 Book one, chapter two, of The Lancashire Witches. The Lancashire Witches, a romance of Pendle Forest, by William Harrison Ainsworth. Book one, Allison Device. Chapter two, The Black Cat and the White Dove. Little Janet watched her sister's triumphant departure with a look in which there was far more of envy than sympathy, and when her mother took her hand to lead her forth, she would not go, but, saying she did not care for any such idle sights, went sullenly back to the inner room. When there, however, she could not help peeping through the window, and saw Susan and Nancy join the revel-route, with feelings of increased bitterness. I wish it was rain and spoil their finery, she said, sitting down on her stool and plucking the flowers from her basket in pieces. And yet, why can I enjoy such seats like other folk, truth is of no art for it. Folks say, she continued, after a pause, that grandmother Demdac, the witch and conduit she pleases. I wonder if she made Allison so pretty. No, that cannot be for Allison's no favourite of her, and if she loves anyone, it's me. I don't know if she made me go looking then. They say it's sinful to be a witch, and if so, how come grandmother Demdac to be one? Well, I'm observed that folks has caused her witcher a fear on her, so it may be pure spite on their part. As she thus mused, a great black cat, belonging to her mother, which had followed her into the room, rubbed himself against her, putting up his back and purring loudly. Ah, Tib, said the little girl, how are you, Tib? I didn't annoy you, were you? Let me ask you some questions, Tib. The cat mewed, looked up, and fixed his great yellow eyes upon her. One would think you understand what was said to you, Tib. Pursued little Janet, we can see what you say to this. Shall I ever bequain a man like Sister Allison? The cat mewed in a manner that the little girl found no difficulty interpreting the reply into No. How's that, Tib? cried Janet sharply. If I thought you meant it, I'd beat you, Sarah. Answer me another question, you saucy-nave. Who will be luckiest? Listen, O' May. This time the cat darted away from her, and made two or three skirmishes round the room as if gone suddenly mad. Eh, I've gone make now to that! observed Janet, laughing. All at once the cat bounded upon the chimney-board, over which was placed a sampler, worked with the name Allison. Why, Tib really seems to understand me, I declare, observed Janet uneasily. I should like to ask him a few more questions if I durst," she added, regarding with some distrust the animal, who had now returned and begun rubbing himself against her as before. Tib, Tib! The cat looked up and mewed. Pretty Tib, sweet Tib! continued the little girl, coaxingly. What one wanted to be a witch like Grandmother Dem-Dag? The cat again dashed twice or thrice, madly round the room, and then, stopping suddenly at the hearth, sprang up the chimney, and frightened her away at any rate, observed Janet, laughing. And yet it may mean somewhat, she added, reflecting a little, but I ne'er'd say as our witches fly up the chimneys on broomsticks to attend to their sabbaths. I should like to fly that manner, and change myself into another shape, any shape of my own. Oh! that I could be as pretty as Alice, and I don't know what I'd know do to be like her. Again the great black cat was beside her, rubbing against her and purring. The child was a good deal startled, for she had not seen him return, and the door was shut, though he might have come in through the open window. Only she had been looking that way all the time, and had never noticed him. Strange! Tim, said the child, patting him, has now answered my last question. I just want to become a witch. As she made this inquiry, the cat suddenly scratched her in the arm, so that the blood came. A little girl was a good deal frightened, as well as hurt, and withdrawing her arm quickly made a motion of striking the animal. But starting backwards, erecting his tail and spitting, the cat assumed such a formidable appearance that she did not dare to touch him. And then she perceived that some drops of blood stained her white sleeve, giving the spots a certain resemblance to the letters J and D, her own initials. At this moment, when she was about to scream for help, though she knew no one was in the house, all having gone away with the May Day revelers, a small white dove flew in at the open window, and skimming round the room alighted near her. No sooner had the cat caught sight of this beautiful bird that instead of preparing to pounce upon it, as might have been expected, he instantly abandoned his fierce attitude, uttering a sort of howl sprang at the chimney as before. But the child scarcely observed this, her attention being directed towards the bird, who's extreme beauty delighted her. It seemed quite tame, too, and allowed itself to be touched, and even drawn towards her without an effort to escape. But surely was seen so beautiful a bird, with such milk-white feathers, such red legs, and such pretty yellow eyes, with crims and circles round them. So thought the little girl, as she gazed upon it, and pressed it to her bosom. In doing this, gentle and good thoughts came upon her, and she reflected what a nice present this pretty bird would make to her sister Allison on her return from the merry-making, and how pleased she should feel to give it to her. And then she thought of Allison's constant kindness to her, and half reproached herself with the poor return she made for it, wondering she could entertain any feelings of envy, towards one so good and amiable, all this while the dove nestled in her bosom. While thus pondering, the little girl felt an unaccountable drowsiness steal over her, and presently afterwards dropped asleep, when she had a very strange dream. It seemed to her that there was a contest going on between two spirits, a good one and a bad, the bad one being represented by the great black cat, and the good spirit by the white dove. What they were striving about she could not exactly tell, but she felt that the conflict had some relation to herself. The dove at first appeared to have but a poor chance against the claws of its sable adversary, but the sharp talons of the latter made no impression upon the white plumage of the bird, which now shone like silver armour, and in the end the cat fled, yelling as it darted off, Thou art victorious now, but her soul shall yet be mine. Something awakened the little sleeper at the same moment, and she felt very much terrified at her dream, as she could not help thinking her own soul might be the one in jeopardy, and her first impulse was to see whether the white dove was safe. Yes, there it was, still nestling in her bosom, with its head under its wing. Just then she was startled at hearing her own name pronounced by a horse-voice, and looking up she beheld a tall young man standing at the window. He had a somewhat gypsy look, having a dark olive complexion and fine black eyes, though set strangely in his head, like those of Janet and her mother, cold black hair, and a very prominent features of a sullen and almost savage cast. His figure was gaunt, but very muscular. His arms being extremely long, and his hands unusually large and bony, personal advantages which made him a formidable antagonist in any rustic encounter, and in such he was frequently engaged, being of a very erasable temper and turbulent disposition. He was clad in a holiday suit of dark green surge, which fitted him well, and carried a nose-gay in one hand, and a stout black-thorn cudgel in the other. This young man was James Device, son of Elizabeth, and some four or five years older than Alison. He did not live with his mother in Whaley, but in Pendle Forest, near his old relative, Mother Demdike, and had come over that morning to attend the wake. "'What about, Janet?' inquired James Device, in tones naturally hoarse and deep, and which he took as little pains to soften as he did to polish his manners, which were more than ordinarily rude and churlish. "'What about, Acey Wench?' he repeated. "'But I don't know you can go to Green to see Maurice Dancer's foot it round Maypole. "'Come along with me.' "'I don't know what to go, James,' replied the little girl. "'But you shall go,' I tell you,' returned her brother. "'You shall see your sister dance. You'll consider home any day, but Mayday comes only once a year, and Alison will have a queen twice in her life, so come along with me directly, or I'll make you.' "'I should like to see Alison dance, and so I wouldn't go, were you, James?' replied Janet, getting up. "'Otherwise your orders shouldn't have made me stare, I can't tell you.' As she came out she found her brother whistling the blight air of green sleeves, cutting strange capers in imitation of the Maurice Dancers, and whirling his cudgel over his head instead of a kerchief. The gaiety of the day seemed infectious, and to have seized even him. People stared to see Black James, or Sirly James, as he was indifferently called, so joyous, and wondered what it should mean. He then fell to singing a snatch of a local ballad at that time in Vogue in the neighbourhood. "'If thou wilt know my secret tell, they're brute to body-whaley-parish, and swear to keep my council well, I will declare my day a marriage.' "'Come along, lass,' he cried, stopping suddenly in his song and snatching his sister's hand. "'What have you gotten there, laptop in your girdle, eh?' "'A right dove,' replied Janet, determined not to tell him anything about her strange dream. "'A right dove,' echoed Gem, "'give it me, and I'll wring its neck and get it roasted for supper.' "'Yes, I do know such thing, Gem,' replied Janet. "'I'm ain't to give it to Alison.' "'Eh, well, that's right,' rejoined Gem blandly. "'He'll make a pretty offering. Let's look at it.' "'Nah, nah,' said Janet, pressing the bird gently to her bosom. "'No one shall sit before Alison.' "'Come along, then,' cried Gem, rather testily, and mending his pace. "'Always be too late for