without either party receiving a wound. One of a sudden, voices were heard beneath the portico, which formed the entrance of the terrace, mingled with the steps of men advancing hastily. "'We are interrupted,' said Lester, to his antagonist. "'Follow me. At the same time, a voice from the portico, son.' The jack-and-ape was right. They are tilting here.' Lester meanwhile, drew off Treselyan into a sort of recess behind one of the fountains, with syrup to conceal them, while six of the omen of the queen's guard passed along the middle walk of the presence. And they could hear one say to the rest, We shall never find them to-night among all these squirting funnels, squirrel cages, and rabbit holes. But if we lighten on them before we reach the farther end, we will return and mount a guard at the entrance, and so secure them till morning.' "'A proper matter,' said another, the drawing of swords so near the queen's presence, I, and in her very palaces, twer. Hang it, they must be some poor drunken game-cocks fallen to sparring. "'Twer pretty, almost. We should find them. The penalty is chopping off a hand, is it not? Twer hard to lose hand for handling a bit of steel. That comes so natural to one's grip.' "'Thou art a-baller thyself, George,' said another. "'But take heed, for the law stands as thou sayest.' "'I,' said the first, and the act be not mildly construed, for thou knowest is not the queen's palace, but my lord of lusters. Why, for that matter, the penalty may be as severe,' said another. "'For an argracious mistress be queen, as she is. God save her. My lord of luster is as good as king.' "'Hush, thou knave,' said a third, how knowest thou who may be within hearing?' They passed on, making a kind of careless search, but seemingly more intent on their own conversation, than bent on discovering the persons who had created the nocturnal disturbance. They no sooner passed forward along the terrace, than luster, making a sign to Treselyan, to follow him, glided away in an opposite direction, and escaped through the portico undiscovered. He conducted Treselyan to Mervyn's tower, in which he was now again lodged. "'And then, you're parting with him,' said these words. "'If thou hast courage to continue and bring to an end, what is thus broken off? Be near me when the court goes forth to-morrow. We shall find a time, and I will give you, a signal when it is fitting.' "'My lord,' said Treselyan, "'at another time I might have inquired the meaning of this strange and furious inveteracy against me.' "'But you have laid that on my shoulder, which only blood can wash away. And were you as high as your proudest wishes ever carried you? I would have from you satisfaction for my wounded honor.' On these terms they parted. But the adventures of the night were not yet ended with luster. He was compelled to pass by St. Loew's Tower, in order to gain the private passage, which led to his own chamber. And in the entrance thereof he met Lord Hunston, half clothed, and with a naked sword under his arm. "'Are you awakened, too, with this law-room, my lord of luster?' said the old soldier. "'Tis well. Buy gogs-nails. The nights are as noisy as the day in this castle of yours. Some two hours since I was waked by the screams of that poor brain-sick lady Barney, whom her husband was forcing away. I promise you it required both your warrant and the queens to keep me from entering into the game and cutting that Barney of yours over the head. And now there's a brawl down in the pleasant, or what call you this stone terrace walk, where all yonder gim-crack stand.' The first part of the old man's speech went through the earl's heart, like a knife. To the last he answered that he himself had heard the clash of swords, and had come down to take order with those who had been so insolent so near the queen's presence. "'Nathen,' said Hunston, I will be glad of your lordship's company.' Luster was thus compelled to turn back with the rough old board to the pleasant, where Hunston, heard from the yeoman of the guard, who were under his immediate command, the unsuccessful search they had made for the authors of the disturbance, and bestowed for their pains some round dozen of curses on them, as lazy naves and blind horses. Luster also thought it necessary to seem angry that no discovery had been affected. But at length suggested to Lord Hunston that after all it could only be some foolish young men who had been drinking hells, pottled deep, and who should be sufficiently scared by the search which had taken place after them. Hunston, who was himself attached to his cup, allowed that a pint-flagon might cover many of the follies which it had caused. "'But,' added he, "'unless your lordship will be less liberal in your housekeeping, and restrain the overflow of ale and wine and wassal, I foresee it will end in my having some of these good fellows into the guard-house, and treating them to a dose of the stroppado. And with this warning, good-night to you.' Doryful at being rid of his company, Luster took leave of him at the entrance of his lodging, where they had first met, and, entering the private passage, took up the lamp which he had left there, and by its expiring light, found the way to his own apartment. CHAPTER XXXIX For my horse will wince if he comes within so many yards of a prince. For, to tell you true, and in rhyme, he was foiled in Queen Elizabeth's time, when the great Earl of Lester, in his castle, had feast her. BEN JOHNSON, MASK OF ALS The amusement with which Elizabeth and her court were next day to be regaled, was an exhibition by the true-hearted men in Coventry, who were to represent the strife between the English and the Danes, agreeably to a custom long-preserved in their ancient borough, and warranted for truth by old histories and chronicles. In this pageant, one party of the townsfolk presented the Saxons and the other the Danes, and set forth both in rude rhymes and with hard blows, the contentions of these two fierce nations, and the Amazonian courage of the English women, who, according to the story, were the principal agents in the general massacre of the Danes, which took place at Hocktide in the year of God, 