Beadle's New York Dime Library No. 125 — page 25: what you’re looking at

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

. without pun MERRY ENGLAND, 26 eT a SS rg eaetEnaoearaamemmaoncomesanamemeeneeesteaeee tn, er ee Se ———— —————— —— ———————————————————————————————————————————— — — — — — — ures for him, he had Editha’s simple “races. : The novel sensation of being really in love surprised, and parhape did not altogether please him; but the very efforts @ made to overcome the growing affection increased It. As ye!, he had breathed po word of love to the fair damsel; but his ardent looks had revealed the stave ot his feelings as plainly as it be had given utterance to them. And how was Editha affeeted by the discovery she had made, that the King wasenamored of lier? Alas! she dlacov- ered, at the same time, that she loved him, To indulge such a feeling she knew would be fatal to her, and she strove to stifle it. In vain; it overmastered her, She was thinking of the King as she looked out of the bay- window »t the garden and the river; and when she turned and beheld him, she uttered a shght ery. * Surely. do not alarm you!” he said, advancing towards ler, and tuking her band. “Twas startled at the moment,’ she replied. not your Majesty was in the room.” “Thad been here fora few moments,” he said. “ I was looking at you; thinkiug how beautifnl—how very beautiful, you are!’ “Oh, my liege!" she exclaimed, blushing deeply. *Ladore you, Editha!” he cried, fervently. “ You must be mine! I cannot live without you!” / “My liege, I implore youl’ she entreated, attempting to withdraw her hand; but he retained it. * Editha,”’ he cried, ‘‘ I never loved till I beheld you, and I can love nu other as { love youl You are my life—my soul! I cannot exist without you!’ “I pray you let me go, my liege!’ she cried, trembling. *T must not listen to such words from you,” “Nay, by my tuith, I will not release you, Editha, till you promise to requite my love.”’ “It would be sintul in meto make any auch promise, my liege. Ican never be your bride, and uther than your bride I will never be, That no one las ever inspired me with such feelings as I entertain Cor your Majesty, I will own.” " nm you conless you love me?” cried Richard, *T could not behold your Majesty unmoved,’ she rejoined. “But our Blessed Mother will give me atrehyth to conquer my feelings, I wili dle rather than swerve from my daty, Sutfer me, T implore you, to retire!” But the King would not relinquish her hand, Abashed by his ardent gaze, she cast down her eyes. Just then. the door communicating with the corridor open. ed, and Sir Join Molland came in, He started on beholding tue King and Editha atanding to- gether in the bay wan gun, aud turned very pale. py Pass on, my lord!’ cried Richard, seeing be felt inclined Aus, ut, to the King’s aurpriso and displeasure, Sir John came forward, and, controlling himself as well as he could, sald: “ Your Majesty may not be aware that I have a prior claim fo this damiaei,’’ wel aps) claim?” ejaculated Richard, looking at her, Tis false!’ cried Edita, indiguantly. “ Heis hateful to mel I pray your Majesty to deliver me from his further per- secutions.”’ * Reassure yourself, fair damsel,” said the King. *“ He ahall trouble you no more.” But the young noble, who stood In very little awe of his royal brother, rejoined, in a half-deflant tone, * I do not in~ tend to resign her even to your Majesty,” “ Presume not too much on my good nature,” said Rich- aril. Aud he signed to him to leave the room. But Sir John Holland did not obey, “ This damsel is mine, I repe@at,’? he said. “If [ go, she ehall come with me.” * Do not let. him approach me, my liege!” implored Editha, clinging to the King for protection. * Back, on thy lite’ exclaimed Richard, drawing his aword, «8 his brother advanced, * By St. Paul! I will have her, if I take her by force!’’ cried hp young noble, unsheathing likewise, exring. seme terrible catustroplie might ocear if this an- itha threw herself never been touched 80 sensibly aa bY “*T knew natural quarrel were carried further, drapveen the brothers, or & moment, they glared flercely at each other, but no blow wast , when Sir Simon Burley and Sir Eustace deo Valletort suddenly entered. Amazed at the yy they beheld, they both rushed for, ward, und, seizing Sir Jou Holland, instantly disarmed “You are mad, my lord, that you dare to raise your hand against the ’ gried Sir * Know you not that you have pl your lile in jeopardy by the rash act ?”’ gr John made no reply, ir Bi flew to the door ; and calling the guard, ordered them to arrest the young uobie, 4 This wis done, ** Take tim to the Beauchamp Tower," added Sir Me him be confined in a prison chamber,” st this be, my ene t” cried Sir Jotn, Fearing the Klog might relent, Sir Eustace interposed. ‘““My't og kaid, ** the offense is too sérious to be passed ment, Thus admonished, Richard turned away, and his brother was removed, As he waa taken forth, Sir Eustace remarked to Editha, “TD must look to you for an explunation of this scene.’’ | “Tr she watorsunate Come of it,” she replied. ** The quarrel Was concerning me.’ oF bh take ‘as much,” said the knight, in an undertone. “You have love the King’??? * Alas | yea 1” aaa One person e can at Bustace, tbe ie at oto, Bell hor ‘all,’ eee re ; , And sile quit ‘the room, u seesited by the King, who was cmversing with Sir Simon in the bay-window, woo iy ‘was Bhe'gone, than the Lieutenant of the Tower entered from tne corridor. His looks proclaimed that he brought important tidings. ° “My Hege,” tWe'said, with an -obelsance to the King, ‘Sir Johnde Newtoun, somewhile Constable of Rochester Castle, has Jost arrived at the Tower. He igthe beurer of a message * Yet, fear me not,” ’ from the rebel leavler, Wat Tyler, and craves an audience of your Majesty. Will it please a to receive lim 2!’ ** Ay, marry, good Master Licutenant,” replied tne et “‘Tam curious to hear this Imsolent knave's a ir Jolin hath been a prisoner of the rebels ever since they lelt Set as I understand. Low hath ho been treated by them “Ile does not complain of ill-treatment, my liege,” replied the Lieutenant. “ Bat le xays le hath been competied to pledge lis word to the revel leader to bring buck an answer from your Majesty.” “ He shall have an answer; but it must be well conridered,” replied the King. “Oall a Council forthwith in the great Chamber in the White Tower, and summon to it his Grace of Canterbury, the Lord Treasurer, and the other lords, When they are assembled, we will hear Sir Jobn de Newtoun’s mes- Sage. ‘Tis a grave matter, and must be solemnly discussed,’ Tam had to heac your Majesty say mo cried Sir Simon, approvingly. * Act up tothe counsel of those devoted to you, and you will have nottung to fear.”’ but escaped one danger to fall lato another, You ou—the Princess,’ said Sir The Lieutenant then departed to exeoute the King’s be- 1eKts, .““'Tis meet the Princess should hear the message, m liege,” said Sir Simon, ‘“ Her advice is ever judicious, Shall We solicit ber Highness’s attendance ?” “Nay; Iwill go to her myself,’ said Richard, with me, 1 pray you,” Followed by the two commanders, he proceeded to hir mother’s apartment, * Come CHAPTER VIIT. HOW SIR JOHN DE NEWTUUN DELIVERED WAT TYLER’S MES- SAGE TO THE KING, In that unrivaled chamber in the uppermost story of the White Tower, wherein reval councils bad been constantly beld since the days of William Rutus, av audience was given by the Blug to Sir John de Newtoun, Stretched from pillar to pillar on either side of the immevae arertment heavy curtains of arras materially diminished its width, but heightened its splendor, Men-at-arms thronged the galleries 5 hulberdiers were sta- tioned at the principal entrance of the council-chumber} and ushers, pages, and various