round.' "'Why, unscratch yourself,' he added, noticing the red spots on her sleeve. "'Anna?' she rejoined evasively. "'Oh, now I recollect it was Tim, did it?' "'Tib,' echoed Gem gravely, and glancing uneasily at the marks. Meanwhile, on quitting the cottage, the May Day revelers had proceeded slowly towards the green, increasing the number of their followers at each little tenement they passed, and being welcomed everywhere with shouts and cheers. The hobby-horse curvited and capered. The fool flared at the girls and flouted the men, jesting with everyone, and when failing in a point, wrapping the knuckles of his auditors. Friar Tuck chucked the pretty girls under the chin, in defiance of their sweethearts, and stole a kiss from every buxom dame that stood in his way, and then snapped his fingers, or made a broad grimace at the husband. The piker played, and the taborer rattled his tambourine. The morris-dancers tossed their kerchiefs aloft, and the bells of the rush-cart jingled merrily, the men on the top being on a level with the roofs of the cottages, and the summits of the haystacks they passed, but in spite of their exalted position jostling with the crowd below. But in spite of these multiplied attractions, and in spite of the gambles of the fool and horse, though the latter elicited prodigious laughter, the main attention was fixed on the May Queen, who tripped lightly along by the side of her faithful squire Robin Hood, followed by the three bold foresters of Sherwood and her Usher. In this way they reached the Green, where already a large crowd was collected to see them, and where in the midst of it and above the heads of the assemblage rose the lofty May pole, with all its flowery garlands glittering in the sunshine, and its ribbons fluttering in the breeze. Pleasant was it to see those cheerful groups composed of happy rustics, used in their holiday attire and maidens neatly habited to and fresh and bright as the day itself. Summer sunshine sparkled in their eyes, and weather and circumstance, as well as genial nature, disposed them to enjoyment. Every lass above eighteen had her sweetheart, and old couples nodded and smiled at each other, when any tender speech broadly conveyed but tenderly conceived reached their ears, and said it recalled the days of their youth. Pleasant was it to hear such honest laughter and such good homely jests. Laugh on, my merry lads, you are made of good old English stuff, loyal to church and king, and while you and such as you lost our land will be in no danger from foreign foe. Laugh on and praise your sweethearts how you will. Laugh on and blessings on your honest hearts. The frolic train had just reached the precincts of the green, and the usher, waving his hand beloved, called a momentary halt, announcing that Sir Ralph Asherton and the Gentry were coming forth from the abbey gate to meet them. End of Chapter 2 Book 1 Chapter 3 Of The Lancashire Witches This Librabox recording is in the public domain. Reading by Andy Minter The Lancashire Witches A Romance of Pendle Forest by William Harrison Ainsworth Book 1 Allison Device Chapter 3 The Ashertons Between Sir Ralph Asherton of the abbey and the inhabitants of Whaley, many of whom were his tenants, he being joint Lord of the Manor with John Braddill of Portfield, the best possible feeling subsisted. For though somewhat austere in manner, and tinctured with Puritanism, the worthy knight was sufficiently shrewd, or more correctly speaking sufficiently liberal-minded, to be tolerant of the opinions of others, and being more over sincere in his own religious views, no man would call him in question for them, besides which he was very hospitable to his friends, very bountiful to the poor, a good landlord and a humane man. His very austerity of manner, tempered by stately courtesy, added to the respect he inspired, especially as he could now and then relax into gaity, when he did so his smile was accounted singularly sweet. But in general he was grave and formal, stiff in attire, and stiff in gait, cold and punctilious in manner, precise in speech, and exacting in due respect from both high and low, which was seldom, if ever, refused him. Among Sarowth's other good qualities, for such it was esteemed by his friends and retainers, and they were, of course, the best judges, was a strong love of the chase, and perhaps he indulged a little too freely in the sports of the field for a gentleman of a character so stade and decorous, but his popularity was far from being diminished by the circumstance. Neither did he suffer the rude and boisterous companionship into which he was brought by indulgence, in this his favourite pursuit in any way to affect him. Though still young, Sarowth was prematurely grey, and this, combined with the sad severity of his aspect, gave him the air of one considerably past the middle term of life, though this appearance was contradicted again by the youthful fire of his eagle eye. His features were handsome and strongly marked, and he wore a pointed beard and moustaches with a shaved cheek. Sarowth Ashton had married twice, his first wife being a daughter of Sir James Beltingham of Levons in Northumberland, by whom he had two children, while his second choice fell upon Eleanor Shuttleworth, the lovely and well-endowed heiress of Gorthorp, to whom he had been recently united. In his attire, even when habited for the chase or a merry-making, like the present, the night of Whaley affected a somber colour, and ordinarily wore a quilted doublet of black silk. He mensed trunk-hose of the same material stiffened with whale-bone, puffed out well-wadded sleeves, falling bands, for he astewed the rough as savouring of vanity, boots of black flexible leather ascending to the hose, and armed with spurs with gigantic rolls, a round crown small-brimmed black hat with an ostrich feather placed in the side and hanging over the top, a long rapier on his hip and a dagger in his girdle. This buckram attire, it will be easily conceived, contributed no little to the natural stiffness of his tall, thin figure. Sir Ralph Ashton was great-grandson of Richard Ashton, who flourished in the time of Abbott Pasture, and who, in conjunction with John Braddill, fourteen years after the unfortunate prelates attain her and the disillusion of the monastery, had purchased the abbey and domains of Whaley from the crown, subsequently to which a division of the property so granted took place between them. The abbey, and part of the manor falling to the share of Richard Ashton, whose descendants had now for three generations made it their residence, thus the whole of Whaley belonged to the families of Ashton and Braddill, which had intermarried, the latter, as has been stated, dwelling at Portfield, a fine old seat in the neighbourhood. A very different person from Sir Ralph was his cousin, Nicholas Ashton of Downham, who, except as regards his puritanism, might be considered type of the Lancashire square of the day. A precision in religious notions and constant in attendance at church and lecture, he put no sort of restraint upon himself, but mixed up fox hunting, otter hunting, shooting at the mark, and perhaps shooting with the longbow, foot racing, horse racing, and in fact every other kind of country diversion, not forgetting tippling, cards, and dicing, with daily devotion, discourses, and psalm singing in the oddest way imaginable. A thorough sportsman was Squire Nicholas Ashton, well versed in the arts and mysteries of hawking and hunting. Not a man in the county could ride harder, hunt deer, and kennel, fox, unearthed badger, or spear otter, better than he, and then, as to tippling, he would sit you a whole afternoon at the ale-house, and be the merriest man there, and drink about with every farmer present. And if the parson chanced to be out of hearing, he would never make a mouth at a round oath, nor choose a second expression when the first would serve his turn. Then, who so constant at church or lecture as Squire Nicholas, and though he did snore sometimes during the long sermons of his cousin, the rector of Middleton, a great man will see at all weddings, christings, churchings, and funerals, and never neglected his bottle at these ceremonies, nor any sport indoors or out of doors, meanwhile. In short, such a roistering Puritan was never known. A good-looking young man was the Squire of Darnham, possessed of a very athletic frame, and the most vigorous constitution, which helped him, together with the prodigious exercise he took, through any excess. He had a sanguine complexion with a broad, good-natured visage, which he could lengthen at will in a surprising manner. His hair was cropped close to his head, and the razor did daily duty over his cheek and chin, giving him the round head look, some years later characteristic of the Puritanical Party. Nicholas had taken to wife Dorothy, daughter of Richard Greenakers of Worcester, and was most fortunate in his choice, which is more than can be said for his lady, for I cannot uphold the Squire as a model of conjugal fidelity. Report affirmed that he loved more than one pretty girl under the rose. Squire Nicholas was not particular as to the quality or make of his clothes, providing they wore well, and protected him against the weather, and was generally to be seen in doublet and hose of stout bustion, which had seen some service. With a broad-heaved hat, originally green, but of late bleached to a much lighter colour. But he was clad on this particular occasion in ash-coloured habiliments, fresh from the tailor's hands, with buff boots drawn up to the knee, and a new round hat from York with a green feather in it. His legs were slightly embalmed, and he bore himself like a man rarely out of the saddle. Downham, the residence of the Squire, was a fine old house, very charmingly situated to the north of Pendle Hill, of which it commanded a magnificent view, and a few miles from Clithero. The grounds about it were well wooded, and beautifully broken and diversified, watered by the ribble and