" said Elizabeth:
"for being the daughter of thine own father?
"for being the daughter of thine own father?
Warner - World's Best Literature - v22 - Sac to Sha
It was
shown in a trifling action, but which had more delicacy in it than
seemed to belong to Ratcliffe's character and station. The un-
glazed window of the miserable chamber was open, and the beams
## p. 13019 (#453) ##########################################
SIR WALTER SCOTT
13019
of a bright sun fell right upon the bed where the sufferers were
seated. With a gentleness that had something of reverence in
it, Ratcliffe partly closed the shutter, and seemed thus to throw a
veil over a scene so sorrowful.
"Ye are ill, Effie," were the first words Jeanie could utter;
"ye are very ill. ”
"Oh, what wad I gie to be ten times waur, Jeanie! "
was the
reply; "what wad I gie to be cauld dead afore the ten o'clock
bell the morn! And our father- - but I am his bairn nae langer
Oh, I hae nae friend left in the warld! · Oh that I were
lying dead at my mother's side, in Newbattle kirk-yard! "
-
now
"Hout, lassie," said Ratcliffe, willing to show the interest
which he absolutely felt: "dinna be sae dooms doon-hearted as a'
that, there's mony a tod hunted that's na killed. Advocate
Langtale has brought folk through waur snappers than a' this,
and there's no a cleverer agent than Nichil Novit e'er drew a bill
of suspension. Hanged or unhanged, they are weel aff has sic an
agent and counsel: ane's sure o' fair play. Ye are a bonny lass,
too, and ye wad busk up your cockernony a bit; and a bonny.
lass will find favor wi' judge and jury, when they would strap up
a grewsome carle like me for the fifteenth part of a flea's hide
and tallow, d-n them. "
-
-
-
To this homely strain of consolation the mourners returned
no answer; indeed, they were so much lost in their own sorrows
as to have become insensible of Ratcliffe's presence.
"O Effie," said her elder sister, "how could you conceal your
situation from me? O woman, had I deserved this at your hand?
Had ye spoke but ae word-sorry we might hae been, and
shamed we might hae been, but this awfu' dispensation had never
come ower us. "
"And what gude wad that hae dune? " answered the prisoner.
"Na, na, Jeanie, a' was ower when ance I forgot what I promised
when I faulded down the leaf of my Bible. See," she said, pro-
ducing the sacred volume, "the book opens aye at the place o'
itsell. Oh, see, Jeanie, what a fearfu' Scripture! "
Jeanie took her sister's Bible, and found that the fatal mark
was made at this impressive text in the book of Job: "He hath
stripped me of my glory, and taken the crown from my head.
He hath destroyed me on every side, and I am gone. And mine
hope hath he removed like a tree. "
## p. 13020 (#454) ##########################################
13020
SIR WALTER SCOTT
"Isna that ower true a doctrine? " said the prisoner: "isna
my crown, my honor, removed? And what am I but a poor,
wasted, wan-thriven tree, dug up by the roots, and flung out to
waste in the highway, that man and beast may tread it under
foot? I thought o' the bonny bit thorn that our father rooted out
o' the yard last May, when it had a' the flush o' blossoms on it;
and then it lay in the court till the beasts had trod them a' to
pieces wi' their feet. I little thought, when I was wae for the
bit silly green bush and its flowers, that I was to gang the same.
gate mysell. "
"Oh, if ye had spoken ae word," again sobbed Jeanie,- "if I
were free to swear that ye had said but ae word of how it stude
wi' ye, they couldna hae touched your life this day. "
"Could they na? " said Effie, with something like awakened
interest,-
for life is dear even to those who feel it is a burden:
"wha tauld ye that, Jeanie ? »
"It was ane that kend what he was saying weel eneugh,”
replied Jeanie, who had a natural reluctance at mentioning even
the name of her sister's seducer.
――――――
"Wha was it? —I conjure you to tell me," said Effie, seating
herself upright. "Wha could tak interest in sic a cast-by as I
am now? Was it was it him? »
――――――
"Hout," said Ratcliffe, "what signifies keeping the poor lassie
in a swither? I'se uphaud it's been Robertson that learned ye
that doctrine when ye saw him at Muschat's Cairn. "
"Was it him? " said Effie, catching eagerly at his words; "was
it him, Jeanie, indeed? Oh, I see it was him: poor lad, and
I was thinking his heart was as hard as the nether millstane,-
and him in sic danger on his ain part,-poor George! "
Somewhat indignant at this burst of tender feeling toward the
author of her misery, Jeanie could not help exclaiming, "O Effie,
how can ye speak that gate of sic a man as that? "
"We maun forgie our enemies, ye ken," said poor Effie,
with a timid look and a subdued voice, for her conscience told her
what a different character the feelings with which she regarded
her seducer bore, compared with the Christian charity under
which she attempted to veil it.
"And ye hae suffered a' this for him, and ye can think of
loving him still? " said her sister, in a voice betwixt pity and
blame.
## p. 13021 (#455) ##########################################
SIR WALTER SCOTT
13021
"Love him! " answered Effie; "if I hadna loved as woman
seldom loves, I hadna been within these wa's this day; and trew
ye that love sic as mine is lightly forgotten? —Na, na! ye may
hew down the tree, but ye canna change its bend; — and O
Jeanie, if ye wad do good to me at this moment, teii me every
word that he said, and whether he was sorry for poor Effie or
no! »
"What needs I tell ye onything about it? " said Jeanie. "Ye
may be sure he had ower muckle to do to save himsell, to speak
lang or muckle about onybody beside. "
"That's no true, Jeanie, though a saunt had said it," replied
Effie, with a sparkle of her former lively and irritable temper.
"But ye dinna ken, though I do, how far he pat his life in
venture to save mine. " And looking at Ratcliffe, she checked.
herself and was silent.
"I fancy," said Ratcliffe, with one of his familiar sneers, "the
lassie thinks that naebody has een but hersell. Didna I see when
Gentle Geordie was seeking to get other folk out of the Tolbooth
forby Jock Porteous? but ye are of my mind, hinny,- better
sit and rue than flit and rue. Ye needna look in my face sae
amazed. I ken mair things than that, maybe. "
"O my God! my God! " said Effie, springing up and throwing
herself down on her knees before him, "d'ye ken where they
hae putten my bairn? -O my bairn! my bairn! the. poor sackless
innocent new-born wee ane-bone of my bone, and flesh of my
flesh! O man, if ye wad e'er deserve a portion in heaven, or a
broken-hearted creature's blessing upon earth, tell me where they
hae put my bairn-the sign of my shame and the partner of my
suffering! tell me wha has taen 't away, or what they hae dune
wi't! "
"Hout tout," said the turnkey, endeavoring to extricate him-
self from the firm grasp with which she held him, "that's taking
me at my word wi' a witness Bairn, quo' she?
Bairn, quo' she? How the deil
suld I ken onything of your bairn, huzzy? Ye maun ask that
of auld Meg Murdockson, if ye dinna ken ower muckle about it
yoursell. "
As his answer destroyed the wild and vague hope which had
suddenly gleamed upon her, the unhappy prisoner let go her hold
of his coat, and fell with her face on the pavement of the apart-
ment in a strong convulsion fit.
## p. 13022 (#456) ##########################################
13022
SIR WALTER SCOTT
Jeanie Deans possessed, with her excellently clear understand-
ing, the concomitant advantage of promptitude of spirit, even in
the extremity of distress.
She did not suffer herself to be overcome by her own feelings
of exquisite sorrow, but instantly applied herself to her sister's
relief, with the readiest remedies which circumstances afforded;
and which, to do Ratcliffe justice, he showed himself anxious to
suggest, and alert in procuring. He had even the delicacy to
withdraw to the furthest corner of the room, so as to render his
official attendance upon them as little intrusive as possible, when
Effie was composed enough again to resume her conference with
her sister.
The prisoner once more, in the most earnest and broken tones,
conjured Jeanie to tell her the particulars of the conference with
Robertson; and Jeanie felt it was impossible to refuse her this
gratification.
"Do ye mind," she said, "Effie, when ye were in the fever
before we left Woodend, and how angry your mother, that's now
in a better place, was wi' me for gieing ye milk and water to
drink, because ye grat for it? Ye were a bairn then, and ye are
a woman now, and should ken better than ask what canna but
hurt you; but come weal or woe, I canna refuse ye onything
that ye ask me wi' the tear in your ee. "
Again Effie threw herself into her arms, and kissed her cheek
and forehead, murmuring, "Oh, if ye kend how long it is since I
heard his name mentioned! -if ye but kend how muckle good
it does me but to ken onything o' him that's like goodness or
kindness, ye wadna wonder that I wish to hear o' him! "
Jeanie sighed, and commenced her narrative of all that had
passed betwixt Robertson and her, making it as brief as possible.
Effie listened in breathless anxiety, holding her sister's hand in
hers, and keeping her eyes fixed upon her face, as if devour-
ing every word she uttered. The interjections of "Poor fellow,"
"Poor George," which escaped in whispers and betwixt sighs,
were the only sounds with which she interrupted the story.
When it was finished she made a long pause.
"And this was his advice? " were the first words she uttered.
"Just sic as I hae tell'd ye," replied her sister.
"And he wanted you to say something to yon folks, that wad
save my young life? "
## p. 13023 (#457) ##########################################
SIR WALTER SCOTT
13023
"He wanted," answered Jeanie, "that I suld be man-sworn. ”
"And you tauld him," said Effie, "that ye wadna hear o' com-
ing between me and the death that I am to die, and me no
aughten years auld yet? "
"I told him," replied Jeanie, who now trembled at the turn
which her sister's reflection seemed about to take, "that I daured
na swear to an untruth. "
"And what d'ye ca' an untruth? " said Effie, again showing a
touch of her former spirit. "Ye are muckle to blame, lass, if ye
think a mother would, or could, murder her ain bairn. Murder!
-I wad hae laid down my life just to see a blink o' its ee! "
"I do believe," said Jeanie, "that ye are as innocent of sic a
purpose as the new-born babe itsell. "
"I am glad ye do me that justice," said Effie haughtily: "it's
whiles the faut of very good folk like you, Jeanie, that they think
a' the rest of the warld are as bad as the warst temptations can
make them. "
"I didna deserve this frae ye, Effie," said her sister, sobbing,
and feeling at once the injustice of the reproach, and compassion.
for the state of mind which dictated it.
"Maybe no, sister," said Effie. "But ye are angry because I
love Robertson. How can I help loving him, that loves me better
than body and soul baith! - Here he put his life in a niffer, to
break the prison to let me out; and sure am I, had it stude wi'
him as it stands wi' you - >>>> Here she paused and was silent.
"Oh, if it stude wi' me to save ye wi' risk of my life! " said
Jeanie.
"Ay, lass," said her sister, "that's lightly said, but no sae
lightly credited, frae ane that winna ware a word for me; and if
it be a wrang word, ye'll hae time eneugh to repent o't. "
"But that word is a grievous sin, and it's a deeper offense
when it's a sin willfully and presumptuously committed. "
"Weel, weel, Jeanie," said Effie, "I mind a' about the sins o'
presumption in the questions,- we'll speak nae mair about this
matter, and ye may save your breath to say your carritch; and
for me, I'll soon hae nae breath to waste on onybody. "
## p. 13024 (#458) ##########################################
13024
SIR WALTER SCOTT
A ROYAL RIVAL
From Kenilworth'
Have you not seen the partridge quake,
Viewing the hawk approaching nigh?
She cuddles close beneath the brake,
Afraid to sit, afraid to fly.
- PRIOR.
I
T CHANCED upon that memorable morning, that one of the ear-
liest of the huntress train who appeared from her chamber in
full array for the chase was the princess for whom all these
pleasures were instituted, England's Maiden Queen. I know not
if it were by chance, or out of the befitting courtesy due to a
mistress by whom he was so much honored, that she had scarcely
made one step beyond the threshold of her chamber ere Leicester
was by her side; and proposed to her, until the preparations for
the chase had been completed, to view the pleasance, and the
gardens which it connected with the castle-yard.