1012. This sport, which had been long a favorite pastime with the men of Coventry, had, it seems, been put down by the influence of some zealous clergymen of the more precise caste, who chanced to have considerable influence with the magistrates, but the generality of the inhabitants had petitioned the Queen that they might have their play again, and be honored with permission to represent it before her highness. And when the matter was canvassed in the little council, which usually attended the Queen for a dispatch of business, the proposal, although opposed by some of the stricture sort, found favor in the eyes of Elizabeth, who said that such toys occupied, without offense, the minds of many, who, lacking them, might find worse subjects of pastime, and that their pastors, however commendable for learning and godliness, were somewhat too sour in preaching against the pastimes of their flocks, and so the pageant was permitted to proceed. Accordingly, after a morning repast, which master Lainham calls an ambrosial breakfast, the principal persons of the court in attendance upon her majesty, pressed to the gallery tower, to witness the approach of the two contending parties of English and Danes. And after a signal had been given, the gate which opened in the circuit of the chase, was thrown wide to admit them. On they came, foot and horse, for some of the more ambitious burgers and yeoman, had put themselves into fantastic dresses, imitating knights, in order to resemble the chivalry of the two different nations. However, to prevent fatal accidents, they were not permitted to appear on real horses, but had only licensed to accouter themselves with those hobby horses, as they are called, which anciently form the chief delight of Amoris Danes, and which still are exhibited on the stage, in the grand battle fought at the conclusion of Mr. Bay's tragedy. The inventory followed in similar disguises. The whole exhibition was to be considered as a sort of anti-mask, or burlesque, of the more stately pageants in which the nobility and gentry bore part in the show. And to the best of their knowledge, imitated with accuracy, the personages whom they represented. The hawk-tide play was of a different character, the actors being persons of inferior degree, and their habits the better fitted for the occasion, the more incongruous and ridiculous that they were in themselves. Accordingly, their array, which the progress of our tale allows us no time to describe, was ludicrous enough, and their weapons, though sufficiently formidable to deal sound blows, were long alder poles instead of lances, and sound cudgels for swords. And for fence, both cavalry and infantry were well equipped with stout headpieces and targets, both made of thick leather. Captain Cox, that celebrated humorous to Coventry, whose library of ballads, almanacs, and penny histories, fairly wrapped up in parchment, and tied round for security with a piece of whoop-cord, remained still the envy of antiquaries, being himself the ingenious person under whose direction the pageant had been set forth, rode valiantly on his hoppy horse before the bands of English, high trust, say if Laneham, and brandishing his long sword, as became an experienced man of war, who had fought under the Queen's father, Bluff King Henry, at the siege of Boulogne. The chieftain was, as Wright and Riesen craved, the first to enter the list, and passing the gallery at the head of his mermidons, kissed the hilt of the sword to the Queen, and executed at the same time a gambade. The like were of had never been practiced by two-legged hoppy horse. Then passing on with all his followers of cavaliers and infantry, he drew them up with martial skill at the opposite extremity of the bridge, or a tilt-yard, until his antagonist should be fairly prepared for the onset. This was no long interval for the Danish cavalry and infantry, no way inferior to the English in number, valor and equipment, instantly arrived, with the northern bagpipe blowing before them in token of their country, and headed by a cunning master of defense, only inferior to the renowned Captain Cox, if to him in the discipline of war. The Danes as invaders took their station under the gallery tower, and opposite to that of Mortimer, and when their arrangements were completely made, a signal was given for the encounter. Their first charge upon each other was rather moderate, for either party had some dread of being forced into the lake, but as reinforcements came up on either side, the encounter grew from a skirmish into a blazing battle. They rushed upon one another, as Master Lanehem testifies, like rams inflamed by jealousy, with such furious encounter that both parties were often overthrown, and the clubs and targets made a most horrible clatter. In many instances that happened, which had been dreaded by the more experienced warriors who began the day of strife. The rails which defended the ledges of the bridge had been, perhaps on purpose, left but slightly fastened, and gave way under the pressure of those who thronged to the combat, so that the hot courage of many of the combatants received a sufficient cooling. These incidents might have occasioned more serious damage than became such an affray for many of the champions who met with this mischance could not swim, and those who could were encumbered with their suits of leather and of paper armor. But the case had been provided for, and there were several boats in readiness, to pick up the unfortunate warriors and convey them to the dry land, where, dripping and dejected, they comforted themselves with the hot ale and strong waters which were liberally allowed to them, without showing any desire to re-enter so desperate a conflict. Captain Cox alone, that paragon of black letter and taqueries, after twice experiencing, horse and man, the perilous leap from the bridge into the lake, equal to any extremity to which the favorite heroes of chivalry, whose exploits he studied in a bridge form, whether Amidus, Belaunius, Bevis, or his own guy of Warwick, had ever been subjected to. Captain Cox, we repeat, did alone, after two such mischances, rush again into the heat of conflict. His