opening upon the lovely and extensive valley deriving its name from that stream. The house was in good order, and well maintained, and the stables plentifully furnished with horses, while the hall was adorned with various trophies and implements of the chase. But as I propose paying its owner a visit, I shall defer any further description of the place till an opportunity arrives for examining it in detail. A third cousin of Sir Ralph's, though in the second degree likewise present on the Mayday in question, was the reverend Abadius Ascherton, rector of Middleton, a very worthy man who, though differing from his kinsmen upon some religious points, and not altogether approving of the conduct of one of them, was on good terms with both. The rector of Middleton was portly and middle-aged, fond of ease and reading, and by no means indifferent to the good things of life. He was unmarried, and passed much of his time at Middleton Hall, the seat of his near relatives of Richard Ascherton, to whose family he was greatly attached, and whose residents closely adjoined the rectory. The fourth cousin also present was young Richard Ascherton of Middleton, eldest son and heir of the owner of that estate. Possessed of all the good qualities largely distributed among his kinsmen, with none of their drawbacks, this young man was as tolerant and bountiful as Sir Ralph, without his austerity and sectarianism, as keen a sportsman, and as bold a rider as Nicholas, without his propensities to excess, as studious at times, and as well-read as Abdias, without his laziness and self-indulgence, and as courtly and well-bred as his father, Sir Richard, who was esteemed one of the most perfect gentlemen in the county, without his haughtiness. Then he was the handsomest of his race, though the Aschertons were accounted the handsomest family in Lancashire, and no one minded yielding the palm to young Richard, even if it could be contested. He was so modest and unassuming. At this time Richard Ascherton was about two and twenty, tall, gracefully and slightly formed, but possessed of such remarkable vigour that even his cousin Nicholas could scarcely compete with him in athletic exercises. His features were fine and regular, with an almost frigid precision of outline. His hair was of a dark brown and fell in clustering curls over his brown neck, and his complexion was fresh and blooming, and set off by a slight beard and moustache, carefully trimmed and pointed. His dress consisted of a dark green doublet, with wide velvet hose embroidered and fringed, descending nearly to the knee, where they were tied with points and ribbons, met by dark stockings, and terminated by red velvet shoes with roses in them. A white feather adorned his black, broadleaved hat, and he had a rapier by his side. Amongst Sir Ralph Ascherton's guests were Richard Greenacres of Worston, Nicholas Ascherton's father-in-law, Richard Sherbourne of Dunno, near Sladeburn, who had married Dorothy, Nicholas's sister, Mistress Robinson of Raydale House, Aunt to the Night and the Squire, and two of her sons, both stout youths, with John Braddell and his wife of Portfield. Besides these there was Master Roger Knowle, a justice of the peace in the county, and a very active and busy one too, who had been invited for a special purpose to be explained hereafter. Head of an ancient Lancashire family, residing at Reed, a fine old hall, some distance from Whaley, Roger Knowle, though a worthy, well-meaning man, dealt hard measure from the bench, and seldom tempered justice with mercy. He was sharp-featured, dry and sarcastic, and being adverse to country sports, his presence on the occasion was the only thing likely to impose restraint on the revelers. Other guests there were, but none of any particular note. The ladies of the party consisted of Lady Ascherton, Mistress Nicholas Ascherton of Downham, Dorothy Ascherton of Middleton, Sister to Richard, a lovely girl of eighteen, with light, fleecy hair, summer blue eyes, and a complexion of exquisite purity, Mistress Sherbourne of Dunno, Mistress Robinson of Raydale, and Mistress Braddell of Portfield, before mentioned, together with the wives and daughters of some others of the neighbouring gentry, most noticeable amongst whom was Mistress Alice Nutter of Rough Lee in Pendle Forest, a widow lady, and a relative of the Ascherton family. Mistress Nutter might be a year or two turned of forty, but she still retained a very fine figure, and much beauty of feature, though of a cold and disagreeable cast. She was dressed in mourning, though her husband had been dead several years, and her rich, dark habiliments well became her pale complexion and raven hair. A proud, poor gentleman was Richard Nutter, her late husband, and his scanty means not enabling him to keep up as large an establishment as he desired, or to be as hospitable as his nature prompted, his temper became sourd, and he visited his ill humours upon his wife, who, devotedly attached to him, to all outward appearances at least, never resented his ill treatment. All at once, and without any previous symptoms of ailment or apparent cause, unless it might be over fatigue in hunting the day before, Richard Nutter was seized with a strange and violent illness, which, after three or four days of acute suffering, brought him to the grave. During his illness he was constantly and zealously tended by his wife, but he displayed greater version to her, declaring himself bewitched, and that an old woman was ever in the corner of his room mumbling wicked enchantments against him, but as no such old woman could be seen, these assertions were treated as delirious ravings. They were not, however, forgotten after his death, and some people said that he had certainly been bewitched, and that a wax an image made in his likeness, and stuck full of pins, had been picked up in his chamber by Mistress Alice, and cast into the fire, and as soon as it melted he had expired. Such tales only obtain credence with the common folk, but as Pendle Forest was a sort of weird region, many reputed witches dwelling in it, they were the more readily believed, even by those who acquitted Mistress Nutter of all share in the dark transaction. Mistress Nutter gave the best proof that she respected her husband's memory by not marrying again, and she continued to lead a very secluded life at Rough Lee, a lonesome house in the heart of the forest. She lived quite by herself, for she had no children, her only daughter having perished somewhat strangely when quite an infant. Though a relative of the Ashton's, she kept up a little intimacy with them, and it was a matter of surprise to all that she had been drawn from her seclusion to attend the present revel. Her motive, however, in visiting the Abbey, was to obtain the assistance of Sir Ralph Ashton in settling a dispute between her and Roger Knowle, relative to the boundary line of part of their properties which came together, and this was the reason why the magistrate had been invited to Whaley. After hearing both sides of the question, and examining plans of the estates, which he knew to be accurate, Sir Ralph, who had been appointed umpire, pronounced a decision in favour of Roger Knowle. But Mistress Nutter, refusing to abide by it, the settlement of the matter was postponed till the day but one following, between which time the landmarks were to be investigated by a certain little lawyer named Potts, who attended on behalf of Roger Knowle, together with Nicholas and Richard Ashton on behalf of Mistress Nutter. Upon their evidence it was agreed by both parties that Sir Ralph should pronounce a final decision, to be accepted by them, and to that effect they signed an agreement. The three persons appointed to the investigation settled to start for roughly early on the following morning. A word asked to Master Thomas Potts. This worthy was an attorney from London, who had officiated as Clark of the Court of the Assizes at Lancaster, where his quickness had so much pleased Roger Knowle that he sent for him to read, to manage this particular business. A sharp-witted fellow was Potts, and versed in all the quirks and tricks of a very subtle profession, not overscrupulous, provided a client would pay well, prepared to resort to any expedient to gain his object, and quite conversant enough with both practice and precedent to keep himself straight. A bustling consequential little personage was he, moreover, very fond of delivering an opinion, even when unasked, and of a meddling make mischief turn, constantly setting men by the ears. A suit of rusty black, a parchment-coloured skin, small weasen features, a turnip nose, scant eyebrows, and a great yellow forehead constituted his external man. He partook of the hospitality at the Abbey, but had his quarters at the Dragon. He it was who counseled Roger Knowle to abide by the decision of Sir Ralph, confidently assuring him that he must carry his point. This dispute was not, however, the only one the night had to adjust, or in which Master Potts was concerned. A claim had been recently made by a certain Sir Thomas Metcalf of Napae, in Wensleydale, near Bainbridge, to the house and manner of Raydale, belonging to his neighbour, John Robinson, whose lady, as has been shown, was a relative of the Aschitans. Robinson himself had gone to London to obtain advice on the subject, whilst Sir Thomas Metcalf, who was a man of violent disposition, had threatened to take forcible possession of Raydale, if it were not delivered to him without delay, and to eject the Robinson family. Having consulted Potts, however, on the subject, whom he had met at Reed, the latter strongly dissuaded him from the course, and recommended him to call to his aid the strong arm of the law. But this he rejected, though he ultimately agreed to refer the matter to Sir Ralph Aschiton, and for this purpose he had come over to Waley, and was at present a guest at the vicarage. Thus it will be seen that Sir Ralph Aschiton had his hands full, while the little London lawyer, Master