To this new scene of pleasures they walked, the earl's arm
affording his sovereign the occasional support which she required,
where flights of steps, then a favorite ornament in a garden,
conducted them from terrace to terrace, and from parterre to
parterre. The ladies in attendance - gifted with prudence, or
endowed perhaps with the amiable desire of acting as they would
be done by-did not conceive their duty to the Queen's person
required them, though they lost not sight of her, to approach so
near as to share, or perhaps disturb, the conversation betwixt the
Queen and the earl, who was not only her host but also her most
trusted, esteemed, and favored servant. They contented them-
selves with admiring the grace of this illustrious couple, whose
robes of state were now exchanged for hunting-suits almost
equally magnificent.
Elizabeth's silvan dress, which was of a pale-blue silk, with
silver lace and aiguillettes, approached in form to that of the
ancient amazons; and was therefore well suited at once to her
height, and to the dignity of her mien, which her conscious rank
and long habits of authority had rendered in some degree too
masculine to be seen to the best advantage in ordinary female
weeds. Leicester's hunting-suit of Lincoln green, richly embroi-
dered with gold, and crossed by the gay baldric, which sustained
a bugle-horn, and a wood knife instead of a sword, became its
## p. 13025 (#459) ##########################################
SIR WALTER SCOTT
13025
master, as did his other vestments of court or of war. For such
were the perfections of his form and mien, that Leicester was
always supposed to be seen to the greatest advantage in the char-
acter and dress which for the time he represented or wore.
The conversation of Elizabeth and the favorite earl has not
reached us in detail. But those who watched at some distance
(and the eyes of courtiers and court ladies are right sharp) were
of opinion that on no occasion did the dignity of Elizabeth, in
gesture and motion, seem so decidedly to soften away into a
mien expressive of indecision and tenderness. Her step was not
only slow, but even unequal, a thing most unwonted in her car-
riage; her looks seemed bent on the ground, and there was a
timid disposition to withdraw from her companion, which external
gesture in females often indicates exactly the opposite tendency
in the secret mind. The Duchess of Rutland, who ventured
nearest, was even heard to aver that she discerned a tear in
Elizabeth's eye, and a blush on the cheek; and still further, "She
bent her looks on the ground to avoid mine," said the duchess;
"she who, in her ordinary mood, could look down a lion. " Το
what conclusion these symptoms led is sufficiently evident; nor
were they probably entirely groundless. The progress of pri-
vate conversation betwixt two persons of different sexes is often
decisive of their fate, and gives it a turn very different perhaps
from what they themselves anticipated. Gallantry becomes min-
gled with conversation, and affection and passion come gradually
to mix with gallantry. Nobles as well as shepherd swains will,
in such a trying moment, say more than they intended; and
queens, like village maidens, will listen longer than they should.
Horses in the mean while neighed, and champed the bits with
impatience in the base-court; hounds yelled in their couples, and
yeomen, rangers, and prickers lamented the exhaling of the dew,
which would prevent the scent from lying. But Leicester had
another chase in view: or, to speak more justly toward him, had
become engaged in it without premeditation, as the high-spirited
hunter which follows the cry of the hounds that hath crossed his
path by accident. The Queen an accomplished and handsome
woman, the pride of England, the hope of France and Holland,
and the dread of Spain-had probably listened with more than
usual favor to that mixture of romantic gallantry with which she
always loved to be addressed; and the earl had, in vanity, in
ambition, or in both, thrown in more and more of that delicious
XXII-815
-
## p. 13026 (#460) ##########################################
13026
SIR WALTER SCOTT
ingredient, until his importunity became the language of love
itself.
"No, Dudley," said Elizabeth, yet it was with broken accents,
-"no, I must be the mother of my people. Other ties, that
make the lowly maiden happy, are denied to her sovereign- No,
Leicester, urge it no more — Were I as others, free to seek my
own happiness— then, indeed — but it cannot—cannot be. -Delay
the chase-delay it for half an hour-and leave me, my lord. ”
"How-leave you, madam! " said Leicester. "Has my mad-
ness offended you? "
"No, Leicester, not so! " answered the Queen hastily; "but
it is madness, and must not be repeated. Go-but go not far
from hence; and meantime let no one intrude on my privacy. ”
While she spoke thus, Dudley bowed deeply, and retired with
a slow and melancholy air. The Queen stood gazing after him,
and murmured to herself, "Were it possible- were it but possi-
ble! But no no- - Elizabeth must be the wife and mother of
England alone. "
As she spoke thus, and in order to avoid some one whose
step she heard approaching, the Queen turned into the grotto in
which her hapless and yet but too successful rival lay concealed.
The mind of England's Elizabeth, if somewhat shaken by the
agitating interview to which she had just put a period, was of
that firm and decided character which soon recovers its natural
tone. It was like one of those ancient druidical monuments
called rocking-stones. The finger of Cupid, boy as he is painted,
could put her feelings in motion; but the power of Hercules
could not have destroyed their equilibrium. As she advanced
with a slow pace toward the inmost extremity of the grotto, her
countenance, ere she had proceeded half the length, had recov-
ered its dignity of look, and her mien its air of command.
It was then the Queen became aware that a female figure
was placed beside, or rather partly behind; an alabaster column,
at the foot of which arose the pellucid fountain which occupied
the inmost recess of the twilight grotto. The classical mind of
Elizabeth suggested the story of Numa and Egeria; and she
doubted not that some Italian sculptor had here represented the
Naiad whose inspirations gave laws to Rome. As she advanced,
she became doubtful whether she beheld a statue or a form of
flesh and blood. The unfortunate Amy, indeed, remained motion-
less, betwixt the desire which she had to make her condition
-
## p. 13027 (#461) ##########################################
SIR WALTER SCOTT
13027
known to one of her own sex, and her awe for the stately form
that approached her, and which, though her eyes had never
before beheld, her fears instantly suspected to be the personage
she really was. Amy had arisen from her seat with the purpose
of addressing the lady, who entered the grotto alone, and as
she at first thought, so opportunely. But when she recollected
the alarm which Leicester had expressed at the Queen's knowing
aught of their union, and became more and more satisfied that
the person whom she now beheld was Elizabeth herself, she
stood with one foot advanced and one withdrawn, her arms, head,
and hands perfectly motionless, and her cheek as pallid as the
alabaster pedestal against which she leaned. Her dress was of
pale sea-green silk, little distinguished in that imperfect light,
and somewhat resembled the drapery of a Grecian nymph,-
such an antique disguise having been thought the most secure
where so many maskers and revelers were assembled; so that
the Queen's doubt of her being a living form was justified by
all contingent circumstances, as well as by the bloodless cheek
and fixed eye.
—
Elizabeth remained in doubt, even after she had approached
within a few paces, whether she did not gaze on a statue so cun-
ningly fashioned, that by the doubtful light it could not be dis-
tinguished from reality. She stopped, therefore, and fixed upon
this interesting object her princely look with so much keenness,
that the astonishment which had kept Amy immovable gave way
to awe, and she gradually cast down her eyes and dropped her
head under the commanding gaze of the sovereign. Still, how-
ever, she remained in all respects, saving this slow and profound
inclination of the head, motionless and silent.
From her dress, and the casket which she instinctively held
in her hand, Elizabeth naturally conjectured that the beautiful
but mute figure which she beheld was a performer in one of the
various theatrical pageants which had been placed in different
situations to surprise her with their homage; and that the poor
player, overcome with awe at her presence, had either forgot the
part assigned her, or lacked courage to go through it.
It was
natural and courteous to give her some encouragement; and
Elizabeth accordingly said, in a tone of condescending kindness:
"How now, fair nymph of this lovely grotto-art thou spell-
bound and struck with dumbness by the wicked enchanter whom
## p. 13028 (#462) ##########################################
13028
SIR WALTER SCOTT
men term Fear? We are his sworn enemy, maiden, and can
reverse his charm. Speak, we command thee. "
Instead of answering her by speech, the unfortunate countess
dropped on her knee before the Queen, let her casket fall from
her hand, and clasping her palms together, looked up in the
Queen's face with such a mixed agony of fear and supplication,
that Elizabeth was considerably affected.
"What may this mean? " she said: "this is a stronger passion
than befits the occasion. Stand up, damsel: what wouldst thou
have with us? "
<< Your protection, madam," faltered forth the unhappy peti-
tioner.
"Each daughter of England has it while she is worthy of it,"
replied the Queen; "but your distress seems to have a deeper
root than a forgotten task. Why, and in what, do you crave our
protection? "
Amy hastily endeavored to recall what she were best to say,
which might secure herself from the imminent dangers that sur-
rounded her, without endangering her husband; and plunging
from one thought to another, amidst the chaos which filled her
mind, she could at length, in answer to the Queen's repeated
inquiries in what she sought protection, only falter out, "Alas! I
know not. "
"This is folly, maiden," said Elizabeth impatiently; for there
was something in the extreme confusion of the suppliant which
irritated her curiosity as well as interested her feelings. "The
sick man must tell his malady to the physician; nor are WE
accustomed to ask questions so oft, without receiving an answer. "
"I request-I implore-" stammered forth the unfortunate
countess "I beseech your gracious protection — against — against
one Varney. " She choked well-nigh as she uttered the fatal
word, which was instantly caught up by the Queen.
"What, Varney-Sir Richard Varney-the servant of Lord
Leicester! What, damsel, are you to him, or he to you? "
"II—was his prisoner- and he practiced on my life- and
I broke forth to-to-»
"To throw thyself on my protection, doubtless," said Eliza-
beth. "Thou shalt have it—that is, if thou art worthy; for we
will sift this matter to the uttermost. -Thou art," she said, bend-
ing on the countess an eye which seemed designed to pierce her
## p. 13029 (#463) ##########################################
SIR WALTER SCOTT
13029
very inmost soul,-"thou art Amy, daughter of Sir Hugh Rob-
sart of Lidcote Hall? "
"Forgive me forgive me-most gracious princess! " said
Amy, dropping once more on her knee from which she had
arisen.
―――
"For what should I forgive thee, silly wench?
" said Elizabeth:
"for being the daughter of thine own father? Thou art brain-
sick, surely. Well, I see I must wring the story from thee by
inches: Thou didst deceive thine old and honored father, thy
look confesses it; cheated Master Tressilian,-thy blush avouches
it; and married this same Varney. "
Amy sprung on her feet, and interrupted the Queen eagerly
with-"No, madam, no: as there is a God above us, I am not
the sordid wretch you would make me! I am not the wife of that
contemptible slave—of that most deliberate villain! I am not the
wife of Varney! I would rather be the bride of Destruction! "
The Queen, overwhelmed in her turn by Amy's vehemence,
stood silent for an instant, and then replied, "Why, God ha'
mercy, woman! I see thou canst talk fast enough when the
theme likes thee. Nay, tell me, woman," she continued, for to
the impulse of curiosity was now added that of an undefined
jealousy that some deception had been practiced on her,—“tell
me, woman,― for by God's day, I WILL know,-whose wife or
whose paramour art thou? Speak out, and be speedy: thou
wert better dally with a lioness than with Elizabeth. "
-
Urged to this extremity, dragged as it were by irresistible
force to the verge of a precipice which she saw but could not
avoid, permitted not a moment's respite by the eager words
and menacing gestures of the offended Queen,-Amy at length
uttered in despair, "The Earl of Leicester knows it all. "
"The Earl of Leicester! " said Elizabeth in utter astonishment
"The Earl of Leicester! " she repeated with kindling anger. -
"Woman, thou art set on to this- thou dost belie him - he
takes no keep of such things as thou art. Thou art suborned
to slander the noblest lord, and the truest-hearted gentleman, in
England! But were he the right hand of our trust, or something
yet dearer to us, thou shalt have thy hearing, and that in his
presence. Come with me - come with me instantly! "
As Amy shrunk back with terror, which the incensed Queen
interpreted as that of conscious guilt, Elizabeth rapidly advanced,
seized on her arm, and hastened with swift and long steps out of
## p. 13030 (#464) ##########################################
13030
SIR WALTER SCOTT
the grotto and along the principal alley of the pleasance, drag-
ging with her the terrified countess, whom she still held by the
arm, and whose utmost exertions could but just keep pace with
those of the indignant Queen.