bases and the foot cloth of this hobby horse, dropping water, and twice reanimated by voice and example the drooping spirits of the English, so that at last their victory over the Danish invaders became, as was just and reasonable, complete and decisive. Worthy he was to be rendered immortal by the pen of Ben Johnson, who fifty years afterwards, deemed that a mask exhibited at Kenilworth could be ushered in by none with so much propriety as by the ghost of Captain Cox, mounted upon his redoubted hobby horse. These rough, rural gambles may not altogether agree with the reader's preconceived idea of an entertainment presented before Elizabeth, in whose reign letters revived with such buoyancy, and whose court, governed by a female whose sense of propriety was equal to her strength of mind, was no less distinguished for delicacy and refinement than her counsels for wisdom and fortitude. But whether from the political wish to seem interested in popular sports, or whether from a spark of old Henry's rough, masculine spirit, which Elizabeth sometimes displayed, it is certain the Queen laughed heartily at the imitation, or rather burlesque of chivalry, which was presented in the Coventry play. She called near her person the Earl of Sussex and Lord Henson, partly perhaps to make amends to the former for the long and private audiences, with which she had indulged the Earl of Lester. By engaging him in conversation upon a pastime, which better suited his taste than those pageants that were furnished forth from the stores of antiquity, the disposition with which the Queen showed to laugh and jest with her military leaders gave the Earl of Lester the opportunity he had been watching for withdrawing from the royal presence, which the court around, so well had he chosen his time, had the graceful appearance of leaving his rival free access to the Queen's person, instead of availing himself of his right as her landlord to stand perpetually betwixt others and the light of her countenance. Lester's thoughts, however, had a far different object from mere courtesy, for no sooner did he see the Queen fairly engaged in conversation with Sussex and Henson, behind whose back stood Sir Nicholas Blount, grinning from ear to ear at each word which was spoken, then making a sign to Tricillian, who according to appointment watched his motions at a little distance. He extricated himself from the press, and walking towards the chase, made his way through the crowds of ordinary spectators, who with open mouth stood gazing on the battle of the English and the Danes. When he had accomplished this, which was a work of some difficulty, he shot another glance behind him to see that Tricillian had been equally successful, and as soon as he saw him also free from the crowd, he led the way to a small thicket, behind which stood a lackey, with two horses ready saddled. He flung himself on the one, and made signs to Tricillian to mount the other, who obeyed without speaking a single word. Lester then spurred his horse and galloped without stopping until he reached a sequestered spot, and byroned by lofty oaks about a miles distance from the castle, and in an opposite direction from the scene to which curiosity was drawing every spectator. He there dismounted, bound his horse to a tree, and only pronouncing the words, here there is no risk of interruption, laid his cloak across his saddle, and drew his sword. Tricillian imitated his example punctually, yet could not verbare saying, as he drew his weapon. My Lord, as I have been known to many as one who does not fear death, when placed in balance with honour, me thinks I may, without derogation, ask wherefore, in the name of all that is honourable, your Lordship has dared to offer me such a mark of disgrace as places us on these terms with respect to each other. If you like not such marks of my scorn, reply the earl, retake yourself instantly to your weapon, lest I repeat the usage you complain of. It shall not need, my Lord, said Tricillian. God judged betwixt us, and your blood, if you fall, beyond your own head. He had scarce completed the sentence when they instantly closed in combat, but Lester, who was a perfect master of defence among all other exterior accomplishments of the time, had seen on the preceding night enough of Tricillian's strength and skill to make him fight with more caution than here to form, and prefer secure revenge to a hasty one. For some minutes they fought with equal skill and fortune, till in a desperate lunge, which Lester successfully put aside, Tricillian exposed himself at disadvantage, and in a subsequent attempt to close, they're all forced to sword from his hand, and stretch him on the ground. With a grim smile he held the point of his rapier within two inches of the throat of his fallen adversary, and placing his foot at the same time upon his breast, bid him confess his villainous wrongs towards him, and prepare for death. I have no villainy, nor wrong towards thee to confess, answered Tricillian, and am better prepared for death than thou. You sign advantage as thou wilt, and may God forgive you. I have given you no cause for this. No cause, exclaimed the earl, no cause. But why parlay with such a slave? Die a liar, as thou hast lived. He had withdrawn his arm for the purpose of striking the fatal blow, when it was suddenly seized from behind. The earl turned in wrath to shake off the unexpected obstacle, but was surprised to find that a strange-looking boy had hold of this sword-arm, and clung to it with such tenacity of grasp that he could not shake him off without a considerable struggle, in the course of which Tricillian had opportunity to rise and possess himself once more of his weapon. Lester again turned towards him with looks of unabated ferocity, and the combat would have recommenced with still more desperation on both sides. And not the boy clung to Lord Lester's knees, and in a shrull tone implored him to listen one moment ere he prosecuted this quarrel. "'Stand up, and let me go,' said Lester, or by heaven I will pierce thee with my rapier. What hast thou to do to bar my way to revenge?' "'Much, much,' exclaimed the undaunted boy, since my