Potts, was tolerably well occupied. Besides Sir Thomas Metcalf, Sir Richard Molyneux, and Mr Parker, of Browse Home, were guests of Dr Ormerod at the vicarage. Search was the large company assembled to witness the May Day revels at Waley, and if harmonious feelings did not exist among all of them, little outward manifestation was made of enmity. The dresses and appointments of the pageant, having been provided by Sir Ralph Aschiton, who, puritan as he was, encouraged all harmless country pastimes, it was deemed necessary to pay him every respect, even if no other feeling would have prompted the attention, and therefore the troop had stopped on seeing him and his guests issue from the abbey gate. At pretty nearly the same time, Dr Ormerod and his party came from the vicarage towards the Green. No order of March was observed, but Sir Ralph and his lady, with two of his children by the former marriage, walked first. Then came some of the other ladies, with the rector of Middleton, John Braddill, and the two sons of Mistress Robinson. Next came Mistress Nutter, Roger Knoll, and Potts walking after her, eyeing her maliciously as her proud figure swept on before them. Even as she saw their looks or overheard their jeers, she did not deign to notice them. Lastly came young Richard Aschiton of Middleton and Squire Nicholas, both in high spirits and laughing and chatting together. A brave day for the Morris dancers, because and Dick, observed Nicholas Aschiton as they approached the Green, and plenty of folk to witness the sport. Half of my lads from Downermere here, and I see a good many of your Middleton chaps among them. How are you, Farmer Detlow? he added, to a stout, hail-looking man with a blooming countrywoman by his side. Not your pretty young wife to the rush-bearing I see. Yes, Squire! rejoined the Farmer, and matterly pleased her be we at two. Have it here, it, Master Detlow? replied Nicholas. She'll be better pleased before the day is over, I'll warrant her. I'll dance around with her myself in the hall at night. There now, Meg. Why don't you make Squire a curtsy wench and dunk him? said Detlow, nudging his pretty wife, who had turned away rather embarrassed by the free gaze of the Squire. Nicholas, however, did not wait for the curtsy, but went away laughing to overtake Richard Aschiton, who had walked on. Ah, here's Frank Garcide. He continued, expiring another rustic acquaintance. Hello, Frank! I'll come over one day next week and try for a fox in Easington Woods. We missed the last, you know. Tom Brockholtz, are you here? Just ridden over from Slade Burnay? When's that shooting match at the Bodkin to come off, eh? Mind it's to be at twenty-two Rhodes Distance. Ride over to Downham on Thursday next, Tom. We'll have a foot race, and I'll show you good sport, and at night we'll have a lusted drinking-bout at the ale-house. On Friday we'll take out the great nets and try for salmon in the river. I took some fish on Monday, one salmon of ten pounds weight, the largest I've got the whole season. I brought it with me to-day to the Abbey. There's an otter in the river, and I won't hunt him till you come, Tom. I shall see you on Thursday, eh? Receiving an answer in the affirmative, Squire Nicholas walked on, nodding right and left, gesting with the farmers, and ogling their pretty wives and daughters. I tell you what, cousin Dick, he said, calling after Richard Aschiton, who had got in advance of him. I'll match my done nag against your Greg Gelding for twenty pieces, but I reach the boundary line of the roughly lands before you to-morrow. What? You won't have it? You know I shall beat you. Well, we'll try the speed of the two tits the first day we hunt the stag in Boland Forest. What's my life? he cried, suddenly altering his deportment and lengthening his visage. If there isn't our passing here, stay with me, cousin Dick, stay with me. Give you good day, worthy Mr. Newhurst, he added, taking off his hat to the Divine, who respectfully returned his salutation. I did not look to see your reverence here taking part in these vanities and idler sports. I propose to call on you on Saturday, pass an hour in serious discourse. I would call to-morrow, but I have to ride over to Pendle on business. Tell you a moment for me, I pray, you good cousin Richard. I fear you, Reverend Sir, that you will see much here that will scandalize you, much lightness and indecorum. Pleasant afar we'll see a large congregation of the elders flocking together to a godly meeting than crowds assembled for such a profane purpose. Another moment, Richard. My cousin is a young man, Mr. Newhurst, and wishes to join the revel. But we must make allowances, worthy and reverent, Sir, until the world shall improve. An excellent discourse you gave us, good ear on Sunday. Eight Romans, twelve and thirteen verses. It's graven upon my memory, but I have made a note of it in my diary. I'll come to you, cousin, I come. I pray you walk on to the Abbey, good Mr. Newhurst, where you will be right welcome, and call for any refreshment you may desire. A glass of good sack, and a slice of venison pasty, on which we have just dined. And there's some famous old ale which I would commend to you, but that I know you cannot any more than myself for creature comforts. Farewell, Reverend Sir, I will join you ere long, for these scenes have little attraction for me. But I must take care that my young cousin fall, if not into harm. And as the divine took his way to the Abbey, he added, laughingly to Richard, oh, good riddance, Dick, I would not have the old fella play the spy upon us. Ah, Giles Mercer! he added, stopping again, and Jeff Rushton well met, lads. What are you, come to the wake? I shall be at John Lowes in the evening, and we'll have a glass together. John Bruce, Sack Rarely, and Speris, not the eggs. But you'll be at the dancing at the Abbey Squire, said one of the farmers. Curse the dancing, cried Nicholas. Oh, I hope the parson didn't hear me, he added, turning round quickly. Farewell, I'll come down when the dancing's over, and we'll make a night of it. And he ran on to overtake Richard Asherton. By this time the respective parties from the Abbey and the Vicarage having united, they walked on together, Sir Ralph Asherton, after courteously exchanging salutations with Dr Ormerod's guests, still keeping a little in advance of the company. Sir Thomas Metcalf comported himself with more than his wanted haughtiness, and bowed so superciliously to Mistress Robinson, that her two sons glanced angrily at each other, as if in doubt that they should not instant the resent their front. Observing this, as well as what had previously taken place, Nicholas Asherton stepped quickly up to them and said, Keep quiet, lads, leave this dung-hill cock to me, and I'll lower his crest. With this he pushed forward, and elbowing Sir Thomas rudely out of the way, turned round, and instead of apologising, eyed him coolly and contemptuously from head to foot. Are you drunk, sir, that you forget your manners? asked Sir Thomas, laying his hand upon his sword. Not so drunk that I know how to conduct myself like a gentleman, Sir Thomas, rejoined Nicholas, which is more than can be said of a certain person of my acquaintance, who thought I know, has only taken his morning pint. You wish to pick a quarrel with me, Master Nicholas Asherton, I perceive, said Sir Thomas, stepping up close to him, and I will not disappoint you. You shall render me good reason for this affront before I leave Whaley. When and where you please, Sir Thomas, rejoined Nicholas, laughing, at any hour and any weapon, I am your man. At this moment, Master Potts, who had scented a quarrel afar, and who would have liked it well enough, if its prosecution had not run counter to his own interests, quitted Roger Knowle, and ran back to Metcalf, and plucking him by the sleeve, said in a low voice, This is not the way to obtain quiet possession of Radale House, Sir Thomas. Master Nicholas Asherton, he added, turning to him, I must entreat you, my good sir, to be moderate. Gentlemen, both I caution you that I have my eye upon you. You well know there is a magistrate here, my singular good friend and honoured client, Master Roger Knowle, and if you pursue this quarrel further, I shall hold it my duty to have you bound over by that worthy gentleman, and sufficient security to keep the peace towards our sovereign Lord the King, and all his legions, and particularly towards each other. You understand me, gentlemen? Perfectly, replied Nicholas, I drink at John Law's to-night, Sir Thomas. So, saying he walked away, Metcalf would have followed him, but was withheld by pots. Let him go, Sir Thomas, said the little man of Law. Let him go. Once Master of Radale, you can do as you please. Leave the settlement of the matter to me. Now, just whisper a word in Sir Ralph Asherton's ear, and you'll hear no more of it. Fire and fury, growled Sir Thomas. I like not this mode of settling a quarrel, and unless it hothed in psalm, singing pure it and apologizes, I shall assuredly cuss his throat. Or he yours, good Sir Thomas, rejoined pots, better sit in Radale Hall and lie in the Abbey Bolts. Well, we'll talk the matter over, Master Potts, replied the night. Eh, a nice morning's work I've made of it, used Nicholas as he walked along. Here I have a dance with a farmer's pretty wife, a discourse with a parson, a drinking-bout with a couple of clowns, and a duelo with a blustering knight on my hands. Quite enough of my conscience. But I must get through it the best way I can. And now, hey, for the Maypole and the Morris Dancers! Nicholas just got up in time to witness the presentation of the Mayqueen to Sir Ralph Asherton and his lady, and like everyone else, he was greatly struck by her extreme beauty and natural grace. The little ceremony was thus conducted. When the company from the Abbey drew near the troop of revelers, the usher, taking Allison's hand in the tips of his fingers as before, strutted forward with her to Sir Ralph and his lady, and