Leicester was at this moment the centre of a splendid group
of lords and ladies assembled together under an arcade, or portico,
which closed the alley. The company had drawn together in that
place, to attend the commands of her Majesty when the hunt-
ing party should go forward: and their astonishment may be
imagined, when, instead of seeing Elizabeth advance toward
them with her usual measured dignity of motion, they beheld her
walking so rapidly that she was in the midst of them ere they
were aware; and then observed, with fear and surprise, that her
features were flushed betwixt anger and agitation, that her hair
was loosened by her haste of motion, and that her eyes spark-
led as they were wont when the spirit of Henry VIII. mounted
highest in his daughter. Nor were they less astonished at the
appearance of the pale, attenuated, half dead, yet still lovely
female, whom the Queen upheld by main strength with one hand,
while with the other she waved aside the ladies and nobles who
pressed toward her under the idea that she was taken suddenly
ill. "Where is my Lord of Leicester? " she said, in a tone that
thrilled with astonishment all the courtiers who stood around. —
"Stand forth, my Lord of Leicester! "
If, in the midst of the most serene day of summer, when all
is light and laughing around, a thunderbolt were to fall from the
clear blue vault of heaven and rend the earth at the very feet
of some careless traveler, he could not gaze upon the smolder-
ing chasm which so unexpectedly yawned before him, with half
the astonishment and fear which Leicester felt at the sight that
so suddenly presented itself. He had that instant been receiving,
with a political affectation of disavowing and misunderstanding
their meaning, the half uttered, half intimated congratulations of
the courtiers upon the favor of the Queen, carried apparently
to its highest pitch during the interview of that morning;
from which most of them seemed to augur that he might soon
arise from their equal in rank to become their master. And
now, while the subdued yet proud smile with which he disclaimed
those inferences was yet curling his cheek, the Queen shot into.
the circle, her passions excited to the uttermost; and supporting
with one hand, and apparently without an effort, the pale and
## p. 13031 (#465) ##########################################
SIR WALTER SCOTT
13031
sinking form of his almost expiring wife, and pointing with the
finger of the other to her half-dead features, demanded in a voice.
that sounded to the ear of the astounded statesman like the last
dread trumpet-call that is to summon body and spirit to the
judgment-seat, "Knowest thou this woman ? »
As, at the blast of that last trumpet, the guilty shall call upon
the mountains to cover them, Leicester's inward thoughts invoked
the stately arch which he had built in his pride, to burst its
strong conjunction and overwhelm them in its ruins. But the
cemented stones, architrave and battlement, stood fast; and it
was the proud master himself, who, as if some actual pressure
had bent him to the earth, kneeled down before Elizabeth, and
prostrated his brow to the marble flagstones on which she stood.
"Leicester," said Elizabeth, in a voice which trembled with
passion, “could I think thou hast practiced on me-on me thy
sovereign-on me thy confiding, thy too partial mistress, the base
and ungrateful deception which thy present confusion surmises —
by all that is holy, false lord, that head of thine were in as great
peril as ever was thy father's! "
Leicester had not conscious innocence, but he had pride, to
support him.
He raised slowly his brow and features, which
were black and swollen with contending emotions, and only
replied, "My head cannot fall but by the sentence of my peers:
to them I will plead, and not to a princess who thus requites my
faithful service. "
"What! my lords," said Elizabeth, looking around, "we are
defied, I think - defied in the castle we have ourselves bestowed
on this proud man? - My Lord Shrewsbury, you are marshal of
England: attach him of high treason. "
"Whom does your Grace mean? " said Shrewsbury, much sur-
prised,—for he had that instant joined the astonished circle.
"Whom should I mean but that traitor Dudley, Earl of Lei-
cester! Cousin of Hunsdon, order out your band of gentlemen
pensioners, and take him into instant custody. -I say, villain,
make haste! "
-
Hunsdon, a rough old noble, who, from his relationship to the
Boleyns, was accustomed to use more freedom with the Queen
than almost any other dared to do, replied bluntly, "And it is
like your Grace might order me to the Tower to-morrow for
making too much haste. I do beseech you to be patient. "
## p. 13032 (#466) ##########################################
13032
SIR WALTER SCOTT
"Patient - God's life! " exclaimed the Queen, name not the
word to me: thou know'st not of what he is guilty! "
Amy, who had by this time in some degree recovered herself,
and who saw her husband, as she conceived, in the utmost danger
from the rage of an offended sovereign, instantly (and alas, how
many women have done the same! ) forgot her own wrongs and
her own danger in her apprehensions for him; and throwing her-
self before the Queen, embraced her knees, while she exclaimed,
"He is guiltless, madam, he is guiltless-no one can lay aught
to the charge of the noble Leicester. "
"Why, minion," answered the Queen, "didst not thou thyself
say that the Earl of Leicester was privy to thy whole history? »
"Did I say so? " repeated the unhappy Amy, laying aside
every consideration of consistency and of self-interest: "oh, if I
did, I foully belied him. May God so judge me, as I believe he
was never privy to a thought that would harm me! "
"Woman! " said Elizabeth, "I will know who has moved thee
to this; or my wrath—and the wrath of kings is a flaming fire—
shall wither and consume thee like a weed in the furnace. "
«<
As the Queen uttered this threat, Leicester's better angel
called his pride to his aid, and reproached him with the utter
extremity of meanness which would overwhelm him forever, if
he stooped to take shelter under the generous interposition of his
wife, and abandon her, in return for her kindness, to the resent-
ment of the Queen. He had already raised his head, with the
dignity of a man of honor, to avow his marriage and proclaim
himself the protector of his countess, when Varney-born, as it
appeared, to be his master's evil genius-rushed into the pres-
ence, with every mark of disorder on his face and apparel.
"What means this saucy intrusion? " said Elizabeth.
Varney, with the air of a man overwhelmed with grief and
confusion, prostrated himself before her feet, exclaiming, "Par-
don, my Liege, pardon! or at least let your justice avenge itself
on me, where it is due; but spare my noble, my generous, my
innocent patron and master! "
Amy, who was yet kneeling, started up as she saw the man
whom she deemed most odious place himself so near her; and
was about to fly toward Leicester, when, checked at once by the
uncertainty and even timidity which his looks had reassumed as
soon as the appearance of his confidant seemed to open a new
## p. 13033 (#467) ##########################################
SIR WALTER SCOTT
13933
scene, she hung back, and uttering a faint scream, besought of
her Majesty to cause her to be imprisoned in the lowest dungeon
of the castle-to deal with her as the worst of criminals -
"But
spare," she exclaimed, "my sight and hearing what will destroy
the little judgment I have left, the sight of that unutterable
and most shameless villain! "
"And why, sweetheart? " said the Queen, moved by a new
impulse: "what hath he, this false knight, since such thou ac-
countest him, done to thee? "
"Oh, worse than sorrow, madam, and worse than injury,- he
has sown dissension where most there should be peace. I shall
go mad if I look longer on him. "
"Beshrew me, but I think thou art distraught already," an-
swered the Queen. -"My Lord Hunsdon, look to this poor dis-
tressed young woman, and let her be safely bestowed and in
honest keeping, till we require her to be forthcoming. "
Two or three of the ladies in attendance, either moved by
compassion for a creature so interesting, or by some other
motive, offered their service to look after her; but the Queen
briefly answered, "Ladies, under favor, no. -You have all (give
God thanks) sharp ears and nimble tongues: our kinsman Huns-
don has ears of the dullest, and a tongue somewhat rough, but
yet of the slowest. — Hunsdon, look to it that none have speech
of her. "
"By our Lady! " said Hunsdon, taking in his strong sinewy
arms the fading and almost swooning form of Amy, "she is a
lovely child; and though a rough nurse, your Grace hath given
her a kind one. She is safe with me as one of my own lady-birds
of daughters. '
So saying, he carried her off, unresistingly and almost uncon-
sciously; his war-worn locks and long gray beard mingling with
her light-brown tresses, as her head reclined on his strong square
shoulder. The Queen followed him with her eye. She had
already, with that self-command which forms so necessary a part
of a sovereign's accomplishments, suppressed every appearance
of agitation, and seemed as if she desired to banish all traces of
her burst of passion from the recollection of those who had wit-
nessed it. "My Lord of Hunsdon says well," she observed: "he
is indeed but a rough nurse for so tender a babe. "
"My Lord of Hunsdon," said the Dean of St. Asaph,- "I
speak it not in defamation of his more noble qualities,— hath a
## p. 13034 (#468) ##########################################
SIR WALTER SCOTT
13034
broad license in speech, and garnishes his discourse somewhat too
freely with the cruel and superstitious oaths which savor both of
profaneness and of old papistrie. "
"It is the fault of his blood, Mr. Deans," said the Queen,
turning sharply round upon the reverend dignitary as she spoke;
"and you may blame mine for the same distemperature. The
Boleyns were ever a hot and plain-spoken race, more hasty to
speak their mind than careful to choose their expressions. And
by my word,-I hope there is no sin in that affirmation,— I
question if it were much cooled by mixing with that of Tudor. "
As she made this last observation, she smiled graciously and
stole her eyes almost insensibly round to seek those of the Earl
of Leicester, to whom she now began to think she had spoken
with hasty harshness upon the unfounded suspicion of a mo-
ment.
The Queen's eye found the earl in no mood to accept the
implied offer of conciliation. His own looks had followed, with
late and rueful repentance, the faded form which Hunsdon had
just borne from the presence; they now reposed gloomily on the
ground, but more so at least it seemed to Elizabeth with the
expression of one who has received an unjust affront, than of
him who is conscious of guilt. She turned her face angrily from
him, and said to Varney, "Speak, Sir Richard, and explain these
riddles; — thou hast sense and the use of speech, at least, which
elsewhere we look for in vain. "
―――
-
-
As she said this, she darted another resentful glance toward
Leicester, while the wily Varney hastened to tell his own story.
"Your Majesty's piercing eye," he said, "has already detected
the cruel malady of my beloved lady; which, unhappy that I
am, I would not suffer to be expressed in the certificate of her
physician, seeking to conceal what has now broken out with so
much the more scandal. "
"She is then distraught? " said the Queen; - "indeed we
doubted not of it,- her whole demeanor bears it out. I found
her moping in a corner of yonder grotto; and every word she
spoke which indeed I dragged from her as by the rack — she
instantly recalled and forswore. But how came she hither? Why
had you her not in safe-keeping? "
"My gracious Liege," said Varney, "the worthy gentleman
under whose charge I left her, Master Anthony Foster, has come
hither but now, as fast as man and horse can travel, to show me of
## p. 13035 (#469) ##########################################
SIR WALTER SCOTT
13035
her escape, which she managed with the art peculiar to many who
are afflicted with this malady. He is at hand for examination. "
"Let it be for another time," said the Queen. "But, Sir
Richard, we envy you not your domestic felicity: your lady railed
on you bitterly, and seemed ready to swoon at beholding you. "
"It is the nature of persons in her disorder, so please your
Grace," answered Varney, "to be ever most inveterate in their
spleen against those whom, in their better moments, they hold
nearest and dearest. "
"We have heard so, indeed," said Elizabeth, "and give faith
to the saying. "
"May your Grace then be pleased," said Varney, "to com-
mand my unfortunate wife to be delivered into the custody of
her friends? "
Leicester partly started; but making a strong effort, he sub-
dued his emotion, while Elizabeth answered sharply, "You are
something too hasty, Master Varney: we will have first a report
of the lady's health and state of mind from Masters, our own
physician, and then determine what shall be thought just. You
shall have license, however, to see her, that if there be any
matrimonial quarrel betwixt you- such things we have heard do
occur, even betwixt a loving couple - you may make it up, with-
out further scandal to our court or trouble to ourselves. "
Varney bowed low, and made no other answer.