folly has been the cause of these bloody quarrels between you, and for chance of worse evils. Oh, if you would ever again enjoy the peace of an innocent mind, if you hope again to sleep in peace and unhaunted by remorse, take so much leisure as to peruse this letter, and then do as you list.' While he spoke in this eager and earnest manner, to which his singular features and voice gave a goblin-like effect, he held up to Lester a packet, secured with a long dress of woman's hair, of a beautiful light brown color. Enraged as he was, nay almost blinded with fury, to see his destined revenge so strangely frustrated, the roll of Lester could not resist this extraordinary supplicant. He snatched the letter from his hand, changed color as he looked on the superscription, undid with faltering hand, the knot which secured it. Glanced over the contents and staggering back would have fallen, had he not rested against the trunk of a tree, where he stood for an instant, his eyes bent on the letter, and his sword-point turned to the ground, without seeming to be cautious of the presence of an antagonist, towards whom he had shown little mercy, and whom he might in turn have taken him at advantage. But for such revenge, Trisleyon was too noble-minded. He also stood still in surprise, waiting the issue of this strange fit of passion, but holding his weapon ready to defend himself, in case of need, against some new and sudden attack on the part of Lester, whom he again suspected to be under the influence of actual frenzy. The boy indeed, he easily recognized as his old acquaintance, Dickon, whose face, once seen, was scarcely to be forgotten. But how he came hither, at so critical a moment, why his interference was so energetic, and above all, how it came to produce so powerful an effect upon Lester, were questions which he could not solve. But the letter was of itself powerful enough to work effects yet more wonderful. It was that which the unfortunate Amy had written to her husband, in which she alleged the reasons and manner of her flight from Cumberplace, informed him of her having made her way to Kenilworth, to enjoy his protection, and mentioned the circumstances which had compelled her to take refuge in Trisleyon's apartment. The letter concluded with the most earnest expressions of devoted detachment and submission to his will in all things, and particularly respecting her situation in place of residence, conjuring him only that she might not be placed under the guardianship or restraint of Barney. The letter dropped from Lester's hand, when he had perused it. Like my sword, he said, Trisleyon, and pierced my heart as I would but now have pierced yours. My lord, said Trisleyon, you have done me great wrong, but something within my breast ever whispered that it was by a greentious error. Error indeed, said Lester, and handed him the letter. I have been made to believe a man of honour or villain, and the best and purest of creatures a false profligate. Why comes this letter now, and where has the bearer lingered? I dare not tell you, my lord, said the boy, withdrawing, as if to keep beyond his reach, but here comes one who was the messenger. Wayland at the same moment came up, and interrogated by Lester, hastily detailed all the circumstances of his escape with Amy, the fatal practices which had driven her to flight, and her anxious desire to throw herself under the instant protection of her husband, pointing out the evidence of the domestics of Kenilworth, who could not, he observed, but remember her eager inquiries after the Earl of Lester on her first arrival. The villains exclaimed Lester, but oh, that worst of villains, Barney, and she is even now in his power. But not, I trust in God, said Trisleyon, with any commands of fatal import. No, no, no, exclaimed the Earl hastily. I said something in madness, but it was recalled, fully recalled, by a hasty messenger, and she is now, she must now be safe. Yes, said Trisleyon, she must be safe, and I must be assured of her safety. My own quarrel with you has ended, my lord, but there is another to begin with, the seducer of Amy Robesart, who has screened his guilt under the cloak of the infamous Barney. The seducer of Amy, replied Lester, with a voice like thunder. Say her husband, her misguided, blinded, most unworthy husband. She is as surely countess of Lester as I am, belted Earl. Nor can you, sir, point out that manner of justice, which I will not render her at my own free will. I need scarce say I fear not your compulsion. The generous nature of Trisleyon was instantly turned from consideration of anything personal to himself, and centered it once upon Amy's welfare. He had by no means, undoubting confidence in the fluctuating resolutions of Lester, whose mind seemed to him agitated beyond the government of calm reason. Lester did he, notwithstanding the assurances he had received, think Amy safe in the hands of his dependents. My lord, he said calmly, I mean you no offense, and am far from seeking quarrel, but my duty to sir Hugh Robesart compels me to carry this matter instantly to the queen, that the countess's rank may be acknowledged in her person. You shall not need, sir, replied the Earl haughtily. You shall not dare to interfere. No voice but Dudley's shall proclaim Dudley's infamy. Trulisabeth herself will I tell it, and then for come her place with the speed of life and death. So sane he unbound his horse from the tree, threw himself into the saddle, and rode at full gallop towards the castle. Take me before you, Master Trisleyon. Said the boy, seeing Trisleyon mount in the same haste. My tale is not all told out, and I need your protection. Trisleyon complied, and followed the Earl, though at a less furious rate. By the way the boy confessed, with much contrition, that in resentment at Wayland's evading all his inquiries concerning the lady, after Dickon conceived he had in various ways merited his confidence, he had perloined from him in revenge, the letter with which Amy had entrusted him for the Earl of Lester. His purpose was to have restored it to him that evening, as he reckoned himself sure of meeting with him, in consequence of Wayland's having