falling upon one knee before them, said, The most worshipful and honoured knight, and you his lovely dame, and you the tender and cherished olive branches growing round about their tables, I hereby crave your gracious permission to present unto your honours our chosen Queen of May. Somewhat fluttered by the presentation, Allison yet maintained sufficient composure to bend gracefully before Lady Asherton, and say in a very sweet voice, I fear your ladyship will think the choice of the village hath fallen ill in the lighting upon me, and indeed I feel myself altogether unworthy the distinction. Nevertheless I will endeavour to discharge the office fittingly, and therefore pray you, fair lady, and the worshipful knight, your husband, together with your beauteous children and the gentles, all by whom you are surrounded, to grace our little festival with your presence, hoping you may find as much pleasure in the sight as we shall do in offering it to you. Ah, a fair maid and modest as she is fair, observes a Ralph with a condescending smile. In sooth she is, replied Lady Asherton, raising her kindly, and saying as she did so, Nay, you must not kneel to us, sweet maid, you are Queen of the May, and it is for us to show respect to you during your day of sovereignty. Your wishes are command, and in behalf of my husband, my children and our guests, I answer that we will gladly attend your revels on the green. Well said, dear Nell, observed Sir Ralph, we shall be churlish indeed were we to refuse the bidding of so lovely a Queen. Nay, you have called the roses in earnest to her cheek now, Sir Ralph, observed Lady Asherton, smiling. Lead on, fair Queen, she continued, and tell your companions to begin their sport when they please. Only remember this, that we shall hope to see all your gay troop this evening at the Abbey to a merry dance, where I will strive to find her Majesty a suitable partner, and it is a Ralph. The stay she shall make her choice now as a royal person it should, for you know, Nell, a Queen ever chooseth her partner, whether it be for the throne or for the brawl. How say you, fair one, shall it be either of our young cousins, Joe or Will Robinson of Raydale, or our cousin who still thinketh himself young, Squire Nicholas of Downham. I, let it be me, I implore you, fair Queen, interposed Nicholas. He is engaged already, observed Richard Asherton coming forward. I heard him ask pretty Mistress Tetlow, the farmer's wife, to dance with him this evening at the Abbey. A loud laugh from those around followed this piece of information, but Nicholas was in no wise disconcerted. Dick would have her choose him, and that's why he interferes with me. He observed. How say you, fair Queen? Shall it be our hopeful cousin? I will answer for him that he dances at the Caranto and La Volta indifferently well. On hearing Richard Asherton's voice, all the colour had forsaken Alice's cheeks, but at this direct appeal to her by Nicholas, it returned with additional force, and the change did not escape the quick eye of Lady Asherton. You perplex her, cousin Nicholas, she said. Not a wit, Eleanor, answered the squire, but if she like not Dick Asherton, there is another Dick, Dick Sherbourne of Sladeburn, or our cousin Jack Bradhill, or if she prefer an older and discreta man, there is far the green acres of Worston. Foremaston, Roger Knowle, of Reed, plenty of choice. Nay, if I must choose a partner, it shall be a young one, said Allison. Right, fair Queen, right, cried Nicholas, laughing, ever choose a young man if you can. Who shall it be? You have named him yourself, sir, replied Allison, in the voice which she endeavoured to keep firm, but which in spite of all her efforts sounded tremulously Master Richard Asherton. Next to choosing me, you could not have chosen better, observed Nicholas approvingly. Dick, lad, I congratulate thee. I congratulate myself, replied the young man. Fair Queen, he added, advancing, highly flattered as I am by your choice, and shall so demean myself I trust as to prove myself worthy of it. Before I go I would beg a boon from you. That flower. This pink, cried Allison, it is yours, fair sir. Young Asherton took the flower, and took the hand that offered it at the same time, and pressed the latter to his lips. While Lady Asherton, who had been made a little uneasy by Allison's apparent emotion, and who with true feminine tact immediately detected its cause, called out, Now, forward, forward to the maypole, we have interrupted the revel too long. Upon this the May Queen stepped blushingly back with the Usher, who, with his white wand in hand, had stood bolt upright behind her, immensely delighted with the scene in which his pupil, for Allison had been tutored by him for the occasion, had taken part. Sir Ralph then clapped his hands loudly, and at this signal the table and pipe struck up. The fool and the hobby-horse, who, though idle all the time, had indulged in a little quiet fun with the rustics, recommenced their gambles. The Morris dancers there lively dance, and the whole train moved towards the maypole, followed by the rush cart, with all its bells jingling, and all its garlands waving. As to Allison, her brain was in a whirl, and her bosom heaved so quickly that she thought she would faint. To think that the choice of her partner in the dance at the Abbey had been offered her, and that she should venture to choose Master Richard Ascherton, she could scarcely credit her own temerity, and then to think that she should give him a flower, and more than all, that he should kiss her hand in return for it. She felt the tingling pressure of his lips upon her finger still, and her little heart palpitated strangely. As she approached the maypole, and the troupe again halted for a few minutes, she saw her brother James holding little Janet by the hand, standing in the front line to look at her. Oh! how glad I am to see you here, Janet! she cried. And I am right glad to see you, Allison! replied the little girl. Janus told me what a grand partner you are to this zane. And she added, with playful malice, it was wrong when she said the queen would choose Master Richard. How's Janet not a word more? interrupted Allison, blushing. Oh! I done them into vexure, I'm sure, replied Janet. I've got the present for you. A present for me, Janet, cried Allison. What is it? A beautiful white dove, replied the little girl. A white dove? Where did you get it? Let me see it. Cried Allison in the breath? And it is! replied Janet, opening her kirtle. A beautiful bird indeed, cried Allison. Take care of it for me till I come home. Which winner be to lay die fancy? rejoined Janet roguishly. Ah! she added, uttering a cry. The latter exclamation was occasioned by the sudden flight of the dove, which escaping from her hold saw the loft. Janet followed the course of its silver wings as they cleaved the blue sky. And then all at once saw a large hawk which apparently had been hovering above, swooped down upon it and bare it off. Some white feathers fell down near the little girl, and she picked up one of them and put it in her breast. Poor bird! exclaimed the May Queen. Ah! poor bird! echoed Janet tearfully. Ah! you don't know, Allison. Well, there's near your whimpering about a dove. Observe, Jem, gruffly. Ah! bring yet another first time I go to count. There's near another bird like that. Sob the little girl. Show that cruel hawk for me, Jem, when ya? Ah! gone I wench when it's flown away, he replied. But an robber hawks nist for ya, if that'll do as well. Ya donna understand me, Jem! replied the child, sadly. At this moment the music which had ceased while some arrangements were made commenced a very lively tune, known as Round About the May Pole, and Robin Hood, taking the May Queen's hand, led her towards the pole, and placing her near it, the whole of her attendance took hands, and while the second circle was formed by the Morris dancers, and both began to wheel rapidly round her, the music momentally increasing in spirit and quickness. An irresistible desire to join in the measure seized some of the lads and lasses around, and they likewise took hands, and presently a third and still wider circle was formed, wheeling gaily around the other two. Other dances were formed here and there, and presently the whole green was in movement. If you come off hot, oh, tonight, Dick, I shall be surprised, observed Nicholas, who, with his young relative, had approached as near the May Pole as the three rounds of dancers would allow them. Richard Asherton made no reply, but glanced at the pink which he had placed in his doublet. Who is the May Queen? inquired Sir Thomas Metcalf, who had likewise drawn near, of a tall man holding a little girl by the hand. Alison, daughter of Elizabeth Device and my sister, replied James Device, gruffly. Oh, muttered Sir Thomas. She's a well-looking lass, and she dwells here in Whaley, fella, he added. Oh, dwells he Whaley, responded Jim, sullenly. I can easily find her to bode, muttered the night, walking away. What was it Sir Thomas said to you, Jim? inquired Nicholas, who had watched the night's gestures coming up. Jim related what had passed between them. What the devil does he want with her? cried Nicholas. No good, I'm sure. But I'll spoil his spot. They bought the words coil, and all break every bone in his body, remarked Jim. No, no, Jim, replied Nicholas. Take care of your pretty sister, and I'll take care of him. At this juncture Sir Thomas, who in spite of the efforts of the Pacific master-pots to tranquilise him, had been burning with wrath at the affront he had received from Nicholas, came up to Richard Asherton, and noticing the pink in his bosom snatched it away suddenly. I want a flower, he said, smelling at it. Instantly restore it, Sir Thomas, cried Richard Asherton, pale with rage, or what will you do, young sir? Rejoined the night, tauntingly, and plucking the flower in pieces. You can get another from the fair nymph who gave you this. Further speech was not allowed the night, for he