Elizabeth again looked toward Leicester, and said, with a
degree of condescension which could only arise out of the most
heartfelt interest, "Discord, as the Italian poet says, will find
her way into peaceful convents, as well as into the privacy of
families; and we fear our own guards and ushers will hardly
exclude her from courts. My Lord of Leicester, you are offended
with us, and we have right to be offended with you. We will
take the lion's part upon us, and be the first to forgive. ”
Leicester smoothed his brow, as if by an effort; but the
trouble was too deep-seated that its placidity should at once
return. He said, however, that which fitted the occasion, that
"he could not have the happiness of forgiving, because she who
commanded him to do so could commit no injury toward him. "
Elizabeth seemed content with this reply, and intimated her
pleasure that the sports of the morning should proceed.
bugles sounded, the hounds bayed, the horses pranced; but the
courtiers and ladies sought the amusements to which they were
## p. 13036 (#470) ##########################################
13036
SIR WALTER SCOTT
summoned, with hearts very different from those which had
leaped to the morning's réveil. There was doubt and fear and
expectation on every brow, and surmise and intrigue in every
whisper.
Blount took an opportunity to whisper into Raleigh's ear,
"This storm came like a levanter in the Mediterranean. "
"Varium et mutabile," answered Raleigh in a similar tone.
«< Nay, I know naught of your Latin," said Blount; "but I
thank God Tressilian took not the sea during that hurricane. He
could scarce have missed shipwreck, knowing as he does so little
how to trim his sails to a court gale. "
"Thou wouldst have instructed him? " said Raleigh.
«< Why, I have profited by my time as well as thou, Sir
Walter," replied honest Blount. "I am knight as well as thou,
and of the earlier creation. "
"Now, God further thy wit," said Raleigh; "but for Tres-
silian, I would I knew what were the matter with him. He told
me this morning he would not leave his chamber for the space
of twelve hours or thereby, being bound by a promise. This
lady's madness, when he shall learn it, will not, I fear, cure his
infirmity. The moon is at the fullest, and men's brains are work-
ing like yeast. But hark! they sound to mount. Let us to
horse, Blount: we young knights must deserve our spurs. "
THE TOURNAMENT
From Ivanhoe >
HE lists now presented a most splendid spectacle. The slop-
galleries were crowded with all that was noble, great,
wealthy, and beautiful in the northern and midland parts
of England, and the contrast of the various dresses of these dig-
nified spectators rendered the view as gay as it was rich; while.
the interior and lower space, filled with the substantial burgesses
and yeomen of merry England, formed, in their more' plain
attire, a dark fringe or border around this circle of brilliant em-
broidery, relieving and at the same time setting off its splendor.
The heralds finished their proclamation with their usual cry
of "Largesse, largesse, gallant knights! " and gold and silver
pieces were showered on them from the galleries,-it being a
## p. 13037 (#471) ##########################################
SIR WALTER SCOTT
13037
high point of chivalry to exhibit liberality toward those whom the
age accounted at once the secretaries and the historians of honor.
The bounty of the spectators was acknowledged by the customary
shouts of "Love of Ladies-Death of Champions - Honor to the
Generous-Glory to the Brave! " To which the more humble
spectators added their acclamations, and a numerous band of
trumpeters the flourish of their martial instruments. When these
sounds had ceased, the heralds withdrew from the lists in gay
and glittering procession; and none remained within them save
the marshals of the field, who, armed cap-à-pie, sat on horse-
back, motionless as statues, at the opposite ends of the lists.
Meantime the inclosed space at the northern extremity of the
lists, large as it was, was now completely crowded with knights
desirous to prove their skill against the challengers, and when
viewed from the galleries, presented the appearance of a sea of
waving plumage, intermixed with glistening helmets and tall
lances; to the extremities of which were in many cases attached
small pennons of about a span's breadth, which, fluttering in the
air as the breeze caught them, joined with the restless motion of
the feathers to add liveliness to the scene.
At length the barriers were opened, and five knights, chosen
by lot, advanced slowly into the area; a single champion riding
in front, and the other four following in pairs. All were splen-
didly armed, and my Saxon authority (in the Wardour Manu-
script) records at great length their devices, their colors, and
the embroidery of their horse trappings. It is unnecessary to
be particular on these subjects. To borrow lines from a contem-
porary poet, who has written but too little :-
The knights are dust,
And their good swords are rust;
Their souls are with the saints, we trust. *
Their escutcheons have long moldered from the walls of their
castles. Their castles themselves are but green mounds and
shattered ruins; the place that once knew them knows them no
more: nay, many a race since theirs has died out and been for-
gotten in the very land which they occupied with all the author-
ity of feudal proprietors and feudal lords. What then would
it avail the reader to know their names, or the evanescent sym-
bols of their martial rank?
*These lines are part of an unpublished poem by Coleridge.
## p. 13038 (#472) ##########################################
13038
SIR WALTER SCOTT
Now, however, no whit anticipating the oblivion which awaited
their names and feats, the champions advanced through the lists,
restraining their fiery steeds and compelling them to move.
slowly, while at the same time they exhibited their paces, to-
gether with the grace and dexterity of the riders.
As the pro-
cession entered the lists, the sound of a wild barbaric music was
heard from behind the tents of the challengers, where the per-
formers were concealed. It was of Eastern origin, having been
brought from the Holy Land; and the mixture of the cymbals
and bells seemed to bid welcome at once, and defiance, to the
knights, as they advanced. With the eyes of an immense con-
course of spectators fixed upon them, the five knights advanced
up the platform upon which the tents of the challengers stood;
and there separating themselves, each touched slightly, and with
the reverse of his lance, the shield of the antagonist to whom he
wished to oppose himself. The lower orders of the spectators
in general-nay, many of the higher class, and it is even said
several of the ladies-were rather disappointed at the champi-
ons choosing the arms of courtesy. For the same sort of persons
who, in the present day, applaud most highly the deepest trage-
dies, were then interested in a tournament exactly in proportion
to the danger incurred by the champions engaged.
Having intimated their more pacific purpose, the champions
retreated to the extremity of the lists, where they remained
drawn up in a line; while the challengers, sallying each from his
pavilion, mounted their horses, and headed by Brian de Bois-
Guilbert, descended from the platform, and opposed themselves
individually to the knights who had touched their respective
shields.
At the flourish of clarions and trumpets, they started out
against each other at full gallop; and such was the superior dex-
terity or good fortune of the challengers, that those opposed to
Bois-Guilbert, Malvoisin, and Front-de-Bœuf rolled on the ground.
The antagonist of Grantmesnil, instead of bearing his lance point
fair against the crest or the shield of his enemy, swerved so
much from the direct line as to break the weapon athwart the
person of his opponent,-a circumstance which was accounted
more disgraceful than that of being actually unhorsed; because
the latter might happen from accident, whereas the former
evinced awkwardness and want of management of the weapon
and of the horse. The fifth knight alone maintained the honor
## p. 13039 (#473) ##########################################
SIR WALTER SCOTT
13039
of his party, and parted fairly with the knight of St. John, both
splintering their lances without advantage on either side.
The shouts of the multitude, together with the acclamations
of the heralds and the clangor of the trumpets, announced the
triumph of the victors and the defeat of the vanquished. The
former retreated to their pavilions; and the latter, gathering
themselves up as they could, withdrew from the lists in disgrace
and dejection, to agree with their victors concerning the redemp-
tion of their arms and their horses, which, according to the laws
of the tournament, they had forfeited. The fifth of their num-
ber alone tarried in the lists long enough to be greeted by the
applause of the spectators, amongst whom he retreated,-to the
aggravation, doubtless, of his companions' mortification.
A second and a third party of knights took the field; and
although they had various success, yet upon the whole the
advantage decidedly remained with the challengers, not one of
whom lost his seat or swerved from his charge,- misfortunes
which befell one or two of their antagonists in each encounter.
The spirits, therefore, of those opposed to them seemed to be
considerably damped by their continued success. Three knights
only appeared on the fourth entry; who, avoiding the shields.
of Bois-Guilbert and Front-de-Boeuf, contented themselves with
touching those of the three other knights, who had not alto-
gether manifested the same strength and dexterity. This politic
selection did not alter the fortune of the field: the challengers
were still successful; one of their antagonists was overthrown,
and both the others failed in the attaint,- that is, in striking the
helmet and shield of their antagonist firmly and strongly, with
the lance held in a direct line, so that the weapon might break
unless the champion was overthrown.
After this fourth encounter, there was a considerable pause;
nor did it appear that any one was very desirous of renewing
the contest. The spectators murmured among themselves; for
among the challengers, Malvoisin and Front-de-Boeuf were un-
popular from their characters, and the others, except Grant-
mesnil, were disliked as strangers and foreigners.
But none shared the general feeling of dissatisfaction so keenly
as Cedric the Saxon, who saw, in each advantage gained by the
Norman challengers, a repeated triumph over the honor of Eng-
land. His own education had taught him no skill in the games
## p. 13040 (#474) ##########################################
13040
SIR WALTER SCOTT
of chivalry; although with the arms of his Saxon ancestors he
had manifested himself, on many occasions, a brave and deter-
mined soldier. He looked anxiously to Athelstane, who had
learned the accomplishments of the age, as if desiring that he
should make some personal effort to recover the victory which
was passing into the hands of the Templar and his associates.
But though both stout of heart and strong of person, Athelstane
had a disposition too inert and unambitious to make the exer-
tions which Cedric seemed to expect from him.
"The day is against England, my lord," said Cedric in a
marked tone: are you not tempted to take the lance? »
"I shall tilt to-morrow," answered Athelstane, "in the mêlée;
it is not worth while for me to arm myself to-day. "
Two things displeased Cedric in this speech. It contained
the Norman word mêlée (to express the general conflict), and it
evinced some indifference to the honor of the country; but it
was spoken by Athelstane, whom he held in such profound
respect that he would not trust himself to canvass his motives
or his foibles. Moreover, he had no time to make any remark;
for Wamba thrust in his word, observing "it was better, though
scarce easier, to be the best man among a hundred than the
best man of two. "
Athelstane took the observation as a serious compliment: but
Cedric, who better understood the Jester's meaning, darted at
him a severe and menacing look; and lucky it was for Wamba,
perhaps, that the time and place prevented his receiving, not-
withstanding his place and service, more sensible marks of his
master's resentment.
The pause in the tournament was still uninterrupted, except-
ing by the voices of the heralds exclaiming, "Love of ladies,
splintering of lances! Stand forth, gallant knights: fair eyes look
upon your deeds! "
The music also of the challengers breathed from time to time
wild bursts expressive of triumph or defiance, while the clowns
grudged a holiday which seemed to pass away in inactivity; and
old knights and nobles lamented in whispers the decay of martial
spirit, spoke of the triumphs of their younger days, but agreed
that the land did not now supply dames of such transcendent
beauty as had animated the jousts of former times. Prince
John began to talk to his attendants about making ready the
## p. 13041 (#475) ##########################################
SIR WALTER SCOTT
13041
banquet, and the necessity of adjudging the prize to Brian de
Bois-Guilbert, who had with a single spear overthrown two
knights and foiled a third.
At length, as the Saracenic music of the challengers concluded
one of those long and high flourishes with which they had broken.
the silence of the lists, it was answered by a solitary trumpet,
which breathed a note of defiance from the northern extremity.
