Beadle's New York Dime Library No. 125 — page 21: what you’re looking at

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

oat a , ———————————————— . ————- tives came forth, and again pursued their onward course. Though deprived of the torchlight, they proceeded far more expeditiously than heretotore, their fears ac- celerating theirmovements. The fugitives had every reason to apprehened the speedy return of the rebels, as they knew the latter would be stopped by the iron gates. Another ground of apprehension existed, and this was that the outlet of the subterranean passage might be watched by the enemy. Such, however, did not prove to be the case, At the small hunting-tower in Greenwich Park, in the lower story of which the fugitives came forth from their un- derground journey, no one was to be seen but the per- sons in charge of the building. These persons declared that no rebels had been seen near the building, nor could they cotuprehend how any hostile intruders could have been elsewhere, and not from the vaults beneath the tower. Apparently, the Princess was satisfied with the ex- planation, though credence was not attached to it by Sir Osbert Montacute, who could not comprehend from what other point the passage could have been entered; and Baldwin, who was better informed than anyone else, entertained the same opinion. The Princess did not remain long at the hunting- tower; but descended from the woody heights on which it was situated, to Greenwich, where the royal barge was moored. Rejoicing at her escape, she went on board with her attendants, and gave orders that the oarsmen should proceed at once to the Tower. As the gilded bark, propelled by twenty stout rowers, | clad in the royal livery, cut its way through the then clear and beautiful river, the Princess gradually re- covered her spirits, which had been sadly shaken by her perilous journey from the palace of Eltham, Before entering the barge, her Grace, having no fur- ther occasion for an escort, dismissed Sir Osbert Monta- cute and all the men-at-arms. The gallant young knight expressed his intention of returning /to the palace, at all hazards, through the sub- terranean passage. Unless the rebels should have found some other means of exit than by the fortified sally- port, he must needs encounter them, and would attack them. If he perished, it would be in a good cause. With this bold resolve, Sir Osbert departed. CHAPTER XVI. HOW THE PRINCESS ARRIVED AT THE TOWER. THE passage to the Tower in the splendid royal barge had all the charm of novelty to Editha, and the pleas- ant sensations awakened by the easy motion of the ves- sel, combined with the novelty of the various objects presented to her gaze, speedily put to flight the anxiety she had previously experienced. The weather was delightful, and the contrast between the bright river, with the numerous barks floating upon it, and the somber passages she had just tracked} was indeed striking. Besides, she was going to the Tower, the place of all others she most desired to visit. No wonder, therefore, that she quickly recovered her spir- its. As she neared the great city, her delight and wonder increased; but when at length the mighty bridge and the royal fortress burst upon her, she could scarcely control her emotions. The Princess perceived from her looks what was pass- ing in her mind, but made no remark, being greatly preoccupied at the time. For some minutes Editha’s gaze had been fixed on the g White Tower, surmounted by the royal standard, and on the fortified towers around it, and thrilling sensations of awe and wonder were excited in her breast; but no sooner was the descried by the guard on St. Thomas's Tower, than trumpets were sounded loudly, and Sir Alan Murrieux, the Lieutenant, being informed that the Princess was approaching, has- tened to the wharf with a large body of warders to re- ceive her. Before the Princess landed, Sir Simon Burley and the Baron de Gommegines had likewise reached wharf, and the former gave her his hand as she stepped ashore. “ Your Grace is ever welcome at the Tower,” said Sir Alan Murrieux, the Lieutenant, advancing to meet her; but I much fear your present visit is not of your own choosing.” “You are right, good Sir Alan,” she replied, “I know not whether the news has reached you that the Baron ¢e Vertain, Sir John Philpot, and my son, Sir John Holland, have been discomfited by the rebels ? “T grieve to hear it, madam,” replied Sir Alan: “but re had little hope that the expedition would be success- “ All are safe, I trust?’ observed Sir Simon Burley, anxiously. “They are all at Eltham,” replied the Princess; “ but they are still in some danger. ey have been pursued by a large body of the insurgents, who are now eee ing the . Thisis the cause of my sudden flight. As the palace is surrounded by the enemy, I could only escape, with my ladies, through the subterranean pas- e.” “Certes, you bring bad news, madam,” said Sir Simon. “Some men-at-arms and archers must be sent to aid the besieged; yet I know not how it can be safely done.” “Tam ready to take the command of any party you may send,” observed De Gommegines. “Men are wanting, my lord, not leaders,” rejoined Sir Simon. “The besiegers muster about five hundred, as I under- stand,”’ observed the Princess. ‘“ They have archers and cross-bowmen with them, and are under the command of the outlaw chief. Sir Eustace de Valletort has under- _ taken the defease of the palace.” MERRY ENGLAND. “And better commander could not be found!” cried De Gommegines. “But he ought to have assistance, With a hundred lances these churls could be driven “Eltham palace shall never be taken by them, come what may !"’ cried Sir Simon. “Tam glad to hear you say that, Sir Simon!” cried the Princess. By this time all the Jadies, having disembarked, were now gathering round their royal mistress. They ex- pressed the greatest satisfaction at having exchanged the doubtinl security of Eitham for the protection of an impregnable fortress like the Tower. “Here, at least, we are safe from the rebels !"’ cried the Lady Egelwine. “IT never liked the Tower halfso much as Ido now,” said the fair Agnes de Somerville. ‘I used to think it a dis- mal place; but, after the vaults of Eltham, it appears charming.” “Did you observe how the deer in the park fled at the approach of the rebels?’ remarked the dark-eyed Ella de Fauconberg. ‘They seemed to know that the leader was a deer-stalker.” “I saw not the deer,” replied the Lady Egelwine ; “but L heard the ravens croak ominously.” , ‘And I heard the bitterns boom,’’ added the blonde Hawisia. “And I saw several birds of prey, hawks and kites, hovering aboye the palace,’ said the lovely but timor- ous Sybilla de Pesehamp. “ All these are portents of ill,’ said the Lady Egel- eg ‘‘I much fear the palace is doomed to destruc- on,” “Have no such fears, fair damsels,’’ observed. De Gommegines, who was standing by, ‘ Eltham is not destined to become a den of robbers. When you return thither you will find the palace uninjured.” An exclamation, which Editha could not repress, at- tracted the Baron’s attention, and heinquired her name. The Lady Egelwine told him, adding, “She comes from the priory at Dartford, and is a great favorite of the Princess.”’ “So it appears,’’ observed De Gommegines, as, in obe- dience to a sign, Editha took a place behind her royal mistress. Meanwhile Sir Simon Burley had quitted the Princess, in order to dispatch a messenger with a letter to the Lord Mayor, telling him that Eltham was beleagured by the rebels, and praying him to bring as many meb-at- arms as he could, without delay, to succor the besieged. It devolved, thereiore, on the lieutenant to conduct her Grace to St. Peter's Chapel, in the White Tower, whither she desired to repair at once to offer up thanks to heaven for her Providential deliverance. Her Grace's confessor had already gone on to the chapel. As the Princess and her train proceeded to the inner ward Editha was enabled to take a rapid survey of cer- tain portions of the ancient palatial fortress, and she was greatly impressed by the stern grandeur of the White Tower, which burst upon her after she had passed through the arched gateway of the Garden Tower, since known as the Bloody Tower. Not being aware of the situation of St. Peter’s Chapel, she was surprised when the Princess en the mas- sive donjon, and, ascending a spiral staircase, proceeded along a corridor toa door, before which stood a couple of halberdiers and an officer of the guard. Here the Princess learnt that the King was then in the chapel, and that mass was being performed by the Archbishop of Canterbury. Waiting for a moment till all her attendants had as- sembled, she entered the sacred Mgt goer and, leaying her ladies in the aisles, proceeded at once to the altar, and knelt down beside the King, Never had Editha been so much struck by any place of worship as by this wondrous epspel. with its enor- mous circular columns, its coved roof and gallery. To her it scarcely seemed the work of man’s hand. Having seen the Archbishop of Canterbury at the pri- ory, she was familiar with his stately figure, but she never yet beheld bim officiate at the altar, and she lis- tened with deepest awe to his solemn accents. Excited by incense with which the atmosphere was laden, and by the melodious chants of the choir, she fell into a sort of trance, from which she did not entire- ly recover till the service was concluded, While she was in this rapt state celestial visions seemed to peas before her, and she fancied she heard seraphic voices, —— CHAPTER XVII. HOW SIMON BURLEY, THE BARON DE GOMMEGINES, AND THE LORD MAYOR SET OUT TO SUCCOR THE BESIEGED AT ELTHAM PALACE. Wuen the Princess quitted the chapel with the King, Editha followed, and being still somewhat Ronit ripe tow | knew where she was going, though conscious she nitted the White Tower, and entered the pal- ace, till she found herself in a large chamber, richly furnished, and hung with tapestry. The King graciously saluted the Court damsels; but he bestowed such marked attention on Editha, that the others were quite piqued, But the smiles quickly fled from his Majesty’s coun- tenance, and his frivolity of manner disappeared, when he was informed by his mother of the attack upon El- TiO, br tee Gosia aad ile “ Now, by St. George and St. Mark, this th all endurance!” he cried, fiercely, ‘“ Our palace attacked by this vile rabble! Cost what it may, they shall be driven off! Bid Sir Simon Burley come to me!”’ “ Sir Simon is mustering a troop of knights and es- quires in the court, sag liege!”” replied the usher. “ Your gv | can see from the window, if it you to ook out.” “ "Tis well,”’ cried Richard, “He has anticipated my wishes. Hal’ 21 The exclamation was caused by the entrance of the Baron de Gommegines, fully armed. Richard sprang forward to meet him. “Thou hast made ready to succor the besieged at Eltham ?” he cried. “ "Tis trne, my liege,” replied the Baron; “ and I am come to crave your Majesty's permission to proceed thither with Sir Simon Burley.” “Sir Simon has not asked our leave, but he hath it, and so hast thou,” rejoined Richard, “ I will go with you. I will lead you against these rebellious hounds! Let my horse be brought out atonce! Iwill not stay to arm—I am impatient to be off. Farewell, madam!’" he added, to his mother. Never had Editha thought Richard looked so like a king as at that moment, and she gazed at him with ad- miration she had not felt before. His gesture was proud, and his eyes seemed literally to flash fire. The Princess thought he looked like his heroic father when his breast was kindled with anger. But though delighted with this unwonted display of spirit, she deemed it prudent to restrain him. “ My liege, you must not expose yourself to needless risk !’’ she said. “ I care not for the risk !" he cried, impetuously. “I will go!" But De Gommegines ventured to oppose him. “ Her Grace ia in the right, my Hege,’”’ he said, “ You cannot leave the Tower.” ‘Cannot leave!’ exclaimed Richard. ‘‘ Who shall hinder me ?” “T will, my liege!’’ said Sir Simon Burley, entering at the moment. Cladin armor from head to heel, the old knight had a snowy plume in his helm, and a long sword attached to his girdle. “As one of the Council of Regency,” he continued in an authoritative tone, “and responsible for your Majesty's safety, I cannot allow you to leave the Tower.” For a moment Richard looked as if he would set the old knight's authority at deflance; and Editha. who watched the scene with breathless interest, thought he would break through all the trammels im- posed upon him. But Sir Simon’s firmness prevailed, and in the end the young monarch, though sorely against his will, succumbed, “T must obey you now, Sir Simon,” he cried, “But a time will shortly come "—— ‘*My liege,” interrupted the old knight, “ that time will never come, unless those bound to watch over you fail in their duty. I know I shall ineur your Majesty's displeasure by the step I am taking, but I cannot help it «What are you about to do?” demanded the King, sullenly. “Tam about to join the Lord Mayor, my liege, who, with a troop of loyal citizens, is waiting for me at the Bulwark Gate,” replied Sir Simon. “We shall then make all haste we can to Eltham; and I hope, soem, to bring your Majesty good news.” Accompanied by the Baron de Gommegines, he then departed, leaving the King in high dudgeon, Ho g to sooth Richard's irritation, the Princess ee a large bay window, commanding the inner w . Beneath the trees then growing on the patch of green- sward in front of the Lieutenant’s lodgings, was drawn up a company of nobles, knights and esquires, all glit- tering in complete steel, and mounted on powerful chargers, making a very goodly show. Each of the knightly companions carried a long lance, on the summit of which fluttered a on. Each esquire bore a shield, emblazoned with his lord’s cognizance. — Me ook yy my ii gk thelr h he Pout came , and, moun chargers, pu themselves at the head of the splendid troop, Trumpets were then sounded, and, animated by the martial clangor, which made the battlements ring, the knightly company rode off, lowering their lances we they passed eath the arch of the Garden ‘ower. At this aight, Richard turned away in deep vexation, and, as he did so, he encountered Editha’s gaze, which was anxiously fixed upon him. He could not speak to her, but addressed his mother in words meant for the damsel’s ear. M8 =e crown is not worth wearing if I cannot fight for “Trouble not yourself on that score, my liege,’ re- plied the Princess. “These churls are unworthy of your sword. Leave others to deal with them.” On issuing from the Bulwark Gate, Sir Simon Burle and his noble companions found the Lord Mayor, wit a troop of well-mounted and well-armed citizens, wait- mse them. r William Walworth was cased in mail, but did not bear a lance, like the knights attendant wpon Sir Simon. In lieu thereof, he had a mallet afi to his gaddle- bow, and, with his strong arm, he was well able to use the heavy weapon. Sir Simon heartily thanked the Lord Mayor, in the King’s name, for his prompt and efficient response to the summons ; after which, the two companies rode off ther. oRrnen they had crossed London Bridge, they set spurs to their steeds, and dashed off at a op along the road to Blackheath and Eltham, burning to punish the pre- sumptuous rebels. ~-___-— CHAPTER XVIII. WHAT BEFEL SIR O8BERT MONTACUTE ON HIS RETURN THROUGH THE SUBTERRANEAN PASSAGE, On re-en the subterranean os Sir Osbert Montacute and the men-at-arms with him did not light the torches, but proceeded, as noiselessly as they could, Go 0)(0 6) <SG@