to perform the part of Arian in the pageant. He was indeed something alarmed when he saw to whom the letter was addressed, but he argued that, as Lester did not return to Kenilworth until that evening, it would be again in the possession of the proper messenger, as soon as, in the nature of things, it could possibly be delivered. But Wayland came not to the pageant, having been in the interim, expelled by land-born from the castle, and the boy not being able to find him, or to get speech of Trisleyon, and finding himself in possession of the letter addressed to no less a person than the Earl of Lester, became much afraid of the consequences of his frolic. The caution, and indeed the alarm, which Wayland had expressed, respecting Barney and land-born, let him to judge that the letter must be designed for the Earl's own hand, and that he might prejudice the lady by giving it to any of the domestics. He made an attempt or two to obtain an audience of Lester, but the singularity of his features, and the meanness of his appearance, occasioned his being always repulsed by the insolent menials whom he applied to for that purpose. Once indeed he had nearly succeeded when, in prowling about, he found in the grotto, the casket, which he knew to belong to the unlucky Countess, having seen it on her journey. For nothing escaped his prying eye. Having striven in vain to restore it either to Trisleyon or the Countess, he put it into the hands, as we have seen, of Lester himself, but unfortunately he did not recognize him in his disguise. At length the boy thought he was on the point of succeeding when the Earl came down to the lower part of the hall, but just as he was about to accost him he was prevented by Trisleyon. At sharp an ear as in wit the boy heard the appointment settled betwixt them to take place in the pleasant, and resolved to add a third to the party, and hoped that, either in coming or returning, he might find an opportunity of delivering the letter to Lester. For strange stories began to flit among the domestics, which alarmed him for the lady's safety. Accident however detained Dickon, a little behind the Earl, and as he reached the arcade he saw them engaged in combat, in consequence of which he hastened to alarm the guard. Making little doubt that what bloodshed took place betwixt them might arise out of his own frolic. Continuing to lurk in the portico he heard the second appointment, which Lester at parting assigned to Trisleyon, and was keeping them in view during the encounter of the Coventrymen. When to his surprise he recognized Wayland in the crowd, much disguised indeed, but not sufficiently so to escape the prying glance of his old comrade. They drew aside out of the crowd to explain their situation to each other. The boy confessed to Wayland, what we have above told, and the artist in return informed him that his deep anxiety for the fate of the unfortunate lady had brought him back to the neighborhood of the castle. Upon his learning that morning, at a village about ten miles distant, that Barney and Landborn, whose violence he dreaded, had both left Kenilworth overnight. While they spoke they saw Lester and Trisleyon separate themselves from the crowd, dog them until they mounted their horses, when the boy, whose speed of foot has been before mentioned, though we could not possibly keep up with them, yet arrived as we have seen soon enough to save Trisleyon's life. The boy had just finished his tale when they arrived at the gallery tower. End Chapter 39 Chapter 40 of Kenilworth, the sleeper-box recording is in the public domain, Kenilworth by Sir Walter Scott, Chapter 40. High o'er the eastern steep, the sun is beaming, and darkness flies with her deceitful shadows. So truth prevails, or falsehood. Old play. As Trisleyon rode along the bridge, lately the scene of so much riotous sport, he could not but observe that men's countenances had singularly changed during the space of his brief absence. The mock fight was over, but the men, still habited in their masking suits, stood together in groups like inhabitants of a city who had been just startled by some strange and alarming news. When he reached the base court, appearances were the same. Domestics, retainers, and under-officers stood together and whispered, bending their eyes towards the windows of the Great Hall, with looks which seemed at once alarmed and mysterious. Cerniclus Blunt was the first person of his own particular acquaintance, Trisleyon saw, who left him no time to make inquiries, but greeted him with, God help thy heart, Trisleyon, thou art fitter for a clown than a courtier, but thou canst not attend, as becomes one who follows her majesty. Who you are called for, wished for, waited for? No man but you will serve the turn, and hither you come with a misbegotten brat on thy horse's neck, as if thou were't dry nursed to some suckling devil, and were't just returned from airing. Why, what is the matter? said Trisleyon, letting go the boy, who sprung to ground like a feather, and himself dismounting at the same time. Why, no one knows the matter, replied Blunt, I cannot smell it out myself, though I have a nose, like other courtiers. Only my lord of Lester is galloped along the bridge as if he would have rowed over all in his passage, demanded an audience of the queen, and has caused an even now with her, and Burleyon, waltzing him. And you are called for, but whether the matter be treason or worse, no one knows. He speaks true by heaven, said Raleigh, who that instant appeared. You must immediately to the queen's presence. Be not rash, Raleigh, said Blunt, remember his boots, for heaven's sake go to my chamber, to Trisleyon, and don my new, bloom-colored, silken hose. I have worn them but twice. Shaw, answered Trisleyon, do thou take care of this boy, Blunt? Be kind to him, and look he escapes you not. Much depends on him. So saying he followed Raleigh hastily, leaving on his Blunt, with the bridle of his horse in one hand, and the boy in the other, Blunt gave a long look after him. Nobody, he said, calls me to these mysteries, and he leaves me here to play horse-keeper and child-keeper at once. I could excuse the one, for