officers of the household were as- sembled within, Beneath x canopy of stave at the upper end of the room, and on raised chairs, sat the King and the Princess, his mother, On his Majesty's right were placed the Archbishop of Can- terbury, the Lord of St, John’s, the Baron de Vertalu, and the Baron de Gommeines, On the lett, and near the Princess, sat Sir Simon Burley, Sir Eustace de Namur, and Sir Henry de Sauselles, The whole assemblage looked extraordinarily grave, and Richard had never before worn an aspect 80 serious. None of his light companions, who made « jest of every- thing, were present—Sir Jolin ‘Honaud, as we know, being confined in the Beauchamp Tower, As son 48 the King and the Council were keated, Sir John Go Rowtoun Was ushered in ceremonuiously by the Lieuten- ant. After Sir John had made a profound obelsance to the King, who received hun very graciously, he said, iu ucceuts that plainly bespoke lis trouble: “ My gracious liege, I received the honor of knighthood from that dower of English chivalry, the very redoubted prinoe, your father, Ever loyal and faithful to your illus. rious grandsire, Edward IIL, I have ever been firmly devoted to yourself, What, then, must be my feelings, when IT am forced to bear a message to your. Majesty from villaina who have taken up arms azanst you? I deserve to be thrust from your royal presence with scorn, And if you send me bick upheard, to be put to an ignominous death by thoae rebels and traitora, I cannot complain, Retorn Tmuat! My word, never yet broken, \s regen gn to the rebel leader, and my wife and children are detained by him as hostades.”’ ** Rise, good Sle John,” cried Richard, much touched by his affliction, © Deliver your message without fear, However oe may be our d\apleasure with these presumptuous rebels, we hold you excused."’ ** My liege,” said Sir John, much relieved by the assurance, ““T must again pray you to hold me excused, itl employ language that may sound disrespectful. But IT have no op- tion, Wat Tyler, the leader of the rebellious peasants, hath Aone me ax bis Ambassador Lo request that your ule will come to Eliiam palace—now, alas! in the arch-rebel’s hands —to confer with him on various mutters.” F" to him!’ cried Richard angrily} while indignant murmurs arose from the whole Council, “ Doth the insolent whats expect compliance on our aval. * He does, my liege,” replied Sir John. “ He hath the au- sacity to demand that the conference between your Majesty ape himsolt sliall take place In private, He will not allow any pout Council to be present.” ot resh juurmurs arose from Slr Simon Burley and the werd, “The reason he assicns for this outr: llege,’’ continued Sir John, “ja that he tluna to make which can onl eous demand, my is certain are inl. be discussed 4 your exty and himself, Should your Majesty azreeto the interview— as. hedonbts not you will—he will send a sufficlent guard to conduct you from Greenwich to Eltham, and will guarantee your safety.” “And doth the madman Imagine that'we, the guaritianas of the King, would allow. his M eat to place himself in the hana of such a miscrvant?’’ cried Sir Simon, “T would not tor a moment advise any such insane atep ns that proposad,” observed Sir John; “ but Lam bound to say that I do not think Wat Tyler meditites treachery.” “T should not fear to hold a conference with Him?” #aid rd, ; th A snare to get Fainaees, © Think not he would keep faith with youl? ae ¢ Council were Pau denne opiiticin, re : wotoavent ‘* ur, re exired to hve # w Wat Tyler 5 Bal i Way, _in no other, withuut dauger vorself, en R Bioestne wait tenn FR Mb OR ate ae ipa atyy rf manor of Rotherhithe to-morrow morning. De-' ascend t oy in egy vat Wie on Ga sais: ype Beaeaty Apot, keep close to th sore, ° the rebel leader, attended only Sir Jolin ce’ lace. Si Jon yay strict watch upo t Tyler! Ke ¥ rJohn w eep strict watch upou Wa rls movements, and, ata