Beadle's New York Dime Library No. 125 — page 18: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

rei! a’ max rere Se J eee ee ee “ope ex == | | ee = — PEPE e0r: a aes Hd | | 7) 18 MERRY ENGLAND. Simon. ‘And, doubtless, they are there still, unless the inhabitants have expelled them.’’ “The inhabitants, L fear, will take part with them,” said the Archbishop. ‘“‘ Many of them are as disaffected as the citizens of London have been described to be by the Lord Mayor.” “Tam sorry to hear your Grace say so,"’ observed the Princess. “I fancied the city was as loyal as any in England. Should it be as your Grace represents, I fear my son, Sir John Holland, and the young nobles with him, may be in some danger.”’ “Did you leave them there, madam?’’ inquired the Archbishop. “They were compelled to take refuge in the city, in order to avoid the insurgents,’’ she replied. “ And you have had no tidings of them since ?”’ “ None, your Grace.” “You need madam,” remarked the King. ‘Sir John Holland has just made his appearance. You may see him, with | discussion. some of his atten ts, at the lower end of the room. He will bring us the last news of the rebels.” “Lam right glad to see him. Iown I felt much un. easiness on his account," said the Princess. mam moment, Sir John Holland approached the royal circle. It was evident, from the state of his attire, that he had ridden fast and far, and his appearance excited a King. He was followed by Sir Osbert Montacute, who looked equally exhausted. strong feeling of anxiety among the persons around the | CHAPTER IX. | j THE BARON DE VERTAIN AND SIR JOHN PHILPOT PROPOSE | TO ATTACK THE REBELS, RriowarD immediately arose, and, embracing his half- | brother, congratula him heartily on his getting away from the rebels. ‘‘Qur escape has been accomplished with the > difficulty, my liege,” replied Sir John Holland. “ We | owe our preservation to the Abbot of St, Augustine, who got us safely out of the city, and provided us with horses. Canterbury is in the hands of the rebels, and had we been captured we should have been put to death without mercy !”’ As he thus spoke, the Princess could not repress her | agitation, and those near the King looked at each other in dismay. * Ha! by St, George! do the villains dare to proceed to these extremities ?’’ exclaimed Richard. “My segs. they are fiends let loose,’’ said Sir John. * Already they have done incalculable mischief. Your Grace's palace has been besieged and plundered !’’ ‘‘Icare not for my own loases,”’ replied the Arch- bishop, “ provided my household and retainers are un- injured.” : “The wretches haye displayed a most vindictive spirit,” said Sir John. And he hesitated to proceed, “What have they done?” cried the Archbishop, “ Fear not to tell me.”’ “ They have put to death your seneschal, Siward, be- cause he bravely refused to deliver up the palace to them,’’ replied Sir John. “ Heaven's vengeance will alight upon them for the san deed !’’ ejaculated the Archbishop. : your Grace there, I doubt not you would awe eo a victim to their vengeful rage,” continued ohn. “They shall be terribly requited!” cried Richard, fiercely. ‘* We will march upon them at once, with all the force we can muster.” . “The enterprise is too perilous to.be attempted, my gra- cious liege,”’ replied Sir John Holland, gravely. “So nu- merous are the rebels, that they would overpower any force you could bring against them. Canterbury, as I have just stated, is in revolt. The insurgents have compelled the Mayor and aldermen to swear fidelity to their cause; and if any of the burghers continue loyal, they dare not declare themselves. Many gentlemen have taken refuge in the monasteries and religious houses: but even there they are scarcely safe froin these vile and lawless miscreants. If your Majesty seeks to punish them, you must needs besiege the city, for they will hold out against you.” “ Alas! that it should be so!” exclaimed the Arch- bishop. “ ’Tis woful that those whom I have nour- ished as children, should act thus.” “ The city will be speedily recovered,” said Sir Simon Burley. “But no rash attempt must be made against it, or the result will be disastrous.” “That is certain,” observed Sir John. “ As yet, I have only spoken of Canterbury; but every to in Kent, every village, is in a state of revolt. Our journey hither has been attended with the greatest risk. Do I erate, Sir Osbert ?”’ ** Not in the least, my good lord!” replied the knight appealed to. “Ican add my testimony to your own. 6 were compelled to avoid ester and all the large towns on our way, and even the inhabitants of the lit- tle tried to stop us. Had we not traveledby night, we should not have arrived here safely."’ * You give a fearful picture, but I doubt not a truth- fal one,” said the Archbishop. “ This insurrection rong to have spread with the rapidity of a devour- flame.”’ ‘No wonder, since the combustibles have been every where prepared,” observed Sir Simon. “ Who are the leaders of the rebellion?’ he added, to Sir John “The ostensible leaders are Wat Tyler, the smith of Dartford ; an outlaw, who calls himself Jack Straw ; and a friar named John Ball, whom it would have been well if his Grace of Canterbury had hanged. “Tis sus- there are same gree persons, by whom the out- has been con ved, and who secretly direct the have no uneasiness on their account, } | rebels to march towards London unchecked. replied the Baron. —_ Se ee SO — _ sn — — eee | co. Ss kk —-—ee—-ee————eOe “ Have those great persons been named?” asked the King. ? Ny liege, it is said—falsely, no doubt—that your nucle are concerned in the plot,” replied Sir John Hol- and. “We have already heard as much, but are loth to be- lieve it,” replied Richard, “I grieve to say that the rumor that the Duke of Lan- caster hath had a hand in the plot is generally credited by the insurgents themselves.” “Then Sir John Philpot was right!’ cried the King. ** 'Tis clear our uncle’s name supports the rebel cause.” “ Believe it not, my liege” cried Chaucer. “How! is my word doubted?” exclaimed Sir John Holland. “No, my lord,” replied Chaucer. been misinformed.” “TIcrave a moment’s hearing, my liege,’’ said the Baron de Vertain, who had hitherto taken no part in the “Before your Majesty comes toa decision as to the course to be pursued at this crisis, I beseech you to weigh well the consequences of allowing the For all the excesses they may commit, your Majesty and your ministers will be held responsible—and justly so, in my opinion. At all hazards, the rebellious rout ought to be stopped, and a heavy blow inflicted upon them.” * How is it to be accomplished, and by whom ?” asked Richard, “Sir John Philpot has asked for two thousand men,” “Give, me two hundred, and I will make the attempt. But no time must be lost.” “On my return to the Tower, I will ascertain the number of the garrison, and if I can spare two hundred men, you shall have them, my liege,” observed Bir John Burley. “T will not be outdone, Baron !"’ cried Sir John Phil- pot. “I will find two hundred hardy companions, aud 1 will go with you.” “You will both be slain,” remarked Sir Simon. “What matter, if we check this rabble?” cried Phil- pot. “Weshall diein a good cause, and our example will animate others.” Though some further discussion ensued, no change was mate in the arrangements proposed by Sir Simon Burley, which were approved by the rest of the Coun- cil, and by the Princess. It was therefore decided that the King should keep his Court, for the present, at the Tower. The Princess, however, determined to remain at Eltham till further tidings should be received of the rebels. The royal party then adjourned to the banqueting- hall, where a sumptuous repast awaited them. “But you have CHAPTER X. THE LIECTENANT OF THE TOWER. Arrer taking leave of his mother, Richard set out for the Tower with a large retinne. He was accompanied by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Lord of St. John’s, Sir Simon Burley, Baron de Vertain, the Lord Mayor, Sir John Philpot, Chaucer, and Messer Benedetto. Sir Eustace de Valletort remained with the Princess, to act for her in case of any sudden emergency. It has been mentioned that the Lord Mayor had brought with him a numerous escort. These men-at- arms served as a guard to the King—part of them riding in front of the royal cortege, and part in the rear. As Richard crossed London Bridge, trumpets were blown at the gates, and many persons came forth to look at the procession; but no shouts were uttered, and Si people generally appeared sullen and discon- tented. Nor did his Majesty meet with a better reception as he rode along Thames Street, though he proceeded at a slow pace, and bowed graciously to the concourse. Much mortified, Richard made some observations on the moody looks of the people to the Archbishop, who rep : “Their demeanor proves they are as disaffected as we have been told, my liege. The affections of your peo- le have been alienated from you by those who have esigns upon your throne. e spirit of rebellion is abroad, and must be extinguished. Highly indi t at the insolent and unbecoming de- rtment of the populace, the Lord Mayor escorted the ing to the Bulwark Gate of the Tower, and there quitted him with the strongest expressions of loyalty and deyotion. “T shall always be close at hand,” he said, “always ready to ws to your Majesty, in case of need.” “Enough!” cried Richard. “I never doubted Sir ae alworth’s loyalty. If all others fail me, he will not.” Messer Benedetto departed at the same time, and, in taking leave of the King, said that if his Majesty should require money, all his own funds and those of his part- ners should be at his disposal. Richard thanked him heartily, but trusted he should not need a loan. “Nay, my lioge,” replied the Lombard merchant ; - ‘tis not as a loan that I offer the money, but as a sub- “By our Lady! you are a true man, Messer Bene- detto f” exclaimed the King, well pleased. “We trust we shall not have to apply to you but be sure we shall not forget your noble offer.” Sir John Philpot entered the Tower with the King, to await his Majesty’s decision as to the proposed attack on the rebels. A feeling of dejection, caused by the cold reception he had