I love a good horse, certainly, but to be plagued with a brooch at welp. Once coming, my fair-favored little gossip, from the fends, answered the boy, and what did Sal learns there forward him? To catch gulls, with their webbed feet and yellow stockings, said the boy, said Blunt, looking down on his own immense roses, naven, the devil take him, ask thee more questions. During time, Tressilien traversed the full length of the great hall, in which the astonished courtiers formed various groups, and were whispering mysteriously together, while all kept their eyes, fixed on the door which led from the upper end of the hall, into the queen's withdrawing apartment. Raleigh pointed to the door. Tressilien knocked and was instantly admitted. Many a-neck was stretched to gain a view into the interior of the apartment, but the tapestry which covered the door on the inside was dropped to suddenly to admit the slightest gratification of curiosity. Upon entrance Tressilien found himself not without a strong palpitation of heart in the presence of Elizabeth, who was walking to and fro in a violent agitation, which she seemed to scorn to conceal, while two or three of her most sage and confidential counselors exchanged anxious looks with each other, but delayed speaking till her wrath abated. Before the empty chair of state in which she had been seated, and which was half pushed aside by the violence with which she had started from it, note Lester, his arms crossed, and his brows bent on the ground, still in motionless as the effigies upon a supple-cure. Beside him stood the Lord Shrewsbury, then Earl Marshall of England, holding his baton of office. Thorough sword was unbuckled, and laid before him on the floor. Ho, sir, said the Queen, coming close up to Tressilien, and stamping on the floor with the action and manner of Henry himself, you knew of this fair work, you are an accomplice in this deception which has been practiced on us. You have been a main cause of our doing injustice. Thorne dropped on his knee before the Queen, his good sense showing him the risk of attempting any defense at that moment of irritation. Art dumb, Sira, she continued, thou knowest of this affair, dost thou not? Not, gracious madam, that this poor lady was Countess of Lester. Nor shall anyone know her for such, said Elizabeth, death of my life, Countess of Lester. I say, dame, Amy Dudley, and what if she have not caused to ride herself widow of the traitor, Robert Dudley? Madam, said Lester, do with me what it may be your will to do, but work no injury on this gentleman, he hath in no way deserved it. And will he be the better for thy intercession? said the Queen, leaving Tressilien, who slowly arose and rushing to Lester, who continued kneeling. The better for thy intercession, thou doubly false, thou doubly force-worn, of thy intercession, whose villainy hath made me ridiculous to my subjects and odious to myself. I could tear out my eyes for their blindness. Burley here ventured to interpose. Madam, he said, remember that you are a Queen, Queen of England, mother of your people, give not way to this wild storm of passion. Elizabeth turned round to him, while a tear actually twinkled in her proud and angry eye. Burley, she said, thou art a statesman, thou dost not, thou canst not comprehend half the scorn, half the misery that man has poured on me. With the utmost caution, with the deepest reverence, Burley took her hand at the moment he saw her heart was at the fullest, and let her aside to an orial window, apart from the others. Madam, he said, I am a statesman, but I am also a man, a man already grown old in your councils, who have not, and cannot have a wish on earth, but your glory and happiness. I pray you to be composed. Ah, Burley, said Elizabeth, thou little noist. There her tears fell over her cheeks, and despite of her. I do, I do know, my honored sovereign. Oh, beware that you lead not others to guess, that which they know not. Ah, said Elizabeth, pausing as if a new train of thought had suddenly shot across her brain. Burley, thou art right, thou art right, anything but disgrace, anything but a confession of weakness, anything rather than seem the cheated, slighted, stealth. To think on it is distraction. Be but yourself, my queen, said Burley, and soar far above a weakness which no Englishman will ever believe his Elizabeth could have entertained, unless the balance for disappointment carries a sad conviction to his bosom. What weakness, my lord, said Elizabeth haughtily, would you insinuate that the favor in which I held yonder proud traitor derived its source from the aught? But here she could no longer sustain the proud tone which she had assumed, and again softened, as she said. But why should I strive to deceive even the, my good, and wise servant? Burley stooped to kiss her hand with affection, and, rare in the annals of courts, a tear of true sympathy dropped from the eye of the minister, on the hand of the sovereign. It is probable that the consciousness of possessing this sympathy aided Elizabeth in supporting her mortification, and suppressing her extreme resentment. But she was still more moved by fear that her passion should betray to the public the affront and the disappointment, which, alike as a woman and a queen, she was so anxious to conceal. She turned from Burley and sternly paced the hall till her features had recovered their usual dignity, and her mean, its wanted stateliness of regular motion. Our sovereign is her normal self once more, whispered Burley, to Walsingham. Mark what she does, and take heed, you thwart her not. She then approached Lester and said with calmness, My lord Shrewsbury, we discharge you of your prisoner. My lord of Lester, rise and take up your sword. A quarter of an hour's restraint under the custody of our marshal, my lord, is, we think, no high penance for months of falsehood practiced upon us. We will now hear the progress of this affair. She then seated herself in her chair and said, You, Tresselian, step forward and say what you know. Tresselian told his story, generously, suppressing as much as he could what affected Lester, and saying nothing of their having twice actually