All eyes were turned to see the new champion which these
sounds announced, and no sooner were the barriers opened than
he paced into the lists. As far as could be judged of a man
sheathed in armor, the new adventurer did not greatly exceed
the middle size, and seemed to be rather slender than strongly
made. His suit of armor was formed of steel, richly inlaid with
gold; and the device on his shield was a young oak-tree pulled
up by the roots, with the Spanish word Desdichado, signifying
Disinherited. He was mounted on a gallant black horse, and as
he passed through the lists he gracefully saluted the Prince and
the ladies by lowering his lance.
shown in a trifling action, but which had more delicacy in it than
seemed to belong to Ratcliffe's character and station. The un-
glazed window of the miserable chamber was open, and the beams
## p. 13019 (#453) ##########################################
SIR WALTER SCOTT
13019
of a bright sun fell right upon the bed where the sufferers were
seated. With a gentleness that had something of reverence in
it, Ratcliffe partly closed the shutter, and seemed thus to throw a
veil over a scene so sorrowful.
"Ye are ill, Effie," were the first words Jeanie could utter;
"ye are very ill. ”
"Oh, what wad I gie to be ten times waur, Jeanie! "
was the
reply; "what wad I gie to be cauld dead afore the ten o'clock
bell the morn! And our father- - but I am his bairn nae langer
Oh, I hae nae friend left in the warld! · Oh that I were
lying dead at my mother's side, in Newbattle kirk-yard! "
-
now
"Hout, lassie," said Ratcliffe, willing to show the interest
which he absolutely felt: "dinna be sae dooms doon-hearted as a'
that, there's mony a tod hunted that's na killed. Advocate
Langtale has brought folk through waur snappers than a' this,
and there's no a cleverer agent than Nichil Novit e'er drew a bill
of suspension. Hanged or unhanged, they are weel aff has sic an
agent and counsel: ane's sure o' fair play. Ye are a bonny lass,
too, and ye wad busk up your cockernony a bit; and a bonny.
lass will find favor wi' judge and jury, when they would strap up
a grewsome carle like me for the fifteenth part of a flea's hide
and tallow, d-n them. "
-
-
-
To this homely strain of consolation the mourners returned
no answer; indeed, they were so much lost in their own sorrows
as to have become insensible of Ratcliffe's presence.
"O Effie," said her elder sister, "how could you conceal your
situation from me? O woman, had I deserved this at your hand?
Had ye spoke but ae word-sorry we might hae been, and
shamed we might hae been, but this awfu' dispensation had never
come ower us. "
"And what gude wad that hae dune? " answered the prisoner.
"Na, na, Jeanie, a' was ower when ance I forgot what I promised
when I faulded down the leaf of my Bible. See," she said, pro-
ducing the sacred volume, "the book opens aye at the place o'
itsell. Oh, see, Jeanie, what a fearfu' Scripture! "
Jeanie took her sister's Bible, and found that the fatal mark
was made at this impressive text in the book of Job: "He hath
stripped me of my glory, and taken the crown from my head.
He hath destroyed me on every side, and I am gone. And mine
hope hath he removed like a tree. "
## p. 13020 (#454) ##########################################
13020
SIR WALTER SCOTT
"Isna that ower true a doctrine? " said the prisoner: "isna
my crown, my honor, removed? And what am I but a poor,
wasted, wan-thriven tree, dug up by the roots, and flung out to
waste in the highway, that man and beast may tread it under
foot? I thought o' the bonny bit thorn that our father rooted out
o' the yard last May, when it had a' the flush o' blossoms on it;
and then it lay in the court till the beasts had trod them a' to
pieces wi' their feet. I little thought, when I was wae for the
bit silly green bush and its flowers, that I was to gang the same.
gate mysell. "
"Oh, if ye had spoken ae word," again sobbed Jeanie,- "if I
were free to swear that ye had said but ae word of how it stude
wi' ye, they couldna hae touched your life this day. "
"Could they na? " said Effie, with something like awakened
interest,-
for life is dear even to those who feel it is a burden:
"wha tauld ye that, Jeanie ? »
"It was ane that kend what he was saying weel eneugh,”
replied Jeanie, who had a natural reluctance at mentioning even
the name of her sister's seducer.
――――――
"Wha was it? —I conjure you to tell me," said Effie, seating
herself upright. "Wha could tak interest in sic a cast-by as I
am now? Was it was it him? »
――――――
"Hout," said Ratcliffe, "what signifies keeping the poor lassie
in a swither? I'se uphaud it's been Robertson that learned ye
that doctrine when ye saw him at Muschat's Cairn. "
"Was it him? " said Effie, catching eagerly at his words; "was
it him, Jeanie, indeed? Oh, I see it was him: poor lad, and
I was thinking his heart was as hard as the nether millstane,-
and him in sic danger on his ain part,-poor George! "
Somewhat indignant at this burst of tender feeling toward the
author of her misery, Jeanie could not help exclaiming, "O Effie,
how can ye speak that gate of sic a man as that? "
"We maun forgie our enemies, ye ken," said poor Effie,
with a timid look and a subdued voice, for her conscience told her
what a different character the feelings with which she regarded
her seducer bore, compared with the Christian charity under
which she attempted to veil it.
"And ye hae suffered a' this for him, and ye can think of
loving him still? " said her sister, in a voice betwixt pity and
blame.
## p. 13021 (#455) ##########################################
SIR WALTER SCOTT
13021
"Love him! " answered Effie; "if I hadna loved as woman
seldom loves, I hadna been within these wa's this day; and trew
ye that love sic as mine is lightly forgotten? —Na, na! ye may
hew down the tree, but ye canna change its bend; — and O
Jeanie, if ye wad do good to me at this moment, teii me every
word that he said, and whether he was sorry for poor Effie or
no! »
"What needs I tell ye onything about it? " said Jeanie. "Ye
may be sure he had ower muckle to do to save himsell, to speak
lang or muckle about onybody beside. "
"That's no true, Jeanie, though a saunt had said it," replied
Effie, with a sparkle of her former lively and irritable temper.
"But ye dinna ken, though I do, how far he pat his life in
venture to save mine. " And looking at Ratcliffe, she checked.
herself and was silent.
"I fancy," said Ratcliffe, with one of his familiar sneers, "the
lassie thinks that naebody has een but hersell. Didna I see when
Gentle Geordie was seeking to get other folk out of the Tolbooth
forby Jock Porteous? but ye are of my mind, hinny,- better
sit and rue than flit and rue. Ye needna look in my face sae
amazed. I ken mair things than that, maybe. "
"O my God! my God! " said Effie, springing up and throwing
herself down on her knees before him, "d'ye ken where they
hae putten my bairn? -O my bairn! my bairn! the. poor sackless
innocent new-born wee ane-bone of my bone, and flesh of my
flesh! O man, if ye wad e'er deserve a portion in heaven, or a
broken-hearted creature's blessing upon earth, tell me where they
hae put my bairn-the sign of my shame and the partner of my
suffering! tell me wha has taen 't away, or what they hae dune
wi't! "
"Hout tout," said the turnkey, endeavoring to extricate him-
self from the firm grasp with which she held him, "that's taking
me at my word wi' a witness Bairn, quo' she?
Bairn, quo' she? How the deil
suld I ken onything of your bairn, huzzy? Ye maun ask that
of auld Meg Murdockson, if ye dinna ken ower muckle about it
yoursell. "
As his answer destroyed the wild and vague hope which had
suddenly gleamed upon her, the unhappy prisoner let go her hold
of his coat, and fell with her face on the pavement of the apart-
ment in a strong convulsion fit.
## p. 13022 (#456) ##########################################
13022
SIR WALTER SCOTT
Jeanie Deans possessed, with her excellently clear understand-
ing, the concomitant advantage of promptitude of spirit, even in
the extremity of distress.
She did not suffer herself to be overcome by her own feelings
of exquisite sorrow, but instantly applied herself to her sister's
relief, with the readiest remedies which circumstances afforded;
and which, to do Ratcliffe justice, he showed himself anxious to
suggest, and alert in procuring. He had even the delicacy to
withdraw to the furthest corner of the room, so as to render his
official attendance upon them as little intrusive as possible, when
Effie was composed enough again to resume her conference with
her sister.
The prisoner once more, in the most earnest and broken tones,
conjured Jeanie to tell her the particulars of the conference with
Robertson; and Jeanie felt it was impossible to refuse her this
gratification.
"Do ye mind," she said, "Effie, when ye were in the fever
before we left Woodend, and how angry your mother, that's now
in a better place, was wi' me for gieing ye milk and water to
drink, because ye grat for it? Ye were a bairn then, and ye are
a woman now, and should ken better than ask what canna but
hurt you; but come weal or woe, I canna refuse ye onything
that ye ask me wi' the tear in your ee. "
Again Effie threw herself into her arms, and kissed her cheek
and forehead, murmuring, "Oh, if ye kend how long it is since I
heard his name mentioned! -if ye but kend how muckle good
it does me but to ken onything o' him that's like goodness or
kindness, ye wadna wonder that I wish to hear o' him! "
Jeanie sighed, and commenced her narrative of all that had
passed betwixt Robertson and her, making it as brief as possible.
Effie listened in breathless anxiety, holding her sister's hand in
hers, and keeping her eyes fixed upon her face, as if devour-
ing every word she uttered. The interjections of "Poor fellow,"
"Poor George," which escaped in whispers and betwixt sighs,
were the only sounds with which she interrupted the story.
When it was finished she made a long pause.
"And this was his advice? " were the first words she uttered.
"Just sic as I hae tell'd ye," replied her sister.
"And he wanted you to say something to yon folks, that wad
save my young life? "
## p. 13023 (#457) ##########################################
SIR WALTER SCOTT
13023
"He wanted," answered Jeanie, "that I suld be man-sworn. ”
"And you tauld him," said Effie, "that ye wadna hear o' com-
ing between me and the death that I am to die, and me no
aughten years auld yet? "
"I told him," replied Jeanie, who now trembled at the turn
which her sister's reflection seemed about to take, "that I daured
na swear to an untruth. "
"And what d'ye ca' an untruth? " said Effie, again showing a
touch of her former spirit. "Ye are muckle to blame, lass, if ye
think a mother would, or could, murder her ain bairn. Murder!
-I wad hae laid down my life just to see a blink o' its ee! "
"I do believe," said Jeanie, "that ye are as innocent of sic a
purpose as the new-born babe itsell. "
"I am glad ye do me that justice," said Effie haughtily: "it's
whiles the faut of very good folk like you, Jeanie, that they think
a' the rest of the warld are as bad as the warst temptations can
make them. "
"I didna deserve this frae ye, Effie," said her sister, sobbing,
and feeling at once the injustice of the reproach, and compassion.
for the state of mind which dictated it.
"Maybe no, sister," said Effie. "But ye are angry because I
love Robertson. How can I help loving him, that loves me better
than body and soul baith! - Here he put his life in a niffer, to
break the prison to let me out; and sure am I, had it stude wi'
him as it stands wi' you - >>>> Here she paused and was silent.
"Oh, if it stude wi' me to save ye wi' risk of my life! " said
Jeanie.
"Ay, lass," said her sister, "that's lightly said, but no sae
lightly credited, frae ane that winna ware a word for me; and if
it be a wrang word, ye'll hae time eneugh to repent o't. "
"But that word is a grievous sin, and it's a deeper offense
when it's a sin willfully and presumptuously committed. "
"Weel, weel, Jeanie," said Effie, "I mind a' about the sins o'
presumption in the questions,- we'll speak nae mair about this
matter, and ye may save your breath to say your carritch; and
for me, I'll soon hae nae breath to waste on onybody. "
## p. 13024 (#458) ##########################################
13024
SIR WALTER SCOTT
A ROYAL RIVAL
From Kenilworth'
Have you not seen the partridge quake,
Viewing the hawk approaching nigh?
She cuddles close beneath the brake,
Afraid to sit, afraid to fly.
- PRIOR.
I
T CHANCED upon that memorable morning, that one of the ear-
liest of the huntress train who appeared from her chamber in
full array for the chase was the princess for whom all these
pleasures were instituted, England's Maiden Queen. I know not
if it were by chance, or out of the befitting courtesy due to a
mistress by whom he was so much honored, that she had scarcely
made one step beyond the threshold of her chamber ere Leicester
was by her side; and proposed to her, until the preparations for
the chase had been completed, to view the pleasance, and the
gardens which it connected with the castle-yard.