received a violent blow on the chest from the hand of Richard Asherton, which sent him reeling backwards, and would have felled him to the ground if he had not been caught by some of the bystanders. The moment he recovered Sir Thomas drew his sword, and furiously assaulted young Asherton who stood ready for him, and after the exchange of a few passes, for none of the bystanders dared to interfere, sent his sword whirling over their head through the air. Bravo, Dick! cried Nicholas, stepping up and clapping his cousin on the back. You have read him a good lesson, and taught him that he cannot always insult folks with impunity. And he laughed loudly at the discomforted night. He is an insolent coward, cried Richard Asherton. Give him his sword, and let him come on again. Oh, no! said Nicholas. He has had enough this time, and if he has not he must settle an account with me. Put up your blade, lad. Oh, I have been revenged upon you both! said Sir Thomas, taking his sword, which had been brought him by a bystander, and stalking away. You leave us in mortal dread, doubted night! Cried Nicholas, shouting after him derisively. Richard Asherton's attention was, however, turned in a different direction. For the music suddenly ceasing, and the dancers stopping, he learnt that the May Queen had fainted. And presently afterwards the crowd opened to give passage to Robin Hood, who bore her inanimate form in his arms. End of Chapter 3 Book 1 Chapter 4 of The Lancashire Witches This Librebox recording is in the public domain. Reading by Andy Minter The Lancashire Witches A Romance of Pendle Forest By William Harrison Ainsworth Book 1 Allison Device Chapter 4 Alice Nutter The quarrel between Nicholas Asherton and Sir Thomas Metcalfe had already been made known to Sir Ralph by the officious master parts. And though it occasioned the night much displeasure as interfering with the amicable arrangement he hoped to effect with Sir Thomas, and his relatives the Robinsons, still he felt sure that he had sufficient influence with his hot-headed cousin, the Squire, to prevent the dispute from being carried further, and he only waited the conclusion of the sports on the green to take him to task. What was the night's surprise and annoyance, therefore, to find that a new brawl had sprung up, and ignorant of its precise cause, he laid it entirely at the door of the turbulent Nicholas. Indeed, on the commencement of the fray, he imagined that the Squire was personally concerned in it, and full of wrath flew to the scene of action, but before he got there the affair, which, as has been seen, was of short duration, was fully settled, and he only heard the jeers addressed to the retreating combatant by Nicholas. It was not Sir Ralph's way to vent his collar in words, but the Squire knew in an instant from the expression of his countenance that he was greatly incensed, and therefore hastened to explain. What means this unseemly disturbance, Nicholas? cried Sir Ralph, not allowing the other to speak. You are ever brawling like an Alsatian Squire! Independent of the ill-example set to these good folk, who have met here for tranquil amusement, you have counteracted all my plans for the adjustment of the differences between Sir Thomas Metcalfe and our aunt of Raydale. If you forget what is due to yourself, sir, do not forget what is due to me, and to the name you bear. No one but yourself should say as much to me, Sir Ralph, rejoin Nicholas somewhat haughtily, but you are under a misapprehension. It is not I who have been fighting, though I should have acted in precisely the same manner as our cousin Dick if I had received the same affront, and so I make bold to say, would you? Our name shall suffer no discredit from me, and as a gentleman I assert that Sir Thomas Metcalfe has only received due chastisement, as you yourself will admit cousin when you know all. I know him to be overbearing, observed Sir Ralph. Overbearing is not the word, cousin, interrupted Nicholas. He is as proud as a peacock, and would trample upon us all and gore us, too, like one of the wild bulls of Borland, if we would let him have his way. But I would treat him as I would the bull of all said, a wild boar or any other savage and intractable beast, hunt him down and poll his horns or pluck out his dusks. Come, come, Nicholas, this is no very gentle language, remarked Sir Ralph. Why, to speak truth, cousin, I do not feel in any very gentle frame of mind. Rejoined the squire, my eye has been roused by this insolent braggart, my blood is up, and I long to be doing. Ah, un-Christian feelings, Nicholas, said Sir Ralph severely, and should be overcome, turn the other cheek to the smiter. I trust you bear no malice to Sir Thomas. I bear him no malice, for I hope malice is not in my nature, cousin, replied Nicholas, but I owe him a grudge, and when a fitting opportunity occurs, no more of this, unless you really would incur my displeasure. Rejoined Sir Ralph, the matter has gone far enough, too far, perhaps, for amendment, and if you know it not, I can tell you that Sir Thomas' claims to Radale will be difficult to dispute, and so our Uncle Robinson has found, since he hath taken counsel on the case. I will care, Sir Ralph, said Nicholas, noticing that Master Potts was approaching them, with his ears evidently wide open. There is that little Dundan lawyer hovering about. But I'll give the cunning fox a double. I'm glad to hear you'll say so, Sir Ralph. He added, in a tone calculated to reach Potts, and since our Uncle Robinson is so sure of his cause, it may be better to let this blustering night be, but the answer is the certainty of failure that makes him so insensitive. And this is meant to blind me, but it shall not serve your turn, Courtilus Squire. But, at Potts, I caught enough of what fell just now from Sir Ralph to satisfy me that he hath strong misgivings. But it is best not to appear too secure. Ah, Sir Ralph, he added, coming forward, I was right, you see, in my caution. I am a man of peace, and strive to prevent quarrels and bloodshed. Quarrel, if you please, and unfortunately men are prone to anger, but always settle your disputes in a court of law. Always in a court of law, Sir Ralph. That is the only area where a sensible man should ever fight. Fee your counsel well, and the chances are tend to one in your favour. That is what I say to my worthy and singular good clients at Thomas, but he is somewhat headstrong on vehement, and will not listen to me. He is for settling matters by the sword, for making forcible entries and detainers, and ousting the tenants in possession, whereby he would render himself liable to arrest fine ransom and forfeiture, instead of proceeding cautiously and decorously as the law directs. And as I advised, Sir Ralph, by writ of ejection a thermae, or action of trespass, which would assuredly establish his title and restore him the house and lands, or he may proceed by writ of right, which perhaps in his case, considering the long absence of possession, and the doubts supposed to perplex the title, though I myself have no doubts about it, would be the most efficacious. These are your only true weapons, Sir Ralph, your wits of entry, a size and right, your pleas of novel deceasing, post-deceasing and re-deceasing, your emitters, your precepts, your pones, and your recordari f passiasis. These are the sword, shield, and armour of proof of a wise man. Zound, you take away one's breath with this hailstorm of wits, and please, master lawyer, cried Nicholas, but in one respect I am of your worthy and singular good client's opinion, and would rather trust to my own hand for the defence of my property than to the law to keep it for me. Then you would do wrong, good master Nicholas, rejoin pots with a smile of supreme contempt, for the law is the better guardian and the stronger adversary of the due, and so Sir Thomas will find if he takes my advice and obtains, as he can and will do, a perfect title, juris et seasonae conjunctione him. Sir Thomas is still willing to refer the case to my arbitration, I believe, sir, demanded Sir Ralph uneasily. He was so, Sir Ralph, rejoin pots, unless the assaults and batteries with intent to do him grievous corporal hurt, which he has sustained from your relatives, have induced a change of mind in him. But as I premise, Sir Ralph, I am a man of peace and willing to intermediate. And providing you get your fee, master lawyer, observed Nicholas sarcastically, certainly I object not to the quid am honorarium, master Nicholas, rejoin pots, and if my client hath the quid broke go, and gaineth his point, he cannot complain. But what is this, some fresh disturbance? Oh, something hath happened to the May Queen, cried Nicholas. I trust not, said Sir Ralph, with real concern. She has fainted. They are bringing her this way. Poor maid, what can have occasioned this sudden seizure? I think I can give a guess, muttered Nicholas. Better remove her to the abbey, he added aloud to the night. You are right, said Sir Ralph. Our cousin Dick is near her, I observe. He shall see her conveyed there at once. At this moment Lady Asherton and Mrs. Nutter, with some of the other ladies, came up. Just in time, Nell, cried the night, have you your smelling bottle about you the May Queen has fainted? Indeed, exclaimed Lady Asherton, springing towards Allison, who was now sustained by young Richard Asherton, the forester having surrendered her to him. How has this happened, she inquired, giving her to breathe at a small file. Ah, that I cannot tell you, cousin, replied Richard Asherton, unless from some sudden fright. That was it, Mr. Richard, cried Robin Hood. She cried out on hearing the clashing of swords just now, and I think pronounced your name on finding you engaged with Sir Thomas, and immediately after turned pale and would have fallen if I had not got her. Ah, indeed, exclaimed Lady Asherton, glancing at Richard, whose eyes fell before her inquiring gaze. But see, she revives, pursued the lady, let me support her head. As she spoke, Allison