Beadle's New York Dime Library No. 125 — page 23: what you’re looking at

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_ MERRY ENGLAND. This shelter gained, they were safe from pursuit. . ** Nothing more is to be done here,’ said Conrad. ‘I will rejoin Wat Tyler at Rochester.” * Be it 80,” replied the submissive Frideswide. Thus was the veleaguered palace of Eltham delivered. Though the majority of the rebels escaped, numbers were slain. No prisoners were made. . The knights slew all who fell into their hands. When the good news was brought them of the defeat of the revels, the King and his mother were greatly rejoiced. A banquet Was given that evening at the royal palace at the ‘Tower, at which Sir Simon Burley, the Baron de Gemme- gines, the Lord Mayor, and other nobles and knights assisted. END OF BOOK THE SECOND. +o4-—_—-- BOOK THE THIRD. BLACKHEATH. oo . CHAPTER I. THE SIEGE OF ROCHESTER CASTLE. WHILE the events just recounted took place, Rochester Castle was besieged by the main body of the rebels, who were supplied by the town’s-people with scaling-ladders, battering- rams, and maugonels, the latter being an extremely powertul engine, used at the time for hurling large stones against the walls or gates of a fortress. Many of the town’s-people likewise assisted in the asgault which was begun without delay; and though justly accounted one of the strongest in the kingdom, it seemed unlikely the eastle could long hold out against such a multitude of assail- anta. Other circumstances warranted this conclusion. Not only was tie fortress insufficiently garrisoned, but the Constable, Sir Join de Newtoun, bad reason to doubt the fidelity of his men. Thinking to intimidate the rest, and prevent any acts of insubordination or treachery, he not only hanged Thurstan, the burgher of Gravesend, who had been sent to him by Sir Simon Burley, and whom the rebela# had sworn to release, but five archers suspected of sedition, and suspended the bodies from the lofty towers of the keep, in sight of the ape 5 But. the Constable's aorveniy produced the contrary effect to that intended. It heightened the spirit of mutiny, instead of quelling it, and caused the insurgeuts to redouble their efforts to take the place. Hence, a siege that might have endured for months lasted only a couple ot days. : On the first assauit, scaling-ladders of immense length were affixed to the great partition-wall of the castle, and party after party of assailants mounted them, but were unable to gain the battlementa, Huge stones were thrown, with prodigious force, against the gates from the mangonels and battering-rams, each worked by a score of stalwart individuals, were employed; but no entrance could be effected, and, alter hours of fruit- lens labor, attended by great loss, the insurgeuts were com- pelled to retire. During the night some secret communication must have taken place between the seditious garrison and the rebels; for next morning the latter, instead of preparing to renew the assault, made ready to enter the fortress in triumph. The royal standard, which had hitherto floated ibrar on the summit of the keep, was taken down and replaced bya white a The drawbridge was lowered, and the gates thrown wide open to admit the Insurgents, who marched in, —— by Wat Tyler, (ually armed and mounted ou a power- ul steed, On entering the basge-court, they found Sir John De New- toun a prisoner, and guarded by a party of his own men-at- aris, Eyeing Wat Tyler fiercely, he said to him: “* Base varlet, tnou liast won the castle by treachery. Never would I have surrendered it to thee.” ** Gu to, proud knight,” rejoined Wat. ‘Thou has learnt, to thy cost, that the strongest lortress cannot resist the people when banded together.” ** No fortress is sate when garrisoned by traitors,” said the Constable, scornfully. **I will not parley with thee!” cried Wat. ‘“ Richly dost thou deserve death at our bands for by misdeeds and cruelty. Vet are we willing to spare thy life if thou will join us.” * Join youl” cried the Oonstable. ‘‘ Darest. thou make such a proposition to.me, vile churl? Dost think I would dis- honor myself by joining such a company of (alse traitors and knuves as thee and thy fellows? Undeceive thyself. Give me my sword; and then come on, all of you, aud put me to death, if you can!” . ** We have not done with thee yet,’ rejoined Wat Tyler. “Whether thou wilt join the leazue or not, thou shalt go with me. I bave certain propositions to, make to the King, and thou shali act as my ambassador.” * Dost thou expect me to bring back his Majesty's answer to thee?” demanded the Constable, ‘* Axsurediy,” replied Wat; ‘“‘ and thou must pledge thy word to return,” ! Alter a moment's reflection, Sir John de, Newtoun said: **T will do as you desire, provided you will forthwith berate my wile and children,”’ a ‘feaunnot liverate them now,’ sald Wat Tyler. “I shall hold them as hostages for the due fulfillment of thy promise. When tiou dost bring back the King’s answer, whether it be favorable or otherwise, I will set them [ree.”’ : * Enough!” said the Constable,“ I wil do thy bidding.” Atasign trom Wat Tyler, he was then removed by the guard, and piace in A stroug-room., The rebel leader then dismounted, and, attended by Hoth- brand und several others proceeded to the Baron’s Hall, noble chamber, which, with its three massive columns und grand arches, presented a fine specimen of Norman arclii- Within this magnificent hall, where the Constable had dined daily during bis long tenure of the post, and where lie had constantly entertained nobles and Knighte, a banquet was spread for the rebel leader and his companions, Before partaking of it, however, Wat Tyler descended to a large, gloomy dungeon, situated immediately beneath the Baron’s Hull, wherein several State prisoners were contined, and liveraved them. : ; He ulxo caused all the other captives Immured in the great tower to be set free. He then returned to the banquet; and while he and his companions feasted, the castle was plundered by the jnsur- gents And the town’s-people. Two hours afterwards, the rebel army, Now enormously Auecmented, quitced Rochester, and commenced its march to- wards London, y Wat Tyler's express command, Sir John de Newtoun was farvished with a charger, and not even guarded, since he had pledged bis word not to attempt his escape; but of course he was deprived of his arms. ut the march be maintained a haughty deport- ment, and refused to converse with his captors. ow was made by the insurgents. They stopped to plunder every castie and mansion on the road, putting all who resided there to the sword, and committing other atro- cious acta. All men of law, justices, and questors, whom. tlrey caught, were beheaded, by order of Jobn Ball, who told the peasants and serfs they would never enjoy their native and true liberty till all magistrates, lawyers, and proctors were despatched. Morevver, the crafty monk commanded them to burn and destroy all records, evidences, court-rolls, and other munl- ments, that their landionis might mot be able to claim any right hereafter. These precautions taken, they believed them. selves secure, Many persons, who would fain have avoided them, were ar- rested, and compelled to take the oath of fidelity w the league. Numbers of others, likewise, flocked to the rebel standard; men in debt flying from their creditors, common robbers, sturdy beggars, outiaws, and desperadoes of all sorts, Of such nefarious characters, whose main object was plun- der, a considerable portion of the enormous host was now composed; and, as may weil be supposed, it required great art of the leaders to control vigor and determination on, the such an undisciplined and tumultuous army. Atter a march, marked by rapine and bluodshed, the vast insurgent hoat reached Dartiord Brent, where they met the Outlaw and Conrad Basset and his men returning from the unsuccessful siege of Eltham Palace. Wat Tyler and John Ball were greatly enraged when they heard of the disaster, but they felt no blame couk\ reasonably be attached to the Outlaw. Not willing to take the overwhelming host into Dartford, Wat Tyler ordered a halt for the night on the plain; and the numerous purveyors having just returned with a plentiful supply of provisions and wine, the insurgents had no indace- ment to plunder the village, but were content to remain where they were, CHAPTER IT. WAT TYLER RKKVISITS DARTFORD, LEAVING the army to the eare of the Outlaw, Hothorand, and some of the subordinates, the rebel leader rode down into the village. Attended b the Brent. At the same time, the bells of the church rang joyfully, and the priests of St. Edmood’s Chapel, who were alarmed for their safety, came torth, and, falling on their knees before him, humbly implored his protection. “ Rest easy, good tathers,’? said Wat. be assured I will taithftully keep my word,’ Thereupon, the priests, taking courage, arose and gave him their Diessing. A(ter this momeutary halt, Wat Tyler and his followers rode on, and were creeted with such feeble acclamations as could be raised by the old foiks, women, and children. Swollen with pride and suceess, and commanding an enor- mous army that implicitly obeyed all his behests, Wat Tyler had assumed a haughty, even arrogant mien, very different from his former deportment, In fact, he scarcely looked like the same individual; and when Baldock came forth from the hostel to salute him, he was amazed by the extraordinary change in his appearance. The bewildered host made him an obeisance as proltound as he would have rendered to the highest noble. Not displeased by the homage, which he thought his due, Wat addressed the host in a condescending tone. “Thou seest I have returned in triumph, Baldock,” he “T have now seventy thousand brave tollowers on What dost thou think ot min replied Baldock, again said. Dartford Brent—seventy thousand! that?’ Hal”? “*T think it wonderful, my bowing obsequiously. ‘ Yet tis on “Tam receiving constunt accessions,” repl leader, ‘** Before I reach London I doubt, not my arm number a hundred thousand. Thus supported, the y what I ne yet mands!” “T account them already granted, Baldock. * Mark me, Baldock,” continued Wat Tyler. England will be supreme!” “And you will govern the Commonalty, my lord?” ob- ty you must exercise almost served Baldock. ‘Of necessi pexerey n sway, since the King is yet too young to rule.” tend to the wellure of the people,’ said Wat. power I possess will be exer to pay a visit to the Prioress,’ “A word ere you depart, my Jord,” remarked the host, with some hesitation. now staying at the Priory? You may not care to meet her?” ** Nay; I must needs see her,” sald Wat, knitting his brows; “though it will be for the last time!” As he passed’ the green, he threw es pt at the amithy, and at the cottage adjoining it. Both places were deserted, While looking at them, he thought of former days; but the recollection was not pleasant. Heretofore Wat Tyler had never entered the court of the Mane! 6 save on foot, and alone. Now, his followers filled the place. At his loud and peremptory summons, Sister Eudoxia camé to the portal, looking dreadtully frightened. * Be not alarmed, good sister,” he said. “ Neither the Lady Superior nor any of the nuns sball be molested. None of my followers shall enter the Priory. But I desire to speak with the Lady Isabel,” “I cannot admit thee till I have consulted our holy mother,” ene Sister Eudoxia. She then disappeared; but presently returned, saying that the Prioress would grant him an interview, Chancing to notice Frideswide at the same time, Sister Eudoxia ded, “If that is a woman, she may enter with thee, . Thereupon, Wat Tyler and Frideswide dismounted, leaving their horses with Conrad, and the Amazon was taken to the refectory by some of the nuns, who were struck with wonder at her gigantic stature; while the vebel leader was con- ducted to the locutory, where were the Lady Isabel and his wife. : The Prioress was seated in the large oak chair when he en- tered, and, being greatly offended by his taughty deportanent and wre ry manner, did not feel disposed to rise and receive him. fle scarcely noticed his wife, who gazed at him in astonish- ment, not unmingled with anger, “Holy mother! you have doubtless heard of the great suc- cess of the insurrection?” he said. . “T have heard that the rebels under thy command have done much mischief, and lundered many religious houses?” rejoined the Prioress, coldly. ‘Thou art bound in gratitude to respect this convent.” Conrad and Frideswide, and followed by a large mounted escort, among whom were Liripipe, Curthose, Grouthead, and others of the Dartiord men, he rode slowly on —his banner of St. George being borne by-Frideswide, and trumpets were sounded loudly as he crossed the bridge over ‘I have said that no one in Darttord shall be injured in person or property, and ed the rebel will ing, with whom I am about to conter, cannot refuse my de: my lord,” rejoined “A week hence there will be no council—no chancellor—no treasurer— tro pe gc) rote nobles—no knights! The Commonalty otf Richard will need a counsellor, like myself, to at- * Whatever in behalf of the inhabitants of Dartio.d. Fare thee weli, good Baldock; I am now about ‘You are aware that your dame is him. ‘*Tam come to speak ‘*T mean to respect it!” said Wat. I mean to take her to you, holy mother, respecting Editha, with me.” * Take her with thee!” exclaimed his wife. ‘'I would never consent to such a step. Luckily, thou canst not execute thy wicked design. Editha has lett the convent, and is now un- cer the care of the Princess.” ** Under the care of the Princess!’ cried Wat, with a look of disappointment and vexation. “ Thou didst wrong to part with her without my consent—which weuld have been re- Hye he added to the Prioress, “I had other designs for ier,”* “What designs?” demanded the Lady Isabel, uneasily. “TT meant to make her Queen of England!” rejoined Wat. het —_ thy peace!’? cried his wile. ** Thou art mad to talk Lhius “Nay; by my troth!” rejoined Wat. ‘°Tis no visionary scheme, as you shall find. will take her from the Princess, and force the young King to wed her!” * And think’st thou, presumptuous man, that such an alli- ance will be permitted?” remarked the Prioress, “ I tell thee no! “And ITsuy *Yeat’” eried Wat, ina tone of thunder, that made his listeners tremble. * “i word is now law, and I will have it so. My daughter shall be wedded to the King)? “Thy daughter! exclaimed the Lady Isavel, indignantly. Then checking herself suddenly, she added, ** Thou will not sacrifice her thus! Were thy insane scheme carried out, it would be fatal to her!’ * Ay, truly would it,” said Dame Tyler. “‘ The King would repudiate her,” *Not whiie lam what I am!’’ rejoined the rebel leader, sternly. * Thy pride will bring thee to destruction, thou headstrong and mistaken man !’’ guid the Prieress in a tone of severe re=- buke. “ As thou wonld’st live hereatter, I charge thee not to meddle with Editha!”? “Tam not to beturned from my fixed purpose!” he re- joined, “ All I have hitherto attempted has succeeded, and this will not fail, I shall wed my daughter to the King.” Disregarding his wite’s prayers and entreaties, and the Prioress’s expressions of anger, he quitted the locutory, and strode along the corridur to the pofel. Frideswide went forth at the same time with him, Just as he was about to mount his steed, his wife rushed out, exclaiming, distractedly: ** Would'st cast me off, Wat ?—would’at cast me off “ Begone! thou art unsuited to me, woman!’ he rejoined, harshly. ** Unsuited or not, I will go with thee!” she rejoined, trying to cling to him. But Frideswide thrust her back, and Wat Tyler, without bestowing another look upon the uuhappy woman, rode off, ae ses nog by his attendants, returned at once to Dartford rent. CHAPTER III. THE HERMIT’S WARNING. A SUMPTUOUS tent, part of the plunder of Rochester Castle, was pitched for Wat Tyler in the center of the plain ; but, though faticued, he felt little Inclination for stumper, and after disencumbering himself of the heaviest portion of his armor, and placing bis sword by his side, he merely threw himself on the couch, hg hangiug from the top, illumined the interior of the en It might be about two hours after midnight. when Wat, who had sunk into a troubled Goze, was roused by a noise outside; and, as he started up and seized his aword, the folds of the tent were thrown back, and Frideswide, fully armed, stood before him, ** What bringy thee here at this hour?’ demanded the rebel leader. * First, learn that thy drunken sentinels are worse than naught, being both fast asleep,” she rejoined. “I spurned them with my foot, but could not wake them. A traitor might have slain thee sleeping, had he chosen.” “ To thy business,” said Wat. “There ls a holy hermit without, who would fain speak with thee, He calls himsell Friar Gawen, I discovered him moving like a speures among the slumbering host; and, filnd- lig he was seek a thy tent, I brought him hither,” “ Admit him. I know the holy man.” . Next moment, the hermit, who was waiting outside the tent, was introduced. As he entered, he threw back his cowl. | His conductiess would have withdrawn, but Wat Tyler bade her remain, “IT would speak with thee alone, my son," said the friar. “Tt cannot be, holy brother,” replied Wat. *“ Heed not the presence of this courageous damsel. She can keep a secret as well as & man.” a ag OW observed Frideswide. “Thou hearest. Say on,”’ “Then blume me not It I offend thee,” replied the hermit. “IT have had a vision in my cull, and thy fate has been re- vealed to me,.”’ ** My fate!" exclaimed Wat. ina Ar, vem prepared to hear itt’? demanded the hermit, emnly. ** Yea,” replied the rebel leader. ‘‘I shrink not from the ene Ther le hat, bef “Then learn that, before another week, thou wilt die a bloody death!” ; e A chill, as of the grave, fell upon Wat, and seemed to be- numb his faculties, . For nearly a minute he scarcely drew breath, but remained staring fixedly at the hermit, Seeing the effect produced, Frideswide stepped up, and shook him roughly. “ Be thyself! she cried, “ Be not troubled by the foolish (alk of this visionary friar! Iwonld not have brought him to thee had I guessed hiserrand. Shall J take bim hence?’ * Listen to me ere thou dost dismiss me,” sald the hermit. ** Quit this rebellious host before daybreak, and thy lite may yet be spared,” * Wilt thou do that ?’ cried Frideswide, to the rebel leader. “Thou art not what I deem thee if thou wilt. Thou hast an army, with which thou canst exterminate all the nobles of the land, and raise thee up a be ont) at) thou’ choosest. Wilt thou abandon It at the word of a driveling friar?” * No!” cried Wat Tyler, ringing to his ‘teet, anid glaring fiercely at the bermic. “1 see through by design, false priest Thou art sent to frichten me back dy idle bk i laugh at them, J will march on courageous ever, Nor will T pause till I have reached the murk at whi ITaim.”- ** March on, then, proud man, and meet thy doom,” said the hermit. “ I have warned thee,” . And he turned to depart. ** Stay!” crie.| Wat. “‘ Confess thou wert sent to me by the Prioress of St, Mary.” * T was sent to thee by thy deserted wife, to whom I related the vision,” repli i the ga f ” - “ as ch,” sa at. ne “ Shall he be allowed to go free ? asked Frideswide, —__ “Ay; and do thou convey him to the outskirts of the ” replied Wat. “ I would not harm should come to t (Ee) JOOKSHGE (A) (0)