To this new scene of pleasures they walked, the earl's arm
affording his sovereign the occasional support which she required,
where flights of steps, then a favorite ornament in a garden,
conducted them from terrace to terrace, and from parterre to
parterre. The ladies in attendance - gifted with prudence, or
endowed perhaps with the amiable desire of acting as they would
be done by-did not conceive their duty to the Queen's person
required them, though they lost not sight of her, to approach so
near as to share, or perhaps disturb, the conversation betwixt the
Queen and the earl, who was not only her host but also her most
trusted, esteemed, and favored servant. They contented them-
selves with admiring the grace of this illustrious couple, whose
robes of state were now exchanged for hunting-suits almost
equally magnificent.
Elizabeth's silvan dress, which was of a pale-blue silk, with
silver lace and aiguillettes, approached in form to that of the
ancient amazons; and was therefore well suited at once to her
height, and to the dignity of her mien, which her conscious rank
and long habits of authority had rendered in some degree too
masculine to be seen to the best advantage in ordinary female
weeds. Leicester's hunting-suit of Lincoln green, richly embroi-
dered with gold, and crossed by the gay baldric, which sustained
a bugle-horn, and a wood knife instead of a sword, became its
## p. 13025 (#459) ##########################################
SIR WALTER SCOTT
13025
master, as did his other vestments of court or of war. For such
were the perfections of his form and mien, that Leicester was
always supposed to be seen to the greatest advantage in the char-
acter and dress which for the time he represented or wore.
The conversation of Elizabeth and the favorite earl has not
reached us in detail. But those who watched at some distance
(and the eyes of courtiers and court ladies are right sharp) were
of opinion that on no occasion did the dignity of Elizabeth, in
gesture and motion, seem so decidedly to soften away into a
mien expressive of indecision and tenderness. Her step was not
only slow, but even unequal, a thing most unwonted in her car-
riage; her looks seemed bent on the ground, and there was a
timid disposition to withdraw from her companion, which external
gesture in females often indicates exactly the opposite tendency
in the secret mind. The Duchess of Rutland, who ventured
nearest, was even heard to aver that she discerned a tear in
Elizabeth's eye, and a blush on the cheek; and still further, "She
bent her looks on the ground to avoid mine," said the duchess;
"she who, in her ordinary mood, could look down a lion. " Το
what conclusion these symptoms led is sufficiently evident; nor
were they probably entirely groundless. The progress of pri-
vate conversation betwixt two persons of different sexes is often
decisive of their fate, and gives it a turn very different perhaps
from what they themselves anticipated. Gallantry becomes min-
gled with conversation, and affection and passion come gradually
to mix with gallantry. Nobles as well as shepherd swains will,
in such a trying moment, say more than they intended; and
queens, like village maidens, will listen longer than they should.
Horses in the mean while neighed, and champed the bits with
impatience in the base-court; hounds yelled in their couples, and
yeomen, rangers, and prickers lamented the exhaling of the dew,
which would prevent the scent from lying. But Leicester had
another chase in view: or, to speak more justly toward him, had
become engaged in it without premeditation, as the high-spirited
hunter which follows the cry of the hounds that hath crossed his
path by accident. The Queen an accomplished and handsome
woman, the pride of England, the hope of France and Holland,
and the dread of Spain-had probably listened with more than
usual favor to that mixture of romantic gallantry with which she
always loved to be addressed; and the earl had, in vanity, in
ambition, or in both, thrown in more and more of that delicious
XXII-815
-
## p. 13026 (#460) ##########################################
13026
SIR WALTER SCOTT
ingredient, until his importunity became the language of love
itself.
"No, Dudley," said Elizabeth, yet it was with broken accents,
-"no, I must be the mother of my people. Other ties, that
make the lowly maiden happy, are denied to her sovereign- No,
Leicester, urge it no more — Were I as others, free to seek my
own happiness— then, indeed — but it cannot—cannot be. -Delay
the chase-delay it for half an hour-and leave me, my lord. ”
"How-leave you, madam! " said Leicester. "Has my mad-
ness offended you? "
"No, Leicester, not so! " answered the Queen hastily; "but
it is madness, and must not be repeated. Go-but go not far
from hence; and meantime let no one intrude on my privacy. ”
While she spoke thus, Dudley bowed deeply, and retired with
a slow and melancholy air. The Queen stood gazing after him,
and murmured to herself, "Were it possible- were it but possi-
ble! But no no- - Elizabeth must be the wife and mother of
England alone. "
As she spoke thus, and in order to avoid some one whose
step she heard approaching, the Queen turned into the grotto in
which her hapless and yet but too successful rival lay concealed.
The mind of England's Elizabeth, if somewhat shaken by the
agitating interview to which she had just put a period, was of
that firm and decided character which soon recovers its natural
tone. It was like one of those ancient druidical monuments
called rocking-stones. The finger of Cupid, boy as he is painted,
could put her feelings in motion; but the power of Hercules
could not have destroyed their equilibrium. As she advanced
with a slow pace toward the inmost extremity of the grotto, her
countenance, ere she had proceeded half the length, had recov-
ered its dignity of look, and her mien its air of command.
It was then the Queen became aware that a female figure
was placed beside, or rather partly behind; an alabaster column,
at the foot of which arose the pellucid fountain which occupied
the inmost recess of the twilight grotto. The classical mind of
Elizabeth suggested the story of Numa and Egeria; and she
doubted not that some Italian sculptor had here represented the
Naiad whose inspirations gave laws to Rome. As she advanced,
she became doubtful whether she beheld a statue or a form of
flesh and blood. The unfortunate Amy, indeed, remained motion-
less, betwixt the desire which she had to make her condition
-
## p. 13027 (#461) ##########################################
SIR WALTER SCOTT
13027
known to one of her own sex, and her awe for the stately form
that approached her, and which, though her eyes had never
before beheld, her fears instantly suspected to be the personage
she really was. Amy had arisen from her seat with the purpose
of addressing the lady, who entered the grotto alone, and as
she at first thought, so opportunely. But when she recollected
the alarm which Leicester had expressed at the Queen's knowing
aught of their union, and became more and more satisfied that
the person whom she now beheld was Elizabeth herself, she
stood with one foot advanced and one withdrawn, her arms, head,
and hands perfectly motionless, and her cheek as pallid as the
alabaster pedestal against which she leaned. Her dress was of
pale sea-green silk, little distinguished in that imperfect light,
and somewhat resembled the drapery of a Grecian nymph,-
such an antique disguise having been thought the most secure
where so many maskers and revelers were assembled; so that
the Queen's doubt of her being a living form was justified by
all contingent circumstances, as well as by the bloodless cheek
and fixed eye.
—
Elizabeth remained in doubt, even after she had approached
within a few paces, whether she did not gaze on a statue so cun-
ningly fashioned, that by the doubtful light it could not be dis-
tinguished from reality. She stopped, therefore, and fixed upon
this interesting object her princely look with so much keenness,
that the astonishment which had kept Amy immovable gave way
to awe, and she gradually cast down her eyes and dropped her
head under the commanding gaze of the sovereign. Still, how-
ever, she remained in all respects, saving this slow and profound
inclination of the head, motionless and silent.
From her dress, and the casket which she instinctively held
in her hand, Elizabeth naturally conjectured that the beautiful
but mute figure which she beheld was a performer in one of the
various theatrical pageants which had been placed in different
situations to surprise her with their homage; and that the poor
player, overcome with awe at her presence, had either forgot the
part assigned her, or lacked courage to go through it.
It was
natural and courteous to give her some encouragement; and
Elizabeth accordingly said, in a tone of condescending kindness:
"How now, fair nymph of this lovely grotto-art thou spell-
bound and struck with dumbness by the wicked enchanter whom
## p. 13028 (#462) ##########################################
13028
SIR WALTER SCOTT
men term Fear? We are his sworn enemy, maiden, and can
reverse his charm. Speak, we command thee. "
Instead of answering her by speech, the unfortunate countess
dropped on her knee before the Queen, let her casket fall from
her hand, and clasping her palms together, looked up in the
Queen's face with such a mixed agony of fear and supplication,
that Elizabeth was considerably affected.
"What may this mean? " she said: "this is a stronger passion
than befits the occasion. Stand up, damsel: what wouldst thou
have with us? "
<< Your protection, madam," faltered forth the unhappy peti-
tioner.
"Each daughter of England has it while she is worthy of it,"
replied the Queen; "but your distress seems to have a deeper
root than a forgotten task. Why, and in what, do you crave our
protection? "
Amy hastily endeavored to recall what she were best to say,
which might secure herself from the imminent dangers that sur-
rounded her, without endangering her husband; and plunging
from one thought to another, amidst the chaos which filled her
mind, she could at length, in answer to the Queen's repeated
inquiries in what she sought protection, only falter out, "Alas! I
know not. "
"This is folly, maiden," said Elizabeth impatiently; for there
was something in the extreme confusion of the suppliant which
irritated her curiosity as well as interested her feelings. "The
sick man must tell his malady to the physician; nor are WE
accustomed to ask questions so oft, without receiving an answer. "
"I request-I implore-" stammered forth the unfortunate
countess "I beseech your gracious protection — against — against
one Varney. " She choked well-nigh as she uttered the fatal
word, which was instantly caught up by the Queen.
"What, Varney-Sir Richard Varney-the servant of Lord
Leicester! What, damsel, are you to him, or he to you? "
"II—was his prisoner- and he practiced on my life- and
I broke forth to-to-»
"To throw thyself on my protection, doubtless," said Eliza-
beth. "Thou shalt have it—that is, if thou art worthy; for we
will sift this matter to the uttermost. -Thou art," she said, bend-
ing on the countess an eye which seemed designed to pierce her
## p. 13029 (#463) ##########################################
SIR WALTER SCOTT
13029
very inmost soul,-"thou art Amy, daughter of Sir Hugh Rob-
sart of Lidcote Hall? "
"Forgive me forgive me-most gracious princess! " said
Amy, dropping once more on her knee from which she had
arisen.
―――
"For what should I forgive thee, silly wench?
" said Elizabeth:
"for being the daughter of thine own father? Thou art brain-
sick, surely. Well, I see I must wring the story from thee by
inches: Thou didst deceive thine old and honored father, thy
look confesses it; cheated Master Tressilian,-thy blush avouches
it; and married this same Varney. "
Amy sprung on her feet, and interrupted the Queen eagerly
with-"No, madam, no: as there is a God above us, I am not
the sordid wretch you would make me! I am not the wife of that
contemptible slave—of that most deliberate villain! I am not the
wife of Varney! I would rather be the bride of Destruction! "
The Queen, overwhelmed in her turn by Amy's vehemence,
stood silent for an instant, and then replied, "Why, God ha'
mercy, woman! I see thou canst talk fast enough when the
theme likes thee. Nay, tell me, woman," she continued, for to
the impulse of curiosity was now added that of an undefined
jealousy that some deception had been practiced on her,—“tell
me, woman,― for by God's day, I WILL know,-whose wife or
whose paramour art thou? Speak out, and be speedy: thou
wert better dally with a lioness than with Elizabeth. "
-
Urged to this extremity, dragged as it were by irresistible
force to the verge of a precipice which she saw but could not
avoid, permitted not a moment's respite by the eager words
and menacing gestures of the offended Queen,-Amy at length
uttered in despair, "The Earl of Leicester knows it all. "
"The Earl of Leicester! " said Elizabeth in utter astonishment
"The Earl of Leicester! " she repeated with kindling anger. -
"Woman, thou art set on to this- thou dost belie him - he
takes no keep of such things as thou art. Thou art suborned
to slander the noblest lord, and the truest-hearted gentleman, in
England! But were he the right hand of our trust, or something
yet dearer to us, thou shalt have thy hearing, and that in his
presence. Come with me - come with me instantly! "
As Amy shrunk back with terror, which the incensed Queen
interpreted as that of conscious guilt, Elizabeth rapidly advanced,
seized on her arm, and hastened with swift and long steps out of
## p. 13030 (#464) ##########################################
13030
SIR WALTER SCOTT
the grotto and along the principal alley of the pleasance, drag-
ging with her the terrified countess, whom she still held by the
arm, and whose utmost exertions could but just keep pace with
those of the indignant Queen.