met with, had taken bn of the young mon- arch; but this was quickly led as he crossed the moat and rode through the wide arch of the By-ward pb amid the bruit of clarions and the beating of > ee The outer ward was lined with archers, arbalestriers’ and piquiers, in their full accoutrements, and making @ goodly show. , The sight of these hardy men, who regarded him with loyal looks, raised Richard’s confidence, and he felt assured that while they and their comrades con- wc faithful, his crown could not be wrested from im. At that time, the Tower contained within its limits a royal palace of considerable size, situated at the south of the White Tower, and occupying the whole of the pe between that majestic structure and the inner Walls, The palace was approached by a gateway flanked by towers, leading to asmall court, and bere Richard and his attendants alighted. His Majesty was received by Sir Nicholas Bonde, the Lieutenant of the Tower, Sir Robert de. Namur, the Baron de Gonimegines, Sir Henry de Sauselles, and some others. While the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Lord of St. John's, and Chaucer entered the palace, the King ad- dressed himself at once to the Lieutenant, and said;— “ Sir Nicholas, we desire to send a small party of men against the rebels.” “Under whose command, my liege ?’’ inquired the Lieutenant, bowing. “Under the joint command of the Baron de Vertain and Sir John Philpot,” replied Richard. “Can they have two hundred archers ?"’ “No, my lieve; but if they could, what would such a trifling force as that avail against the rebel host?” “ Leave that to us, Sir Nicholas,’’ interposed Philpot. “ Give us a hundred archers, and we will bring back Wat Tyler's head,” ‘If you will engage to do that, you shall have them and welcome, Sir John,” rejoined the Lieutenant, with a grim simile. “If I do not, you shall have my own, Sir Nicholas,” cried Philpot. “ Nay, by my troth | I want it not,” said the Lieuten- ant. “ ButI suppose your request must be. granted, though the fortress will be denuded of a third of the garrison.”’ ‘Heed not that, Sir Nicholas," observed the King. “ Let the men be got ready forthwith.” A hundred, sire—not one more,"’ said the Lieuten- ant. “But you have promised to bring auother hundred, Sir John?’ observed De Vertain. “ And I will keep my word,” rejoined Philpot. ‘Two hours hence, five score hardy companions, completely armed and well mounted, shall be on Tower Hill.”’ “And I will answer that the Baron de Vertain shall not keep you waiting,” said Richard, glancing at the Lieutenant, who bowed in assent. “When next Il appear before your Majesty, I trust to bring you good news," said Philpot. “Would I could go with you !” cried the King. “ But it seems that must not be.” . ; “Nay, my gracious liege; you are best here,’ said Sir John Philpot. And, with a profound obeisance, he departed. At the appointed hour, ten score armed horsemen ap- peared on Tower Hill, Their leader, mounted on a powerful war-horse, pro- tected by a chanfron and flanchieres, wore a suit of me ep mail, closely re his limbs, and a hood of chain mail, that only left his face visible. Over his armor he had a white surcoat, worked with his crest. The troop had a banner and pennons, Almost at the same moment a company of well- mounted archers, num likewise two hundred, and commanded by a noble knight, sheathed in com- plete mail, and riding a richly caparisoned charger, crossed the moat, with a broad banner borne betore them and pennons flying. A loud shout was raised by the party on the hill, which was responded to by the archera. The two companies then formed a junction, and rode off at a quick pace towards London Bridge, causing much wonderment and speculation among the citizens as they proceeded. From the eastern battlements of the Tower, Richard witnessed their departure. As they disappeared, he heaved a sigh. His esty was attended by the Lieutenant, Sir Simon Burley, and the Baron de Gommegines, none of whom seemed hopeful. “'Tis the maddest expedition ever f spuimagointh observed. Sir Simon. “ Weshall see none of them again, Worst of all, your Majesty will lose two hundred archers and ten score stout men-of-arms, of whom you are sorely need.” CHAPTER XI. emg EUSTACE DE VALLETORT MAKES A DISCLOSURE TO EDITHA. TuovucH not free from alarm, the Princess of Wales deemed herself safe at Eltham under the care of a com- mander 80 vigilant and experienced as Sir Eustace de Valletort, and if an attack upon the should be pee she knew she could y retreat to. the ‘ower, . Delighted with her new tion, Editha had felt quite happy until the arrival of Sir John Holland at the palace; but his presence, though disagreeable, gave her little uneasiness, because she could rely upon the Princess's tection. Sir John ate greatly surprised to find the young dam- sel among his mother’s eden but he asked no questions, and gave no sign that he even recognized her. That he faa abandoned hie designs cannot be asserted, but he masked them under an air of haughti- ness and indifference. ; But there was a person at the palace who excited a Gomichbooks (E(@)