fought together. It is very probable that, in doing so, he did the Earl good service, for had the Queen at that instant found anything on account of which she could vent her wrath upon him, without laying open sentiments of which she was ashamed, it might have fared hard with him. She paused when Tresselian had finished his tale. We will take that wayland, she said, into our own service, and place the boy in our secretary office for instruction, that he may in future use discretion towards letters. For you, Tresselian, you did wrong in not communicating the whole truth to us, and your promise not to do so was both imprudent and undutiful. Yet, having given your word to this unhappy lady, it was the part of a man and a gentleman to keep it, and on the whole we esteem you for the character you have sustained in this matter. My Lord of Lester, it is now your turn to tell us the truth, an exercise to which you seem of late to have been too much a stranger. Accordingly she extorted by successive questions the whole history of his first acquaintance with Amy Robesart, their marriage, his jealousy, the causes on which it was founded, and many particulars besides. Lester's confession, for such it might be called, was wrenched from him piecemeal, yet was upon the whole accurate, accepting that he totally omitted to mention that he had, by implication or otherwise, ascended to Varney's designs upon the life of his countess. Yet the consciousness of this was what at that moment lay nearest to his heart, and although he trusted in great measure to the very positive counter-orders which he had sent by Lamborn, it was his purpose to set out for come to place in person, as soon as he should be dismissed from the presence of the Queen, who he concluded would presently leave Kenilworth. But the Earl reckoned, without his host, it is true his presence and his communications were gall and wormwood to his once partial mistress, but barred from every other in more direct mode of revenge, the Queen perceived that she gave her false suitor, torture, by these inquiries, and dwelt on them for that reason. No more regarding the pain which she herself experienced than the savage cares for the searing of his own hands by grasping the hot pincers with which he tears the flesh of his captive enemy. At length, however, the haughty Lord, like a deer that turns to bay, gave intimation that his patience was failing. Madam, he said, I have been much to blame, more than even your just resentment has expressed. Yet, madam, let me say that my guilt, if it be unpardonable, was not unprovoked, and that a feuding and condescending dignity could seduce the frail heart of a human being. I might plead both as the causes of my concealing the secret from your Majesty. The Queen was so much struck with this reply, which Lester took care should be heard by no one but herself, that she was for the moment silenced, and the Earl had the temerity to pursue his advantage. Your Grace, who has pardoned so much, will excuse my throwing myself on your royal mercy for those expressions which were yesterday morning accounted but a light offence. The Queen fixed her eyes on him while she replied, Now, by heaven, my Lord, thy effrontery passes the bounds of belief, as well as patience. But it shall avail thee nothing. What hope, my Lords, come all and hear the news my Lord of Lester's stolen marriage has cost me a husband, and England a king. His lordship is patriarchal in this case, one wife at a time was insufficient, and he designed us the honour of his left hand. Now is not this too insolent, that I could not grace him with a few marks of court favour, but he must presume to think my hand in crown at his disposal. You, however, think better of me, and I can pity this ambitious man, as I could a child, whose bubble of soap has burst between his hands. We go to the presence chamber. My Lord of Lester, we command your close attendance on us. All was eager expectation in the hall, and what was the universal astonishment when the Queen said to those next to her, The revels of Kenilworth are not yet exhausted, my Lords and ladies. We are to solemnize the noble owner's marriage. There was a universal expression of surprise. It is true, on a royal word, said the Queen, he hath kept this a secret even from us, that he might surprise us with it at this very place in time. I see you are dying of curiosity to know the happy bride. It is Amy Robesart, the same who, to make up the May game yesterday, figured in the pageant as the wife of his servant Marnie. For God's sake, madam, said the Earl, approaching her with a mixture of humility, vexation, and shame in his countenance, and speaking so low as to be heard by no one else. Take my head as you threatened in your anger, and spare me these taunts. Urge not a folly man, tread not on a crushed worm. A worm, my Lord, said the Queen, in the same tone. Nay, a snake is the nobler reptile, and the more exact similitude. The frozen snake ye want of, which was warmed in a certain bosom. For your own sake, for mine, madam, said the Earl, while there is yet some reason left in me. Speak aloud, my Lord, said Elizabeth, and not further distant, so please you, your breath thaws our wrath. What have you to ask of us? Permission, said the unfortunate Earl, humbly, to travel to come to place, to fetch home your bride-belike. Why, I, that is but right, for as we have heard, she is indifferently cared for there. But, my Lord, you go not in person. We have counted upon passing certain days in this castle of Kenilworth, and it were slight courtesy to leave us without a landlord during our residence here. Under your favour, we cannot think to incur such disgrace in the eyes of our subjects. Tressilion shall go to come to place, instead of you, and with him some gentlemen, who hath been sworn of our chamber, lest my Lord of Lester should be again jealous of his old rival. Whom wouldest thou have to be in commission with thee, Tressilion? Tressilion, with humble deference, suggested the name of Raleigh. Why, I, said the Queen, so, God have me, thou hast made a good choice. He is a young knight, besides, and to deliver a lady from prison is an