Leicester was at this moment the centre of a splendid group
of lords and ladies assembled together under an arcade, or portico,
which closed the alley. The company had drawn together in that
place, to attend the commands of her Majesty when the hunt-
ing party should go forward: and their astonishment may be
imagined, when, instead of seeing Elizabeth advance toward
them with her usual measured dignity of motion, they beheld her
walking so rapidly that she was in the midst of them ere they
were aware; and then observed, with fear and surprise, that her
features were flushed betwixt anger and agitation, that her hair
was loosened by her haste of motion, and that her eyes spark-
led as they were wont when the spirit of Henry VIII. mounted
highest in his daughter. Nor were they less astonished at the
appearance of the pale, attenuated, half dead, yet still lovely
female, whom the Queen upheld by main strength with one hand,
while with the other she waved aside the ladies and nobles who
pressed toward her under the idea that she was taken suddenly
ill. "Where is my Lord of Leicester? " she said, in a tone that
thrilled with astonishment all the courtiers who stood around. —
"Stand forth, my Lord of Leicester! "
If, in the midst of the most serene day of summer, when all
is light and laughing around, a thunderbolt were to fall from the
clear blue vault of heaven and rend the earth at the very feet
of some careless traveler, he could not gaze upon the smolder-
ing chasm which so unexpectedly yawned before him, with half
the astonishment and fear which Leicester felt at the sight that
so suddenly presented itself. He had that instant been receiving,
with a political affectation of disavowing and misunderstanding
their meaning, the half uttered, half intimated congratulations of
the courtiers upon the favor of the Queen, carried apparently
to its highest pitch during the interview of that morning;
from which most of them seemed to augur that he might soon
arise from their equal in rank to become their master. And
now, while the subdued yet proud smile with which he disclaimed
those inferences was yet curling his cheek, the Queen shot into.
the circle, her passions excited to the uttermost; and supporting
with one hand, and apparently without an effort, the pale and
## p. 13031 (#465) ##########################################
SIR WALTER SCOTT
13031
sinking form of his almost expiring wife, and pointing with the
finger of the other to her half-dead features, demanded in a voice.
that sounded to the ear of the astounded statesman like the last
dread trumpet-call that is to summon body and spirit to the
judgment-seat, "Knowest thou this woman ? »
As, at the blast of that last trumpet, the guilty shall call upon
the mountains to cover them, Leicester's inward thoughts invoked
the stately arch which he had built in his pride, to burst its
strong conjunction and overwhelm them in its ruins. But the
cemented stones, architrave and battlement, stood fast; and it
was the proud master himself, who, as if some actual pressure
had bent him to the earth, kneeled down before Elizabeth, and
prostrated his brow to the marble flagstones on which she stood.
"Leicester," said Elizabeth, in a voice which trembled with
passion, “could I think thou hast practiced on me-on me thy
sovereign-on me thy confiding, thy too partial mistress, the base
and ungrateful deception which thy present confusion surmises —
by all that is holy, false lord, that head of thine were in as great
peril as ever was thy father's! "
Leicester had not conscious innocence, but he had pride, to
support him.
He raised slowly his brow and features, which
were black and swollen with contending emotions, and only
replied, "My head cannot fall but by the sentence of my peers:
to them I will plead, and not to a princess who thus requites my
faithful service. "
"What! my lords," said Elizabeth, looking around, "we are
defied, I think - defied in the castle we have ourselves bestowed
on this proud man? - My Lord Shrewsbury, you are marshal of
England: attach him of high treason. "
"Whom does your Grace mean? " said Shrewsbury, much sur-
prised,—for he had that instant joined the astonished circle.
"Whom should I mean but that traitor Dudley, Earl of Lei-
cester! Cousin of Hunsdon, order out your band of gentlemen
pensioners, and take him into instant custody. -I say, villain,
make haste! "
-
Hunsdon, a rough old noble, who, from his relationship to the
Boleyns, was accustomed to use more freedom with the Queen
than almost any other dared to do, replied bluntly, "And it is
like your Grace might order me to the Tower to-morrow for
making too much haste. I do beseech you to be patient. "
## p. 13032 (#466) ##########################################
13032
SIR WALTER SCOTT
"Patient - God's life! " exclaimed the Queen, name not the
word to me: thou know'st not of what he is guilty! "
Amy, who had by this time in some degree recovered herself,
and who saw her husband, as she conceived, in the utmost danger
from the rage of an offended sovereign, instantly (and alas, how
many women have done the same! ) forgot her own wrongs and
her own danger in her apprehensions for him; and throwing her-
self before the Queen, embraced her knees, while she exclaimed,
"He is guiltless, madam, he is guiltless-no one can lay aught
to the charge of the noble Leicester. "
"Why, minion," answered the Queen, "didst not thou thyself
say that the Earl of Leicester was privy to thy whole history? »
"Did I say so? " repeated the unhappy Amy, laying aside
every consideration of consistency and of self-interest: "oh, if I
did, I foully belied him. May God so judge me, as I believe he
was never privy to a thought that would harm me! "
"Woman! " said Elizabeth, "I will know who has moved thee
to this; or my wrath—and the wrath of kings is a flaming fire—
shall wither and consume thee like a weed in the furnace. "
«<
As the Queen uttered this threat, Leicester's better angel
called his pride to his aid, and reproached him with the utter
extremity of meanness which would overwhelm him forever, if
he stooped to take shelter under the generous interposition of his
wife, and abandon her, in return for her kindness, to the resent-
ment of the Queen. He had already raised his head, with the
dignity of a man of honor, to avow his marriage and proclaim
himself the protector of his countess, when Varney-born, as it
appeared, to be his master's evil genius-rushed into the pres-
ence, with every mark of disorder on his face and apparel.
"What means this saucy intrusion? " said Elizabeth.
Varney, with the air of a man overwhelmed with grief and
confusion, prostrated himself before her feet, exclaiming, "Par-
don, my Liege, pardon! or at least let your justice avenge itself
on me, where it is due; but spare my noble, my generous, my
innocent patron and master! "
Amy, who was yet kneeling, started up as she saw the man
whom she deemed most odious place himself so near her; and
was about to fly toward Leicester, when, checked at once by the
uncertainty and even timidity which his looks had reassumed as
soon as the appearance of his confidant seemed to open a new
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SIR WALTER SCOTT
13933
scene, she hung back, and uttering a faint scream, besought of
her Majesty to cause her to be imprisoned in the lowest dungeon
of the castle-to deal with her as the worst of criminals -
"But
spare," she exclaimed, "my sight and hearing what will destroy
the little judgment I have left, the sight of that unutterable
and most shameless villain! "
"And why, sweetheart? " said the Queen, moved by a new
impulse: "what hath he, this false knight, since such thou ac-
countest him, done to thee? "
"Oh, worse than sorrow, madam, and worse than injury,- he
has sown dissension where most there should be peace. I shall
go mad if I look longer on him. "
"Beshrew me, but I think thou art distraught already," an-
swered the Queen. -"My Lord Hunsdon, look to this poor dis-
tressed young woman, and let her be safely bestowed and in
honest keeping, till we require her to be forthcoming. "
Two or three of the ladies in attendance, either moved by
compassion for a creature so interesting, or by some other
motive, offered their service to look after her; but the Queen
briefly answered, "Ladies, under favor, no. -You have all (give
God thanks) sharp ears and nimble tongues: our kinsman Huns-
don has ears of the dullest, and a tongue somewhat rough, but
yet of the slowest. — Hunsdon, look to it that none have speech
of her. "
"By our Lady! " said Hunsdon, taking in his strong sinewy
arms the fading and almost swooning form of Amy, "she is a
lovely child; and though a rough nurse, your Grace hath given
her a kind one. She is safe with me as one of my own lady-birds
of daughters. '
So saying, he carried her off, unresistingly and almost uncon-
sciously; his war-worn locks and long gray beard mingling with
her light-brown tresses, as her head reclined on his strong square
shoulder. The Queen followed him with her eye. She had
already, with that self-command which forms so necessary a part
of a sovereign's accomplishments, suppressed every appearance
of agitation, and seemed as if she desired to banish all traces of
her burst of passion from the recollection of those who had wit-
nessed it. "My Lord of Hunsdon says well," she observed: "he
is indeed but a rough nurse for so tender a babe. "
"My Lord of Hunsdon," said the Dean of St. Asaph,- "I
speak it not in defamation of his more noble qualities,— hath a
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SIR WALTER SCOTT
13034
broad license in speech, and garnishes his discourse somewhat too
freely with the cruel and superstitious oaths which savor both of
profaneness and of old papistrie. "
"It is the fault of his blood, Mr. Deans," said the Queen,
turning sharply round upon the reverend dignitary as she spoke;
"and you may blame mine for the same distemperature. The
Boleyns were ever a hot and plain-spoken race, more hasty to
speak their mind than careful to choose their expressions. And
by my word,-I hope there is no sin in that affirmation,— I
question if it were much cooled by mixing with that of Tudor. "
As she made this last observation, she smiled graciously and
stole her eyes almost insensibly round to seek those of the Earl
of Leicester, to whom she now began to think she had spoken
with hasty harshness upon the unfounded suspicion of a mo-
ment.
The Queen's eye found the earl in no mood to accept the
implied offer of conciliation. His own looks had followed, with
late and rueful repentance, the faded form which Hunsdon had
just borne from the presence; they now reposed gloomily on the
ground, but more so at least it seemed to Elizabeth with the
expression of one who has received an unjust affront, than of
him who is conscious of guilt. She turned her face angrily from
him, and said to Varney, "Speak, Sir Richard, and explain these
riddles; — thou hast sense and the use of speech, at least, which
elsewhere we look for in vain. "
―――
-
-
As she said this, she darted another resentful glance toward
Leicester, while the wily Varney hastened to tell his own story.
"Your Majesty's piercing eye," he said, "has already detected
the cruel malady of my beloved lady; which, unhappy that I
am, I would not suffer to be expressed in the certificate of her
physician, seeking to conceal what has now broken out with so
much the more scandal. "
"She is then distraught? " said the Queen; - "indeed we
doubted not of it,- her whole demeanor bears it out. I found
her moping in a corner of yonder grotto; and every word she
spoke which indeed I dragged from her as by the rack — she
instantly recalled and forswore. But how came she hither? Why
had you her not in safe-keeping? "
"My gracious Liege," said Varney, "the worthy gentleman
under whose charge I left her, Master Anthony Foster, has come
hither but now, as fast as man and horse can travel, to show me of
## p. 13035 (#469) ##########################################
SIR WALTER SCOTT
13035
her escape, which she managed with the art peculiar to many who
are afflicted with this malady. He is at hand for examination. "
"Let it be for another time," said the Queen. "But, Sir
Richard, we envy you not your domestic felicity: your lady railed
on you bitterly, and seemed ready to swoon at beholding you. "
"It is the nature of persons in her disorder, so please your
Grace," answered Varney, "to be ever most inveterate in their
spleen against those whom, in their better moments, they hold
nearest and dearest. "
"We have heard so, indeed," said Elizabeth, "and give faith
to the saying. "
"May your Grace then be pleased," said Varney, "to com-
mand my unfortunate wife to be delivered into the custody of
her friends? "
Leicester partly started; but making a strong effort, he sub-
dued his emotion, while Elizabeth answered sharply, "You are
something too hasty, Master Varney: we will have first a report
of the lady's health and state of mind from Masters, our own
physician, and then determine what shall be thought just. You
shall have license, however, to see her, that if there be any
matrimonial quarrel betwixt you- such things we have heard do
occur, even betwixt a loving couple - you may make it up, with-
out further scandal to our court or trouble to ourselves. "
Varney bowed low, and made no other answer.