opened her eyes, and perceiving Richard Asherton, who had relinquished her to his relative, standing beside her, she exclaimed, oh, you are safe, I feared. And then she stopped, greatly embarrassed. You feared he might be in danger from his fierce adversary, supplied Lady Asherton, but no, the conflict is happily over, and he is unhurt. I am glad of it, said Allison earnestly. She had better be taken to the Abbey, remarked Sir Ralph coming up. Nay, she will be more at ease at home, observed Lady Asherton, with a significant look, which, however, failed in reaching her husband. Yes, truly shall I, gracious lady, replied Allison, far more so, I have given you trouble enough already. No trouble at all, said Sir Ralph kindly. Her ladyship is too happy to be of service in a case like this, are you not, Nell? The faintness will pass off presently. But let her go to the Abbey at once, and remain there till the evening's festivities, in which she takes part commence. Give her your arm, Dick. Sir Ralph's word was law, and therefore Lady Asherton made no remonstrance. But she said quickly, I will take care of her myself. I require no assistance, madam, replied Allison, since Sir Ralph will have me go. Nay, you are too kind, too condescending, she added, reluctantly taking Lady Asherton's proffered arm. And in this way they proceeded slowly towards the Abbey, escorted by Richard Asherton, and attended by Mrs. Braddill and some others of the ladies. Amongst those who had watched the progress of the May Queen's restoration with most interest was Mrs. Nutter, though she had not interfered. And as Allison departed with Lady Asherton, she observed Nicholas, who was standing near. Can this be the daughter of Elizabeth Device, and granddaughter of your old fendral witch, Mother Demdike? Supplied Nicholas, the very same I assure you, Mr. Nutter. She is wholly unlike the family, observed the lady, and her features resemble some I have seen before. She does not resemble her mother undoubtedly, replied Nicholas, though what her grand-day may have been like some sixty years ago when she was Allison's age it would be difficult to say. She is no beauty now. Those finely modelled features that graceful figure and those delicate hands cannot surely belong to one lowly born in bed, said Mr. Nutter. They differ from the ordinary peasant mould truly, replied Nicholas. If you ask me for the lineage of a steed, I can give a guess at it on sight of the animal. But as regards our own race, I am at fault, Mr. Nutter. I must question Elizabeth Device about her, observed Alice. Strange, I should never have seen her before, though I know the family so well. I wish you did not know Mother Demdike quite so well, Mr. Nutter, replied Nicholas, a mischievous and malignant old witch who deserves a tar-barrel. The only marvel is that she has not been burned long ago. I am of opinion with many others that it was she who bewitched your poor husband, Richard Nutter. I do not think it, replied Mr. Nutter, with a mournful shake of the head. Last poor man, he died from hard riding after hard drinking. That was the only witchcraft in his case, be warned by his fate yourself, Nicholas. Hard riding after drinking was more likely to sober him than to kill him. Rejoined the squire, but, as I said just now, I like not this Mother Demdike, nor her rival in iniquity, old Mother Chattox. The devil only knows which of the two is worse, but if the former hag did not view it your husband to death, as I shrewdly suspect it, it is certain that the latter mumbling old miscreant killed my elder brother Richard by her sorceries. Mother Chattox, did you a good turn, then, Nicholas? observed Mr. Nutter in making you master of the fair estates of Downham. So far perhaps she might, replied Nicholas, but I do not like the manner of it and would gladly see her burned. Nay, I would fire the faggots myself. You are superstitious as the best, Nicholas, said Mr. Nutter. For, my part, I do not believe in the existence of witches. Not believe in witches, with these two living close to the contrary, cried Nicholas in amazement, why, pendulum forest swarms with witches, they burrow in the hillside like rabbits in a warren, near the terror of the whole country. No man's cattle, goods, or even life are saved from them, and the only reason why these two old hags who hold sovereign way over the others have escaped justice so long is because everyone is afraid to go near them. Their solitary habitations are more strongly guarded than fortresses. Not believe in witches, why, I should have soon missed out the holy scriptures. It may be because I reside near them that I have so little apprehension, or rather know apprehension at all, replied Mr. Nutter, but to me mothered dem dyke and mothered chatters appear to harmless old women. There are a couple of dangerous and damnable old hags and deserve the stake, cried Nicholas emphatically. All this discourse had been swallowed with greedy ears by the ever vigilant Master Potts, who had approached the speakers unperceived, and he now threw in a word. So there are suspected witches in Pendle Forest, I find, he said, I shall make it my business to institute inquiries concerning them when I visit the place tomorrow, even if merely ill-reputed they must be examined, and if found innocent cleared, if not punished according to the statute. Our sovereign Lord the King holdeth witches in his special abhorrence, and would gladly see all such noxious, firmin, extirpated from the land, and it will rejoice me to promote his laudable designs. I must pray you to afford me all the assistance you can in the discovery of these dreadful delinquents, good Master Nicholas, and I will take care that your services are duly represented in the proper quarter. As I have just said, the King taketh singular interest in witchcraft, as you may judge if the learned tractate he hath put forth, in the form of a dialogue entitled Diminology, hath ever met your eye? And he is never so well pleased as when the truth of his tenets are proved by such secret offenders being wrought to light, and duly punished. The King's known superstitious dread of witches makes men seek them out to win his favour, observed Mistress Nutter. They have wonderfully increased since the publication of that baneful book. Not so, madam, replied Potts, our sovereign Lord the King hath wholesome and just hatred of such evil doers and traitors to himself and heaven, and it may be dread of them, as indeed all good men must have, but he would protect his subjects from them, and therefore in the first year of his reign, which I trust will be long and prosperous, he hath passed a statute whereby it is enacted, that all persons invoking any evil spirit, or concealing, covenanting with, entertaining, employing, feeding, or rewarding any evil spirit, or taking up dead bodies from their graves to be used in any witchcraft, sorcery, charm, or enchantment, or killing, or otherwise hurting any person by such infernal arts, shall be guilty of felony and without benefit of clergy, and suffer death. This statute, madam, was intended to check the crimes of necromancy, sorcery, and witchcraft, and not to increase them, and I maintain that it has checked them, and will continue to check them. It is a wicked and bloody statute, observed Mrs. Nutter in a deep tone, and many an innocent life will be sacrificed thereby. How, madam? cried Master Pot, staring aghast, do you mean to impune the sagacity and justice of our high and mighty king, the head of the law and defender of the faith? I affirm that this is a sanguinary enactment, replied Mistress Nutter, and will put power into hands that will abuse it, and destroy many guiltless persons, it will make more witches than it will find. Some already made me, thinks, Nutter Pot, and we need not go far to find them. You are a zealous advocate for witches, I must say, madam, he added aloud, and I shall not forget your arguments in their favour. To my prejudice I doubt not, she rejoined bitterly. No, to the credit of your home humanity, he answered, bowing with pretended conviction. Well, I will aid you in your search for witches, Master Potts, observed Nicholas, for I would gladly see the country rid of these pests, but I warn you the quest will be attended with risk, and you will get few to accompany you, for all the folk hereabouts are mortally afraid of these terrible old hags. I fear nothing in the discharge of my duty, replied Master Potts courageously, for as our high and mighty sovereign hath well and learnedly observed, if witches be but apprehended and detained by any private person, upon other private respects their power, no doubt, either in escaping or doing hurt, is no less than ever it was before. But if on the other part they are apprehending and detention, be by the lawful magistrate upon the just respect of their guiltiness in that craft, their power is then no greater than before that they ever meddled with their Master. For where God begins justly to strike by his lawful leftenance, it is not in the devil's power to defraud, or believe him of the office, or effect of his powerful and revenging scepter. Thus I am safe, and I shall take care to go armed with a proper warrant, which I shall obtain from a magistrate, my honoured friend and singularly good client, Master Roger Noel. This will obtain me such assistance as I may require, and for due observance of my authority I shall likewise take with me a peace-office or all constable. You will do well, Master Potts, said Nicholas. Still you must not put faith in all the idle tales, told you, for the common folk hereabout are blindly and foolishly superstitious, and fancy they discern witchcraft in every mischance, however slight that befalls them. If Hale turns sour after a thunderstorm, the witch hath done it, and if the butter cometh not quickly, she injureth it. If the meat roars still, the witch hath turned the spit, and if the lumber-pie tastes still, she hath had a finger in it. If your sheep have the foot rod, your horses