sign from him, the barge can be in- stantly rowed off.” “* We jike the Pign ” rejoined Richard, And. no objection being ralsed to it by the Council, he added to Sir Jolin de Newtoun, “ Take back our answer to Wat Tyler. «Tell him he ust come forward unarmeil, and attended only by you, He ay do ko without fear, We will descend the river in our urge to-morrow morn, If wé find him not at Rotherhithe,’ we will forthwith retarn.” “Twill deliver your message, my liege,” raid Sir John ; * but I doubt if the presumptuous Knave will be satisfied. He is so puffed up with success, that he faneles he can dictate terms to your esty, Should he not appear at Rotherhithe, the fault Will not be mine,’” | “Understand this, Sir John,” said Sir Simon Burley, * though jt tourma no of your answer to Wat Tyler; tie whole of the council will attend tne King to Rotherhithe, They do not desire to take any part In the conterence; but since they responsible for his Majeaty’s safety, they ecan- not allow him to leave the Tower without them.” All the Council Mla in thrsa id . a * J trust I muy be allowe accom pan e King, and take one of my heels with e t sale the Srthoena. r ** Undoubtedly, your Grace,”’ replied Sir Simon. “ Who is to be fert In command of the Tower duting your absence?’ demanded Richard, _ “The pig p eae e can perfectly confide in him,” re- ned Sir Simon... i Ring signified his approval; and, all being settled, Sir John de Newtoun took leave, He was conducted by the Lieutenant to the private stairs at St. Thomas’s Tower, Where his boat awaited him, Crossing the river, be made the best of his way to Black- heatly; and being provided with a he had no difficulty in i ePetiog through the rebel host to the tent of the leader, ou into his power, my liege!” cried the ’ it Eustace de Valletort, * it , Sremet ° ie bank, and the conference can! | pacit i! The dusnve! is at vias. CHAPTER IX, COURCY AND HIS DAUGHTER ARB BROUGHT PRISONERS TO KLTHAM. ON flying from Canterbury, Sir Lionel de Gourcy had pro- ceeded with his daughter, aud all his servants and retainers, to a large mansion which he possessed in the neighborhood of Maidstone, Two days alter his arrival, he was attacked by a large party of insurgent peasautry, and after an obstinate defense, his retainers were put to the aword, and the old knight and his lovely dauuhter were carried off as prisoners, and delivered to Wat Tyler at Blackheath, to be deult with ag the rebel leader might deen? fit, Aware of the outrage inflicted upon Conrad Basset by Sir Livnel, und being willing to afford the young rebel com- Inander an Opportunity ol avenging the wrong done him, Wat fyler retused all offers of ransom, and sent the captive knight nud his daughter to Eltham, under the charge of Frideawide and & guard, Aa neither Sir Lionel nor Catherine had been told that Qonrad was commander of the revel garrison Chabad! at the pwlace, they were greatly astonished when brought into ik presence, and the old knight was struck with dismay, Guarded by Frideawide, who marched beside them with a two-handed sword on her shoulder, they were led to the ei ben bauqueting-ball, Where Conrad Was seated in a royal chair, On bt a ata J him, Catherine cast down her gaze; but Con- rad hardly looked. at her. With a feeling of gratified ven- grance, he enjoyed the confusion tuto which the old knight waa thrown, As to Frideawide, who stood beside the prisoners, she iready hated Catherine for her beauty, and, with jealous quickness, watched her every look. Alter regarding the old knight steadily for a few moments, Conrad exclaimed in a voice of bitter mockery: ‘You are welcome to Eltham, Sir Lionel The tablea are turned since we last met, Then you were In power; now I am master!’ Sir Lionel made no reply to this speech; and Conrad called lor & scourge, which was brought him, “ At length I have an pd aS ol requiting thee for the lojury thou bast done mel’ he aaid, And he raised the scourge to strike the old knight, who re- xurded him sternly, when Catherine flung herself upon her kneea_ before the vindictive young man, and besought him to spare her father, "§ us pat humillate him thus, I implore you, Conrad!" she exclaimed. ““Why should I forbear to strike him?” eried Conrad, flereely, “ He had no consideration for met? “ Desist, girl!” exclaimed the old knight, haughtily, “You appexl to one who has ho sense of honor, Lam unarmed, and a prisoner, The shame will be to himeelf, should be atr me,’’ was held by thy wervants, when struck thee, or chou vine now,” rejokned Gualea.” ni ; her ahoulder, SIR LIONEL DR hadat. nok been} “ Had [the sword that bold woman beurs u thou wouldst not dare conve iear met” evied Sir Lionel, “Nor would Llong remain thy prisoner!" “Give him thy sworil,” said Conrad tothe Amagon, ~ ~ I, by the rood!" rejoined Frideswide. “ I witl sooner put him tf hie dx er to death!" And rough! lig Oatherine, who was etillon her knees before Coorad, she forced her to rise. one Conrad!” thrieked Catherine. “ Thou wilt not let elp, me be Heirdersd pis terrible wontant” “ Release her!” cried Conrad. And xt the word, Frideswide inatantly relinqulahed her hold {the (air damsel, but looked hke a young lioneas robbed of er prey. ti - bir (ane has hart me!’ exclaimed Catherive, clasping her rn wrist, “Thoo art fit only for a lady's bower,” remarked Prides- wide, contemptuously, “No mote of this,” suid Conrad, authoritatively, ‘to the An Seririttig’ to the captive damael, he added: ’ your Bake, Catherine, I am content to spare your Ny bas eyed elight tenderness In hia tone, that did not : eh dakar incrensed her seoret ne ihats *T kriew you U relent, Conrad!” erie: Catherine, with fullook. “ Be bey anyon gg wetun free”! ** T will ask nothing from him!” said her father, proudly, “And I will grant nothing more,” rejoined Conrad * You have granted much already,’ muttered Frides- wide, who looked sullen and displeased, ‘ Shall I bestow them ina pridon-clhianmber P’ ; rAuw « “Oh! nel? excla rine. Con could not sow by = “impli Pp ledge k he said, “that you wilt oer dbamnah nd sithor soi hee e your daughteraball be placed in. ement,” a) Vesieeart +! ee Twill do for my child,” De TY tt eyed Iét done one ¢ A 4 wee ‘anding wide unwilling to obey the order, he signed to the captives to follow bim, and led the to an ad- qoining apartment, where he left them, without urther Ashe came forth, he found Frideswide standing near the » at » som ily, Mie dd nee obey Fhae Looking Rrediy’ oetee, ells 22" “Thou atill lov’st this Iam sure of I know what willensue. | an id to her’ ent Mea ce. sert the SHORE Gane, r ane eit Aa ee Ned added, with a look that left no doubt she would’ execute the threat, ¥ Sell kill her with my own ” , “Tis alge |’? aimed Frideswide, ** Think not to de- ceive me, I havéts d thee what I will do, Ben " And she marched off, leaving him greatly irritated and per- piexra, ‘ * Oatherine must not be | d to the rage or this Jealous fury. 9 ine neous "i 18 Spall bd Pornavea to Pe roum, where she ean be caretully Ryasied. There is a tower in the west angle af the great court, in the lower chamber of ace she mig it be placed. There she would be safe,’ It ‘be 80, , fasion’ come to. this determination, he gave orders that a repast should be forthwith served to the prisoners, and pro- ceeded to the tower In question, ' As will have been surm it waa the structure benenth which was the entrance to (W8 subterranean pussage; but of this circumstance Conrad was icnorant, On examining the lowerchamber of the tower he t bt it well adapted to the purpose required, and gave di ns that it siould be immediately prepared for Catherine's re- | ception. —_—_—_— ; CHAPTER X HOW CONRAD WAS PREVAILKD UPON TO ABANDON THE REBSL CAUSE ' Dxs1Rovs of offering some explanation to the fair darmse} (Ee) JOO Sal (0) | | | | | | | m