Elizabeth again looked toward Leicester, and said, with a
degree of condescension which could only arise out of the most
heartfelt interest, "Discord, as the Italian poet says, will find
her way into peaceful convents, as well as into the privacy of
families; and we fear our own guards and ushers will hardly
exclude her from courts. My Lord of Leicester, you are offended
with us, and we have right to be offended with you. We will
take the lion's part upon us, and be the first to forgive. ”
Leicester smoothed his brow, as if by an effort; but the
trouble was too deep-seated that its placidity should at once
return. He said, however, that which fitted the occasion, that
"he could not have the happiness of forgiving, because she who
commanded him to do so could commit no injury toward him. "
Elizabeth seemed content with this reply, and intimated her
pleasure that the sports of the morning should proceed.
bugles sounded, the hounds bayed, the horses pranced; but the
courtiers and ladies sought the amusements to which they were
## p. 13036 (#470) ##########################################
13036
SIR WALTER SCOTT
summoned, with hearts very different from those which had
leaped to the morning's réveil. There was doubt and fear and
expectation on every brow, and surmise and intrigue in every
whisper.
Blount took an opportunity to whisper into Raleigh's ear,
"This storm came like a levanter in the Mediterranean. "
"Varium et mutabile," answered Raleigh in a similar tone.
«< Nay, I know naught of your Latin," said Blount; "but I
thank God Tressilian took not the sea during that hurricane. He
could scarce have missed shipwreck, knowing as he does so little
how to trim his sails to a court gale. "
"Thou wouldst have instructed him? " said Raleigh.
«< Why, I have profited by my time as well as thou, Sir
Walter," replied honest Blount. "I am knight as well as thou,
and of the earlier creation. "
"Now, God further thy wit," said Raleigh; "but for Tres-
silian, I would I knew what were the matter with him. He told
me this morning he would not leave his chamber for the space
of twelve hours or thereby, being bound by a promise. This
lady's madness, when he shall learn it, will not, I fear, cure his
infirmity. The moon is at the fullest, and men's brains are work-
ing like yeast. But hark! they sound to mount. Let us to
horse, Blount: we young knights must deserve our spurs. "
THE TOURNAMENT
From Ivanhoe >
HE lists now presented a most splendid spectacle. The slop-
galleries were crowded with all that was noble, great,
wealthy, and beautiful in the northern and midland parts
of England, and the contrast of the various dresses of these dig-
nified spectators rendered the view as gay as it was rich; while.
the interior and lower space, filled with the substantial burgesses
and yeomen of merry England, formed, in their more' plain
attire, a dark fringe or border around this circle of brilliant em-
broidery, relieving and at the same time setting off its splendor.
The heralds finished their proclamation with their usual cry
of "Largesse, largesse, gallant knights! " and gold and silver
pieces were showered on them from the galleries,-it being a
## p. 13037 (#471) ##########################################
SIR WALTER SCOTT
13037
high point of chivalry to exhibit liberality toward those whom the
age accounted at once the secretaries and the historians of honor.
The bounty of the spectators was acknowledged by the customary
shouts of "Love of Ladies-Death of Champions - Honor to the
Generous-Glory to the Brave! " To which the more humble
spectators added their acclamations, and a numerous band of
trumpeters the flourish of their martial instruments. When these
sounds had ceased, the heralds withdrew from the lists in gay
and glittering procession; and none remained within them save
the marshals of the field, who, armed cap-à-pie, sat on horse-
back, motionless as statues, at the opposite ends of the lists.
Meantime the inclosed space at the northern extremity of the
lists, large as it was, was now completely crowded with knights
desirous to prove their skill against the challengers, and when
viewed from the galleries, presented the appearance of a sea of
waving plumage, intermixed with glistening helmets and tall
lances; to the extremities of which were in many cases attached
small pennons of about a span's breadth, which, fluttering in the
air as the breeze caught them, joined with the restless motion of
the feathers to add liveliness to the scene.
At length the barriers were opened, and five knights, chosen
by lot, advanced slowly into the area; a single champion riding
in front, and the other four following in pairs. All were splen-
didly armed, and my Saxon authority (in the Wardour Manu-
script) records at great length their devices, their colors, and
the embroidery of their horse trappings. It is unnecessary to
be particular on these subjects. To borrow lines from a contem-
porary poet, who has written but too little :-
The knights are dust,
And their good swords are rust;
Their souls are with the saints, we trust. *
Their escutcheons have long moldered from the walls of their
castles. Their castles themselves are but green mounds and
shattered ruins; the place that once knew them knows them no
more: nay, many a race since theirs has died out and been for-
gotten in the very land which they occupied with all the author-
ity of feudal proprietors and feudal lords. What then would
it avail the reader to know their names, or the evanescent sym-
bols of their martial rank?
*These lines are part of an unpublished poem by Coleridge.
## p. 13038 (#472) ##########################################
13038
SIR WALTER SCOTT
Now, however, no whit anticipating the oblivion which awaited
their names and feats, the champions advanced through the lists,
restraining their fiery steeds and compelling them to move.
slowly, while at the same time they exhibited their paces, to-
gether with the grace and dexterity of the riders.
As the pro-
cession entered the lists, the sound of a wild barbaric music was
heard from behind the tents of the challengers, where the per-
formers were concealed. It was of Eastern origin, having been
brought from the Holy Land; and the mixture of the cymbals
and bells seemed to bid welcome at once, and defiance, to the
knights, as they advanced. With the eyes of an immense con-
course of spectators fixed upon them, the five knights advanced
up the platform upon which the tents of the challengers stood;
and there separating themselves, each touched slightly, and with
the reverse of his lance, the shield of the antagonist to whom he
wished to oppose himself. The lower orders of the spectators
in general-nay, many of the higher class, and it is even said
several of the ladies-were rather disappointed at the champi-
ons choosing the arms of courtesy. For the same sort of persons
who, in the present day, applaud most highly the deepest trage-
dies, were then interested in a tournament exactly in proportion
to the danger incurred by the champions engaged.
Having intimated their more pacific purpose, the champions
retreated to the extremity of the lists, where they remained
drawn up in a line; while the challengers, sallying each from his
pavilion, mounted their horses, and headed by Brian de Bois-
Guilbert, descended from the platform, and opposed themselves
individually to the knights who had touched their respective
shields.
At the flourish of clarions and trumpets, they started out
against each other at full gallop; and such was the superior dex-
terity or good fortune of the challengers, that those opposed to
Bois-Guilbert, Malvoisin, and Front-de-Bœuf rolled on the ground.
The antagonist of Grantmesnil, instead of bearing his lance point
fair against the crest or the shield of his enemy, swerved so
much from the direct line as to break the weapon athwart the
person of his opponent,-a circumstance which was accounted
more disgraceful than that of being actually unhorsed; because
the latter might happen from accident, whereas the former
evinced awkwardness and want of management of the weapon
and of the horse. The fifth knight alone maintained the honor
## p. 13039 (#473) ##########################################
SIR WALTER SCOTT
13039
of his party, and parted fairly with the knight of St. John, both
splintering their lances without advantage on either side.
The shouts of the multitude, together with the acclamations
of the heralds and the clangor of the trumpets, announced the
triumph of the victors and the defeat of the vanquished. The
former retreated to their pavilions; and the latter, gathering
themselves up as they could, withdrew from the lists in disgrace
and dejection, to agree with their victors concerning the redemp-
tion of their arms and their horses, which, according to the laws
of the tournament, they had forfeited. The fifth of their num-
ber alone tarried in the lists long enough to be greeted by the
applause of the spectators, amongst whom he retreated,-to the
aggravation, doubtless, of his companions' mortification.
A second and a third party of knights took the field; and
although they had various success, yet upon the whole the
advantage decidedly remained with the challengers, not one of
whom lost his seat or swerved from his charge,- misfortunes
which befell one or two of their antagonists in each encounter.
The spirits, therefore, of those opposed to them seemed to be
considerably damped by their continued success. Three knights
only appeared on the fourth entry; who, avoiding the shields.
of Bois-Guilbert and Front-de-Boeuf, contented themselves with
touching those of the three other knights, who had not alto-
gether manifested the same strength and dexterity. This politic
selection did not alter the fortune of the field: the challengers
were still successful; one of their antagonists was overthrown,
and both the others failed in the attaint,- that is, in striking the
helmet and shield of their antagonist firmly and strongly, with
the lance held in a direct line, so that the weapon might break
unless the champion was overthrown.
After this fourth encounter, there was a considerable pause;
nor did it appear that any one was very desirous of renewing
the contest. The spectators murmured among themselves; for
among the challengers, Malvoisin and Front-de-Boeuf were un-
popular from their characters, and the others, except Grant-
mesnil, were disliked as strangers and foreigners.
But none shared the general feeling of dissatisfaction so keenly
as Cedric the Saxon, who saw, in each advantage gained by the
Norman challengers, a repeated triumph over the honor of Eng-
land. His own education had taught him no skill in the games
## p. 13040 (#474) ##########################################
13040
SIR WALTER SCOTT
of chivalry; although with the arms of his Saxon ancestors he
had manifested himself, on many occasions, a brave and deter-
mined soldier. He looked anxiously to Athelstane, who had
learned the accomplishments of the age, as if desiring that he
should make some personal effort to recover the victory which
was passing into the hands of the Templar and his associates.
But though both stout of heart and strong of person, Athelstane
had a disposition too inert and unambitious to make the exer-
tions which Cedric seemed to expect from him.
"The day is against England, my lord," said Cedric in a
marked tone: are you not tempted to take the lance? »
"I shall tilt to-morrow," answered Athelstane, "in the mêlée;
it is not worth while for me to arm myself to-day. "
Two things displeased Cedric in this speech. It contained
the Norman word mêlée (to express the general conflict), and it
evinced some indifference to the honor of the country; but it
was spoken by Athelstane, whom he held in such profound
respect that he would not trust himself to canvass his motives
or his foibles. Moreover, he had no time to make any remark;
for Wamba thrust in his word, observing "it was better, though
scarce easier, to be the best man among a hundred than the
best man of two. "
Athelstane took the observation as a serious compliment: but
Cedric, who better understood the Jester's meaning, darted at
him a severe and menacing look; and lucky it was for Wamba,
perhaps, that the time and place prevented his receiving, not-
withstanding his place and service, more sensible marks of his
master's resentment.
The pause in the tournament was still uninterrupted, except-
ing by the voices of the heralds exclaiming, "Love of ladies,
splintering of lances! Stand forth, gallant knights: fair eyes look
upon your deeds! "
The music also of the challengers breathed from time to time
wild bursts expressive of triumph or defiance, while the clowns
grudged a holiday which seemed to pass away in inactivity; and
old knights and nobles lamented in whispers the decay of martial
spirit, spoke of the triumphs of their younger days, but agreed
that the land did not now supply dames of such transcendent
beauty as had animated the jousts of former times. Prince
John began to talk to his attendants about making ready the
## p. 13041 (#475) ##########################################
SIR WALTER SCOTT
13041
banquet, and the necessity of adjudging the prize to Brian de
Bois-Guilbert, who had with a single spear overthrown two
knights and foiled a third.
At length, as the Saracenic music of the challengers concluded
one of those long and high flourishes with which they had broken.
the silence of the lists, it was answered by a solitary trumpet,
which breathed a note of defiance from the northern extremity.
All eyes were turned to see the new champion which these
sounds announced, and no sooner were the barriers opened than
he paced into the lists. As far as could be judged of a man
sheathed in armor, the new adventurer did not greatly exceed
the middle size, and seemed to be rather slender than strongly
made. His suit of armor was formed of steel, richly inlaid with
gold; and the device on his shield was a young oak-tree pulled
up by the roots, with the Spanish word Desdichado, signifying
Disinherited. He was mounted on a gallant black horse, and as
he passed through the lists he gracefully saluted the Prince and
the ladies by lowering his lance.