the staggers, or string-holt, your swine the measles, your owens the surfeit, or your cow slipeth her calf, their witch is at the bottom of it all. If your maid hath a fit of the solace, or do it her work amiss, or your man breaks the dish, the witch is in fault, and her shoulders can bear the blame. On this very day of the year, namely May Day, the foolish folk hold any aged crone who fetches fire to be a witch, and if they catch a age-og among their cattle, they will instantly bait it to death with sticks, concluding it to be an old ag in that form come to dry up the milk of their kind. Those are what Master Potts' royal authority would style, mere old-wife's trattles about the fires, observed Mistress Nutter scornfully. Better be over-credulous than over-sceptical, replied Potts, even at my lodging in Chancery Lane I have a horse-shoe nailed against the door. One cannot be too cautious when one has to fight against the devil, or those in need with him. Your witch should be put to every ordeal. She should be scratched with bins to draw blood from her, weighed against the church-bible, though this is not always proof, forced to weep, for a witch could only shed three tears, and those only from the left eye, or as our sovereign Lord the King truly observed, no offence to you, Mistress Nutter, not so much as their eyes are able to shed tears, albeit the woman kind, especially to be able otherwise to shed tears at every light occasion when they will, yea, though it were dissembling they liked the crocodile, and set on a stool for twenty-four hours with her legs tied across, and suffered neither to eat, drink nor sleep during the time. This is the surest way to make her confess her guilt next to swimming. If it fails, then cast her with her thumbs and toes tied across into a pond, and if she sink not, then she is certainly a witch. Other trials there are, as that by scalding water, sticking knives across, heating up the horseshoe, tying up knots, the sieve, and the shears. But the only ordeals safely to be relied on are the swimming and the stool before mentioned, and from these your witch shall rarely escape. Above all, be sure and search carefully for the witch-mark. I doubt not we shall find it fairly illegibly writ in the devil's characters on Mother Demdike and Mother Chattox. They shall undergo the stool and the pool, and other trials if required. These old hegs shall no longer vex you, good Master Nicholas. Leave them to me, and doubt not I will bring them to Condine Punishment. Eh, you will do us good service, then, Master Potts, replied Nicholas, but since you are so learned in the matter of witchcraft, resolve, may I pray you, how it is that women are so much more addicted to the practice of the blackout than our own sex. The answer to the inquiry has been given by our British Solomon, replied Potts, and I will deliver it to you in his own words. The reason is easy, his eth, for as that sex is frailer than man, so it is easier to be entrapped in those gross snares of the devil, as was over-well proved to be true by the serpents deceiving of Eve at the beginning, which makes him the homelier with that sex and sign. That good and sufficient raisin, Master Potts, said Nicholas Lavery, as it not so, Mr. Nutter. Eh, Mary, if it satisfies you, she answered dryly, it is of a peace with the rest of the reasoning of the royal beddend, whom Master Potts styles the British Solomon. Eh, only give the learned monarch the title by which he is recognised throughout Christendom, rejoined Potts sharply. Well, there is comfort in the thought that I shall never be taken for a wizard, said the squire. Eh, be not too sure of that, good Master Nicholas, return Potts. Our present prince seemed to have you in his eyes, when he penned the description of a wizard, for he saith, a great number of them that have ever been convict or confessors of witchcraft, as may presently be seen by those that have that this time confessed, are some of them rich and worldly wise, some of them fat or corpulent in their bodies, and most part of them altogether given over to the pleasures of the flesh, continual haunting of company, and all kinds of merriness, lawful and unlawful. This hitteth you exactly, Master Nicholas. Zounds, exclaimed the squire, if this be exact, it dutches me in too nearly to be altogether agreeable. The passage is truly quoted, Nicholas, observed Mr. Snutter with a cold smile, I perfectly remember it. Master Potts seems to have the demonology at his fingers ends. I have made it my study, madam, replied the lawyer, somewhat mollified by the remark, as I have the statute on witchcraft, and indeed most other statutes. We have wasted time enough in this unprofitable talk, said Mr. Snutter, abruptly quitting them without bestowing the slightest salutation on Potts. I was but jesting in what I said just now, good Master Nicholas, observed a little lawyer, no wise disconcerted at this slight, that they were the king's exact words I quoted, no one would suspect you of being a wizard, but I am resolved to prosecute the search, and I calculate upon your aid, and that of Master Richard Asherton, who goes with us. You shall have mine at all events, Master Potts, replied Nicholas, and I doubt not my cousin Dick's too. Our me, Queen, Alice and device is Mother Demdike's granddaughter, is she not? Asked Potts, after a moment's reflection. I, why do you ask? demanded Nicholas. For a good and sufficient reason, replied Potts, she might be an important witness for, as King James says, bans or wives may of our law serve for sufficient witnesses and proofs, and he goeth on to say, for who but witches can be proofs, and so witnesses of the doings of witches. You do not mean to avert that Alice and device is a witch, sir? cried Nicholas sharply. I avert nothing, replied Potts, but as a relative of a suspected witch, she will be the best witness against her. If you design to meddle with Alice and device, expect no assistance from me, Master Potts, said Nicholas sternly, but rather the contrary. Nay, I but throughout the hint, good Master Nicholas, replied Potts, another witness will do equally well. There are other children, no doubt. I rely on you, sir, I rely on you. I shall now go in search of Master Noel and obtain the warrant and the constable. And I shall go to keep my appointment with Barson Dewhurst at the abbey, said Nicholas, bowing slightly to the attorney, and taking his departure. It will not do to alarm him at present, said Potts, looking after him, but I'll have that girl as a witness, and I know how to terrify her into compliance. A singular woman, that Mistress Alice Nutter, I must inquire into her history. Odd, how obstinately, she set her face against witchcraft. And yet she lifts her roughly in the very heart of a witch district. For such, Master Nicholas Ascherton calls this Pendle Forest. I shouldn't wonder if she has dealings with the old hags she defends. Mother Dendig and Mother Chatex. Chatex, Lord bless us what a name. This cauldron and broomstick in the very sound, and Dendig is little better. Both seem of diabolical invention. If I can unearth the pack of witches, I shall gain much credit from my honourable good lords, the judges of a size in these northern parts, besides pleasing the king himself, who is sure to hear of it, and reward my praiseworthy zeal. Look to yourself, Mistress Nutter, and take care you are not caught tripping. And now for Master Roger Noel. With this he peered about among the crowd in search of the magistrate. But though he thrust his little turned-up nose in every direction, he could not find him, and therefore set out for the abbey, concluding he had gone thither. As Mistress Nutter walked along, she perceived James' device among the crowd, holding Janet by the hand, and motioned him to come to her. James instantly understood the sign, and quitting his little sister drew near. Tell thy mother, said Mistress Nutter, in a tone calculated only for his hearing, to come to me at the abbey quickly and secretly. I shall be in the ruins of the old convent church. I have somewhat to say to her that concerns herself as well as me. Thou wilt have to go to roughly and malk in tower to-night. James nodded to show his perfect apprehension of what was said and his assent to it. And while Mistress Nutter moved on, with slow and dignified step, he returned to Janet, and told her she must go home directly, a piece of intelligence which was not received very graciously by the little maiden, but nothing heeding her unwillingness. James walked her off quickly in the direction of the cottage. But while on the way to it, they accidentally encountered their mother Elizabeth's device, and therefore stopped. Your mum go up to the abbey directly, mother, said James with a wink. Mistress Nutter wishes to see you. Don't find her in the ruins of the old convent church. Take care of your own scene, you understand? Ye, replied Elizabeth, nodding her head significantly, and go at once and see after Elizabeth and at the same time. But I am told who has fainted and been taken into the abbey by Lady Ashton. Never did, Allison, replied James gruffly. Hersy good-ands, you'll want to be seen, I tell you. I'm going to mulk and tower to Nate, if you're not to send. To Nate, James, echoed little Janet. Aye, rejoined James sharply. Out the tongue, wench. Done a loose time, mother! And as he and his little sister pursued their way to the cottage, Elizabeth hobbled off towards the abbey, mattering as she went. Oh, Allison and Mistress Nutter, wouldn't they meet? Nay, but it matters, but still it's better not. Strange the wench had fainted. But she's always foolish and dimmestome, and I fear has lost her heart to young Richard Dasherton. I'd watch her narrowly, and if it turn out to be so, she might be cured, or be secured. And muttering in this way, she passed through the abbey gateway, the wicket being left open, and proceeded towards the ruinous convent church, taking care, as much as possible, to avoid observation. End of Chapter 4