appropriate first adventure. Come to places little better than a prison, you are to know, my lords and ladies. Besides, there are certain faders there, whom we would willingly have in safekeeping. You will furnish them, Master Secretary, with the warrant necessary to secure the bodies of Richard Barney and the foreign Alasko, dead or alive. Take a sufficient force with you, gentlemen, bring the lady here in all honour. Lose no time, and God be with you. They bowed and left the presents. Who shall describe how the rest of that day was spent at Kenilworth? The Queen, who seemed to have remained there for the sole purpose of mortifying and taunting the Earl of Lester, showed herself as skillful in that female art of vengeance, as she was in the science of wisely governing her people. The train of state soon caught the signal, and as he walked among his own splendid preparations, the Lord of Kenilworth, in his own castle, already experienced the lot of a disgraced courtier, in the slight regard and cold manners of alienated friends, and the ill-consoled triumph of abound and open enemies. Sussex, from his natural military frankness of disposition, Burley and Walsingham, from their penetrating and prospective sagacity, and some of the ladies, from the compassion of their sex, were the only persons in the crowded court who retained towards him the countenance they had borne in the morning. So much had Lester been accustomed to consider court favour as the principal object of his life, that all other sensations were for the time lost in the agony which his haughty spirit felt at the succession of petty insults and study neglects, to which he had been subjected. But when he retired to his own chamber for the night, that long, fair dress of hair, which had once secured Amy's letter, fell under his observation, and, with the influence of a counter charm, awakened his heart to no blur and more natural feelings. He kissed it a thousand times, and while he recollected that he had it always in his power to shun the mortifications which he had that day undergone, by retiring into a dignified and even prince-like seclusion with the beautiful and beloved partner of his future life, he felt that he could rise above the revenge which Elizabeth had condescended to take. Accordingly, on the following day, the whole conduct of the Earl displayed so much dignified equanimity, he seemed so solicitous about the accommodations and amusements of his guests, yet so indifferent to their personal demeanor towards him, so respectfully distant to the Queen, yet so patient of her harassing displeasure, that Elizabeth changed her manner to him, and though cold and distant, ceased to offer him any direct affront. She intimated also with some sharpness to others around her, who thought they were consulting her pleasure in showing an neglectful conduct to the Earl, that while they remained to Kenilworth, they ought to show the civility due from guests to the Lord of the Castle. In short, matters were so far changed in twenty-four hours that some of the more experienced and sagacious courtiers foresaw a strong possibility of Lester's restoration to favour, and regulated their demeanor towards him, as those who might one day claim merit for not having deserted him in adversity. It is time, however, to leave these intrigues and follow Tressylian and Raleigh on their journey. The troop consisted of six persons. For, besides Weyland, they had in their company a royal persuievent and two stout serving men. All were well armed and travelled as fast as it was possible with justice to their horses, which had a long journey before them. They endeavored to procure some tidings as they rode along of Barney and his party, but could hear none as they had travelled in the dark. At a small village about twelve miles from Kenilworth, where they gave some refreshment to their horses, a poor clergyman, the curate of the place, came out of a small cottage and entreated any of the company who might know odd of surgery to look in for an instant on a dying man. The empiric Weyland undertook to do his best, and as the curate conducted him to the spot, he learned that the man had been found on the high road, about a mile from the village, by labourers, as they were going to their work on the preceding morning, and the curate had given him shelter in his house. He had received a gunshot wound, which seemed to be obviously mortal, but whether in a brawl or from robbers they could not learn, as he was in a fever and spoke nothing, connectedly. Weyland entered the dark and lowly apartment, and no sooner had the curate drawn aside the curtain than he knew, in the distorted features of the patient, the countenance of Michael Lamborn. Under pretense of seeking something which he wanted, Weyland hastily apprised his fellow travellers of this extraordinary circumstance, and both Tressillion and Raleigh, full of boating apprehensions, hastened to the curate's house to see the dying man. The wretch was by this time in the agonies of death, from which a much better surgeon than Weyland could not have rescued him, for the bullet had passed clear through his body. He was sensible, however, at least in part, for he knew Tressillion and made signs that he wished him to stoop over his bed. Tressillion did so, and after some inarticulate murmurs, in which the names of Varney and Lady Lester were alone distinguishable, Lamborn bade him, make haste, or he would come too late. It was in vain Tressillion urged the patient for further information. He seemed to become, in some degree, delirious, and when he again made a signal to attract Tressillion's attention, it was only for the purpose of desiring him to inform his uncle, Giles Gosling of the Black Bear, that he had died without his shoes, after all. A convulsion verified his words a few minutes after, and the travelers derived nothing from having met with him, saving the obscure fears concerning the fate of the Countess, which his dying words were calculated to convey, and which induced them to urge their journey with the utmost speed, pressing horses in the Queen's name, when those which they rode became unfit for service. End Chapter 40